Note to readers: Enjoy :D
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Joshua stood in the doorway of the holding room watching as Marie walked to a tray laden with meat, as she walked she shifted back into her human form.
Her body was lithe and slightly muscled, her breast were high and her nipples dusky. Yet he felt no stir of arousal just the love of brother to his sister which infuriated him.
Passion had found it so easy to jump into the arms of another man, Semati nonetheless. The one man Joshua would rather kill himself than see Passion with, but she had made it clear which side she had chosen. He would not grovel or beg for affection if it did not come freely.
"Joshua." Marie called running into his arms. Joshua held her tightly, burying his face into her neck and inhaling her scent.
"Did you missed me?" Joshua nodded enjoying the feel of her hand in his hair. "I've missed you too." Marie said pulling away from him. Joshua chuckled as her eyes roved over his body hotly.
"You are still the same." He said passing her a bra, knickers and a cotton dress Spectre had lent him.
Marie laughed pulling the dress over her head. Joshua tutted as she left the room, leaving the bra and panties behind. He followed her as she looked around the house, pointing and asking questions about his life so far amongst the pack.
"As much as I love you, what are you doing here Marie, and why were you in such a bad way?"
They were sitting on a rock in the garden. Marie was picking daises and making a dainty chain in which she placed upon Joshua's head.
"Naomi has sent her warriors after you, as long as you are not mated she will force you back to Stillwater." Marie said shuffling closer to Joshua her hand resting upon his thigh.
She gave it a squeeze before lifting her head towards the sky, revelling in the gentle breeze that swept the garden.
"So that's why you are here." He said.
"No! I mean I would be honoured but I'm guessing you've found someone else. You were never keen on mating with me anyway." Marie pouted moving her hand further up his leg. Joshua took her hand in his, playing with her fingers.
"You are like a sister to me, it would be wrong on so many levels."
"I know." Marie sighed. "You know you've gotten more outgoing since leaving Stillwater. Usually you'd be too scared to come anywhere near me." She laughed. Joshua tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear and kissed her gently on the cheek.
"Tonight I am going to a duel and tomorrow is the mating moon." Joshua said pulling Marie on to his lap.
It was something they used to do when they were younger, way before Joshua realised that it was his duty to mate with her. He found comfort in her embrace and it always soothed him to have her in his arms. Although, recently he had found comfort with Passion but he couldn't think about her without getting angry.
"A challenge? Already? You must be popular." Marie said clutching a handful of Joshua's hair and placing her thumb in her mouth.
When they had been younger Joshua would shift into his wolf form whilst Marie held onto his ear, it was the only way either of them could get to sleep, first in nursery and later when they were a little older and had regular sleepovers.
Which was all before puberty, as Stillwater males and females could only interact until a female had her first period. Then they were separated until marriage.
Sitting together like this was only possible when they visited their secret spot in Stillwater. Now here she was lending him comfort again but he there was nothing he could offer her not what she wanted anyway.
"If my mother finds out you've been here, you will be an outcast." Joshua said. Marie kissed the top of his head stroking his neck as if soothing a child.
"I know, but I couldn't bear the thought of her doing anything to you." Marie said and that was why she meant so much to him.
She may be after him as a mate and feel more than friendly love towards him but she always put his needs above her own.
"You are a member of my pack now." He whispered into her ear then dumped her on to the ground. Marie laughed as she dusted herself off.
"Joshua."
Marie and Joshua turned to see Brent standing in the door way, his gaze riveted on Marie. Joshua smiled to himself as Marie gave Brent the once over as if looking at crap on her favourite dress.
"Who is this beautiful creature?" Brent asked walking down the stone steps. Marie ducked behind Joshua as Brent came closer.
"This is Marie, one of my closest friends. Marie this is my cousin Brent." Joshua pulled Marie from behind him, placing both hands firmly on her shoulders so that she couldn't escape.
"Enchanté." Brent smiled reaching for Marie's hand and bringing it to his lips. Just before he could kiss it Marie pulled back and punched him in the mouth.
"Fuck!" Brent spluttered as blood bubbled from his mouth.
"Should have warned you, her bite is bigger than her bark." Joshua laughed pulling Marie into his arms, he took her fist and studied her knuckles which were bloody.
"I got him good didn't I?" She laughed.
"Yes you did." Brent grumbled. "I don't think I should be offering you my help." Brent sulked.
"Your help?" Joshua asked.
"Well seeing as you were brought up as a pussy, I thought I could teach you a couple of things about how to fight. I Wouldn't want to lose my status." Brent said.
Joshua was surprised by his cousin's offer. Brent had made it increasingly clear how much he resented Joshua's presence and so to have him offer his expertise came as a shock.
"Why would you help me?" Joshua asked.
"Like I said I don't want to lose Alpha status, I would rather stay Beta than see the shit beat out of you."
"If that's the case then I thank you." Joshua said offering his hand to Brent. A few seconds ticked by before Brent took Joshua's hand and shook it. ---
"Come on, think, how can you attack me if I'm blocking?" Brent shouted as Joshua came at him again with closed fists.
Brent deflected each blow then punched Joshua in the gut. Joshua staggered back wincing at the numerous blows his cousin had dealt, if he wasn't careful he would be too weak to defeat Semati.
"Think Joshua, you have more than one skin." Marie shouted from her place in a large tree, her legs swinging back and fro.
A small smile crept on Joshua face as he quickly took of his clothes. Fur sprouted from his skin as he fell on all fours, in one long shake of his body he turned into his wolf form. Running at Brent his tackled him to the ground and bit down gently on his arm.
"Good boy." Brent laughed ruffling Joshua's fur. Joshua growled biting down harder on his arm, teeth sinking into his flesh.
"Okay I get it." Brent hissed pushing Joshua off him. Marie whopped and clapped.
