Sloane

There was a special night in every girl's life when she turned twenty. The night that all girls of age were presented to the men of the village. It was always held and all girls were to be presented. Twenty when she presented , twenty one when she was married off and went to live with her new family.

No one in the village was spared. Not even me but I hadn't been chosen. I didn't blame them for that. Who would want me anyway. I had too much baggage and there was no dowary. I came with nothing but an alcoholic father and a fussy brother. My father didn't seem to mind,and if I was honest with myself , I didn't mind either.

Although sometimes I thought it might be nice to be wanted and loved and maybe have a family of my own one day.

Still for me, it wasn't going to happen. Girls were betrothed at twenty and married at twenty one and I was already almost nearly twenty one.

I could spend my life looking after my father and serving the village in other ways. It would be a worthwhile life.

Right?

"Sloane."

I turned at the barking command in the voice and bit back a retort that threatened to escape my lips. Why did everyone have to bark at me, order me around like I wasn't a normal human being who could hear them?

Schooling my face into a polite smile , I nodded my head at Lana. The most beautiful girl in the village smiled back at me in her usual condescending smirking way.

"Hello Lana." I nodded my head again. "You're looking great."

She always looked great though. Rosy cheeked and well fed but I was guessing that's what happened when you had money to spare.

"And you are looking-" her lips curled into a sneer. "Well you look the same as always. Still poor?"

I bit back my retort which would have been something like "are you still a bitch?" And smiled instead. "I don't think that's going to change anytime soon. Do you?" I asked instead.

Lana liked to torment me. She always had but she didn't like it when I didn't get upset about it. That spoiled her fun.

"If I were you," she stepped closer. "I would just run into the forest and never come back. I just can't imagine how embarrassing it must be to not be chosen." She shook her blonde curls. "You must have heard that I am to be married to Gentry."

She preened and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Only she would think that marrying the son of the head of our village was a good thing. Everyone knew he was a monster and as cruel as any wolf.

"I heard, congratulations."

"I actually sent you an invitation."

I did a double take at her sudden change of subject and sweet smile. Why on earth would she had sent me an invitation? We weren't friends and I was born too poor to be invited to such a great event.

"And then I remembered you don't know your letters "

I stifled a groan. Of course she wasn't being sweet , she was being a bitch as usual.

"I just can't imagine not being able to read." She continued and I bristled. I knew how to read a little because my mother had taught me. But schooling wasn't really high on my agenda when I was trying to help my family not starve.

"But i do hope you will be able to make it." The butter wouldn't melt smile was back on her face, only this time I was going to fall for it.

"Thank you Lana but I have-"

Throwing back her head she laughed. "It wasn't a request Sloane. It was an order." More of her tinkering fake laughter. "I'm not inviting you as a guest but as a server, just like I've put your name down as a server for the next choosing."

I blinked at her in shock. "But the women who serve at the choosing are all old-"

"Yes, all old and unchosen just like you. You will fit right in." She laughed cruelly.

Was there any point in arguing with her? I didn't think so. She was trying to humiliate me but she could only succeed if I let her.

Straightening my shoulders I flashed her a smile that mirrored her own. "It would be my honour Lana. Please excuse me. I have to get food for my family."

She didn't even say goodbye as she turned in her shiny leather boots and walked away.

Sighing heavily I turned and walked in the other direction. Heading away from the centre of the village and into the woods.

I had said I was getting food for my family and I was going to do just that but not at the market. Even if my father hadn't spent all of my hard earned money on booze, I wouldn't really have enough for more than half a load of bread and that wasn't going to feed anyone.

No, I was going into the forest to check the traps I had set up. If I was lucky I would have caught something. Meat for us and fur I could sell or exchange for milk for Dillon.

It was risky to hunt without permission but the risk was worth it so we didn't starve.

I would happily take the punishment if it meant my baby brother got to live.

I walked without thinking, choosing to slip off the main trails and delve deeper into the tightly packed trees and my boots made no sound on the wet forest floor.

Even as I walked the first rain drop hit my head and then another. The weather really was bad this year and that didn't bode well for winter. I needed to hunt more, work harder otherwise none of us were going to survive until spring.

Lifting my shawl over my head I hurried towards the nearest snare.

There was a rabbit laying on the wet ground. It's fur was  already soaked. Its eyes open but unseeing. Small , tiny in fact but it was something and it would mean we didn't go hungry tonight.

Looking around I found the other snares with my eyes. Each one of them was empty. But they hadn't always been. There were smears of blood where the bodies of my dinner should be lying. Almost like something had come along and feasted on them.

Shaking my head, I pulled my pocket knife from my pocket and began to saw through the wire and that's when I felt it.

A puff of hot air that wasn't the wind. It blew against the nape of my neck with the smell of metallic blood.

I stiffened. My whole body going rigid as I realised to late what I was feeling.

This wasn't the wind, this was the breath of the creature who had eaten my rabbits and it was right behind me. So close I could feel it.

Paralysed with fear I froze. Even my heart stopped beating as the thing behind me sniffed.

In my mind's eye I could picture it so clearly. A giant shadow in the shape of a massive wolf.

The thing from my nightmares was here. In the daytime.

Crazy or not I had to tell someone now. I couldn't ignore it any longer. No matter what my father said, if the wolves had crossed the wall then we were all in danger.

I leapt forward, dropping the shawl I treasured because it was my mothers as I sprinted into the trees. I ran as fast as I could knowing the entire time that if the thing gave chase then I was going to be dinner.

It didn't matter, I had to run like my life depended on it because it did and I knew I could never set snares to reap my dinner again.

I could never leave the village again because it was waiting for me. I knew that deep down.

I would have to find another way to feed my family because I couldn't hunt. Not without being hunted myself.

Sloane

My stomach grumbled loudly but not as loud as the wails of my brother. He was hungry and I hated that. I hated that ever since that day in the woods I couldn't bring myself to go back into the forest. 

It meant we ate nothing but bread, I managed to trade some of my mothers art for milk to mix with it for him but it wasn't enough. It wasn't nearly enough and I knew it.

If I didn't do something soon then my brother would die. It wasn't like my father would do anything to help. He had slipped even further into depression and alcohol now.

"He's hungry Sloane."

"I know." I couldn't meet my elderly neighbours eye. She was at least eighty and struggling as much as I was but she was always willing to help. Especially since my mother had passed. 

"Your father is a drunkard." She seethed from her place by our fire. It was only glowing embers but it would keep her and Dillon warm enough if they stayed close to it.

"I know." I couldn't deny that so I didn't try to. "I will try and bring some food home from the choosing."

The lines around her eyes deepened as she squinted at me. "They find out you have stolen food and they will take your hand."

Again I sighed. "I know but what choice do I have? And I'll only take a little bit. They won't miss it."

"I want to pool my supplies with you Sloane."

I stared at her in shock. What she was offering was insanely generous and it would really help but I knew deep down that she didn't have enough for herself. Let alone enough to feed three extra mouths. 

"That's kind of you Malli but I couldn't-"

"It wasn't a request ,Sloane. We are sharing supplies. That's the end of it. Now get out of here. You know they will be mad if you are even a second late." She bounded Dillon on her lap. "Me and this little man are just fine."

"Thank you." Again I reached for the door, only to pause again and glance over my shoulder at her. "If my father comes back drunk-" I began to say.

"Don't you worry about that child. I have my frying pan at the ready." She wiggled her eyebrows.

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "Thank you Malli. I shouldn't be back late." 

I rushed into the falling snow. Shivering uncontrollably as the icy wind bit into my bare arms. Ever since I had lost my mothers shawl in the forest I hadn't managed to find anything to replace it.

It wasn't far to the long, low building the village used as a meeting place. Usually it was dark and hardly used but tonight it was lit up and festive.

The choosing. I remembered mine from last year. I remembered how awkward and nervous I had been. I could see the same looks on the girls faces who turned to greet me as I pushed open the door.

They were huddled together in their best dresses. Chatting nervously to their families who surrounded them.  And waiting for the men to arrive. Which hadn't been yet so I wasn't late.

"Sloane."

I hurried over to the corner where the other unchosen were huddled. The youngest one must have been in her late forties. Well the youngest apart from me.

They turned confused eyes to me as I slid into their group.

"Sloane? Siennas daughter?" One asked, lifting her eyebrow. I  wasn't surprised she knew my mother. My mother had been well liked in the village.

My father? Not so much?

I had a feeling her name was Gem. "What are you doing here?"

I shrugged. "Same as all of you would be my guess. Reporting for duty."

"But you're too young. You should be out there getting yourself a husband." She jerked her chin out in the direction of the other groups of gathered people. 

"I wasn't chosen." It kind of hurt to even admit that out loud but it wasn't like it was a secret. Everyone already knew. "And Lana asked for me personally." I rolled my eyes.

A murmur went up. "Well that makes sense."

Lifting my eyebrow I waited for her to continue. "It does? I mean she's always kind of hated me but-"

"You were her betrothed first choice."

Her words hit me in the lower stomach and winded me. "I was?" I couldn't help it my eyes flicked in their direction. To where Lana was standing with her arm looped around his and her body almost draped over him. She glared at me when she saw me looking and I quickly averted my eyes. 

"Yeah, you didn't know? He propositioned his father and well-" the woman's voice dropped down to a barely audible whisper. "Well he said no because you are-"

"So poor." I finished for her. "It's ok you can say it. I know what I am and I am ok with that."

My stomach rumbled at that moment and made me a lair.

"Would you have said yes?"

"If I had a choice?" Again my eyes travelled to the couple and I shivered. "No." Better to be poor and hungry than be the wife of that monster. "I would much rather spend my days as an old-" I faltered and a blush heated my cheeks. "I'm sorry I didn't mean that the way it came out."

She chuckled. "We know what we are as well Sloane, now go and get yourself cleaned up. Your hair is a bit of a mess and you don't want to give them any reason to punish you."

"I don't think she needs much of an excuse." I said.Shaking my head with a chuckle I slipped out of the hall and into one of the tiny indoor bathrooms. It was always a thrill to have inside plumbing. When I needed the toilet I had to do the run to one of the communal toilets. Which always stunk.

I had barely began to close the door when a hand lashed out and stopped me. Forcing the door open Gentry stepped into the tiny space. I retreated quickly. Putting as much distance between me and him as the small cubicle would allow

"Gentry." I squeaked. "What are you doing here?" My back hit the wooden wall and I couldn't go any further.

Ignoring me completely he stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind him. "The same thing you are." He crept closer. "I saw the way you were looking at me Sloane."

He was so close now that I could see his lips were chapped. 

"I wasn't-" my words died as he reached for me. Curling one arm around my shoulders, he reached for my skirts with the other and began to drag them up over my knees.

Fear tightened my chest. It closed my throat. "I wasn't. I'm sorry but your mistaken."

"I don't think so." His face dropped to my throat and he latched his lips to the skin just below my ear. 

Pushing at his shoulders , I drew back my hand and slapped him straight across his face. "You are wrong Gentry. I wasn't looking at you like that and you are betrothed to Lana."

Holding a hand to his red cheek , there was a moment where he looked shocked and then anger flooded his eyes. 

"You dare to hit me?" He grabbed at me cruelly. Slamming me back against the wall so my head rebounded. My vision swam and blurred. 

"I was going to be gentle with you, but I'm not now you little bitch." Roughly he tried to kick my legs apart. 

I couldn't let this happen. I couldn't. Only a husband got to see under a woman's skirts, only-

A sinking feeling of dread flooded me. He was too strong. And he was mean as well. I didn't stand a chance. But I would fight anyway. Because if I gave up now then my life would be even worse than it was now.

From the other side of the door, back in the hall something crashed. Gentry froze as a scream went up.

But it was the deep gravelly voice that spoke after it that made my blood run cold. It was like  no man's voice I had heard before. More a growl than anything else.

"Where is she?" 

Sloane 

Gentry left the bathroom first, I followed more slowly, trying to fix my clothes before I got to where anyone would see us. 

I knew it was too late the second I pushed into the room and Lana's eyes narrowed at me. She didn't have a chance to do or say anything though as the man who had caused all of this commotion growled out again.

I turned my eyes to him, and almost fainted on the spot. He was huge. Filling the double doorway with his impossibly wide shoulders. And it wasn't just the width of his shoulders or the ridges of his hard muscles under this shirt that made it impossible to look away from. It wasn't even the fact he was so tall that the top of his dark hair brushed the top of the doorframe.

No it wasn't any of that.

It was his eyes. His bright golden yellow eyes. Eyes that turned to me and narrowed. 

"There she is-" he took a step into the room and chaos insued. Women and girls ran screaming out of his way. Men rushed to find weapons to defend their families with. Shouts rang out.

And the giant stranger ignored all of them as he came rushing towards our corner. 

It was like he didn't care about the knives that were brandished  in his direction. All he cared about was getting to me.

I shrank back, but just like in the bathroom there was no where to go and no escape. 

"You are not welcome here wolf." Someone yelled and he ignored him and kept coming for me.

"Shit it's a wolf." Someone mumbled next to me. Her voice laced with fear. 

Wolf? My hand clutched my throat. Did they just say Wolf? As in the Wolf I had been seeing since I was a kid. 

"What are they doing here?"

"Are we under attack?"

Everyone's warbled voices barely registered. I couldn't keep my eyes off him. Lifting my head as he got closer so I could look at his yellow eyes.

He was my wolf. 

The one who I had seen under the tree in the storm. The one who had been watching me for a quarter of my life.

"Get away from here-" that was from Gentry. I couldn't see him because the stranger blocked my entire view. Even if I could look away I wasn't sure I wanted to. 

His face was mesmerising in a weird sort of brutal way. 

Craning my neck I stared up at his face. "What do you want?"

He didn't answer me, instead he bent his huge frame over mine and thrust his nose into the crook of my neck. In the exact same spot as Gentry just slobbered on.

"It's you." He grumbled against my skin and I felt a shiver run through me. 

"I-uh." What was I meant to say to that?  He was a wolf, a barely human barbarian. Our enemy for centuries. One hadn't even been seen in this village in almost a hundred years. They left us alone and we tried to forget about the threat just beyond the wall.

"Yeah it's me." I whispered back. "I mean, I don't know you-"

His lips pulled back and sharp teeth scraped against my throat. My hands reached out, pushing against his hugely muscled arms but it was like trying to push a boulder up a hill. He was unmovable. 

He growled out and I stilled. My hands were still clutching the rock hard muscles of his biceps. 

"Why do you smell like him?" 

"What-" my voice broke and I was sure I felt a trickle of pee against my panties. I was definitely damp down there. I squeezed my thighs together in embarrassment.

His nostrils flared and I heard him inhale. 

"What do you smell of-" he whirled around and speared Gentry to the spot with his eyes. The smaller younger man paled considerably .

"Why does she have your scent on her?" He was asked again and Gentry paled even more. All the blood literally drained from his face as I watched.

"She threw herself at me." 

"I did not." My voice rose to a shriek and any fear I had been feeling evaporated. How dare he try to dirty my name like that. "You followed me into the bath-"

"Is this true?" The stranger's voice was rough but there was intelligence there. "You followed and placed your body on what is mine?"

"He's telling the truth." Lana stepped forward. Hanging off Gentry's arm like some trailing moss. "She's been throwing herself at all the men. It's because she is jealous, she wasn't chosen by anyone. She's nothing but a poor pathetic cretin. Why would Gentry go after her? She isn't wanted. She wasn't chosen."

"That is a lie." At my side my hands clenched into fists.

The crack of a bone breaking took me completely by surprise and I wasn't the only one. The stranger, the wolf that was sometimes a man, had moved so quickly that no one had seen him move. 

Gentry lay on his back, his nose flattened to his face and blood coating his chin and dripping down his neck to soak his shirt. 

Holy moly he had broken his nose. Flattened it. I couldn't help it I grinned. If anyone deserved to be knocked down by a wolf then it was Gentry. The only regret I had was that I wasn't the one to do it. I would have enjoyed wiping the smug smile off of his face.

"You are wrong. She was chosen. I chose her."

A whisper of shocked gasps went up.

"I would never be- wait what?" My eyebrows pinched together as I turned my face up to his tanned one. 

His golden eyes flicked down to me for just a second before he turned back to the crowd. 

"No one touches her" the gruff stranger reached for me and I wasn't quick enough to move away before his hand wrapped itself around my slender wrist. "She is mine."