Author's note:
All characters and companies mentioned in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone or anything bearing the same name or names. Events portrayed in this story are pure invention and have not been based on any events that have happen in real life. All the characters involved in any sexual acts if their ages are not mentioned beforehand; are over 18 years of age. Enjoy.
Hi everyone;
Here is the last chapter of the Coming of Age. I hope you all enjoy it, the next story in the series is Winds of Change. Just a heads up though, there may be a delay getting the first chapter of the new story up because I am moving, I will keep you up to date with my bio page.
As normal thanks goes to my editor and you the reader, all feedback is welcome.
Have fun.
Chapter 9
Wolfgang spotted Rayven before she walked into the dining room that morning, catching her eye he gestured her over. Rayven swallowed visibly and moved towards him. When he knew she was following he started to walk to the grand library. Rayven followed him in and was pleased to note that there were two covered trays waiting on the table for them and a pot of coffee.
Wolfgang sat and gestured for her to take the seat across from him. "Temperance said you have an addiction to coffee." He stated as he poured out two mugs.
"Yes," Rayven answered as she reached for the mug Wolfgang offered.
"It seems everyone is addicted in this house, at least it's not an evil addiction." He said with a grin trying to get her to relax. It didn't work which caused him to sigh. "Look... Rayven... whatever you've heard about me... is probably true." He took a deep breath, "however, once I decide someone is a friend, I don't get swayed."
Rayven watched him for a moment, looking directly at him but she kept her face devoid of expression, on the inside however she was a bundle of nerves. She took a sip of her coffee and frowned as she tried to place the flavour.
"Is there a problem with the coffee?" Wolfgang asked.
Rayven shook her head. "No... but what is the added flavour?"
"That would be cinnamon," Wolfgang answered, "It's my favourite." He added as he lifted a cover to see what was for breakfast, it was a selection of left overs that had his mouth watering. "Rayven, I'm not going to bite you, I would just like to get to know you. More than likely you will be staying at the central den and I make it a point to know everyone who calls this home." He explained.
Still Rayven said nothing, she wasn't doing it on purpose; it was just how she was trained.
Wolfgang rolled his eyes, "this is starting to grate on my nerves, Rayven, we, as in me and Amy are not out to destroy you, we named you as pack yesterday, we won't kick you out unless you seriously break the rules."
"What would you like to know?" Rayven asked as she picked at her tray of food, more than anything she wanted to answer his questions and be open to him but old habits, training that had been drilled into her, were hard to overcome.
"Whatever you feel comfortable enough to tell me." He explained just as Amy walked in with her own tray.
"Don't mind me," Amy said as she sat next to Wolfgang and started to tuck in.
Destiny was the next to walk in with her own tray of food, "so have you managed to get her to really talk yet?"
"Only about coffee," Wolfgang said slightly amused.
Destiny chuckled as she sat next to Rayven, "thought as much, Rayven was trained never to speak in front of her leader unless it was to confirm an order or answer a direct question. I couldn't get her to speak for months when she first came into work for me. It took an explanation from the envoy who replaced her that I finally understood. Give her rules and she'll obey."
"Just like that?" Wolfgang asked.
"Yes but once you make the rules you can't change them. Rayven has been a trained weapon almost her entire life." Destiny explained and Rayven was relieved that Destiny was here to explain to them.
"She talks to Crystal," Amy stated.
"Yeah but Crystal takes her orders from you two, you are the leaders and she is one of your officers." Destiny explained. "She talks to Serenity for the same reason."
"What rules did you give her?" Wolfgang asked curious.
"I only gave her one, Speak freely, I want your opinion, don't be afraid to give it." Destiny explained simply.
Wolfgang nodded. "Well there are several house rules you have to be aware of as well. We have a no fighting policy in the main house, take your fights outside or to the gym. The libraries are open to everyone, return books and they can't leave the house." He paused, "that's it for house rules, you don't need the others as they apply only to cubs."
"The rule about speaking that Destiny gave you applies from now until you die and no one can change it." Amy said firmly.
Rayven blinked in shock, Amy had just wiped away Tamor's conditioning with that one rule, she would be able to speak freely in front of her Alphas. "Thank you."
Amy shrugged, "now you just need to learn when to speak and when to keep silent."
"No... I've learnt that skill. I had to learn that with Destiny, when to speak and when to wait until we are more private before voicing my mind." Destiny explained as she ate something.
"We shall see how well you have absorbed that lesson later, tell us about you." Wolfgang prompted.
****
Crystal rested her head on Serenity's shoulder, her injured arm was between them, her eyes were closed. They were in the gym which had been transformed into a battle arena for the day. The group photo had been taken shortly after breakfast and had been a chore to organise all those people for only a minute so that the photos could be taken. It was slowly filling as people got ready for a day of physical fun. "Gee you really did a number on her." Nicky said as her eyes skimmed over Crystal. She checked her watch, 11 o'clock. "Hey Vampire did you forget something." She said to goad Crystal.
Crystal opened her eyes and glared at Nicky as the last of people in the den moved into the room. "I forget nothing Nicky and I warn you, once I kick your arse if I hear you call me vampire again I will dismember you and scatter your pieces."
"You wouldn't!" Nicky exclaimed, dismemberment wouldn't kill her, but it would leave her very uncomfortable until someone put her back together again or she pulled herself back together again.
"Call me Vampire again after I kick your arse and you'll find out."
Nicky watched her but there was something in Crystal's manner which screamed the truth at her, she wasn't lying. "Well are we going to fight or what?" She demanded of Crystal.
Crystal nodded and stood, even though her arm wasn't healed enough for movement she didn't need two arms to beat Nicky. Vivian stood between the two women, "Immortal combat, no blood rules." She turned and left the ring.
Nicky and Crystal bowed then they were off, Nicky never stood a chance as she simply could not counter Crystal's speed. Nicky went flying only moments after her bow was over. She didn't get a chance to get up before Crystal had the claws from her uninjured arm and hand digging into Nicky's throat, Crystal's knees pinned her arms down keeping Nicky pinned to the floor.
