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Love's True Path	By : PrettySin Category: Anita Blake > Het Views: 3142 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Anita Blake series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Elias O'Sullivan glared at his wise ass science teacher- the one who was pissy enough to give him detention and call his friggin' aunt on the first day of school. All because he'd skipped out on the last half of class to smoke a cigarette in the boys' room down the hall. How the fuck the teacher had caught him... erg. He glanced at the clock. Five minutes until Aunt Mika got here... and Mika was always right on time. "You didn't have to call my aunt. She's got enough crap to handle..."

Richard looked at the boy. "I caught you smoking and ditching class. It was necessary to call her."

"Why?" Elias shoved his black hair away from his eyes as he heard the sharp click of high heels come down the hallway, then the abrupt knock on the door. Shit. He was in for it now.

"Ms. O'Sullivan?" Richard called out. He hoped so. The boy was trouble.

The door opened, reveling a woman who stood about 5'7", with a full figure but curve hugging pinstripe suit on that enticed, though it was doubtful it had been intended to look anything other than professional. Her brown and red hair was up in a tight knot at the base of her head. Black wire frame glasses covered her green eyes. "Mr. Zeeman, I'm Mika O'Sullivan, Elias' aunt." She glanced at the boy, the look betraying nothing as she offered the teacher her hand.

Richard shook her hand. “He ditched the second half of my class today to smoke." He told her. She wasn't that bad looking.

Mika turned to face her nephew, and sighed. "Elias, you promised me that you'd give up that filthy habit."

"Aunt Mika, I wasn't smoking. The kid in the-" He sighed as he saw the look in her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry for the trouble, Mr. Zeeman." Mika motioned for Elias to stand, clearly ready to leave.

"Ms. O'Sullivan. I'd really like to talk to you about this."

"Miss, please." She smiled at him, then rubbed her temple as she stepped back towards him. "Is there something further about this that I do not know?"

Elias mentally groaned. He was sooo grounded.

“Yes, Miss O’Sullivan. Elias has been disruptive in class. He made a girl cry today by teasing her because she's poor." Richard looked at Elias. "Then he told me to shut up."

Mika glanced at Elias. "This will be dealt with, Mr. Zeeman, I assure you. How was his participation in class?"

"What participation?" Richard fought the urge to roll his eyes. Elias had given him more trouble on a half day than any kid before.. "When he's not talking, he's sleeps. I don't want to kick him out of my class, but it's getting very hard to teach."

Running her hand over her perfect hair, Mika sighed. "I promise that I will discuss this with him, very seriously. However, I need to go and pick up my niece from school, drop them at the sitters and go to an appointment I'm afraid I cannot miss. Perhaps we could discuss this another time?" She offered her hand.

He shook her hand. "I'll give you my cell number. Call me on a night that you're free." Richard wrote his number down quickly and gave it to her. Maybe they could have dinner. He wouldn't mind that at all.

Mika nodded, then looked at Elias. "Get your things. We need to pick up your sister."

"Whatever..." Elias rolled his eyes as he stood, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"Elias Darien O'Sullivan, you will be polite to Mr. Zeeman and you will tell him goodbye. And you'll be serious about it." Mika's voice was nowhere as 'meek' as her name might suggest, and Elias turned grudgingly.

"Have a nice night, Mr. Zeeman." The teen said as Mika nodded. "Have a nice moo-.... night. Sorry. I mispoke." She waved, and they left, leaving an interesting scent behind her, perfume and... something.

"Goodbye to you both." He said. After she left, he smelled the air. Her scent had something...odd to it. And had it just been him or had she just been about to said ‘nice moon’? Tonight was the full moon. Richard looked at his door and wondered what Mika O'Sullivan was.

---------------------

Mika kicked off her heels as her niece and nephew rushed into the house, Elias heading for his bedroom, pissed because of her discussing his actions in school with him. She grabbed the phone and rubbed the back of her neck. “What'd you get for homework, Sweetie?”

Larissa looked up at her, blue eyes bright with happiness. "We have to draw our family and write a paragraph described everyone." The little girl said. "I started mine in class."

"Ooh... What'd you write, Rissa?" Mika hugged her niece, kissing the top of her head.

"I didn't start writing yet. I did most of the picture." She opened her little back pack and took out the drawing. "See. Me, you, and Elias. Mommy and dad are in the clouds cause they're in heaven."

"Aww.... they're so pretty!" Mika smiled at her niece. "I'm sure they'd have loved it. When you get it back, we'll put it on the fridge, alright? In a frame."

Rissa smiled as she pointed to another part of the picture. "And this is the doggie I want to get. See? He's big and white, and has lots of spots."

Mika grinned wryly and shook her head. "I said I'd think about it, hun. Now go ahead and get out of your school clothes, alright? Aunt Mika needs to make an important call."

"Okay, Auntie." Rissa ran off to her room to do as Mika had asked.

Dialing the number she'd gotten from another like her that she'd bumped into, Mika walked through the house to her bedroom as she waited for someone to pick up on the other end.

The ringing of his phone startled Richard as he sat in his living room, correcting this afternoon’s pop quiz.. Standing, he grabbed the phone. "Hello?"

"Hello, I'm looking for the Ulfric of the Thronnos Rokke Clan?" Mika's brow furrowed. She knew that voice- not well, but it was as if she had heard it recently. However, she had to make this call. The moon was tonight, and she could not afford to show up unannounced. It would be seen as a challenge.

"I am the Ulfric you seek." Richard said. "How can I help you Ms...?"

"O'Sullivan. And it's Miss. Miss Mika O'Sullivan, Sir." Where did she know that voice from? It ate at her and she frowned further.

"This is Richard Zeeman." He knew there was something more to Mika O'Sullivan. He couldn’t help the happiness that tugged at his mouth at finding out she was a wolf.

She gasped. "I... as in Richard Zeeman, middle school earth science teacher at Seckman?"

"One and the same. I'm guessing this is the same Mika O'Sullivan I met earlier." Richard clarified to be sure. Being that he and Anita were no longer seeing each other, he was looking for a new Lupa. Mika was good looking and seemed nice. She might be a candidate.

"Yes, Sir." She shook her head as she sat on her bed, crossing her legs. "I can honestly say that this is a surprise...”

"I am just as surprised as you are. I take you'll be meeting the pack tonight?" He asked her. He wondered if Elias' parent or parents had been wolves.

"Yes Sir, I will be. I'm a bit unsure as to how to get to the Lupanar. Could you give me some directions please?" She smoothed a spot on the comforter. "Actually, I'm very new to St. Louis..."

"I could pick you up on my way. Where do you live?" He asked her. "And just call me Richard, no sir stuff."

"Mika, then." Her thoughts raced as she gave him her address. "But I have to get Elias and Rissa dinner, and make sure the sitter's coming..."

Richard jotted it down. "How long do you need, Mika?" He asked her. She was a good woman to take in two children.

"Well..." She glanced at the clock, and saw the night crunching together. "How far is the Lupanar from my house?"

"About a forty minute drive." He told her. "It's kind of far away from the main part of St. Louis for obvious reasons."

Mika bit her lip. "Well, Sir- I mean, Richard, if you're not busy tonight, would you like to come over for dinner?"

"Dinner?" He said. "Um, sure. I was about to eat a frozen dinner." He laughed, "Real food will be nice. I'll be over in about ten minutes."

“That'd be nice. We're having chicken Alfredo, though it'll still be in the works when you get here."

"I'll help you cook then." Richard smiled. "I usually cook, but when you live alone sometimes it's not very fun." He felt the need to tell her he lived alone so she would know he was single.

"Well, sometimes it's not with two kids either." She smiled slightly. Hm... The man was good looking... a wolf... had a respectable job... he cooked... Obviously there was something else wrong that she wasn't seeing. Was he gay?

"I can image why." He said, laughing. This woman seemed like his type. Pretty, intelligent, caring...

Mika shivered a bit as his laughter caused something to heat and curl in her belly. "Mm. Well, I'll get dinner started if you'd like to head out..."

"Yeah. I'll throw some clothes on and head right on over. See you in a few. Bye."

She blinked at the click on the other end of the line. He was naked? An image filled her mind, and she blushed. Oh. Dear. This could be bad. Having a crush on the Ulfric was not a good idea.

Richard grabbed some clothes and headed out. Mika was very good looking. He hoped he would find out more about her, to see if she really could be a candidate for lupa.

Mika hummed as she stirred the Alfredo sauce, listening as Rissa watched Scooby Doo on the TV. She'd seen the movie over and over again, but still loved it.

She glanced at the clock and turned the chicken that was browning on the stove. Richard should be here soon.

Richard pulled up in front of Mika's house. It was nice, two stories and lots of windows. A wrap around white porch complimented the blue siding and white shutters. He got out and went up to the door. He made sure he looked nice before he rang the doorbell.

Setting down the sauce spoon, Mika smoothed her hair and headed for the door. For Pete's sake, why should she be nervous?! It wasn't even a date!

Richard smiled at her when she opened the door. "Nice house." God, could he be more lame?

"I thought so, and the kids liked it." She bit her lower lip and stepped inside. "Come on in, Sir."

"Richard." He corrected. He walked inside and looked around a bit. "It's even nicer in here." LAME!

"Sorry." She blushed, shutting the door behind him. "Shoes off, please. I'm trying to save the carpet... I don't know that it'll work, but it's worth a try."

Richard slipped his shoes off, baring his bare feet. "I understand. My carpet looks terrible from all the pack members coming and going."

Oh God... he even had nice feet! "Mm. I bet. The kitchen's through here." Mika forced herself to smile through her blush, leading him into the kitchen.

Richard followed after her, enjoying the freedom of bare feet. "It smells wonderful." Lamer...

"Thanks. It's my Mom's recipe. She got it from a friend in college who was from Italy." She glanced over her shoulder as she checked the sauce and chicken. "Could you grab the drainer, please? It's on the table, and the noodles are nearly done..."

Richard nodded and grabbed the drainer. He caught a glace of her backside. Not bad at all.

"Thank you." Alright... conversation... if you were a sexy, attractive man like Richard, what would you want to talk about. Sex. No! Bad mind. "So... do you like the outdoors?" Great, Mika. That's stimulating.

"Me? I love the outdoors. I go rock climbing a lot." I love the outdoors. LAME. God, Richard don't ruin this.

"Ohh.... Danger man." She shook her head. "I'm scared of heights, but I was on the splunking team in high school. Caving, I mean."

"Caving is fun too. Maybe we can go sometime. Caving that is." And this conversation’s is slipping fast.

Mika looked at him, her pink lips parting slightly in shock. Say something! "Oh?" Urg! Kill me now!

"Yeah. I know some good caves around here. Just bring clothes that can get dirty." And there it goes. Out the window...

She bit her lower lip, her teeth working the tender flesh as she fished for a reply.

"Aunt Mika, tell Rissy that it's my turn for the TV, I-" Elias froze, glaring as he saw his teacher. "What's HE doing here?"

"I am here for dinner." He said, unsure if the kids knew what Mika was.

"Urg... you're going to see him?" Elias made a gagging sound. "Aunt Mika, he's my tea-"

"Elias, don't make me take away your TV privileges too, because I will. And you'll treat Mr. Zeeman as you would any guest in our home. Politely. Are we clear?"

“Yes...” The teen mumbled before turning and heading into the other room.

Richard watched the teen walk away. "Do they know?" He asked. "I don't want to say something and give it away if it's a secret."

"No, they don't..." She sighed, stirring the sauce once more. "Greylen and his wife died a year and a half ago in a car accident... We're still getting used to the change." Mika glanced at the Ulfric. "I mean, I saw the kids every day before, but... not like this."

He nodded. "I would image it's been hard. Poor kids." He looked towards the livingroom. "I won't mention later then, since they don't know." No wonder Elias acted out so much. The poor kid was hurting. "I know a good child psychologist if they need someone to talk to."

Mika smiled, shaking her head. "They live with one, so...They're doing alright. It's slow going... but..."

"You're a psychologist?" He asked. Smart and drop dead gorgeous. He liked Mika more and more.

"Yes, though I'm currently looking for a job, perhaps at a local clinic. I also help people who deal with major changes in their life, such as health issues." She gave him a wry smile as she turned off the noodles. "Stand back please." She carried them to the sink, and began draining them.

He took a step back. "It'll be nice to have you are. Some of the new wolves are having problems, but they're afraid to talk to a non-shifter." He watched her move.

"Well, I was looking at an article about the coalition for bettering human and were communications or something like that. I was thinking about applying there." She set the pot on the counter, her cheeks rosy from the steam. "Of course, I'll be happy to help where ever I can..."

"We belong to the Coalition. I know Micah, the head of the coalition. I can put a good word in for you." He smiled as her as he helped set the table.

"That'd be great." God... he had to be gay. He was too... perfect. She bit her lip, chewing at it as she added the chicken to the Alfredo sauce, stirring it through. "Should I leave the sauce separate or stir it into the noodles?"

"Uh, stir it in, I guess." Richard finished setting the table. "Anything else you need help with?" He asked.

"Um... Not really." Mika adjusted her glasses before she poured the noodles into the sauce pan and stirred them through. "Unless you'd care for some bread? And there's a salad in the fridge..."

Richard started to help gather the rest of the food.

"You're a sweetheart. I'll be back in a moment after I get the kids." She smiled at him, brushing past on her way into the livingroom.

Richard set the bread and salad on the table as he watched her walk away. He was right. She had a VERY nice backside.

Elias glared at his teacher as he came into the kitchen, slouching as he sat at the table. "I can't believe you're hitting on my aunt."

"I am not hitting on your aunt." Richard said. "I am being friendly. You should try it sometime."

"Then why are you here?" Elias grabbed his glass, pouring himself a glass of juice.

"I'm here to talk about you." He said simply. "We want you to succeed."

"Didn't seem like it..." The teen mumbled. "You want some juice?"

"No thank you. I'll take some water though if it's not too much trouble." He said.

"Nah." Elias sighed as he pulled a pitcher out of the fridge. "Look, I'm sorry I was an ass..."

"Don't use that word, Elias." Mika led Rissa into the room. "Rissa, this is Mr. Zeeman. Mr. Zeeman, this is Rissa."

"Hi." The little girl said as she sat down at the table.

"Hello." Richard said. "And it's okay, Elias. Just don't be it again."

Elias nodded, setting the glass down as Mika poured Rissa and herself a glass of juice before sitting at the table. "I hope you don't mind, Richard, but we pray before eating..."

"That's alright with me." He said as he sat down at the table.

Mika smiled as they bowed their heads. "Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this meal before us, and may it please nourish our bodies and our minds. Thank you as well, for this house and this chance at a new life here with new friends, such as our guest here tonight." She glanced up.

Elias shook his head as he sat next to her. "Pass."

Richard realized he was next to Elias. "Pass?"

"God, thank you for the food. And say hi to Mommy and Daddy for me, please." Rissa looked up at Mika.

"Amen." Mika smiled at her niece, picking up the girl's plate. "How much do you want, Sweetie?"

Elias helped himself to the salad, watching Richard. "So... do you think my aunt's pretty?"

Mika froze, blushing.

Richard choked on his water. "Um...yes. Your aunt is very pretty." He said to Elias.

Mika set Rissa's plate back down, adding some salad to it.

"She's smart too." Elias grinned, winking at his sister before he looked at his aunt. "So... do you think Mr. Zeeman is hot?"

"Elias!" Mika took off her glasses, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "He's very handsome. Why?"

"No reason." The teen grinned, digging into his food.

Richard glanced at Mika then at Elias. He wondered what the teen was up too. Nothing good, probably.

Rissa looked at her brother. She didn't understand what was really going on. She just dug in and ignored them.

"Would you be interested in having sex with my aunt?"

Mika choked as she heard what Elias said, coughing.

"Elias, that's really none of your business." Richard said.

Rissa has been a very sheltered child. "What's sex?"

"I'll tell you later, Sweetie." Mika turned scarlet cheeks to Elias. "That is enough. Another question like that and you'll be going to your room."

"Well... would you be interested in dating my aunt?" Elias looked innocent.

"Elias." Richard warned. "Did you do your homework yet?"

"Yes, Sir." The teen looked down at his plate, picking at his salad. Mr. Zeeman and his aunt may not know it yet, but they were so going to get together. His first step, getting them to meet by getting in trouble had already worked... and tonight he was here. And even if the questions weren't answered, they would so think about them now. He barely hid a grin.

Mika glanced at Richard. "So... how do you like teaching?"

"I love it." Richard took a bit of pasta. "Science was always my best subject." He looked at Elias. "It can be hard at times. Some student are so hard headed."

Elias' ears turned pink. "Sorry..."

"That's great though- teaching is hard. It's something I thought I wanted to do before I realized that psychology was my strength." Mika took a bite of the Alfredo, moaning at the taste and licking her lips... almost as if it was something else she was relishing the taste of instead of food, despite the action being innocent.

Richard nearly dropped his fork when she licked her lips. He wouldn't be able to stand for a while. "It, uh, works for me."

"Is something wrong?" Mika asked, concerned at the look on his face.

"No." He said looking down at his plate, "Just today has me off my game is all."

"Oh... Sorry." Mika twirled some of the Alfredo around her fork, looking at Rissa. "Other than your drawing, what did you do in school, sweetie?"

Elias quirked a brow at his teacher, wondering what was up with him.

Richard ate his food quietly. Rissa grinned. "We made puppets and did some math."

"I'm glad you had fun. I know you like math. You're good at it like your daddy was."

Elias grinned. "Dad was the best- he was a Calculus professor."

"Calculus. That's a rough subject." Richard picked his water up and took a drink.

"I love math." The little girl said cheerfully.

"That's good."

Mika took a sip of her drink, watching Richard interact with the kids. If he didn't get on with him, forget it. The kids were her life. "Elias took accelerated math in his old school." Wait- had she really just thought that about the Ulfric?! He wasn't someone she was looking to date... was he?

Elias blushed slightly. "Yeah. The teacher got mad because I'd do it in my head..."

Richard nodded. "Most math teacher like to see the work." He looked at Elias. "Why aren't you in a higher math class still?" He asked. It was almost time to head out. He could feel the pull of the full moon. The need to shift.

"Because they said I cheated on the test they gave me." Elias shrugged. "The office lady accidently gave me the Senior Calculus test... and Dad has been teaching me math since I first learned to count."

Mika glanced at the clock. "Alright, kids, the sitter will be here soon. I'm sorry I have to leave, but it's not a choice. I'll be home as soon as I can in the morning." She looked at Richard. "Excuse me for a moment, please, while I grab some clothing for tomorrow."

"Sure." He watched her leave the room. "I can talk to the principal." He put his plate in the sink. "Get you moved up. It's not fair to be in a lower math class."

Elias shrugged yet again. "If you want. It's not a big deal." He grinned suddenly, tickling Rissa. "Dad used to have me help him correct his college class' papers."

Rissa laughed. "Stop." She pushed him away and giggled.

"I think it would help if you were actually challenged for a change."

"What do you mean?" The teenager stopped, watching his teacher as his Aunt returned to the room, having changed from her neat suit into a pair of scruffed up jeans and a t-shirt that hugged her curves, obviously well worn.

Richard couldn’t help but notice her oh so nice curves. "I mean it'll help take your mind off of things." He said as he looked back at Elias.

"Mmm. And it'll stop me from having to have a... discussion... with your principal." Mika gave Elias a look. "And you'll, I hope, behave much better in the future. That way, you won't lose your video games for two weeks." She kissed his head at his scowl, ruffling his hair before hugging Rissa.

"Are you going to be a good girl for the sitter?" Speaking of the devil, Mika heard the front door open, and the sitter call out that she was there.

Rissa nodded as she returned the hug. "Bye auntie."

Richard looked towards the sitter. "We should be heading out now. Don't want to be late. As the, uh, leader it looks bad if I show up late." He wondered what the kids thought she was actually doing.

Mika kissed the children goodbye as Elias told her to have fun bowling. She blushed, looked at Richard. "Shall we go, Sir?"

Richard hid a laugh. Bowling. "Please. Just Richard." He told her.

She ducked her head as they left the house. "I... you said that. I just..." Damn it, O'Sullivan! Stop babbling like a teen on your first date!

"Everyone calls me Richard or Ulfric. Only my student call me sir." He told her as they reached his car. He unlocked it and got inside. He tried not to think about being along in such a small place with Mika. He was almost... drawn to her. He gripped the steering wheel as she got in.

Mika chewed her lip as she fastened her seat belt. "No one's ever called you Dick?" She asked, not even thinking about the other meaning of the word. His scent seemed to envelope her, make her want to roll in it as they tasted each other. Bad Mika! BAD!

He laughed. "A few student have, but I think they meant it in the other way." God, she smelled so good. "Uh, so, are you excited?"

She looked at him. "Excited? Me? Why would I be excited? I mean, we're just in a car together. Nothing to be-"

"I meant about meeting the pack." He cut in. So, maybe she was interested in him. She seemed to be as nervous as he was.

"Oh." Mika looked at her lap, mortified as the Ulfric began driving down the street. "Yes. I am." Her voice was shy.

Oh gods. He loved her voice when she got all shy. He'd never felt such a strong attraction to someone before. She felt so right to him, so....shit. He slammed on his breaks and swerved over to the side of the road.

Mika gasped, grabbing the dash. "What's wrong?"

"Mika do you feel, how do I put this, strongly attracted to me?" He asked looking her in the eye. God, no wonder he had trouble controlling himself. She was his freaking mate. His true lupa.

She blushed darker. "Oh God, you must think me some sort of a tramp... I'm sorry... I don't understand it. I'm never like this. Ever. I mean, I've never even been attracted to a man enough before to get past second base." Mika gulped. "I'm sorry, I'll... control myself, I just... I'm having trouble doing so and I don't know why..."

"We are mates." He put his hand on her hand to comfort her. "You are my lupa." He whispered softly. "It is natural to feel this strong of an attraction." He grinned a little. "Just be glad it wasn't a worst case scenario."

She blinked confusedly at him, tilting her head slightly. "What do you mean? How can *I* be your Lupa? What's a worst case scenario?"

"Worse case. Neither of us were in control and we had sex on your table." Richard explained. "You are my mate. It's rare for an Ulfric and his true Lupa to ever find each other."

Her eyes widened, and her only response was a small squeak as she stared at him. His mate? How on earth...? But... it didn't... fuck.

Richard looked away. This was all so sudden. The only Lupa he'd had was Anita, but now he'd found Mika.

Sliding down in the seat, Mika covered her face with her hands. "What... does this mean? I just... I mean, I've only been a wolf for two years now, and the last pack I was in was... really.... messed up. The Lupa was actually a guy... as was the Ulfric... and, well, I don't mind gay people, but I was about the only straight person there and it was like there was no... structure... I... I'm babbling, aren't I? I really try not to babble... it's embarrassing and stupid, and I'm normally better at not doing it. Babbling that is, but when I'm around you, it's like I can barely not touch you, let alone stop myself from going on like some stupid high school student with their first crush." She paused, starring at him. Kill her. Now.

"I'm sorry your last pack was so bad. I promise our is better. We have our problems, but I hope you feel accepted and welcomed." He paused. The wolf inside of him demanded he take his mate, but Mika looked so lost and confused. "This is hard for me too. I want to touch you, to be with you."

She nodded, pushing herself back up in the seat, trying not to glance at his lap. He didn't mean that HE was hard- just the situation! "I hope so to... about the welcomed... bit." Mika reached out, touching his shoulder softly, unable to stop herself.

Richard took a deep breath as she touched him. He needed to stay in control and not ravish her in his car. Before he knew what he was doing his lips were pressed against hers.

Mika whimpered softly against his lips as she kissed him back, liquid heat pooling within her as she cupped his face.

Richard pulled her as close as he could, since they were both still wearing their seatbelts. He slid his tongue into her mouth. He wanted her so much. He pulled back for air. His pants were painfully tight.

She licked her lips as headlights flashed into the car, then leaned forward to lick along his lower lip. God, she wanted him. She needed him...

Richard pulled back panting. "Mika...we can't...you're first time shouldn't be here. And if we don't stop I don't know if I can stop." He had pushed himself back against his door. His wolf was fighting him, demanding his mate. That and the pull of the full moon was getting stronger. They needed to get to the Lupanar.

Blushing once more, Mika leaned back against the door. "I... we'll be late..." She swallowed trying to control her breathing, and the urge to simply climb across the seat and seduce him into taking her. As if she even knew HOW to seduce.

Richard slowly pulled back onto the road and continued the drive. Things were going to be interesting to say the least. "I hope you don't mind if I tell the pack that you're my lupa. They'll already be able to see the connection, but you won't be lupa until I make it official."

"Richard..." She licked her lips. "I don't want to upset the pack... surely there's someone that... aspires to be lupa... Not that I'm saying no... I just... I don't want to cause trouble..."

"No one in the pack wants to be lupa." He said as he concentrated on driving. "You'll have to prove yourself before the pack."

"Richard... you've got to be joking. Or blind. You're the sexiest man I've ever seen!" Mika made a valiant attempt to ignore the jealousy that clawed to the surface, her beast growling at the thought of another so much as brushing against her mate. MATE?!

"And you're drop dead gorgeous." He glanced at her. "And you are my mate. I want only you, Mika." He had to convince her of that. His wolf rubbed against hers and he nearly hit a car. "Don't do that." He told his wolf.

"Do what?" She blinked as her wolf shuddered, rubbing back against his. "And I'm not gorgeous. I think I'd know..."

"You are." His wolf responded to the touch. "My wolf keeps reaching out for yours. It's very distracting." He was glad they were almost there. He didn't want to get them killed because he couldn't control his damn horny wolf.

"I'm not going to argue with you about the beauty thing. It won't get us anywhere." She bit her lip, forcing her wolf back. Bad dog, no sex! "I'll try to control my beast..."

He turned onto a small dirt road. "It's okay. We're almost there." A lot full of cars came into view. There were people standing around talking. Richard parked the car.

Mika clicked off her seatbelt, unable to stop herself from watching Richard get out... and admiring his ass which was showed off ever so well in- Arg! Control yourself, O'Sullivan! She forced herself to get out of the car, reaching up to make sure her hair was still neatly in its knot. Satisfied, she faced Richard.

Richard was watching her. "We have to walk to the lupanar." He said.

Jason came bouncing up. "Hey, Richard. Who's the hottie?"

Richard growled at him, his possessive nature coming out. "She is MY mate." Jason went submissive before him. "I'm sorry Jason." Richard mentally shook himself. "This is all kind of new."

“It's okay." Jason turned to Mika. "So you're lupa now, huh?"

"I... it seems that way..." She reached out, offering her hand to the short man, taking in his blue eyes and blonde hair. "I'm Mika. Mika O'Sullivan."

Jason grinned at her."Jason Schuyler. Nice to meet you." He met Richard's gaze. "To the lupanar." He said and they headed off together.

Glancing around, Mika tried to take in all of the people, many of whom stopped talking to stare at her as they caught her scent mixed slightly with the Ulfric, and the muted desire that they both carried.

Jamil frowned as he glanced up from his place beside the thrown, standing immediately at the sight of the approaching Ulfric. Who was this new woman? He certainly hoped Richard wasn't bringing one of his girlfriends to the pack...

Richard led Mika to the throne. Best to make the announcement now. "I have wonderful news. I have found my mate, Mika O'Sullivan. As my true mate it is only right that she sit beside me as lupa."

Oh God. The pack was eyeing her with disbelief, and Mika heard several shouts about the 'last lupa' who they apparently had no high regard of, or the fact that Richard had chosen a stranger. Most of them ignored the 'true mate' part of his statement.

Jamil shook his head. "Ulfric, are you sure this is wise? Recall the last time-"

"Jamil. It is a rare thing to find your mate. I know Anita was a mistak-"

"A mistake!" Sylvie shouted, "She was like the goddamn plague. She destroyed everything she touched. You have chosen a stranger and I do not recognize her as lupa."

"Sylvie!" Richard shouted in disbelief.

"That is enough." Mika bit off, stepping between Richard and the other woman. "I have been chosen- if you disagree with this, then let's settle it. What would you have me do to prove it?"

Jamil shook his head. Sylvie would show the Ulfric how unwise he was being.

Sylie laughed. “Like you could take me on, little pup." She laughed at Mika. "If you can beat me in a battle of wills I will accept you as lupa." She sneered at her. "Not that you'll win."

Mika smirked, stalking towards the other woman in the dimming light as if she were stalking prey and Sylvie was dinner. "Fine." Slowly, she began taking down her shields, the power that began to slip through making the hair stand up on everyone present.

Sylvie let her own shields down. A little power wasn't going to scare her. She could take Mika any day. Richard watched from his throne. He hoped Mika knew what she was getting into.

Yawning as Sylvie's power washed over her, Mika dropped the rest of her shields suddenly, aiming it at Sylvie in a concentrated force, one of the wolves, an Asian man next to her, going to his knees.

Sylvie met her with her own power. Damn, Mika was strong, but she held her own on the first bout as Shang-Da fell to his knees.

Shifting slightly, Mika's eyes glowed golden and her beast growled at the other woman for daring to challenge her and her right to be Richard's mate. SHE was Lupa! Her power swelled as she fisted her hands, her nails digging into her palms.

Sylvie gasped as Mika's power flowed into her. Her wolf shrank back and she fell to her knees. "I GIVE!" She shouted. "Forgive me, Lupa."

Richard smiled at Mika. Damn, she was good.

Reigning her power back, Mika slowly put her shields back in place, then offered a hand to the other woman. "I forgive you."

Jamil stared, stunned. No one in the pack had managed to beat Sylvie, other than Richard, and more because Sylvie chose to submit, happy with her status in the pack.

Richard looked over at Jamil. "I told you she was different. She is my mate and my lupa."

The Skoll inclined his head. "She is Lupa." His nostrils flared at the faint scent of blood, and he looked to the Lupa. Mika had caused her left palm to bleed when she fisted her hands. She ignored the pain however, when she moved back to Richard's side.

Richard nodded. When Mika joined him he took her hand and licked the blood off. "Mika O'Sullivan. You are lupa."

She shivered, meeting his gaze. "Richard Zeeman, you are Ulfric."
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Love's True Path