Tumgik
#Anyway I'm terrified of loosening her curls so I'm putting up with it
wedding-shemp · 1 month
Text
Tumblr media
Honey Swamp is my new office buddy btw
12 notes · View notes
pink-peony-princess · 3 years
Text
You're My Life Now
Tumblr media
Dawn had always been Peter's favourite time of day, he couldn't tell why, but there was something so peaceful about it. A time when the world seemed less corrupt,a time when you could just be still, be one with nature.
Nothing about this day had particularly stood out to Peter, there was nothing to suggest as he got ready for his usual early morning perimeter run to suggest that anything out of the ordinary was about to take place.
He'd been doing this run, every morning for almost two years now and nothing had happened yet. As one of the famous Mendes Triplets and Beta alongside his brother Raul to their eldest brother Shawn (Alpha of the infamous Shadowmoon Pack) Peter took his responsibility extremely seriously. He'd always been the sensible one out of the three of them, or at least the most level-headed one.
Shawn was an amazing Alpha,Peter had always admired his ability to lead,his empathy his compassion, but he could also let his emotions rule him, which could cause problems sometimes. Especially if there was a disagreement between the three brothers. Raul on the other hand, was, well, Raul. Fiery, and passionate and a bit of a trouble maker, he liked to stir the pot whenever possible and unfortunately for Peter he always seemed to be the piece keeper,to stop arguments (usually caused by some snide comment that Raul would make in the heat of the moment which he always regretted later).
Whenever anyone spoke of Peter the first things they'd say was that he was extremely loyal,always ready to help and would protect his loved ones with his life. He'd been like this as long as he could remember.
As Peter stood up from tying his shoe laces,putting his glasses on, he noticed the sheeting rain outside his window. It was so heavy that it was actually hitting the window,leaving large water droplets on the once clear glass. He sighed, it wasn't that he minded the rain, it didn't make a difference to him as to whether he got wet or not,he never felt the cold as a wolf anyway. But it would make it harder, more tedious to complete the run, he'd have to pay extra attention to his surroundings,to the sights, smells and sounds.
"I'm headed on my run," Peter called to Shawn and Raul as he past the kitchen where the two of them were making coffee and talking about day ahead.
"Thanks Pete," came Shawn's reply."I'll be in the surgery with Connor later if ya need me," Pete nodded as he made his way out the front door and into the rain.
The first part of the run was pretty easy, flat ground,open, easy to see the fields that sprawled unchecked for miles ahead. He made it in good time, easily nativagsting the familiar territory with no issues.
He was halfway home when he saw object up ahead. At first he couldn't make it out, even with his wolf-enhanced eyesight the sheeting rain was obscuring his view.As he made his way slowly closer,mindful that it might be some sort of a trap from the rogue wolves that were constantly trying to ambush their lands,he spotted the fabric.It was slightly covered by the truck of a tree, only half visible, but Pete was sure, it was definitely fabric from a tee-shirt.
It wasn't uncommon to find old clothes in random places around the lands, wolves would hide them in convenient spots so when they phased back to their human form they were able to dress themselves without hassle. Even Peter did it. But something about the way the shirt was sitting, haphazardly, carelessly, on the ground caught and held Peter's attention. Something told him it wasn't right.
As he made his way slowly closer the wind changed and he was hit with scent, overpowering his senses,causing him to falter momentarily.
It was the sweetest most intoxicating scent he'd ever smelt, like Rosewater and Ivy perfectly blended together. He took his glasses off pocketing them in the hope that not having the rain-covered glass in front of his eyes might allow him to see better.
As he stepped closer still, the clothing moved Peter stilled,watching waiting,a few seconds later it moved again,rolling over. It was then that Peter realised with horror, that this was not just an old disguarded set of clothing,this was a person, and a hybrid wolf at that, half human, half wolf he realised when another gust of wind sent a stronger wave of scent towards him.
He rushed forward no longer fearing an attack, only concerned for the welfare of this person. As he rounded the tree he got his first proper look at the person. It was a young girl. She looked to be about Peter's age. The first thing that struck Peter was not her bedraggled appearance- the way her dirty blonde hair hung around her face, sticking to her forehead and cheeks,not the mud that was caked into almost every part of her, not even the slashed in her faded green sweater that had obviously been made by wolves claws or the blood that was seeping out from the large wound beneath it and the several other cuts and bruises that peppered her small fragile body. No. The first thing that Peter registered was the look of fear, of terror as the girl made eye contact with him.
"D-dont come near me," the girl stuttered, a mixture of cold and fear Peter was sure.
He held his hands up in surrender, "Please don't be scared," he spoke softly, voice almost drowned out by the rain as he made his way closer still, now less than a foot away from the girl- young woman really.
Up close Peter could see the way her mascara was running from her eyelashes,leaving small black smudges under her red bloodshot eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you, I only want to help,I promise. My name is Peter."
She looked at him for a moment, seeming to weigh up what he was saying. "But you're a wolf," she pointed out. She was perceptive, Peter thought.
"Yes, I am," he admitted, watching as her eyebrows knitted together with fear again.
"And the other wolves hurt me," she chocked on a sob, looking away from him.
Peter reached out, placing a finger on her jaw, gently turning her head to look at him again. As soon as he made contact his whole hand began to tingle,and he felt the butterflies that so many other wolves had spoken of so fondly."Mate," he heard his wolf Timbre purr protectively from inside his head. He felt dizzy, slightly intoxicated now and had to shake his head a few times to clear his mind, to keep himself on the task at hand. If he didn't do something soon, he would have no mate to protect.
"But these are my lands- my pack's lands,my older brother Shawn is the Alpha, when he hears about what happend he'll send out a group to go out and deal with them. I promise you you're safe with me, with us," he was almost pleading with her by the end, but he didn't know what else to do.
"Just, please let me get you some help," he added,feeling the sting of tears in his eyes as the thought of what would happen if she didn't go with him ran through his head over and over again.
"How?" she asked. Looking up at Peter with wide eyes. Her eyes were so blue,it was like getting lost in the ocean.
"My brother,Shawn, when he's not working as the Alpha, he's a doctor, he'll be able to help you. I'll take you to him.I promise you'll be safe.
She nodded, water flying off her face, still not seeming entirely convinced, but she relaxed a little, her shoulders loosening just a little,as she reached for Peter's hand, surprising him. He took it feeling the tingles again, more than happy to have any contact with her that she'd allow. He wasn't sure if she was ignoring the feeling or simply in too much pain to notice, either way she said nothing.
"What's your name?" he asked, not breaking eye contact.
"J-Josie," she answered clearly still apprehensive. She watched his every move.
"Okay, it's nice to meet you Josie. Can you show me where you're injuried? I don't want to cause you anymore pain when I lift you," he asked, "apart from the gash on your stomach?"
"My back hurts," she told him, and my head. I feel kinda dizzy," she added, almost as an after thought. Peter didn't know much about medicine, bit what he did know was that it usually wasn't good when someone said their head hurt and they were dizzy. He knew he needed to get her home,out of the rain, to Shawn. They'd only been talking 5 minutes, but already she looked more pale, and slightly drowsy. He had trouble hiding his panic as he spoke again.
"Can I see?" she nodded, so he let go of her hand reluctantly and made his way around so he was behind her, slowly peeling back the layers of fabric to reveal a large oozing gash that ran from her left shoulder to the small of her back. She let out a whimper as the air and rain but it, making Peter's heart squeeze. The last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt his mate, when one mate hurt the other hurt."I'm so sorry," he apologised when she sniffled.
"Alright,let's get you inside," he murmured, coming back around and squatting so he was in front of her, automatically holding his hand out for her to take again. He could see how tired and scared she was and his heart literally ached."I know you hardly know me, but I think the quickest way to do this will be if I carry you, will you allow me to do that?" he asked softly, patiently waiting for a response.
She nodded again, and he wasted no time in carefully picking her up, trying his best to avoid her injuries.
That didn't stop her from letting out a scream.
"I know, I'm so so sorry," he whispered trying to console her.
She didn't say anything, instead curling into his body further, head resting softly on his shoulder. Peter couldn't help the small smile that pulled at his lips as he thought about the fact that she was already seeming to seek his comfort, his warmth. This was what he'd dreamt of since the day he turned 18 and was old enough to have a mate.
He ran as fast as he could, trying to be careful not to move her too much, and to shelter her from the pouring rain. He knew that if he'd shifted he would have been quicker making it back to the house, but she was terrified, and clearly in no way to be holding onto his back as he ran, somewhere along the way she past out, head rolling unsupported as he ran, making Pete panic more.
After what felt like an age, the house came into site, spurring him on to run harder. He sprinted the last 20 metres,and up the front porch stairs, banging on the door to get someone, anyone's attention. Finally, Connor came to the door.
"The door was open, why didn't you just-" he stopped taking in the unconscious young woman in his arms. "Holy crap," he whistled. "Where'd you find her?" he asked as Peter pushed through the doorway forcing Connor to step sideway to avoid being hit.
"Down by the south border," he answered moving further into the house. "She needs medical attention is Shawn still in the surgery?" he asked as he went to go up the first flight of stairs.
"Here, let me take her, you can get changed and meet us up there," he offered, holding his arms out for him to hand Josie over.
Peter immediately recoiled, baring his teeth,a soft growl eminating from his throat.
Connor stepped back a look of deep shock and confusion on his face. "Peter what the?" he started before he connected the dots, a large smile wiping the look of confusion from his features."Pete, did you, is she?" he asked tripping over his words.
Peter nodded,"But she's a hybrid Con, so we need to get her upstairs," he spoke, wasting no time waiting for his reply. Connor rushed past him so he could open the door to the surgery. The familiar smell of disinfectant hit Peter's nose as they walked in.
"Shawn, we need you right now," Connor called out, as they rushed through the front area and into one of the many consultation rooms.
Peter could hear Shawn making his way through the surgery as he placed Josie down carefully on the table, immediately missing the contact.
"What have we got?" Shawn asked, walking through the door, before stopped short as Connor had minutes before. "Pete, where'd you find her?" he asked grabbing a pair of gloves from the dispenser on the wall and making his way over to the bed. "She's got some nasty injuries," Shawn muttered as he surveyed Josie's body. He went to move her shirt away from her stomach, an automatic response,to make a better judgement, but Peter felt an immense feeling of protectiveness wash over him again at another male, even his brother,who was trying to help, touching his mate.
He couldn't help the growl that slipped out as Shawn pulled back the fabric exposing her stomach and the nasty gash which Josie had shown Peter in the field.
"What's your problem Peter," Shawn laughed, turning to him, "I'm doing my job little bro,"
"You're touching her, you'll hurt her," he snarled very unlike himself. He knew logically that what he was saying wasn't true, but he couldn't help it.
"Peter, as if I'm going to hurt her, I'm literally trying to do the opposite," he stopped watching the way Peter's gaze never left Josie and something clicked. "Peter is she your mate?" he asked beaming.
"Yeah," Pete chocked on the word.
"Congratulations man," Shawn smiled again. "It's a big step finding your mate, what's her name?" he spoke knowingly. He'd found his mate Ava two years earlier,and Raul a year ago with Mia. They were both always so happy, so settled and finally Peter could have that too.
"Thanks Shawn,Josie, how, how bad is she?" he asked, almost wishing Shawn wouldn't answer.
"Well, from what I've seen so far, not great if I'm being honest, she's lost a lot of blood and the gashes on her stomach and shoulder look like they're getting infected, and if I'm being truthful I don't like the fact that she's not conscious. But I need to have a closer look. Will you trust me?" he asked.
Peter sat for a minute taking in what his brother had said," Can I hold her hand?" he asked embarrassed, cheeks heating up.
Shawn looked at him knowingly," Of course mate, here, sit on this. It'll actually be good. Having contact with you will help to keep her calm," he agreed, pushing a rolling chair with his foot for Pete to sit on."Where'd you find her, what happened?" he asked as he went to a cupboard and pulled a thick blanket out. Normally the wolves didn't need them, but they were kept on hand for the youngsters as a comfort tactic."She's freezing, borderline hyperthermic," he added as he took her temperature gently, Peter watching his every move as he then carefully lay the blanket over her.
"By the south border, I didn't realise it was her at first, I thought someone had left a pile of clothes," Peter admitted feeling guilty,"but when I got closer I saw that it was her and then her scent hit me and I knew. She was pretty reluctant to trust me at first," he added,"Shawn, she said wolves did it."
Shawn shook his head, as he went about hooking her up to different monitors,getting an I.V. with antibiotics in, listening to her chest and checking her pupils with a penlight. "We've had a problem with rogues recently, I'm so sorry Peter, I'll get a party together to deal with them," he added as Peter expected. "Connor," he called out, and it was only then that Peter realised that he'd left the room.
"Yeah?"
"Get Raul up here, I need to talk to him about the rogue problem," he was angry, Shawn was passionately against rogues and what they stood for and everyone knew it.
"I'm going to have to try and wake her up buddy, I need to know what sort of head injury we're dealing with."
Peter nodded, watching as Shawn placed a hand on her sternum and rubbed. He couldn't help the growl that once again slipped his lips. "I'm sorry mate, I wouldn't be doing it unless I had to," he looked genuinely apologetic.
A small whine left Josie's lips, and Peter was on his feet in a matter of seconds looking down at his mate anxiously.
"Josie, can you hear me, if you can hear me, give Peter's hand a squeeze."
Peter nodded, feeling his heart swell with relief as he felt her do as asked.
She opened her eyes, slowly taking everything in, before a panic set in and she tried to sit up."Hey, hey, take it easy," Pete, comforted, gently stopping her from sitting up and hurting herself further.
"You're safe here,do you remember me, I'm Peter?" he asked. She looked up at him with wide frantic eyes before recognition crossed her face and she relaxed into his grip.
"This is Shawn, my brother, he's the one I was telling you about," he added when she looked over warily at Shawn. "He's going to fix you up okay."
"It's nice to meet you Josie," Shawn smiled kindly at the young woman."How are you feeling?"
"Tired, sore,can I have some water?" she asked, voice strained.
"Of course," Shawn grabbed a disposable cup and filled it with water from the tap,holding it out to her.
Shawn went about checking her over,happily reporting that she only had a minor concussion, before numbing her up and carefully sewing her wounds closed. The whole time she clung to Peter like her life depended on it, but he didn't mind. He was happy to be able to provide the comfort.
There was a knock at the door and Raul walked in, not waiting for a response, only stopping as Shawn had at the sight of Josie.
"Who,what?" he looked between the three of them confused.
"This is Josie, she's Peter's mate," Shawn put emphasis on the word. "She was attacked by rogues and I need you to go out and find them, deal with them, do what you have to," Shawn spoke, not saying what both Peter and Raul knew he meant. End them.
Raul nodded, turning for the door, "Congrats little bro, best thing that'll ever happen to you," he smiled before leaving the room.
"Congratulations?" Josie asked looking up at him. Peter sighed, he hadn't wanted to tell her like this, he'd wanted to wait but he also didn't want to lie to her. He looked at Shawn who nodded."Josie,when we were in the field, did you feel anything when I touched your hand, a tingling?" he prompted.
Her eyebrows knit together, before she spoke,"Y-yeah?"
He took her hand again, "You're my mate Josie," he spoke carefully, waiting with baited breath for her response.
She was quiet for a moment, before a soft smile graced her features. Peter thought it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
"I am?" she asked, teary,surprising both the men.
"Please don't cry," Peter spoke quicky. "I promise you, I'll look after you with my life."
She shook her head,"It's not like that,my dad was a wolf, that's how I knew you were a wolf when we met in the clearing. I'm happy," she laughed, leaning into Peter's chest a little more.
Shawn beamed as he took in the cute sight before him,"You're okay for now, I'll leave you two alone," he spoke before excusing himself.
They sat in silence for a while, just happy to be in each other's company, still getting used to the feel of one another, the smell, the presence.
"Thank you," she whispered, eyes half open as she lay abck on Peter's chest.
"For what?" Peter murmured.
"For saving me."
"No Josie, thank you, you saved me," he countered, gently running his hands through her now only damp hair, causing her to shiver. "You are my life now."
49 notes · View notes
Text
You're My Life Now
Tumblr media
Dawn had always been Peter's favourite time of day, he couldn't tell why, but there was something so peaceful about it. A time when the world seemed less corrupt,a time when you could just be still, be one with nature.
Nothing about this day had particularly stood out to Peter, there was nothing to suggest as he got ready for his usual early morning perimeter run to suggest that anything out of the ordinary was about to take place.
He'd been doing this run, every morning for almost two years now and nothing had happened yet. As one of the famous Mendes Triplets and Beta alongside his brother Raul to their eldest brother Shawn (Alpha of the infamous Shadowmoon Pack) Peter took his responsibility extremely seriously. He'd always been the sensible one out of the three of them, or at least the most level-headed one.
Shawn was an amazing Alpha,Peter had always admired his ability to lead,his empathy his compassion, but he could also let his emotions rule him, which could cause problems sometimes. Especially if there was a disagreement between the three brothers. Raul on the other hand, was, well, Raul. Fiery, and passionate and a bit of a trouble maker, he liked to stir the pot whenever possible and unfortunately for Peter he always seemed to be the piece keeper,to stop arguments (usually caused by some snide comment that Raul would make in the heat of the moment which he always regretted later).
Whenever anyone spoke of Peter the first things they'd say was that he was extremely loyal,always ready to help and would protect his loved ones with his life. He'd been like this as long as he could remember.
As Peter stood up from tying his shoe laces,putting his glasses on, he noticed the sheeting rain outside his window. It was so heavy that it was actually hitting the window,leaving large water droplets on the once clear glass. He sighed, it wasn't that he minded the rain, it didn't make a difference to him as to whether he got wet or not,he never felt the cold as a wolf anyway. But it would make it harder, more tedious to complete the run, he'd have to pay extra attention to his surroundings,to the sights, smells and sounds.
"I'm headed on my run," Peter called to Shawn and Raul as he past the kitchen where the two of them were making coffee and talking about day ahead.
"Thanks Pete," came Shawn's reply."I'll be in the surgery with Connor later if ya need me," Pete nodded as he made his way out the front door and into the rain.
The first part of the run was pretty easy, flat ground,open, easy to see the fields that sprawled unchecked for miles ahead. He made it in good time, easily nativagsting the familiar territory with no issues.
He was halfway home when he saw object up ahead. At first he couldn't make it out, even with his wolf-enhanced eyesight the sheeting rain was obscuring his view.As he made his way slowly closer,mindful that it might be some sort of a trap from the rogue wolves that were constantly trying to ambush their lands,he spotted the fabric.It was slightly covered by the truck of a tree, only half visible, but Pete was sure, it was definitely fabric from a tee-shirt.
It wasn't uncommon to find old clothes in random places around the lands, wolves would hide them in convenient spots so when they phased back to their human form they were able to dress themselves without hassle. Even Peter did it. But something about the way the shirt was sitting, haphazardly, carelessly, on the ground caught and held Peter's attention. Something told him it wasn't right.
As he made his way slowly closer the wind changed and he was hit with scent, overpowering his senses,causing him to falter momentarily.
It was the sweetest most intoxicating scent he'd ever smelt, like Rosewater and Ivy perfectly blended together. He took his glasses off pocketing them in the hope that not having the rain-covered glass in front of his eyes might allow him to see better.
As he stepped closer still, the clothing moved Peter stilled,watching waiting,a few seconds later it moved again,rolling over. It was then that Peter realised with horror, that this was not just an old disguarded set of clothing,this was a person, and a hybrid wolf at that, half human, half wolf he realised when another gust of wind sent a stronger wave of scent towards him.
He rushed forward no longer fearing an attack, only concerned for the welfare of this person. As he rounded the tree he got his first proper look at the person. It was a young girl. She looked to be about Peter's age. The first thing that struck Peter was not her bedraggled appearance- the way her dirty blonde hair hung around her face, sticking to her forehead and cheeks,not the mud that was caked into almost every part of her, not even the slashed in her faded green sweater that had obviously been made by wolves claws or the blood that was seeping out from the large wound beneath it and the several other cuts and bruises that peppered her small fragile body. No. The first thing that Peter registered was the look of fear, of terror as the girl made eye contact with him.
"D-dont come near me," the girl stuttered, a mixture of cold and fear Peter was sure.
He held his hands up in surrender, "Please don't be scared," he spoke softly, voice almost drowned out by the rain as he made his way closer still, now less than a foot away from the girl- young woman really.
Up close Peter could see the way her mascara was running from her eyelashes,leaving small black smudges under her red bloodshot eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you, I only want to help,I promise. My name is Peter."
She looked at him for a moment, seeming to weigh up what he was saying. "But you're a wolf," she pointed out. She was perceptive, Peter thought.
"Yes, I am," he admitted, watching as her eyebrows knitted together with fear again.
"And the other wolves hurt me," she chocked on a sob, looking away from him.
Peter reached out, placing a finger on her jaw, gently turning her head to look at him again. As soon as he made contact his whole hand began to tingle,and he felt the butterflies that so many other wolves had spoken of so fondly."Mate," he heard his wolf Timbre purr protectively from inside his head. He felt dizzy, slightly intoxicated now and had to shake his head a few times to clear his mind, to keep himself on the task at hand. If he didn't do something soon, he would have no mate to protect.
"But these are my lands- my pack's lands,my older brother Shawn is the Alpha, when he hears about what happend he'll send out a group to go out and deal with them. I promise you you're safe with me, with us," he was almost pleading with her by the end, but he didn't know what else to do.
"Just, please let me get you some help," he added,feeling the sting of tears in his eyes as the thought of what would happen if she didn't go with him ran through his head over and over again.
"How?" she asked. Looking up at Peter with wide eyes. Her eyes were so blue,it was like getting lost in the ocean.
"My brother,Shawn, when he's not working as the Alpha, he's a doctor, he'll be able to help you. I'll take you to him.I promise you'll be safe.
She nodded, water flying off her face, still not seeming entirely convinced, but she relaxed a little, her shoulders loosening just a little,as she reached for Peter's hand, surprising him. He took it feeling the tingles again, more than happy to have any contact with her that she'd allow. He wasn't sure if she was ignoring the feeling or simply in too much pain to notice, either way she said nothing.
"What's your name?" he asked, not breaking eye contact.
"J-Josie," she answered clearly still apprehensive. She watched his every move.
"Okay, it's nice to meet you Josie. Can you show me where you're injuried? I don't want to cause you anymore pain when I lift you," he asked, "apart from the gash on your stomach?"
"My back hurts," she told him, and my head. I feel kinda dizzy," she added, almost as an after thought. Peter didn't know much about medicine, bit what he did know was that it usually wasn't good when someone said their head hurt and they were dizzy. He knew he needed to get her home,out of the rain, to Shawn. They'd only been talking 5 minutes, but already she looked more pale, and slightly drowsy. He had trouble hiding his panic as he spoke again.
"Can I see?" she nodded, so he let go of her hand reluctantly and made his way around so he was behind her, slowly peeling back the layers of fabric to reveal a large oozing gash that ran from her left shoulder to the small of her back. She let out a whimper as the air and rain but it, making Peter's heart squeeze. The last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt his mate, when one mate hurt the other hurt."I'm so sorry," he apologised when she sniffled.
"Alright,let's get you inside," he murmured, coming back around and squatting so he was in front of her, automatically holding his hand out for her to take again. He could see how tired and scared she was and his heart literally ached."I know you hardly know me, but I think the quickest way to do this will be if I carry you, will you allow me to do that?" he asked softly, patiently waiting for a response.
She nodded again, and he wasted no time in carefully picking her up, trying his best to avoid her injuries.
That didn't stop her from letting out a scream.
"I know, I'm so so sorry," he whispered trying to console her.
She didn't say anything, instead curling into his body further, head resting softly on his shoulder. Peter couldn't help the small smile that pulled at his lips as he thought about the fact that she was already seeming to seek his comfort, his warmth. This was what he'd dreamt of since the day he turned 18 and was old enough to have a mate.
He ran as fast as he could, trying to be careful not to move her too much, and to shelter her from the pouring rain. He knew that if he'd shifted he would have been quicker making it back to the house, but she was terrified, and clearly in no way to be holding onto his back as he ran, somewhere along the way she past out, head rolling unsupported as he ran, making Pete panic more.
After what felt like an age, the house came into site, spurring him on to run harder. He sprinted the last 20 metres,and up the front porch stairs, banging on the door to get someone, anyone's attention. Finally, Connor came to the door.
"The door was open, why didn't you just-" he stopped taking in the unconscious young woman in his arms. "Holy crap," he whistled. "Where'd you find her?" he asked as Peter pushed through the doorway forcing Connor to step sideway to avoid being hit.
"Down by the south border," he answered moving further into the house. "She needs medical attention is Shawn still in the surgery?" he asked as he went to go up the first flight of stairs.
"Here, let me take her, you can get changed and meet us up there," he offered, holding his arms out for him to hand Josie over.
Peter immediately recoiled, baring his teeth,a soft growl eminating from his throat.
Connor stepped back a look of deep shock and confusion on his face. "Peter what the?" he started before he connected the dots, a large smile wiping the look of confusion from his features."Pete, did you, is she?" he asked tripping over his words.
Peter nodded,"But she's a hybrid Con, so we need to get her upstairs," he spoke, wasting no time waiting for his reply. Connor rushed past him so he could open the door to the surgery. The familiar smell of disinfectant hit Peter's nose as they walked in.
"Shawn, we need you right now," Connor called out, as they rushed through the front area and into one of the many consultation rooms.
Peter could hear Shawn making his way through the surgery as he placed Josie down carefully on the table, immediately missing the contact.
"What have we got?" Shawn asked, walking through the door, before stopped short as Connor had minutes before. "Pete, where'd you find her?" he asked grabbing a pair of gloves from the dispenser on the wall and making his way over to the bed. "She's got some nasty injuries," Shawn muttered as he surveyed Josie's body. He went to move her shirt away from her stomach, an automatic response,to make a better judgement, but Peter felt an immense feeling of protectiveness wash over him again at another male, even his brother,who was trying to help, touching his mate.
He couldn't help the growl that slipped out as Shawn pulled back the fabric exposing her stomach and the nasty gash which Josie had shown Peter in the field.
"What's your problem Peter," Shawn laughed, turning to him, "I'm doing my job little bro,"
"You're touching her, you'll hurt her," he snarled very unlike himself. He knew logically that what he was saying wasn't true, but he couldn't help it.
"Peter, as if I'm going to hurt her, I'm literally trying to do the opposite," he stopped watching the way Peter's gaze never left Josie and something clicked. "Peter is she your mate?" he asked beaming.
"Yeah," Pete chocked on the word.
"Congratulations man," Shawn smiled again. "It's a big step finding your mate, what's her name?" he spoke knowingly. He'd found his mate Ava two years earlier,and Raul a year ago with Mia. They were both always so happy, so settled and finally Peter could have that too.
"Thanks Shawn,Josie, how, how bad is she?" he asked, almost wishing Shawn wouldn't answer.
"Well, from what I've seen so far, not great if I'm being honest, she's lost a lot of blood and the gashes on her stomach and shoulder look like they're getting infected, and if I'm being truthful I don't like the fact that she's not conscious. But I need to have a closer look. Will you trust me?" he asked.
Peter sat for a minute taking in what his brother had said," Can I hold her hand?" he asked embarrassed, cheeks heating up.
Shawn looked at him knowingly," Of course mate, here, sit on this. It'll actually be good. Having contact with you will help to keep her calm," he agreed, pushing a rolling chair with his foot for Pete to sit on."Where'd you find her, what happened?" he asked as he went to a cupboard and pulled a thick blanket out. Normally the wolves didn't need them, but they were kept on hand for the youngsters as a comfort tactic."She's freezing, borderline hyperthermic," he added as he took her temperature gently, Peter watching his every move as he then carefully lay the blanket over her.
"By the south border, I didn't realise it was her at first, I thought someone had left a pile of clothes," Peter admitted feeling guilty,"but when I got closer I saw that it was her and then her scent hit me and I knew. She was pretty reluctant to trust me at first," he added,"Shawn, she said wolves did it."
Shawn shook his head, as he went about hooking her up to different monitors,getting an I.V. with antibiotics in, listening to her chest and checking her pupils with a penlight. "We've had a problem with rogues recently, I'm so sorry Peter, I'll get a party together to deal with them," he added as Peter expected. "Connor," he called out, and it was only then that Peter realised that he'd left the room.
"Yeah?"
"Get Raul up here, I need to talk to him about the rogue problem," he was angry, Shawn was passionately against rogues and what they stood for and everyone knew it.
"I'm going to have to try and wake her up buddy, I need to know what sort of head injury we're dealing with."
Peter nodded, watching as Shawn placed a hand on her sternum and rubbed. He couldn't help the growl that once again slipped his lips. "I'm sorry mate, I wouldn't be doing it unless I had to," he looked genuinely apologetic.
A small whine left Josie's lips, and Peter was on his feet in a matter of seconds looking down at his mate anxiously.
"Josie, can you hear me, if you can hear me, give Peter's hand a squeeze."
Peter nodded, feeling his heart swell with relief as he felt her do as asked.
She opened her eyes, slowly taking everything in, before a panic set in and she tried to sit up."Hey, hey, take it easy," Pete, comforted, gently stopping her from sitting up and hurting herself further.
"You're safe here,do you remember me, I'm Peter?" he asked. She looked up at him with wide frantic eyes before recognition crossed her face and she relaxed into his grip.
"This is Shawn, my brother, he's the one I was telling you about," he added when she looked over warily at Shawn. "He's going to fix you up okay."
"It's nice to meet you Josie," Shawn smiled kindly at the young woman."How are you feeling?"
"Tired, sore,can I have some water?" she asked, voice strained.
"Of course," Shawn grabbed a disposable cup and filled it with water from the tap,holding it out to her.
Shawn went about checking her over,happily reporting that she only had a minor concussion, before numbing her up and carefully sewing her wounds closed. The whole time she clung to Peter like her life depended on it, but he didn't mind. He was happy to be able to provide the comfort.
There was a knock at the door and Raul walked in, not waiting for a response, only stopping as Shawn had at the sight of Josie.
"Who,what?" he looked between the three of them confused.
"This is Josie, she's Peter's mate," Shawn put emphasis on the word. "She was attacked by rogues and I need you to go out and find them, deal with them, do what you have to," Shawn spoke, not saying what both Peter and Raul knew he meant. End them.
Raul nodded, turning for the door, "Congrats little bro, best thing that'll ever happen to you," he smiled before leaving the room.
"Congratulations?" Josie asked looking up at him. Peter sighed, he hadn't wanted to tell her like this, he'd wanted to wait but he also didn't want to lie to her. He looked at Shawn who nodded."Josie,when we were in the field, did you feel anything when I touched your hand, a tingling?" he prompted.
Her eyebrows knit together, before she spoke,"Y-yeah?"
He took her hand again, "You're my mate Josie," he spoke carefully, waiting with baited breath for her response.
She was quiet for a moment, before a soft smile graced her features. Peter thought it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
"I am?" she asked, teary,surprising both the men.
"Please don't cry," Peter spoke quicky. "I promise you, I'll look after you with my life."
She shook her head,"It's not like that,my dad was a wolf, that's how I knew you were a wolf when we met in the clearing. I'm happy," she laughed, leaning into Peter's chest a little more.
Shawn beamed as he took in the cute sight before him,"You're okay for now, I'll leave you two alone," he spoke before excusing himself.
They sat in silence for a while, just happy to be in each other's company, still getting used to the feel of one another, the smell, the presence.
"Thank you," she whispered, eyes half open as she lay abck on Peter's chest.
"For what?" Peter murmured.
"For saving me."
"No Josie, thank you, you saved me," he countered, gently running his hands through her now only damp hair, causing her to shiver. "You are my life now."
19 notes · View notes
Note
hello my Obikiki brethren♥ i just want Kiki to flirt back ONCE to completely floor Obi and possibly ruin his whole day lmao "I was not expecting that and now I'm terrified of Miss Kiki."
Theworld is dark. Muffled. And cold.
Shiftinghis weight onto the ball of his left foot, Obi flexes his palms, slowly exhalesto calm his own racing heart, and listens.
“Mymoney is on you, Lady Seiran!”
“Puthim in the ground!”
Plantingone hand on his hip and raising the other palm down, Obi tilts his head down tocheck his nails. As if he could see them through the thrice folded fabriccovering his eyes. The crowd guffaws, some of them throwing taunts, otherspleased, depending on how they lay their bets.
Theodds are against him. After witnessing the test of Makiri’s blade to hers the day prior, confidence in him spilledfrom the spectators like the coin from their purse.
“Sendhim into early retirement!”
Obibites down on his grin. One of these days, they’ll learn. 
Ormaybe a few of them already have. 
It starts out slow. First by one, then bytwo, then by ten. Heavy boots land hard against the packed earth and gravel, thecrushing of rocks louder than all their voices raised together.
Cheats,the whole lot of them. 
“Ibelieve in you, Sir Obi!” 
“Goeasy on her!” 
Sweatprickles along the press of fabric, the taste of kicked up dirt landing on histongue. Of all the things to say; of all the encouragements to yell. He thought at least Hiro liked him.
Butunder the din, he hears the shift. She’s small. Compact. Graceful and deadly.Light on her feet and- 
Obi’sgrin grows predatory under his cowl. “Sloppy.”
Herhubris gets the better of her – always too eager to prove others wrong, too eager toshow she’s not less – and sheapproaches from behind, moving in a weaving pattern to throw him off. She just barely manages to do more than brush the strap dangling from his jacket beforehe’s on her. Torso twisting, his hand wraps around the thick leather of her wristguard, one of his boots slotting themselves between hers, and with just aslight pop of the hip-
Theelation of the crowd circling them reaches a new height, mixing with cries of despair. He would feel sorry for them, but-
ButObi lets go of her wrist, pulls the blindfold from his eyes.
-thelook of surprise on Miss Kiki’s face, eyes wide and unblinking as she stares up at him,is most certainly worth their suffering.
“Alrightdown there?” he grins, eyes already gritty from the dust.
Herface regains its elasticity, and she glares. “Sorry,” she coughs, pushing herself up to standing and brushing her pants off. He manages to bite his tongue long enough to curb the offer to help with her backside. “I can’t hear what you saidthrough that that rag on your face.” 
“Now,now,” Obi tsks, grinning behind his cowl. “You’re just mad you didn’t think you need one.” 
Around them, spectators turning on their heels, kicking up dirt as they head back to their own training. Obi squints through it after them, watching them go with an internal sigh. There were some things he started this position with thinking he wouldn’t have to teach; not leaving unnecessary tracks was one of them. But yet again, here they were proving him wrong. He was going to have to talk to Jirou about-
He almost doesn’t hear it. He certainly doesn’t see it. But his body moves, back arching, neck straining, feet squaring to stabilize his truck. 
It’s a surprise to both of them to find her fist caught in the palm of his hand. Right in front of his eyes.
Obi almost laughs. He definitely chokes. “Miss Kiki,” he manages, impressed, clenching his fingers down down when she moves to pull back. “The solution to being sloppy isn’t to get sloppier.”
She doesn’t listen. Which, considering who she had to train with in Wistal, shouldn’t exactly be a surprise. Withher hand in his, she goes for his ribs with the side of her other palm next. Sucking his stomach in, he jumps back, grunting when she manages to land a hit hard enough to knock his hand loose.
Fist yanked free, she takes a few steps back. A little thrill runs through him when she rolls her shoulders back, squaring back up. It’s a side of her that rarely sees, only coming out to play when Sir and Master and Miss are not within sight: chin lifted, clothes skewed, and hair a mess. Her wounded pride sparks in her eyes… And it is this that always makes him wonder, makes him think-  
Were she even one inch less the daughter of Seiran she tries so hard to be, just how easy might it been for her to lay down with the rogue he once was.
He shouldn’t think these things. Sir would have his head, refusal of her proposal or no. And Hisame, well, he really doesn’t care what the Vice Captain thinks.
“Is there something funny?” she asks, fists still raised like she expects him to pull a dirty trick as well.
He shakes his head. Pulls his cowl down when a single finger to offer her a grin and a wink. “I was just thinking how pretty you look on your back.”
Iflooks were a knife, he’d be bleeding out in the dirt. “You lookbetter on yours.”
“Isthat an offer?” Obi purrs, swaggering a little closer. He’s playing a dangerous game, he knows. But he just can’t help it. Not when she makes it so easy. “Ask me nicely. Maybe I’ll offer myself up.”
Her stance doesn’t loosen, but her eyes drop, scanning him from top to bottom with a slow appraisal. When they meet his again, the quirk of the eyebrow, the touch of a smirk are the last things he’s expecting. It throws him off. Enough that she drops her defense and gets in close. Close enough that when something soft presses against his arm, he looks down only to snap his eyes north again. 
Kiki is watching him, her look no less dangerous than the first but for an entirely different reason. The only blood that remains in his brain is there only to remind him of her breasts pressed up against him. The rest is making its way down to his cock, and he-
Ah, it has been too long. He must be making things up.
“If you’re so inclined, I’d be happy to prove it,” she says, close enough to his jaw that the hairs stand up on his arms. “Tonight. Here. No audience.”
Obi’s breath hitches, staring at that slow curl of pink lips, feeling the way her body presses to his arm with every inhalation, and he’s definitely, definitely imaging things.
“Obi!Kiki!” Miss’s voice breaks the moment, and guilt mixes with arousal at the sight of her at the edge of the training yard, a bag of pastries held victorious above her head. “I got there early enough to get the chocolate ones!”
“Wonderful, Miss!” he calls back, stepping away. Trying to forget that once familiar warmth of a woman against him. His skin aches in its absence, screaming at how it was only just starting to remember. “Miss Kiki made me work up an appetite!”
~~ ~
“Ow, ow, ow, owww….”
“Stop moving,” Miss scolds, prodding his bruise. “It’s only going to take longer the more you do.”
“But Misssssss,” he whines, squirming away from her cool fingers. “Can’t we just leave it this time?”
“No.”
Obi grits his teeth, staring hopelessly at the ceiling. Normally, this was the best part of his trainings. Whenever one of his men landed a lucky blow, it was their tradition for them to drag him to the pharmacy, fretting and fearful that they might have done something irreparable to his body. Or perhaps incur the wrath of Miss. He’s never told them that they needn’t worry about either possibility. If he hadn’t managed to do the first then it was impossible, and the second- Well, he never failed to draw Miss’s fire to him and him alone.
“What were you and Kiki doing anyway?” she asks, her hands leaving his skin for a moment. To his utter mortification, he makes a soft sound of loss, but she thankfully doesn’t seem to hear it.
“Just!” His explanation breaks out into a gasp, back arching when she lays something cold against the bruising. Her fingers lingers as she spreads the salve that smells like lemongrass and her. “Just sparring.”
“Mm,” Miss nods, her cheeks a little flushed. “Kiki keeps promising to teach me self defense, but I don’t know…”
Ah, that is not an image he needs in his brain. Not ever, but especially not today. Not with a single catch of flint to stone, Miss Kiki had lit him up so easily. He would’ve preferred going to his room to alieve the issue before going to the pharmacy, but Miss Kiki had grinned around her pastry, tongue picking crumbs from her lips, and casually informed Miss that she may have cracked a rib.
“Do you think she’ll be gentle with me?” Miss asks, eyes a little glazed as she presses a poultice to his side. “If I take her up on it, I mean.”
Obi can’t stop himself. He groans, turning away and hiding his face in his hands.
“Obi?” she starts, keeping her hand on his ribs to hold the herb pack in place. “I’m sorry! Did that hurt?”
“I’m fine,” he manages, face muffled in the scratchy bedding. “But I’m sure Miss Kiki would take very good care of you.”
Praise to all the gods he doesn’t believe in, because he doesn’t think to look back at her. For when she speaks again, he doesn’t think he’d be able to stand knowing what she looks like when she sounds like that. 
“I think I would like that,” she admits softly. Shyly. Then suddenly, sighing. “Do you know she has a special lotion sent from home? It’s something her mother had created so she doesn’t get callouses from her sword. Her hands are so soft…”
He’s going to die. This is his punishment. For any number of things. Maybe not murder but certainly for loving his Masters love. 
“Is that so?” he chokes. “I’ll have to ask her for some.”
“Oh, Obi!” Miss chirps. “Just get me the recipe and I’ll make it for you.”
~~ ~
Heforgets. Or that’s what he tells himself. But with the fire burning beneath his skin that has kept him half hard all day, part of him is… hopeful. To be wanted - just once - like he used to be. Evenif it simply because Miss Kiki wants to take the aggression out on him that she can no longer takeout on Sir.
So when he finds himself back at the training grounds at dusk, he tells himself that he’s just checking. Just making sure that the reports the night shift have been leaving are false. (Pick up your shit! Caro’s scrawl screamed, pinned up against his door the last three mornings in a row.)
The reports were, unfortunately, accurate.
Obi sighs, surveying the staffs and practice swords laying haphazardly on the ground. The unswept practice ring. The sweat towels piled unceremoniously in a dusty corner. And he adds yet another item to his men’s curriculum.
Grumbling to himself, Obi picks up the three bow staffs closest to him, intent on putting them back in their place when the distinct sound of a blade being whetted sings not five feet away. 
His knives are already in his hands by the time wood clatters to the ground.
Miss Kiki doesn’t look up, through. Legs spread and sword laying between them, her eyes follow the length of it, the movement of her hands as she slides them slowly. Casually. Obscenely. Up. And down. And up. And down again.
“Obi,”she finally says, and his mouth clicks shut. Under torchlight, the cut of her cheekbones are sharp as the blade she treats… so well. “I’ve been waiting.”
“Uhm.” He’s really so eloquent today.
“Allthis time you professed how you are trying to be a gentleman.” Her lips curl in a slow grin,hand drifting in a slow caress down the hilt of her blade. Sweat beads athis hairline when the tips of her fingers pause against the dark leather, nails briefly biting into it. “But I knowhow you really are.”
Herthumb sweeps over the base and he swallows. Hard. 
Kiki’s hands are really soft, Miss had said. He should’ve asked how soft.
“Remember,Obi.” She watches him from under her lashes. “You shouldn’t keep a lady waiting.”
Obican’t fly fast enough.
————–
She’sthe first one in the office.
Shirayukistumbles into the pharmacy, rubbing the sleep from her crusty eyes. Last night was cold. Too cold to sleep, especially after her burner gutted out sometime in the early hours of the morning. Doubly so when she crept to Obi’s room, trying to steal some of his warmth, only to find his bed empty and cold.
She hadn’t wanted to come in early for once - all of her projects were relying on others at this point - but at least it is warm here. The burners have been running all night, climate control being worth the expense to funding, and Shirayuki shovels another handful of coal on top of the dwindling fires. A blast of heat rewards her diligence and some of the ice under her skin melts. 
Where was Obi last night? she wonders, pulling the curtains open to let stark winter light fill the room. Every time she’s needed him, he’s always been there. Save for when he left to go help Zen, but she had been expecting the silence then. The cold. The uncertainty of not knowing where he was or if he was okay.
But maybe- maybe he was just fine. Maybe he was with that girl. The one she caught him with when Zen was here. He said he wasn’t interested, she knows, but- 
But people change their minds all the time. And she’s never seen him with anyone else. She knows how easy it is to feel lonely. To wish for- for someone’s hand to hold. For someone’s heart under your ear-
Shaking her swirling thoughts into an attempt at stillness, she ties off the curtains and moves on.
It’snot her business what he does in his free time. She wouldn’tmake him the Mitsuhide to her Zen. Not that Zen forced Mitsuhide’s hand, of course. But shewants Obi to have a life independent of hers. It would be nice to see him happy. To be married, even. Maybe even- even kids.
Really. She swears that is what she wants.
Pain registers, sharp, and Shirayuki yelps.Bringing her fingers to her lips, she glares down at the flame innocently flickering up at her from the workstation. Pulling the abused skin from her mouth, she gives them a quick appraisal. They’re red where the fire licked her, but nothing too bad.
Still, it would be best to- to get away from more delicate instruments. And treat her own injury before Obi noticed - as he most certainly would. If she left it untreated, the fretting would be endless. Just countless reminders about how aware of her surroundings she needs to be. How careful. What would Master say if I didn’t take care of you?
She needs to stop thinking about this. About him.
The doors to the supply closet swing open easy, and she takes only a single step in before, in the shadows, the light catches on two golden eyespeering at her from low in the dark.
Shirayuki screams, feet leaving the ground. Twisting in the air, she grasps for something to grab hold to, fails, and unsurprisingly her landing doesn’t stick. The moment her ankle turns, she twists, falling towards what is likely going to be a really bad spraign when an arm bands around her middle, jerking her up mid fall, another hand covering her mouth.
Shirayuki’s eyes widen.
“Shh!” Obi’s eyes are as wide as hers, dragging her back into the closet and closing it behind them.
“Obi!”Shirayuki says, muffled against his palm. She jerks her head back and tries again, “Obi, what are you doing in here?”
He gestures frantically for her to lower her voice, and in the light seeping through the cracks in the door, she can see the way his hair is mussed, face flushed, and clothes crumpled.
Shirayuki’s face burns at the thought thathe might have- might have brought someone here. That she might have caught him. The fact that she sees no one means little.
“Obi,”she tries again, touching his arm. Beneath her fingers, every single muscle bunches up and she draws back, stung. “Were you hereall night?”
“MissKiki.” His eyes are wide, panicked when he looks back to her. “I don’t know- I think she might wantto kill me.”
Shirayuki blinks. Then stares. Slowly, the lines connect the dots and her worry dissolves into memory like a wisp ofsmoke. “Are you drunk?”
“No!”
“Stoned?”
“No!”
Those answers were far too guilty. Far too fast. But- she sniffs- he doesn’t smell of liquor. Or the horriblesmelling herbs that are far too popular in the northern territories. But thenagain, she’s taught him all the ways to cover it and he is in the storage closet.
“Thenwhy weren’t you in your room last night?”
Hisface grimaces from guilt and she prepares herself for the excuses. For the explanation that it was all Kiki’s idea. Or Makiri’s. Or his men’s. “Was it cold?” he asks instead.
“Iwas fine,” she lies through her teeth. “Just worried.”
He winces, voice dropping low. “I’m sorry, Miss.”
Guilt churns in her own belly and she- she’s really being far too unfair. “You know,” she begins, quiet. Uncertain of how she’s going to say this, but certain that she might die from saying it. “I’m not stopping you from-from having fun. You can always bring someone back to your rooms if- if that’s what you want.I don’t mind.”
He stares at her as if she’s grown another head. “I-” He laughs, high pitched, mouth offering nothing more than that.
“I mean,” Shirayuki rushes. “I don’t want you to think that you have to find a storage closet if you wanted to- to- uhm-”
“No!” Obi barks, far louder than she ever was. He’s shaking his head emphatically in the negative. “I was here all night! Alone!”
Her face must show just how much she doesn’t believe him, because she is suddenly subjected to a fountain of words. Words that make less and less sense the more he talks and Shirayuki can feel the sigh rising up in her before she squashes it down.
“Obi,”she interrupts, right when he’s starting up on some yarn about how Kiki appeared in the shadows like some lustful succubus. “I know you don’t lie often, but you really do need to try harder than this.”
His jaw drops. “Miss!”
“I’ve got work to do,” she says, shaking her head and walking back into the pharmacy. “Whatever bet you loss, just pay her and be done with it!”
“ButMiss!”
The door shuts in his face.
25 notes · View notes