Alpha's Awakening Page 3

  “As for the fires. We don’t normally like to mention them. It was a disastrous time. You’re right, Logan. Some of our people like to blame your race for what happened. There are so many tales, as you probably already know. But if they are keen to our history and have read the textbooks, they know that this was all meant to be,” he says.

  Logan nods confidently. “I know. This was said in our books as well.”

  “Yes. I blame no one. It’s pointless to carry that kind of hatred. These things just happen. Time moves us forward. It is up to the goddesses to decide what happens in our world,” my papa says.

  Jergen finds a new train of thought. He hands Logan a small bag of herbs. “By the way, I heard the news, Logan. My ears have gotten worse with age, but I can still hear when people talk in the main halls. Your father is a great man. I’m sorry that time has begun to catch up to us. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. I know this is just some hogwash of the shamans, but I made you this scent-bag. I hope it can remind you of the good times.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Logan says. He glances over at me, hurriedly, and smells the bag. “It smells exactly like him. Thank you again.”

  “Does dad know where I went to?” I ask, as the car comes to a halt. Outside of the window, I can see Alste setting up chairs. He turns and checks out the car’s tinted windows, before going back to work.

  “Does he know that our eldest son has found his mate?” He laughs loudly again. I feel totally embarrassed, but I manage to keep my cool.

  “Well, we haven’t exactly…” Logan’s voice trails off, awkwardly. I see him sneak a peak of my ass.

  “He doesn’t know. I figured you would be the one to break the news. Logan, you might want to wear this,” he says.

  Reaching into a dusty, suede bag, father pulls out a large ceremonial garb. “Hopefully it fits,” he remarks to himself. “You’ve grown much since I last saw you.”

  “It’s beautiful. Thank you, Jergen.”

  Logan steps out of the car and pulls his shirt over his head. I feel my jaguar urges kick in when I see his washboard abs directly in front of me. I can’t look away until he puts on that ugly ceremonial shirt on.

  “What?” Logan asks.

  “Are you going to take off your pants now too?” I raise an eyebrow.

  “That’s for later. In your room,” he says.

  “Alste!” Jergen calls. “Your son has a little announcement. Well, a big announcement, actually.”

  My papa actually keeps his eyes on Logan’s muscles when he says it. I can barely hold back my embarrassment.

  “Papa, come on. Please. Not here, in front of everyone,” I plead.

  “This will be fun.” Logan wrings his hands together. His muscles are barely fitting into that shirt right now.

  “See, your alpha knows the deal,” Jergen says.

  My cheeks are as red as cherry pie. My dad and brother walk over, dusting their hands off.

  “Logan!” Jonas exclaims passionately. “I haven’t seen you in ages. How’ve you been, brother?”

  My dad, Alste, smiles lovingly. He’s a hard worker and sometimes he can be a little pushy, but I can tell that he’s in a good mood for the ceremony.

  “Well, this is a surprise. What brings you to the Ceremony of the Jaguar Independence?” Alste asks.

  “He’s shacking up with our son,” papa rudely interrupts.

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” I mutter.

  My dad cracks up. “Cute. Is this true, Jackson?” A sly smile forms on my brother’s face as well.

  “Okay, okay,” I say. “Let’s just get back to setting everything up. We’re all friends here. Nothing new.”

  Logan pets my hair tenderly and pushes my head into his chest. “He’s embarrassed,” he says. “I’m not sure about Jergen’s choice of words, but we’re connected by fate. I didn’t expect to come here so soon. There are some things I wanted to take care of first. But here I am. I’m honored to be back for the festivities.”

  “I heard about Genesis. I’m so sorry,” he says.

  “No worries. We’re here to celebrate, right? Let me help you with things,” he says.

  While Logan helps out Alste and Jonas, my papa turns to me and squeezes me shoulder. There is an understanding between us Jaguars, and I know exactly what this talk is going to entail.

  “So, my omega. All grown up, eh?”

  I shrug. “I guess so. Are you angry with me for keeping it such a secret?”

  We walk together, past the old tree stumps from his time. “Sit down, son,” he says. I do and I listen because he has always given me sage advice when I need it.

  “I can never be truly angry with you. You’re my son. Technically, you’re the oldest. I knew you were going to meet Logan. I heard you talking in the clearing nearly every night.”

  I almost run away in embarrassment, but he holds up a steady hand. “Don’t worry, I tuned out within seconds. I’m proud of you, Jackson. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. What worries me, however, is this quest Logan is on. I believe it’s much bigger than he realizes.”

  “I… I don’t know,” I whisper. “I don’t think he knows either yet. He has an uncanny ability to dream past this world. In his hibernations, he gets these visions.”

  “Of what exactly?” he asks, turning very serious.

  “A goddess, I think. Astra. And the council of the fates. It’s the same dream every time. He receives these transmissions in certain places more than others.”

  I hold back the urge to tell him about the arrowhead that Jonas found, realizing that it is most likely a huge piece to the puzzle.

  “We are a group of proud people. We have a strong purpose in this complex maze of mystery,” he says. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t worry for you. Your era has lived in times of relative calm, but it is obvious something is coming.”

  I nod, understanding. I’ve felt it. Everyone my age can sense it coming. “So what do I do?”

  He closes his eyes gently. The wind rushes against our faces. For a split second, I can see the images of the old times, back when we were young. The fire and the fury. The chaos that moved us toward peace. When he opens them again, he has answers.

  “Be there for Logan. And don’t tell your brother anything. Not yet. His abilities are too corrupted from what happened inside those flames,” he says.

  “There were specters inside them. I remember now,” I say.

  My brother, as a cub was crying near the flames. He held out his hand, reaching for the bright orange inferno. In the center were the faces of the goddesses. It was almost as if they were beckoning for him.

  I don’t remember much else, really. All I know is that I woke in the shaman’s room. The man laughed and said everything was going according to plan. Then, he ushered me back to Jergen.

  Everything was different after that. The Jaguars rebelled against the peaceful order made between the races. Both sides were passionately venomous. I knew Logan and I would be barred from seeing each other, so when his family left the area, I made a promise to sneak out of the camp to see him once a month.

  It was the only way.

  “Your brother’s gift was transferred to something entirely, something very different. He owns the connection of time now. Yes, the fates have done a number on him. He has an innate sense within him, so strong I don’t think he’s even aware of it yet. It’s rare that someone’s intuition can be so powerful. But it’s also somewhat of a curse,” he says.

  He takes in a deep breath and pats me on the back. He smiles, remaining strong and wise. “Something tells me that I need to let go. I’ve been chieftain for a long time now. I’ve participated in these kinds of ceremonies all my life. This year, everything feels different. Maybe that’s a good thing.”

  I know exactly what he’s saying. Everything feels different. Even the air feels strange. I look over at Logan helping my dad light the torches for tonight. He sends a wink my way and a sly smile. His s
trong arms push up in the air as he lifts the giant flame.

  My father purrs loudly and squeezes my neck. “Stop drooling and go to him. You both can’t stop sending glances. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. My omega, in love.”

  If there was a mirror in front of my face, I’d surely be seeing my cheeks turn flush. I dart up from our seat and pounce over to Logan. I take his hand and kiss him right on the cheek. Tonight is going to be about us and I’m as proud as I could ever be.

  Chapter 5

  Logan

  A set of mallets is dipped in oil before being lit with the flames of the torches. Jergen carefully wraps the leather-bound choker around my neck. I close my eyes and feel Jergen’s fingers, wet with paint, brush against my face.

  “The power of light. The black thread of darkness. The voices within,” he whispers to himself.

  I open my eyes and Jergen smiles. “Welcome son. Treat my boy well.”

  The darkness of the night covers our faces, but the flames around us flicker in fragments of gold. I eye Jackson who is looking proudly at his jaguars. Specks of green can now be seen on his forehead, where he suffered a nasty insect sting over a decade ago. I smile and nearly choke up at how beautiful and unique he is.

  The warriors of the jaguar are lined up to the side, holding one scorching mallet in each hand. Down they go in unison. One after the other, they hammer toward the heads of their large battle drums. The sound resonates loudly within the camp, like lurid gunshots.

  Jergen makes his way around the camp, ushering the same chants to each jaguar. Something in me feels connected to all of this, despite being from a separate group.

  I sneak a look at Jergen’s mate, Alste, and I see how fondly he looks at him. They’ve been through thick and thin together. There has been some hardship, but they gave birth to two beautiful twins. They have held this whole camp together with their bare hands. I can’t begin to vocalize how grateful I am for them.

  “You look real sexy in that choker,” Jackson whispers.

  “You like it, don’t you.” I wink back, and bite my lip.

  I feel his light pinch against my butt. A shiver of electricity runs through my spine, followed by a deep breath outward. I instantly see Jonas’s disapproving glare next to us. Jackson growls, “Don’t be such a prude, Jonas.”

  Jonas straightens his back and juts out his chin. He stays defiantly silent. Meanwhile, the medicine man has walked into the center of the camp, followed by an apparition of a large phoenix. He ushers forth a prayer for the good of the land and the prosperity of their people.

  Covered in a large coat made from wool and other random materials, he lowers his body down onto the soil. The phoenix perches on his back, illuminating the darkness in a fine, sparkling red. It’s absolutely dazzling to see.

  I feel Jackson’s hand brush against mine. His light fingers drag across my palm. I close my eyes and smile, wishing to feel his kiss across my neck. Our fingers interlock. The night feels harmonious and groundbreaking. This is my mate. This is who I’ve been waiting for all these years.

  The shaman, still ducking against the ground, points up toward the sky. A large comet rushes against the night. The whole camp’s breath is taken away.

  The shaman chants loudly in the native tongue of the goddesses, increasing in volume with each new set of prayers. When his intent is complete, he jumps high into the air.

  The phoenix flies into the night, sporting a large tail of fire. Every Jaguar lets out an exalted roar. The fantastic bird heads for the comet in the stars. You can see the fury of destiny in his eyes, as he makes his journey.

  Jackson’s grip intensifies around my hand. The phoenix does a barrel roll before colliding against the comet in a burst of flames. Everyone lets out a cheer, as this marks the start of a new year, a new beginning.

  “I feel awakened,” I find myself saying.

  “Me too,” I say. “More than I ever have.”

  From the flames comes a solid, red feather. Silently, it floats to the bottom of the camp. The shaman lets it fall onto his third finger. Slowly, it wraps around his knuckle, forging into a ring.

  The man has an excited, yet surprised look in his eye. “Oh, the goddesses have favored us this year! This ring signifies a new era of the jaguar!”

  Another set of cheers follows his exclamations. He continues, lowering his voice. “This ring will be set aside for ages, unable to be worn,” He pulls the red tinted ring from his finger and holds it in front of him, peering through the center.

  “We will find peace. We will rebuild what we have lost. And when the time comes, this ring will turn back into the phoenix. Then we will know that the rift of our age has been sewn back together.”

  Jackson leans his head against my big body. I can feel his heartbeat racing in tangent with mine. “Follow me,” he says. “I’m ready.”

  “Yes, please.” I grin, feeling the electricity between us.

  I feel a masculine rush of excitement. He lets go of my hand and walks into the darkness, toward his side of the house. I slowly follow suit, despite Jonas’s shy growl. The allure of Jackson’s powerful scent is far too much for my senses.

  His scent is nutty, warm, and delicious. If I didn’t know any better, I would say that he’s beyond ready for me. His slick must be dripping like honey inside those jeans. In this perfect moment, I need him now.

  Before he can jam the key into the lock of his door, I kiss the back of his neck. The short, golden hair rises up with electricity. He furrows his head back against my lips. Turning, he places his back against the door. “Mmm,” he moans soft against the wind.

  My lips press against his, and in that moment, I can feel our energy begin channeling. We kiss deeper and it grows within us. It’s not like the usual sexual energy. It’s even more powerful. I feel like I have the strength of ten goddesses inside of me.

  I slide my hand against his perfect, smooth abs. I search for his nipple and lightly tug. He lets out a vibratory purr and reaches downward. My hard-on is pushing against the denim of my jeans. I hear him zip down slowly. His hand enters the hole of my pants, and wraps around my shaft.

  “I’ve missed this cock,” he whispers against my ear.

  I thrust him against the door, even harder. Unbeknownst to me, the lock had already been twisted enough for me to force the door open. In we go, flying into the air. We both land on the ground, hard.

  The house rumbles as my full weight lands on top of him “My omega!”

  I’m beyond embarrassed by my anxiousness. A lamp that was teetering on the edge of his bedside table has fallen to the ground and shattered.

  “It’s fine, I’m fine!” Jackson lay underneath me, out of breath. “Just, uh, move off me for a second?”

  “Shit, I’m sorry,” I mutter. “I don’t know what came over me.”

  I shift off to the side in embarrassment, pushing my back against the bed. Outside his room, the jaguars can be heard singing songs loudly. My guess is either no one heard our little tumble, or they’re too caught up in the festivities to care right now.

  “Giving up so soon, alpha?” He smirks and crawls onto the mattress, unbuttoning the top of his jeans. Slowly pushing them down, he pauses when the top catches around his firm cheeks.

  Another rush of euphoria hits me. I rip off my shirt and throw it in the corner. I watch as Jackson slowly takes off all his clothes. Bending over on the mattress, he turns his head, playfully.

  I can’t believe it. I’m about to burst. I brush my fingers on the head of my cock, and it feels stiffer than a wood plank. Jackson can’t take his eyes off the warm, throbbing, shaft. And I can barely hold back when I see his warm slick staring back at me.

  “Hurry. I’m dripping onto the sheets,” he says.

  I gulp down and jump onto the bed. I move behind him and cover the back of his body with mine. I’m trying not to draw this out too long, but I want our first time to be special. This is my life mate. This is actually going to happen.

/>   Straight as a golden arrow, my cock rests below his taint. I push forwardly gently and feel the head of my cock touch his rock hard sack. He eases back while I thrust forward. His tight balls feel warm to the touch. I moan loudly when he begins rubbing our shafts together.

  We kiss deeply before I realize what he’s doing. With his cute ass, he angles it just enough to catch the head of my cock.

  “Fuck,” I moan, already feeling on edge.

  The most intense images flood my mind. I keep picturing my cock exploding inside of him. I close my eyes, but it doesn’t help one bit. I breathe in deeply and try to relax myself.

  “Hold back, alpha. There’s no rush. Let’s take our time with this,” Jackson whispers, sweetly.

  I bite my tongue and he relaxes a bit. “Okay, I’m good… I think,” I whisper.

  Again, he slowly pushes back. The smell of his slick has now permeated the whole room, driving me into an absolute frenzy. Jackson continues to rock his hips back and forth. I feel his wet hole and shudder. I grab onto his hips and push forward with more force this time.

  “Slowly,” he whispers.

  His hole catches around me and the warmth is the most heavenly feeling I’ve ever experienced. Something happens to us in this moment. The electricity between us runs so high that I feel it pulsing inside of me. It’s similar to the feeling in that dream I keep having.

  “Alpha, what’s going on? Don’t tell me you’re about to lose it,” Jackson says, trying to push forward to ease off of me.

  “Jackson, open your eyes right now,” I say, just noticing the light in the room. On the jaguar’s body are symmetrical patterns of light blue, and they’re actually vibrating.

  On the back of his neck, Jackson’s hairs rise into the air. “What’s happening to me?”

  “Have you always been able to do this?” I ask him.

  He slowly pulls away from me and holds out his hands. He shakes his head with confusion. “No. I’ve never done this before in my life,” he says.

  My cock drips with his slick onto the already-soaked sheets. I reach down and scoop a little onto my finger, lapping it up hungrily. I grin.