An Alpha's Claim the Rayne Pack Series Book 1 Page 2

  “Thank you for taking the call. I hoped you would take that I will help seriously,” I said. I felt my body freeze up as my senses became aware of another. It was as if my entire body was on fire. I vaguely saw the other five men walking toward the house when I felt the power that rolled over me. It made every single part of my body tingle with anticipation. I took in a sharp breath and my nose filled with a savory scent of spices mixed with the scent of earth. Finally, a tall, lightly tanned man stepped out the doors with such an intense look I caught my breath. His violet eyes held mine as he approached, just as a predator would his prey. I knew this man to be Dax Rayne, the white wolf and the oldest Alpha brother to a family whose children were all born to lead.

  “Devana, this…” Quinn started, but I found my voice. I reached out a hand as I let my eyes travel up, jean-covered muscled thighs and up to a chest that was so damn wide I don’t think I could wrap my arms around him. The muscles on his darkly tanned and tattooed arms were bigger than my damn head, but it didn’t stop the need I had to feel them wrapping around me. I blinked as he made his way closer when I finally had my eyes on his face. Those violet eyes captured and then trapped me as a slow sexy-ass grin spread across his thick lips. I took a step back because the smell and damn smile had me damn near wet as hell. Even though I could not stop my feelings, I had to get my shit together. I stood taller and kept my hand out as I raised a brow while he licked his lower lip.

  “Daxton Rayne.” I saw Quinn step away quickly as Dax approached me. He looked at him curiously again, but then smirked. I wouldn’t say I liked that smirk or what I thought it meant.

  “That’s my name, but you can call me MATE.” His low growl had my eyes widening in shock. Then he turned to Quinn before I could answer or deny his claim on me. “I made my choice, and it’s a go.”

  I always knew that being an Alpha would be a challenge but being an older brother to six younger siblings was even worse. They all had distinct personalities, weaknesses and strengths, and I was the one who had to help hone each one of them. Having a sister was the hardest of them all, but I enjoyed raising Hayley. It was one of my greatest joys. I became a mother, father, brother and Alpha when my parents died. It was never easy, but it all worked out in the end. Now, something is coming. This life was changing, and I was tasked with handling Pack justice by our leader, the True Alpha Quinn Savir. I was just happy that I wouldn’t have to worry about my little sister getting hurt in the fight to come. I never thought that I would see my sister Hayley so happy and able to accept the Alpha inside of her soul. I didn’t expect her to be Mated to a Vampire, let alone an upper class or Blue Blood. However, I could not deny that she and Camron Sloane made a suitable match. I couldn’t wait to see them once again, but my Pack has to deal with the issue of traitors to our kind living amongst us.

  I knew that nothing would ever be the same, and I was correct. Not only have things changed, but all the trouble and bull shit exposed the rot that ingrained itself inside of my Pack. I never believed that something like this could happen to a Pack as old as mine, but if it happened once it could happen again. After hearing what happened with Xavier’s Pack in New York from our Alpha, I knew it was happening to Packs across the globe. When more than one kidnapping happened to the children, I swore to protect them better. I had no choice but to call all of my brothers home. Now all five stared at me with frustration, anticipation and rage. We thought fighting in that battle with the demon Amu would end all this madness, but what it did was focus our attention on more problems threatening our world. Not just the shifter population but the entire world itself, and now our True Alpha has called upon me to help fix one situation. I looked at Max, Malic, Alex, Jarod and Thomas, all Alpha wolves.

  “Dax, tell us why exactly we should work with a Hunter? I mean, when in the hell have they given a shit about any species except themselves?” Malic growled. I looked at him and Max, who looked identical and raised a brow. Max sat forward to add more of a laid-back response before his hot head twin could say anything that would make me knock his ass out.

  “What Malic is saying, brother, is why do we need their help? We are all here, and we are all Alphas. With you leading, we can handle whatever is thrown our way,” Max said to grunts of approval. I looked towards the doors knowing Devana was outside, still speaking with Quinn. I was not thrilled at all working with Hunters, but this was different.

  “Would you feel the same if it were Taria?” I shot back. I looked at each of my brothers in the eye and saw the answer to that question. Without a doubt, they would help if it were her asking. However, I also saw tension with just her name being mentioned. Crazy shit was happening at every turn, and Taria was caught up in a bad way, but our Alpha asked us to take care of business to do what is needed on his end.

  “That isn’t fair, Dax. She is different. That entire situation is unique when it comes to her. That is one of Hayley’s best friends, so that makes her family. Plus, she is cool as shit and acts nothing like the other bitch ass Hunters who haven’t been doing their fucking job!” I inclined my head at Alex’s tone and narrowed my eyes at all of them. I saw Thomas, the youngest of us, shift uncomfortably at the anger filling the room. He was usually quiet when things got heated. Not taking any sides but always ready to pull us apart and calm things down. That has always been a gift of his since he was born. He did not even cry when he came out. He just opened his large brown eyes and looked around before falling back to sleep. So, it surprised me when he cleared his throat and leaned forward with his arms resting on his knees.

  “Normally, I let all of you act like idiots and talk a lot of shit before Dax has to beat your ass into submission, but I cannot sit this one out.” Thomas, when he spoke, it was always very calming. You could feel the tension leave your body with each low timbre of his voice. When he was ready for a Pack, I knew that he would be one of the best Alpha wolves in this lifetime. “What it seems like you all forgot is that Quinn requested this from Dax. Our True Alpha, someone we all never thought we would see in our lifetime, came to our home and asked our brother, our Alpha, for help. He could have commanded Dax to do it and work with a Hunter, but he did not. Our brother, hell, our family never backs down from any situation. Our Alpha accepted this mission, and yes, we share our concerns, but ultimately, we follow his lead. We all are Alphas to the core, but we all will follow our brother until we form our own Packs. Things are changing. Our world is changing so, should we? No matter what Hunters have done in the past, we show them that we are better because our Pack does not turn our backs to those in need of our help.”

  I watched as my brothers looked at their little brother in shock. It was rare that Thomas spoke that much in one sitting. I didn’t stop the satisfied smile that crossed my face as each of them looked back at me.

  “Shit, kid, I didn’t even know you could speak!” Jarod laughed. “I guess we also don’t have a choice because big brother Dax is out here claiming his Mate. Did I hear that correctly, Dax? Is that Hunter, your Mate, and that’s why you decided to do this?” Jarod asked. He was smiling, but I could tell he was earnest for once. Five sets of eyes landed on me in a challenge. I fought the urge to make them submit to me, knowing it wasn’t a challenge of dominance but of the truth.

  “Before I even give you that answer, tell me will you help me bring down this fake ass True Alpha or not?” I asked instead. If I gave them the answer that, “your damn right, she was my Mate,” I knew without a shadow of a doubt they would do it out of honor. I needed to see if they would ride with me into battle because they wanted to. I saw the glances they threw at each other and wasn’t surprised when Thomas stood and took a knee in front of me. I clenched my jaw, keeping my mouth shut and my energy down. I wanted them to have their own will, not the pull of my Alpha energy. As one, the rest of my brother stood and kneeled. Malic looked up at me, and his steel-gray eyes held respect and determination.

  “You know we always have your back no matter what the fuck is the problem.
This family always rides with each other no matter what is going on.” I took a deep breath, feeling our bond as Pack members, brothers and Alpha’s woven tightly together once again.

  “Now, if all this bowing and bull shit is over, tell us if it’s true or not. Is that sexy ass Hunter outside really your Mate?” Jarod smiled. I felt jealousy running through my veins and overpowered me as I tackled his ass to the ground.

  * * *

  DEVANA

  My body was still buzzing after being so close to that wolf. Hell, Dax wasn’t just a mere wolf, but the way my body reacted to just the presence of him told me I needed to keep my distance. Shit, him yelling out this whole Mate thing was another reason for me to deal with this mission, establish a new relationship with the shifters and get out of here. I could not help that my thoughts kept sliding back to his tanned skin, jet black hair, his tall frame with muscled arms roped with veins. His violet eyes pinned me to the spot, and the heat in them burned every part of my body that his gaze roamed.

  “Vana?” I blinked and looked up. Quinn was watching me with concern, but when I met his eyes, he grinned. Oh, no! Hell no! I don’t care what he thinks. Nothing is happening with that wolf! Not a damn thing.

  “Yeah, yes, I hear you. I know how some shifters feel about us Hunters, but I hope this will help get us on the right track. My parents were in the wrong, and we should have stepped up and thought for ourselves. Still, it’s no excuse for how things have been handled.” I said expertly, shifting the conversation away from what he was thinking. Quinn nodded.

  “Yeah, we learned lessons on all sides. Honestly, all of us on this earth has been played. The games evil has been playing have been happening before either of us was even a thought. My shifters will show you respect. We all need to learn to work together if we are to save everyone.” He said, opening his arms wide. I knew what he meant, and he wasn’t wrong about it. Things were happening in this world, and not for the better. We spoke for a few more moments before he had to leave. I knew this was all new to him, and he had a ton on his plate, but I wish he could have stayed a bit longer. I took in a deep breath, trying to center myself before confronting this Alpha. I could not believe he announced that I was his Mate like that shit was a done deal. I wasn’t a shifter, and whatever his belief, it had nothing to do with me. I turned and looked back at the enormous house when I realized someone was standing in front of me. I looked down into the wide tawny eyes of a little girl. Her hair was a mess of curls that went every which way, but she was so cute I had to smile. I looked, but I didn’t see anyone who could help me with her. I knew little about kids at all and even less about shifter children.

  “Ahh, hi. Can I help you with something?” I smiled. I glanced around once more and back to the little girl. She cocked her head from side to side while staring at me. I ran my fingers through my short locks, removing them from my face.

  “Your eyes are so pretty! They look like a cat’s eyes. We have big cats here too! Not just wolves. Are you a cat?” She asked. I knew my mouth was open, not sure what exactly to say to this child. But I also knew how shifters reacted to outsiders speaking to their young.

  “No, I am not a cat. Are you a cat?” I asked.

  “No, silly! I am a black bear cub, and my name is Meesha.” She laughed. She reached out quickly and grabbed my hand. I looked up when I heard a woman calling for the little bear cub.

  “Meesha! Where are you? I’m going to find you.” The woman smiled. I could tell when she caught my scent, and her head snapped up. “Meesha! Come here right now!” The female snapped.

  “Go on now, Meesha,” I said, pushing the now scared little girl forward.

  “Who are you?!” The woman’s growl was low and threatening. Her eyes bled to yellow as she worked to control her shift. This was not the first impression I wanted to make, but I knew how an enraged shifter reacted to strangers around their children. The instinct was so natural I didn’t even realize a blade was on my hand until I tightened my grip.

  “Shit.” I sighed as the woman pulled the young girl behind her and stared me down. I saw other female shifters coming, and they did not look happy that I was here.

  * * *

  I positioned myself between my car and the female shifters that were approaching. I saw Meesha looking around with confusion written across her face while figuring out what had happened.

  “I am no threat to any Pack member here,” I spoke loudly enough that whoever was inside the house should be able to hear me. “Meesha is fine. She just came to say hello, and that was it,” I said, holding up the hand that was not holding a weapon.

  “What business does a Hunter have here?” My eyes moved to another female who came to stand beside the one holding Meesha’s arm. She had a Beta look to her and the stance of a fighter. She stood with feet spread apart, arms folded across her chest, but her teal eyes were calm. I couldn’t tell precisely what type of shifter she was, which is unusual. I was a Hunter, and I studied things like this and should have placed what she was by sight alone. Her shoulder-length black hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and the end of it was the same shade as her eyes.

  “Your Alpha invited me here. My name is Devana Okar,” I stated.

  “I don’t care what your name is, Hunter. Our Alpha doesn’t deal with Hunters, and since when does a Hunter visit shifter kind?” Her rich cocoa skin made her eyes even more unnatural as they glowed.

  “Not Dax, but True Alpha Quinn Savir. I am no threat here to anyone, and yes, your Alpha knows that I am here. I just…” I heard when the front doors opened, and heavy footsteps from six large men came down the stairs. I flexed my hand, making my blade disappear back into its sheath. I did not know why I took my eyes away from the women who were staring daggers at me to look for those violet eyes. It was almost like a compulsion that I had to seek him out, and I hated it. I gritted my teeth together to stop myself from licking my lips when my eyes landed on six feet and seven inches of muscle. The intense way he stared at me had my core clenching in anticipation of what he wanted to do to me. I closed my eyes and turned away because I was losing my damned mind. He was not the reason I was here, and whatever this feeling was or whatever he claimed I was to him didn’t matter. Possessing this gift as a seer determined my life for me because anyone I touched or became close to would be pulled into what I saw. The visions I received were nothing but nightmares that I wouldn’t wish on my enemies.

  “I didn’t think this is how we treated guests to our Pack land. Is this how we act, Remi?” Dax questioned the teal-eyed woman. My eyes flicked back to her, and I noticed she now had her head down and eyes cast away. It wasn’t a weakness, but their Alpha and his brothers’ presence seemed to calm the females. I noticed that others were coming from around the large house. I knew most Packs had acres of land, and I assumed the Rayne Pack was no different. The only difference with this Pack was that it wasn’t just wolf shifters present. I could tell they all referred to Dax as their Alpha either way.

  “No, Alpha.” Remi agreed. I looked down and saw Meesha looking back at me with a smile.

  “I thought not. Since it seems like most of the Pack is arriving, it should be easy enough for me to call a meeting. This is Devana Okar, and yes, she is a Hunter. I am sure you were all aware of a visit from True Alpha Quinn, and with that came the news that every Pack member needs to hear.”

  Dax looked around to every Pack member present at the moment before looking back to his brothers that stood like a wall behind him. I noticed another man standing with them, and he clearly wasn’t blood-related, but it was no mistake his position in this Pack. His bronze skin stood out with his short-cut raven hair with a shock of snow-white in the front. He had to be Dax’s Beta, his right hand other than his brothers. I didn’t know his name, but I knew he was a wolf shifter and a strong one at that. His blue-gray eyes looked me up and down before looking away.

  “Max, find out a time when every member will be present and set up the Pack meeting at the
pit,” Dax ordered. He turned around, and his eyes found mine once again, and the heat I pushed down a few minutes ago came roaring back to life. He walked toward me as if he was on a mission, stopping just a few feet away from me. Then, everyone started going about their business doing what they needed to do before their Pack gathering.

  “I know that things are a bit strained with Hunters and supernatural kind, but I hope we can change that for the future,” I said, stepping forward holding out a hand. His brows raised as he looked at my hand and back to my face. His brows were the same shade of midnight as his hair, except when the sun hit just right, I could see the violet hairs peeking through the black hair. I almost put my hand down, but he moved more quickly than I expected and captured my hand in his. His hand swallowed mine, and I felt a tug, and I stumbled forward until I caught myself. I leaned into the pull and turned slightly, placing my left hand on his massive bicep to steady myself.

  “Good reflexes. That’s a plus in my book for a Mate to an Alpha. Follow me, we need to talk, and I rather it was behind closed doors.” Dax stated. He let my hand go and moved back to the house before his words registered to my brain.

  “Yes! I think you may be right because what I need to say should be private.” I grunted, following him as his deep chuckle landed on my skin, sending tingles through my body. We needed to find this rogue and this demon so I could get far away from this wolf.

  * * *

  DAX

  I didn’t intend to leave Devana outside when I heard Quinn leave. My brothers and my enforcers all but demanded to know what was happening and what I would need from them going forward. I gave them the conversation highlights, but I knew I would need more information on what my Mate saw in her vision. I took the front steps two at a time, all too aware of her fast-beating heart, her scent of jasmine, lily and vanilla that filled my lungs with each breath. I was not looking for a Mate and definitely wasn’t expecting it to be a damn Hunter, but I knew the signs all too well. Well enough. It was no mistake to me, but I didn’t know how she felt. There would be recognition between animals if she were another wolf or even shifter kind. It wouldn’t matter because she would be mine before we completed this mission. I opened the doors, letting Devana pass by me into the house, and I turned my attention back to my Pack, watching as everyone hurried off to get ready for tonight. I saw Thomas watching me, and before he turned away, he nodded as if he knew something I didn’t. I watched as he moved to help Remi gather the shifter children for dinner.