She shifted slightly in her sleep, waking me. It was well past dawn, and I wanted to stretch and enjoy how great I felt. It wasn’t the good night’s sleep that had me feeling content and relaxed. Michelle still lay draped over me. Her scent wrapped around my senses as tightly as her arm wrapped around my chest.
I could wake up like this every morning. Just so long as she didn’t wake up before I could hide the evidence of just how much I liked holding her all night.
She chose that moment to lift her head and meet my gaze. Morning light brightened her blue eyes and added contrast to her increasingly pink cheeks. Her eyes widened a moment before she scrambled to get off me.
Her knee planted right between my legs. Again.
I barely noticed her sprint to the bathroom as I lay still and tried to regain my breath. If Jim had seen that, he would have died laughing.
After a few moments, I rolled off the couch and limped to my apartment. A cool shower helped a little. Time helped more.
When I walked into Winifred’s apartment, I barely had a hitch to my step. Mary and Gregory didn’t seem to notice. I ignored Winifred’s knowing smirk as I joined them at the table.
“Thank you for allowing us the use of your apartment, Emmitt,” Gregory said. “I’ll be sure to let your father know the progress you’ve made.”
“Not me. Jim. I’ve only been home a few weeks.”
I reached to help myself to the remaining breakfast.
“And finished a whole apartment and repainted the outside of the house and built a play area for the cubs. It’s a lot of improvement in a few weeks. We look forward to the changes in the upcoming weeks.”
Already the weight of responsibility troubled me. How would I ever be a good leader?
“Where are Paul and Henry?” I asked Mary, hoping to change the subject.
“Still sleeping. They stayed up late with Jim, watching a movie about pie and America, I believe.”
I recalled watching the movie a few years ago and coughed on my eggs. If Mary ever found out what Jim had let them watch, he’d be the one walking with a limp.
It wasn’t long before the boys came running downstairs. Paul and Henry didn’t sleep long after that. The little time they had left before leaving, they spent playing in the yard with Liam and Aden.
Everyone was on the porch when Michelle joined us, freshly showered. She wouldn’t meet my eyes but did stand beside me. Hopefully that meant she was embarrassed by my interest rather than angry with it.
After Mary and Gregory left, the boys talked us all into a game of baseball. They never seemed to tire of the game and basked in Winifred’s praise every time they caught the ball or scored a run. Jim’s return home gave us a chance to call a break for dinner. Afterwards, the boys talked Jim into a movie at Nana’s place.
“You two need to get ready for bed first,” Michelle said. A whole day of outside play had worn them out, and she knew they would fall asleep before the movie ended.
The boys agreed and raced off to pick a movie and do as their sister asked.
“I’ll go help them,” Winifred said, leaving me alone with Michelle.
Although we’d spent the day together, I hadn’t had any time with her. I wanted to apologize and hopefully ease some of the nervous avoidance I’d noticed throughout the day. Not physically. She wasn’t afraid to be near me. But she wouldn’t meet my gaze yet.
Taking her hand in mine, I led her to the open tailgate of the truck. She squeaked when I lifted her up and sat her on the gate, but leaned toward me when I joined her. Enjoying the closeness, I decided to keep my apology to myself for a few more minutes, and watched the sun set with her.
“I’m sorry about last night,” she said as the last of the light faded.
“Why? It’s the best night sleep I had in a while.”
She rolled her eyes at me, making me grin.
“The longer I’m with you,” I said, “the more I want to be near you. When you first came here, being apart at night didn’t bother me. You were only two floors away, and I’d started working on the apartment so I knew we would be closer soon. Then, sleeping in a bed that smelled like you helped, but it’s been getting difficult again. If you asked, I’d sleep on your couch every night.”
She considered it for a moment before answering.
“I’m not sure how Liam and Aden would take that. They’d probably worry that we aren’t safe again, no matter what explanation we gave them for your overnight stays. I don’t want to scare them.”
“We could always share your bed,” I said.
She looked shocked by the idea.
“No hidden agenda. Just sleeping.” And I’d keep my word. Anything to have her wrapped around me like last night.
A small sound distracted me from her response. A laugh.
“Pussy,” a voice in the darkness said. “She doesn’t need a boy in her bed. She needs a man.”
A challenge? I moved fast, lifting Michelle from the tailgate as I watched the woods. The mutt still hadn’t shown himself.
“Get onto the porch,” I said, putting myself between her and my challenger.
I was just about to call for Winifred as a witness when two men moved in the trees. Challenges were one-on-one. I reached for Michelle and nudged her toward the porch. She finally started moving.
Winifred, we have two visitors. One might be here for a challenge. Neither has stated their intent yet.
I’ll be down in a moment.
The two men stepped into the yard, already partially shifted. Moonlight broke through the clouds, lighting the area enough that Michelle caught sight of them. The scent of her fear worried me.
One of them smiled at her, and I growled.
Michelle moved slightly behind me, her heart thrumming fast.
“Where’s Blake?” she asked, her voice carrying.
Both of the werewolves stopped their advance. They exuded confidence, not confusion. That could only mean they knew Blake. They knew Michelle.
“Give him a message for me,” she said. “He won’t get what he wants. I’ve seen it.”
Winifred, I need you now, I sent her.
I’m here.
I heard her moving stealthily down the stairs.
“You know nothing, little girl,” one said from the darkness. “You just played dress up and sat at Blake’s dinners like the puppet you are. If not for the curse that causes you to be born to humans, we would have wiped out humanity long ago.” As he spoke, he began to shift further. “You are nothing more than a tool.”
Winifred stepped out onto the porch. The men in the dark shadows didn’t react well to her appearance. The hold they had on their shift slipped, and their muzzles started to form as their hands shrank to paws.
“Leave now,” Winifred said. It wasn’t an order. It was an Elder command.
However, neither wolf moved to do as she’d commanded. Stunned, I watched as they moved forward again.
“Quiet, old woman,” the second werewolf growled.
Michelle cringed, and Winifred snarled as she burst into her fur. Bits of her clothes flew in all directions. I didn’t take my eyes from the men as she leaped over our heads and landed several yards in front of the porch.
Guard your Mate and watch for others, Winifred warned as she crouched low and growled at the intruders.
She stared them down, but neither werewolf budged. Without a doubt she was trying to command them still. For several minutes, they remained locked in a silent standoff while I scanned the darkness for signs of any more mutts. Although Winifred continued to growl occasionally, they did nothing.
“What’s going on?” Michelle whispered behind me.
“She’s trying to talk to them through her link.”
One of the wolves barked a laugh, a guttural taunting sound, and Winifred let out another furious snarl. Her muscles bunched a second before she launched herself at them. The half-changed werewolves burst into their own fur, meeting her onslaught.
The three collided with an audible thud. Michelle gripped my shoulder.
“Help her, Emmitt,” she said.
“Michelle, she’s an Elder. She has more strength than Jim and I do combined, more than enough to take care of those two and several more. You need me more than she does.”
Thinking the fight might be a distraction, I kept my gaze on the woods. Nothing moved in the darkness.
Michelle leaned into me, trembling, and I took a moment to assess the fight. Winifred was easily evading their efforts to turn her for their advantage. When she caught one by the throat, I went back to watching the trees.
Why would two Forlorn approach a house with an Elder and two adult males? If Blake wanted Michelle back, surely he would know it would take more than two mutts to get past Winifred.
A high-pitched continuous yelp of pain filled the clearing. I didn’t look. The noise of the fight continued for a few moments then quieted. When I glanced at Winifred, she was crouched, waiting for the two panting fighters to rush her again. But they didn’t. They turned and ran.
Winifred took off after them, almost catching them at the edge of the yard. There she stopped and paced.
This doesn’t make sense, she sent to me.
I agree. If Blake wanted her back tonight, he would have sent a larger force.
Perhaps these two were a test, and more are waiting. I think it best we leave now before they can return.
I turned toward Michelle, keeping my expression calm.
“Let’s go inside. The kids heard some of the noise and are scared.”
And they were. Jim had brought them down the steps midway through the fight and was with them in Winifred’s place.
Michelle whirled around and ran inside. As soon as the boys saw her, they jumped off Jim’s lap and ran for Michelle.
“I’m here,” she said, dropping to her knees so she could hug them.
I stayed in the door, watching the three of them. So much fear again.
Why now? I sent Winifred. There wasn’t a sign of them for weeks. Now, just after Mary and Gregory’s visit, they show up? Do you think they were watching the Compound, waiting to follow them here?
Perhaps.
Jim stood and picked a bit of Winifred’s cardigan out of Michelle’s hair. She seemed slightly surprised to see it. He moved away to get Winifred’s robe, and I stood guard over the three still huddled on the floor.
“Are they gone?” Liam asked, his face still buried.
“Yeah, buddy. Nana chased them away,” Michelle said.
Liam lifted his head to look over her shoulder at me. I smiled at him and winked. He didn’t seem convinced, though. Aden didn’t lift his head until Winifred and Jim walked in.
“Chasing away those dogs gave me an idea,” Winifred said, looking at the boys with a calm smile. “You haven’t yet met Jim and Emmitt’s parents. They live with several other families in a house bigger than this one. Paul and Henry live there, too, as do some much nicer dogs. So, I think we should take a vacation and visit them. In fact, we should make it an adventure and go tonight. Should we let Jim come with us?”
They both nodded.
“Should we have Jim and Emmitt race to see who can pack first?”
This time Aden pulled away a little, slightly interested.
“To make this fair, we’ll have Emmitt pack for your sister and Liam. Jim, you go pack for Aden and grab all personal effects.”
Aden cheered in approval and began telling Jim where his things were so he could win.
Winifred looked at me. Pack up everything you can. We won’t return until we know who Blake is and how many he has with him.
I gave a slight nod and left the room, knowing Winifred would keep them safe. Jim and I gathered what few personal belongings we all had and loaded them into the car and the back of the truck. Closing the door on Michelle’s apartment filled me with concern. She’d been so happy there. Leaving it unprotected meant it might not be the same happy home we’d find when we came back.
Winifred was dressed and had most of her things packed up in bags when I returned.
“Jim and I will load this. You go check on the kids. Michelle hasn’t opened the bathroom door since I suggested they wash up.”
Aden looked up at me expectantly when I peeked inside the washroom.
“It was a tie,” I said. “Ready to go?”
They all nodded. The boys seemed better, but Michelle was pale and trembling. Fear oozed from her.
Jim called out to the boys as he walked into the apartment. Aden grinned.
“Why don’t you two go check on Jim?” I said.
As soon as they were gone, I held out my hand. “You’re not alone this time,” I said.
She let out a shaky breath and wrapped her fingers in mine. With the barest of tugs, I brought her into my arms and hugged her close. She rested her head on my shoulder briefly then pulled back. She was right. We needed to keep moving.
In the living room, Jim already had Aden up in his arms. I scooped Liam up, flipping him in the air before catching him in my arms again. Liam gasped and clung to me like a monkey, but I could smell his amusement.
“Since you two don’t have shoes on, Jim and Emmitt can carry you to the car,” Winifred said, reappearing.
We all walked out together. Michelle stayed close as we buckled her brothers in. Winifred locked up, not that it would keep a determined werewolf out, before joining us.
“Follow closely with the truck,” she said.
I nodded and led Michelle to the truck as Winifred climbed into the driver’s seat of her car. In the bed, the moonlight glinted off my bike. Jim must have put it there.
Michelle stayed quiet as we drove from the house. With each passing second, the scent of her fear grew stronger.
“You’re killing me,” I said.
“Excuse me?” She pulled her attention from the window to focus on me.
“Your fear. I can smell it. Even when you were facing down David in the parking lot of that diner, it wasn’t this bad.” I reached over and took her hand. “It will be okay. I promise. There is no need for this fear.”
“No need?” Her sarcastic disbelief was hard to miss. “Werewolves are real. One of them kept me locked away for four years and wants me back. The infallible laws, which your people can’t ignore, no longer seem to work. After all, Richard’s murderer hasn’t stepped forward.
“I’m heading to an unknown place filled with an unknown number of werewolves who will think I smell delicious and may or may not treat me like Blake has. If I don’t want to go, my only other option is to run again, zigzagging scent trails across the North American continent, waiting to be stumbled upon. How exactly am I supposed to get rid of my fear?”
When she said it like that, I found it hard to find the words to reassure her. So, I brought her hand to my mouth and tenderly kissed the knuckles. Her heart skipped a beat, a small acknowledgement that we were still together in this.
She went back to watching out the window.
Winifred, she’s afraid of going to the Compound.
Did she say why?
She knows the unMated males will be attracted to her scent.
We’ll address that first thing in the morning.
I doubted Michelle would like Winifred’s way of addressing her fears.
Michelle broke the silence several minutes later. “If not for the curse that causes you to be born to humans,” she whispered.
She turned her head and looked at me with a fearful expression.
“They knew I would be born? How had Blake known I’d be born?”
I squeezed her hand reassuringly, as I sent what she said to Winifred.
Winifred, you heard everything the mutts said, right?
Yes. Why?
Michelle just mentioned something. One said, “If not for the curse that causes you to be born to humans.” She thinks his choice of words means they knew she would be born. I think she’s right. But, how could they know?
Winifred was quiet a moment, and I began to wonder, if Blake and his mutts knew Michelle was born with premonitions, did they know about Mom? Maybe going back to the Compound wasn’t a good idea. Yet, how could I protect Michelle without the strength of my pack?
I don’t know, Emmitt. Sam and Grey are at the Compound. We won’t stop looking for the answers.
Some of my concern eased at hearing the Elders were gathering at the Compound. Grey wouldn’t let anything happen to Mom.
“Nana’s hoping to find answers at the Compound,” I said. “Another Elder is there waiting for us.”
Michelle nodded and went back to watching the darkness. Using my thumb, I traced small patterns on the back on her hand. Slowly, she started to relax, and laid her head back against the seat.
I shrugged out of my jacket and used it to cover her. It wasn’t for warmth. I was just hoping it would comfort her. Not long afterward, she drifted to sleep.
The drive home was long and tense. I watched the brush and trees along the shoulder, half expecting to see something. But nothing ever appeared.
Hours later, we pulled into a familiar drive. When I’d left years ago, I never thought any other place would feel like home. I glanced at Michelle. I still loved my family, but home was now the woman beside me.
It’s been quiet here. Your father started patrols as soon as I contacted him. Your mom has an apartment ready for you. They’re waiting.
Gravel loudly crunched under the truck’s tires, but Michelle didn’t stir. Would she be up for meeting my parents tonight?
The area before the main building was free of cars, no doubt a courtesy for us. I parked beside Winifred’s car, cut the engine, and opened the door. Michelle remained breathing steadily beside me. She obviously needed sleep. My parents would be disappointed they’d have to wait to meet her, but they would understand.
When I closed the door, Jim was trying to get Aden out of his seat.
“He’s like a noodle,” he said. “Slippery and hard to hold on to when he’s passed out. I bet Michelle will be easier to carry. Want to trade?”
“Not a chance.”
“You’re not going to wake her?” Winifred asked softly, lifting Liam in her arms.
“Not intentionally. If she sleeps though me carrying her inside, it means she needs the rest.”
“Your father called a pack meeting. The pack needs to understand what’s happening. We can’t protect Michelle and her brothers without the pack.”
I nodded as I opened the truck door. Michelle didn’t move, and I was tempted to press a kiss to her temple. Instead, I removed the jacket covering her so it wouldn’t fall.
Sliding an arm behind her back and another under her legs, I gently lifted her out of the truck. Her eyes popped open, and her arms flew around my neck. Lifting her had startled her, but the results were worth it. She was clinging to me.
I closed the truck door and waited for her to register what was happening. She looked around, briefly watching Jim and Winifred carry her brothers inside, before studying our surroundings.
“Emmitt, put me down.”
She sounded determined, but not mad. I set her on her feet.
“I was trying to let you sleep.”
“I know. Thank you.” She reached out and held my hand. “Is this where you grew up?” she asked, looking at the main house.
“Yeah.” I led her to the porch, wondering what she thought of the place but too afraid to ask.
It wasn’t much to look at. The long, two-story log cabin, winged by several outbuildings, encompassed the parking area. Constructed before the 19th century, the buildings had seen better days. Pieces of chinking were still missing here and there from between the aged, roughhewn logs, even though I could see places where some of the chinking was new. A few of the old, single-paned windows rattled in the wind. Mom was constantly pointing out things to fix to any idle, willing wolf. There was just so much of it to do and too few wolves idle. Most were out working, trying to bring in the money needed to support the families here.
I opened the new, oversized front door. Michelle stepped inside and looked around the huge entry. The rugs filled with shoes and the overflowing coat hooks on the walls might look weird to newcomers, but it meant welcome to any wolf ready to shed his fur. Here, a man would find clothes to wear to blend in with humans.
She’s awake, I sent Winifred.
Good. Jim’s coming down to get the bags. Your parents will wait for you.
Following the scent trail of Liam and Aden, I gently set a hand on Michelle’s lower back and guided her further into the room. Tonight would have been easier on her if she’d stayed sleeping.
“Nana Wini sent a call out for a pack meeting in a few hours.”
She glanced up at me with worry.
“Pack meeting? Why?”
“It’s time you are introduced to the pack. It lets everyone know you are under the protection of the Elders.”
“What about the boys?”
Since she already knew we protected cubs, I figured she was asking if they had to attend the meeting. We started down the long hallway to the main living area.
“They’ve already been put to bed.”
“I mean their safety.”
She really didn’t understand us. But, her first impression being what it was, I couldn’t blame her. I just hoped it would change someday soon.
“It will be discussed in the meeting as well. We will keep them safe.” I hesitated a moment, hating that I had more to ask of her. “I know you’re probably tired, but my parents would like to meet you. If you’re up for it.”
She paled slightly but nodded. Nervousness oozed from her, but no fear. I smiled and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
“They’re waiting for us in the apartment we’ll be using.”
She didn’t say anything more as we walked the long way to the door of the rooms we’d be using. I gave her a reassuring smile, then opened the door. Mom had put us in one of the newly remodeled apartments. It had a sitting area, a coffee bar, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, based on the doors in the hallway.
Mom and Dad, Mary and Gregory, and Jim and Nana turned toward us.
Michelle’s pulse hiked up a notch, and I wanted to wrap my arms around her.
“Mother, Father, this is Michelle.”
Michelle gave them a quiet smile and a nod in greeting.
“Call me Charlene,” Mom said, offering her hand.
Michelle reached for it and as soon as their hands touched, they both froze. Mom’s heart started racing and Michelle’s gaze grew vacant. It was a look I’d seen before.
Mom swallowed hard, glanced at me, and tugged her hand from Michelle’s.
Michelle didn’t move at first. Then, she blinked and looked at Mom, letting her arm fall to her side.
“You okay?” I asked.
Michelle stared at Mom. Mom was watching her just as closely. What was going on?
“Sorry, I’m a little tired,” Michelle said.
It was the truth, but I knew it wasn’t the reason behind her behavior.
She gave Mom a weak smile, then glanced at Dad.
“This is Thomas,” Mom said, continuing with the introductions.
Dad nodded in greeting, not saying anything about Michelle’s reaction to Mom.
“And you already met our friends, Mary and Gregory.”
“Hello, again,” Michelle said.
Mary smiled warmly as Mom continued.
“Nana told us some of what you’ve been through. I wanted to let you know that we will do everything we can to protect you and your brothers so you can feel safe here. We’ll let you get some sleep and see you at breakfast.”
Then, Mom turned to me and claimed a hug. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered. I gave her an extra squeeze before letting her go.
“I’ll see you after breakfast,” Winifred said, leaving with the rest.
Jim closed the door behind Winifred. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll stay on the couch tonight,” he said, giving me a meaningful look. Was he extra protection or supervision?
“That’s fine,” Michelle said. “The boys will probably wake you up in about two hours, though.”
“I can handle it.” He stretched out on the couch and closed his eyes.
Wondering about the sleeping arrangements, I walked with Michelle down the short hallway. Her brothers were snuggled in a full-size bed in one room. Michelle stepped in, kissed them both, then closed the curtain that was letting in the dim, pre-dawn light.
I stepped in behind her and touched their heads, making sure they were warm enough with the light blanket. Summers up here were cooler than in the states. Seeing that the boys were fine, I led Michelle from the room, leaving the door slightly ajar so Liam and Aden would know they weren’t locked in when they woke in a strange room.
Across the hall was the second bedroom. Michelle walked in first and stopped at the sight of both our bags waiting on the bed.
“You’re welcome,” Jim said from the living room, his words too quiet for Michelle to hear.
By taking the couch, he’d really only left me with one spot. But, would Michelle choose to sleep here, or with her brothers like she had when she’d first come to us?
The blush staining her cheeks told me she was thinking about it.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said without turning.
“How about don’t hog the covers or I’ll push your furry butt to the floor?” Jim called from the living room.
I snorted, and she turned to look at me.
“I just want sleep,” I said sincerely, for both Jim’s and her benefits. “I won’t get it out there with Jim or if I’m further away from you than the next room.”
She considered me for a moment then nodded. “Hog the covers, and I’ll push your furry butt to the floor,” she said lightly.
I grinned, and she shooed me from the room so she could change.
I waited in the hallway until she called me back in.
The lights were off, but I had no problem seeing my bag so I could change into shorts. She didn’t move as I undressed except to close her eyes. I grinned in the dark, folded my jeans, then moved around the bed to close the curtains. She peeked. I saw it and wanted to laugh at the relief on her face when she noted my loose shorts.
Moving to my side of the bed, I pulled back the covers and slid in.
“I’m sorry about what I said in the truck,” she said softly. “You’re right. I don’t need to be afraid right now. I need to be strong and face whatever happens. I just don’t want to drag anyone else down into my problems. I wish there was a way I could face Blake and still keep my brothers safe.”
I rolled on my side to face her.
“We will find a way.”
Giving into the urge, I reached out and touched her, laying my hand on her side. She didn’t seem to mind. Her breathing slowed and, eventually, her pulse did the same.
When I knew she slept, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to relax.
