Song: Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong - Summertime

The weather was getting warmer as there were only a few days that would signify the end of June and the start of the hottest month of the year for this part of the world. Pierce's mate, Dani, made a point to remind me of it and I controlled my laughter as I pointed out that I had grown near the sea and I was no stranger to heat. I didn't particularly like it but I was used to it, most wolves preferred cooler climates and I was enjoying the cool night breezes that came from the mountains that surrounded the pack. I was convinced that these northern wolves wouldn't fair well back in my home.

Nevertheless, the days had gotten warmer that's why I was enjoying the large fan that was situated on the ceiling of Ian's office in the main house while I was reading through the thoughts of my students on the book that I had them reading.

Ian had the young of the pack, up until the age of sixteen, on a mandatory summer school that consisted of various activities. The younger ones were taking extra classes in Math and English that would help them in advancing faster in their education while the older ones, from age thirteen and on, were also getting fight training and were introduced in the ways of how to control your wolf so that they could be more equipped when their first shift occurred. Physical extrusion was a great way to keep these juveniles controlled, occupied and to build up their stamina. All these took place in the mornings for four hours and in the afternoon there were two optional classes, one was music and the other was woodworking.

He explained to me that he wanted the next generation to have a shot at doing something different if they wanted to and not end up at the mines as workers but rather have key points at the management or start something of their own, in the near vicinity of the pack. No one ever strayed too far from their pack, it was in our nature to be close to family and the only reason we ever left for good was our mates. Usually we found a match in our pack or a nearby one but I was one of the exceptions, I never met a match in my home. Us being together right now was quite rare.

His ultimate goal was to have humans in the mines, he knew how hard it was for wolves to work underground and it was hard work at the lumbers mills as well. He would give the tools to work for a better future but it was up to them to decide what they wanted, not everyone was cut out for advancement but it would be their choice and not lack of opportunity.

He suggested that I take a few hours in teaching grammar and spelling with the younger ones, seeing that their current teacher was halfway through her pregnancy and that would help ease up her work load. I was excited at first and then I was scared of the thought. They would hate me. Their age group was between six to eight years old and they were pups that were forced to study during their summer. Plus I was a stranger, just a substitute teacher. I would hate me if I was in their place. Ian laughed when he saw my distraught face and said to give it a try. This was in my area of expertise but I was a student myself nearly a month ago. I decided to try. How bad could it be?

My first day was awful. They were little devils disguised as cute pups. At first they wouldn't speak to me at all, their noses picking up the scent of their Alpha on me. Even before we fully shift, our senses were better than humans, arming our children against possible dangers. After the initial shock, they started asking questions about me and Ian and I was faced with the total lack of reserve that children possess. Their honesty can easily break the hardest bone and the simplicity of their thinking is extraordinary. Before I knew it, the hours had passed and we hadn't done anything of significance except for me giving them all the crucial details of my life that I was sure would be passed on to their parents. Who needed hard core interrogators when you were in a room with fifteen adorable future beasts?

I talked to their teacher and she suggested, after she enjoyed the nature of my predicament, that I should try to find an incentive, a reward for their attention and participance in class. I thought long and hard and I found a solution to my problems. At least I hoped I did.

The next time I walked into that classroom, I went straight to the windows and I lowered the shades a little. They were looking at me funny but I just sat in front of my desk and I started reading aloud one of my favourite books as a child," The lion, The witch and the Wardrobe" by C. S. Lewis. By the time I had finished the second chapter, I had them hooked. I made a deal with them that I would read one chapter before the end of class if we had completed our days work. I was kind of bribing them with literature but two weeks later and we were on track with the given itinerary. There was a slight annoyance that Aslan was a lion but we got past that and the fact that the witch had wolves in her service. I believed that it did them some good to learn that just because someone was of the same race as you, didn't necessarily mean they were good.

I asked them to describe the characters in the book with three words and give them to me. I wanted to see how they viewed the heroes and villains of the story and I was currently reading them and smiling.

"What are you reading?" Ian's voice startled me as I was engrossed in what I was doing. He was leaning against the door and he had an amused look on his face.

"Just something I asked the pups to do, they are quite entertaining when they want to be." I gazed at him and my wolf gave an appreciative rumble with the sight of our mate. Ever since we started sleeping in the same bed, I craved for his touch and the safety I felt when I fell asleep in his arms. He showed up on his wolf form the first night and he hogged the bed while putting his snout in the crook of my neck, making me feel all tingly and extremely hot from the fur on his body. After half the night of this, I gave up and told him to change back. I'm sure I heard his wolf give a chuckle, I know he did it deliberately and that I gave in too easily but I wanted to sleep, I'm not a very nice person if I don't get my rest.

He came to the chair that I was sitting and he kneeled in front of me, putting his arms on my waist and drawing me closer to him.

"Well, I'm done for the day and I was thinking that we could go to town and meet Kenneth." His fingers were lightly massaging my sides and I shivered at the contact and then his words registered.

"Really? Can we stay there?" I was excited to see the town, I hadn't had the chance to go there yet and I would love to get to know his brother better, he made a very good impression on me.

"Yes we can, actually there is a band in town and there are performing tonight, part of the festival that is going on throughout the month of July. I thought you might like it, they are playing jazz swing tonight."

"I would love that!" I was sure the rise in my voice was evidence enough of my excitement.

Ian's eyes were filled with mirth at how pleased I was feeling. He pulled me even closer and he gave his mark on my neck a lingering kiss. I was clay in his hands, waiting to be molded whenever he did that. He gave a growl of approval and he backed off, taking my hands in his and making me sit up.

"If I start kissing you now, we'll be late. Let's go by the house and grab what you need, then we can leave."

I was disappointed he stopped but he had a point. Ever since we talked and I had started helping with the pups, things were going wonderful between us. My days were busy but not tiring. I still went with Pierce on morning runs and some days Ian came instead of him. I was then at school with the little monsters and back to the pack house for lunch where I either ate with Ian alone in his study or with Dani and the other she-wolves when he wasn't there. I returned to the cabin then to relax on the patio or I watched the juveniles have their training. The adults males that were responsible for the pack's safety had their training in the mornings.

I had noticed some cages on the outside training field. They were awfully small and had silver bars, the smell of silver was quite strong. I had goose bumps just thinking of finding myself enclosed in there. I asked one of the instructors why they were there. He said that they were used as a type of punishment to the young wolves who wouldn't cooperate or who had lost control on their wolves and refused to submit. Fights broke often amongst the young, their nature was still very raw and the balance between man and wolf. He saw the pain in my eyes for these young ones who had to be enclosed in such a tight space for all to witness their failure to become one with the other half of their soul and he assured me that they were hardly used, just on extreme occasions and then, after they had spend the day there, the Alpha would personally come and demand the wolf's obediecence. Nobody could easily stand against their Alpha's command, especially these adolescents. I had never observed what we did back home for discipline, the wolves in question were always taken somewhere else for that. I can't imagine that it was anything pleasant, they never misbehaved again.

I followed Ian and once we got to the cabin, I packed some clothes and we were soon in the car, heading to town. The entire ride there, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm. I was finally feeling more at place with the pack but it was nice to see something else. Ian kept stealing glances my way and his hand would casually sit at my thigh whenever he got the chance. He was always touching me one way or the other, his hands always came in contact with my lower back, my sides, my neck. I welcomed the feeling, I needed it more and more. We shared a bed now, his body had become familiar to mine and while we never took it very far, I could see that he was having difficulty as time went by. I was starting to have the same problem.

We drove into town and we went straight to the three stored building that served as the town's pack headquarters. The last floor was separated to various bedrooms, Kenneth stayed there as well as any visitors they might had. The other two were the main offices for their business and the ground floor also had a large living room for pack functions.

As soon as we entered the building, I spotted Kenneth on the main hall talking with two other pack members. He raised his head to see who was coming and a brilliant smile made his face look even more handsome than it was. He quickly abandoned his current company and came to greet us.

"Finally, our Alpha has granted you permission to reconnect with the rest of the world." His playful welcoming made Ian tighten his hold on my waist, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by him.

"See what I mean Vivian? I doubt he will leave you out of his arms to wonder off alone and be corrupted by our wicked country habits," Ian gave him a light growl that made his brother's smile even bigger.

"Well I'm ready to face all the ways that you have in mind that will make me misbehave," now Ian's growl was directed at me but it was both a threat and a challenge. I gave him my best grin and I saw the green filling the brown again. With all the intimacy that we had in the last weeks, I was so used to seeing his eyes like this. I liked the affect that I had on him, it gave me a small sense of power that I didn't mind to take advantage of. He returned the favour quite often, I wasn't immune to his charms either.

"Ken I'm going to take Vivian upstairs and then I want to look over this weeks payments, be in my office in fifteen minutes "Ken nodded his head in agreement and Ian took me by the hand and led the way to a door that revealed a different set of the stairs, probably a more private way to get to the third floor. Shortly after, we reached another door and Ian typed a code at the panel on the wall. A voice came from the speaker above the panel and asked for identification. Ian gave his full title and the door opened. I saw the cameras on the walls as they moved on us.

"This is our private quarters and I won't take any chances with the safety of my family or the people who come as guests here" his explanation wasn't needed, I understood him so much better after the talk we had. I nodded and he took me through a hall that had various doors on either side. When we reached the last, he opened it with an electronic card and he let me go in first.

It was like a cute small one bedroom apartment. The design was quite modern and it also had a small kitchen area. Ian passed me by and I followed him in the bedroom which was coloured in the shades of light blue. He left our bags by the bed and he turned and captured me in his arms, crashing his lips to mine, leaving no room for objections. His tounge explored mine with fervor, I could feel his desire for me in this kiss but it was meant to dominate me.

He pulled back and studied my flashed face.

"The only one that you are allowed to misbehave with is me, Vivian. Am I clear?" his tone was serious but I could see some humor hidden in his gaze. I decided to play along.

"Are you sure that you're up for it? I have been a very good girl up until now." I looked at him with my most innocent expression, I liked this kind of talk, it excited me but I can't say that I was familiar with it. I hoped that I could pull it off.

Ian put his hand at the back of my neck and tilted my head as he brought his lips to my ear.

"Try me and see what happens" his nipped my earlobe and I could feel his smile on my skin with the way I reacted. He gave me a devilish smirk and relished me from his embrace.

"I'll be back in about two hours, we'll go for dinner and then to the festival." He gave me a quick kiss and then he left. I wasn't sure I had made any points in this little game that we seemed to have started but we had the whole night ahead of us.

I decided to take a long bath so that I could kill some time. Thankfully there was a bathtub so while I let the water running, I pulled out my dress out of the bag and laid it out on the bag. Good, it hasn't wrinkled. Since it was a jazz festival, I brought with me a cute white-blue floral summer dress with a vintage look. It was fortunate that I already liked that style so I had quite of few items in my wardrobe. Along with a pair of low heels, I was all set for the evening.

The bath worked its magic and after I dried my hair, I decided on letting it flow in its natural waves. I was doing my make up when Ian came into the bedroom. He took a moment to look me over and he came to stand behind me in the mirror. I caught his eye in the reflection.

"You look beautiful" he gave my shoulder a kiss and he disappeared in the bathroom. I turned my attention to my task and when I was finished, I heard the water stop running. I made my way to the small living room, giving him some privacy and not wanting to tempt my mind further with the image of his naked body. I had enough trouble already without the extra visual effect. My wolf whined, she wanted us to stay and take a peek at his lean torso while she was salivating over her mate. I groaned, It was hard not thinking about it without her constant reminders, I swear she and I had turned to total perverts in the span of the last month. I hushed her, reminding her that we would be sleeping in his arms tonight and he didn't like to wear a t-shirt. This is what this mark had reduced us to, a permanently horny wolf and its sexually challenged vessel that were debating endlessly on the variant ways we could enjoy his touch. I thanked the moon goddess that my heat was coming in December, it had always been so accurate that it helped me tremendously when I was away in college. It was always when the holiday break came so I was safely back at my house with my grandma on my side. My brothers didn't appreciate it that much, they always had to stay at the house and stand guard, bickering as to why I wouldn't go at the safe house but one look from my father, seized all their protest. Last year, they didn't say a word as they were both mated and they had the girls with them.

While I was deep in my memories, Ian's voice startled me.

"Are you ready to go?" I turned to face him and I almost gave out a huff in annoyance. Even dressed, the effect he was having on me was almost the same. Especially when he was looking this good in his beige dress pants and his white shirt that was slightly rolled up to his elbows.

He looked at me kind of funny and I rushed to an answer.

"Yes, let's go, I'm starving" I tried to blame my obvious annoyance at the lack of food. He didn't seem to read too much into it and we made our way downstairs.

Kenneth was waiting for us and we drove the short distance to the restaurant. It was a cozy place, not too crowded with a homely feel to it. Many people greeted the Barker brothers as we entered and I caught them glancing curiously my way. Ian never left his hand fall from the curve of my back, showing them which Barker had rights on me. The smell of some pack wolves was in the air, they must be the ones that reside in town.

The food was delicious, it had the quality that you can only find in home made meals. The meat marinated in herbs before cooked to just the right temperature so in every bite you could trace the rosemary and thyme they had used, freshly harvested vegetables for our salads and a steady supply of drinks that made the conversation roll with no effort. Not that it was needed, Kenneth was an endless pool of information about their childhood and Ian kept up his end with revealing equal amount of embarrassing details about his brother and sister. Even though they were twins, Ken and Kara had a love-hate relationship that according to Ian, made his life hell. She was due in two weeks and they were both excited, I was happy that their family would get this joy, considering the loss they suffered. Happiness was always a state of mind for me, I often found that other people's positive disposition helped mine as well because I let it. After the last couple of weeks, I truly felt that I was on the right path to achieve my personal level of contentment.

"We must be going, the band must have already started playing by now" Ken was eager to get to the festival, he was looking good in his dark blue button up shirt and matching trousers, I got the feeling that he wanted to meet someone.

The three glasses of wine that I had at dinner seemed to do the trick and they had loosened me up, making me all the more excited to dance. It was another short drive to what I gathered to be the town's park. You could already hear the music from where we parked. We made our way to all the people, me in the middle of the Barker brothers and my hand intertwined with Ian's. There was the central stage where the band was situated and in front of it they had put a wooden floor that served as the dancing area. Quite a few people were already dancing to a popular upbeat song from the thirties. All around they were round tables with white lanterns on the middle and the whole lighting was very subtle making the lanterns look like little beacons. Ian took us to a table and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Pierce and Dani there. They both stood up when we approached and gave their Alpha and Beta a discrete bow, there were humans here also.

"I'm so glad you came Vivian, now you can help me persuade Pierce to dance", Dani had such a teasing gleam to her eyes. I thought I saw Pierce roll his eyes at her and it was such a funny sight coming from him.

"I told you that we can dance later", Pierce looked at his mate with a tender expression and the sight of that was enough for her to give him a kiss to the cheek. There were such a lovely couple, her pale complexion and fiery red hair in total contrast to his ebony skin and caramel eyes. There were complete opposites in sight and character but I guess that they complimented each other.

"Is he a good dancer?"I sat down next to her while my question made Dani relive tales from their wild past. Pierce went to get us drinks while Ian sat next to me, talking with Kenneth who excused himself when he got his drink.

More people were flocking to the dance floor as the band kept the tempo. They were really good and the singer had just the right amount of hoarseness in his voice to back up the songs. I took a look around the tables and I saw Leona in another table, looking our way. When she saw I caught her staring, she said something to the girl next to her and stood up. I followed her with my eyes and I saw her heading to the make shift bar.

I hadn't seen her since the gathering and after finding out how she had helped Ian, I felt kind of bad about the whole situation. I knew I wasn't the one to blame for it and it wasn't my problem but something didn't feel right.

Before I had time to think it over twice, I got up from my chair and I met Ian's curious gaze. "I'll just go and get some water, I'll be right back" I didn't give him any chance to stop me as I followed the way to the bar. When I got there, Leona had just gotten her drink and was ready to make her way back.

I blamed the wine and my state of euphoria for going after her because when she saw me, she stopped and gave me a look that said I'm surprised and not exactly in a good way. She looked pretty in her emerald dress and high ponytail that made her green eyes sparkle. I didn't know what to say exactly so I went with the basics.

"Hallo Leona, how are you?" If I thought she looked surprised before, she was almost ready to hang her jaw open now. She quickly caught herself and responded.

"I'm fine"

There was an awkward moment of silence as we just stood there looking at each other. She didn't ask how I was and I decided to make a last attempt.

"This is a wonderful event, they have really put a lot of effort to it"

"Yes, it's nice" She was curious now. I didn't have anything else so if she wasn't going to help, I think it was time to leave.

"Well enjoy your evening", I gave her a small smile and turned to go.

"Wait, Vivian.." I turned to her and I thought I saw some regret in her eyes but I couldn't be sure. "Why did you talk to me, I was nothing but rude to you"

Why indeed?

"Leona, you are a member of this pack and an asset from what I've been told. Our first meeting was.." I tried to find the right word for it "unfortunate but that doesn't mean that we can't be civil to one another. I suppose me coming here was a surprise to all of you as it was for me. Things are clearer now, aren't they?" I knew that Ian had a talk with her at one point, I didn't know what they had discussed and frankly I didn't want to know. I just hoped that she could understand that I wasn't the problem that needed fixing, it was her way of dealing with her past that needed to be reevaluated. If she could see that great, if not at least I had tried.

She looked kind of embarrassed and she turned to look at the people on the dance floor. I did the same and I saw Dani and Pierce, owning the stage like a true king with his queen. A small laugh escaped me and as Leona turned to me, I pointed them out.

"They are truly something aren't they?"

"Yes they are" she smiled a little and her whole face lighted up.

I had said what I wanted to say so once again I turned to the bar to get that bottle of water. On my way back, Leona was waiting for me.

"I just want you to know that you are right. Things are more clear now, as far as Ian is concerned." She gave me a small tilt of her head, her way of acknowledging my position and went back to her table. I wasn't expecting an apology but I got the next best thing.

When I reached the table, Ian grabbed my hand and pulled me close.

"I saw you talking with Leona. Did she say anything to you" he was searching my eyes to see if I was upset. I leaned and gave him a peck on his lips.

"Actually I had something to say to her but you don't need to worry, everything is fine." He was curious and was ready to ask me for more but Kenneth came back and interrupted him.

" Now Alpha, if you don't mind I'm going to take your lovely mate on the dance floor for a spin." Ian gave a growl and tugged me on his lap.

"Actually I do mind, brother. You have a habit of throwing your dance partners in the air" I looked at Ken and with enthusiasm in my voice I said "Really? You can do that?" Ian didn't seem to find my joy entertaining and he pressed me even closer to him.

"Come on Ian, I promise to bring her back unharmed" Ken enjoyed teasing his brother but Ian wouldn't budge.

"She can dance with Pierce" just as he said that Pierce and Dani came from the dance floor. I turned in his lap to face him "Why don't you dance with me?" He came close to my ear and whispered "I like to slow dance" he gave my neck a nip "now go, have fun" and with that he practically ordered Pierce to take me as Ken took Dani.

After hours of circling and spinning on the wooden floor and after I did get a chance to dance with Kenneth who did throw me in the air, to my delight and Ian's horror, the outer lights dimmed and the lanterns on the table were our only source of light. The singer changed and a very pretty girl took the mike and the sound of the saxophone filled the evening air. Ian took me by the hand and I gladly followed him.

His body was pressed to mine as we swayed to the old jazz song. I had placed my head on his chest, enjoying the steady heartbeat. I closed my eyes, content to just live in the moment.

"You know that you misbehaved tonight, don't you?" his voice was low and sexy as he kept our rhythm.

"When did I do that?" I faked ignorance without raising my head.

His chest rumbled and his hold became tighter.

"You know when. I told you not to dance with Kenneth and you disobeyed."

"Oh, that. I hardly call that misbehaving. I'm sure I can do better" my tone was nonchalant, meant to tease him.

He lifted my chin and his eyes were a glorious brown, illuminated with green sparks.

"I'm sure you can. But after I'm done with you tonight, you might reconsider any future actions."

All the excitement tonight, the dancing and the wine had gone to my head. My increased libido was an extra boost as well.

"I guess I'll let you know in the morning" my voice had gotten deeper and I was positive my eyes had turned darker as my wolf was peaking in on the show.

He gave me a wicked smile, full of promise as he led us to the car.

I know I have been terrible with this update. No other excuse than minimum free time this past month.This is the longest chapter I have written, I'm hoping it was worth the wait. I'm extremely grateful to all of you for the support you have given me. You really brighten my days in a special way, thank you!