by Harms, C. A.
“We left dinner scattered on the driveaway.” Blinking I clear my thoughts and find her staring up at me with a lazy smile on her face. “I’d planned to cook for you.”
“Forget food,” I trail my finger over her jaw and along the side of her neck. “All I need is you.”
Taryn
It’s been a week since my life has changed. I’ve spoken to my parents and to Lily, but I’ve yet to tell them about Merick--what do I tell them about Merick? Speaking of my man, I finally kicked him out of bed an hour ago because we’ve literally been on top of one another every waking moment, and even some sleeping moments too.
I’ve always had a healthy appetite for sex, but now I’m insatiable. Of course, so is he. Merick assured me it was normal, of course when he did he was hovering above me, thrusting his hips in a slow taunting motion. It’s like everything is right with the world when we’re together.
I climb out of bed and I don’t think that there is a single muscle in my body that doesn’t ache, but it’s a good thing. In the bathroom, I stand naked in front of the mirror. I’ve always been petite, but my body is leaner now. Do my boobs look bigger? I shake my head and walk into the shower.
Today I’m having lunch with Rowan, but that’s if Merick lets me out of the house. I wash and condition my hair, then scrub myself from head to toe. After rinsing off I grab a towel, and dry off. I go through my post-shower routine and then walk into Merick’s—I mean our—room. It still feels strange referring to it as such, but he’s made it clear this home is ours. Hearing him tell me he had it built and designed, every single detail with me in mind, still floors me. But looking around I see bits of myself that he’d known without even asking, like he truly knowns me, like he can read my thoughts and understand my wants without asking.
It’s all so humbling, words cannot express how close I feel toward him.
Back in the bathroom, I put on a little makeup, keeping the look natural. Spending a little extra time to blow dry my hair brown locks and quickly put my hair into a braid.
Feeling slightly chilled, I search for my thick black turtleneck. Matching it with my favorite dark jeggings and my gray UGGs, I look over my choice of outfit in the full-length mirror and am pleased with the outcome.
Downstairs, I grab my red stocking cap and stop in front of the mirror, careful to place it on, not wanting to mess up my hair too much in the process. I look pretty cute if I do say so myself.
Noticing the time on my phone I realize that Rowan should be here soon. Merick’s in his office, looking yummy sitting in front of his computer monitors, focusing on whatever it is on his screen. He looks up as I enter and offers me the sweetest smile. “You look so fucking beautiful. You take my breath away.”
My cheeks heat up and I bite my lip. He is always saying this kind of stuff to me.
Merick holds out his hand to me and I take it, letting him pull me down to his lap. “Are you looking forward to having lunch with Rowan today?”
“Yeah, I am. It will be really nice getting to know her better and meeting some more townspeople. They must think I’m a hermit, I’ve barely left the house since I got here.” I moan as Merick licks over the scarred flesh from his marking. “Stop it, or Ro is gonna walk in on us having sex.”
“Fuck, please don’t...gross.” Rowan comes walking in smiling. She’s dressed similar to me, but her sweater is baby blue, and super-tight, showing off the breasts I wish I had. Instead of UGGs, she’s wearing fashionable winter boots, with black faux fur around the top. “Can you please release your mate? We’re meeting Amelia and she gets really pissy if I’m late.”
I kiss Merick and then jump up and out of his reach. I’m learning that he doesn’t care who is around. If he wants to kiss me borderline indecently he’s gonna do it. He stands up, and god he’s tall. I feel like a shrimp between these two. “Ro, take care of my mate. Call me if you need me.”
Rowan loops her arm through mine. “Yeah, yeah. You know she’s in good hands.”
I grab my coat and purse off the rack and head out with Ro to her black SUV. The town of Stone Ridge is picturesque. It almost doesn’t seem real. We have casual chitchat as we pull into the parking lot of Celestial Cafe.
I look at Rowan and raise my brow. She laughs softly, “It’s almost like you read my mind.” I was craving their strawberry lemonade. Merick had bought me one the other day and it was delicious.
We climb out and head inside the little restaurant. It’s decorated in soft blues and tans. Each table has little vases with flowers on it. A beautiful redhead waves us over from her spot in front of the window.
She stands as we approach. “You’re Taryn, I’m Amelia.” Surprisingly she reaches out and pulls me in for a hug before she and Rowan share a hug.
Once we’re all seated our waitress grabs us waters. The two women talk animatedly with each other while I look over the menu. I freeze because my ears start buzzing. Hmm...maybe I’m getting sick. I shake it off and then lookup.
Rowan is staring at me, “you okay?” I don’t like the way she’s looking me over, but I nod anyway. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, seriously. My ears started ringing that’s all. Tell me, what’s good here.” They each throw out their suggestions as I attempt to shake off the humming noise in my ears. It's weird really like a low continuous ‘hmmmmm’.
After we order I turn to Amelia choosing to push past the annoying hum and wrap myself up in conversation as a distraction. “What do you do?
“I’m a midwife.” My stomach does a somersault simply thinking about babies, but it does it in a good way.
“That’s wonderful. Did you grow up here too?”
She smiles and her emerald green eyes sparkle. “I did. My family and Merick’s are some of the original settlers.”
“Wow, that’s incredible. My dad said our ancestors came from here too.”
I excuse myself and head down the hallway to go to the bathroom. When I finish I wash my hands, and that’s when I hear a faint whisper causing me to slowly scan over the small space. “Hello?” I call out, but the other stall is empty. “I need to get my ears checked,” I say to my reflection.
I don’t miss the stares from other patrons when I walk back to the table. I give smiles and waves, and they give them in return. I love that everyone seems so nice and excited to meet me. I mean I know a lot of it is my destiny and my mating with Merick, but it’s still nice to be somewhere where I am not invisible. Living in the city did that, a lot.
My plate of food is waiting for me when I sit down. I got the turkey, swiss, and avocado panini, and homemade chips. Rowan has a huge sandwich piled high with steak, onions, peppers, and...are those french fries?
A queasy feeling settles over me and I quickly look away as she takes a huge bite. It must be nice to eat whatever you want and not gain any weight. Of course, she burns lots of calories all the time.
I pick up my sandwich and take a bite, moaning at the delicious flavor as it explodes on my tongue.
“Is Merick taking good care of you?” Amelia asks with a mischievous smile.
I choke on my sandwich. Rowan slaps my back and I hold my hand up. “I’m okay,” I croak only triggering them both to laugh a little more.
We finish our lunch and they refuse to let me pay. They take me around to all of the little shops introducing me to lots and lots of people. To be honest it’s all making my head spin a bit.
“That’s her.” I look around to see who said it but I don’t see anyone...weird.
“She’s shorter than I expected “
“Why couldn’t I be Merick’s mate?”
I shake my head. What is happening? Amelia and Rowan are looking at dresses on the other side of the store. Both completely oblivious it seems to all those whispering around us.
I make my way outside taking a deep breath. I look around and have no clue what I’m looking for—an explanation...maybe.
“She needs to die before she gives birth to that baby.”
/> My blood turns cold, my hands tremble, and a fine sheen of sweat covers my brow. Marissa’s little shop is right across the street. I can’t explain it but the closer I get to the front door the safer I feel. It’s like my body knows she’s safe and able to protect me.
I push the door open and find the storefront empty. “M-Marissa? Are you here?” I walk toward the counter, my knees feel weak and I grip the edge of it to hold myself upright. The buzzing starts again.
“I’ll be right there, dear...” The woman is very old, but she certainly doesn’t sound or look it.
I get out my phone and pull up Merick’s number.
“Ahhh!” I cover my ears, but it doesn’t block out the ear-piercing scream. I drop to my knees.
“Shut up, shut up, shut up!” I scream. Someone grabbed me, but I jerked away covering my face with my arms.
I hear a panicked shout echo through the storefront. “Call Merick, get him over here.” That’s the last thing I hear before I pass out.
Merick
Standing from my seated position behind my desk I finally feel as though I have accomplished something. It’s been difficult concentrating, unless it involved Taryn and the two of us wrapped together in a mess of silk sheets, her body has consumed my mind. Unfortunately, today I decided it was time to get caught up on all the work I’ve let go.
I gather my files and turn to place them into the filing cabinet behind me when my cell phone begins to ring. I look down, seeing a number that I don’t recognize. I don’t rush to answer. Most likely it's a business call, and they’ll leave a message. The last thing I want at the moment is to get wrapped up with another client.
What I really want to do is go find my woman and bring her back here with me.
The ringing stops and I place the last file in the drawer before pushing it shut. That's when I hear my phone begin to ring all over again.
Swiping my finger over the screen I don’t even get the word hello out of my mouth before the person on the opposite end of the line speaks. My blood immediately runs cold. “There’s something wrong with Taryn.”
The phone hits the floor, I run for the door and the second my feet hit the grass I take off toward the trees. If I cut through the forest I could get there in half the time of driving.
Something is wrong with Taryn.
I pick up speed, the sounds of my feet pounding against the ground, my ears picking up the sounds from town. The closer I get I begin to slow looking for a place to regain my composure. Not everyone here is aware of my gift. Many believe that they live in a small, quiet, and quaint space. They have no idea of the magic here.
I can feel her before I even spot her. Rowan, standing outside of Marissa’s shop watching me approach.
“Where is she?” I search the area ready to push past her when she places her hand on my arm and ensures I am looking directly at her. “What?” I don’t have time for this, I need to get to Taryn.
“It’s happened,” something passes between us and I want to ask more but when I hear my name being whispered from inside I don’t have to. The second I see Taryn I know. It was in the air, that feeling of fierceness. Possessive desperation like I’ve never felt. A tie, so strong, so binding that it is as if my body is moving toward her before my mind can register it.
And I just know.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” she says, the fear in her eyes is almost too much to take. “I hear them all around me, but I can’t—”
“Wait.” I slide in closer to Taryn and sit at her side. “You hear who?”
“Whispers,” tears fill her eyes, “words, warnings, but there is no one there. Every time I hear them, and I look around, they’re gone.”
I look up at the three ladies standing around us and they each look as confused as I. Well all but Marissa, she is wearing a knowing expression. “I knew she held something inside of her, something special, I never expected it to be this.”
“Be what?” Marissa knew more about our ancient world, about our ancestors and everything about our world than anyone else. It was almost like she knew what was going to happen and rarely is she wrong.
“Taryn isn’t hearing people talk.” Marissa knelt before us, reaching out she placed her hand on Taryn’s head and slowly traced it over her, bringing it to rest upon her shoulders. “She’s hearing their thoughts.”
For a few seconds, we all grow silent. Each of us lost in the words Marissa spoke.
“It seems that the child she is carrying is not the only gifted one. But the conception of the baby she now holds has brought to life those things hidden inside Taryn that even she has never been aware of. It’s why she was chosen not only by you but by the spirit of your ancestors.” Marissa smiles, as she continues to glide her hand over Taryn. Her palm barely touched her, moving from one side to the next. A low soothing hum, her lips moving as she is channeling all the healing she possesses.
I look up to the sound of the bell chiming above the door of Marissa’s small shop and see Jonathan step inside. Pausing, he looks to us all before settling on Taryn. I notice the way Rowan gets ridged at my side but right now my best friends and their drama are the least of my worries.
Marissa is a healer, which means Jonathan holds those abilities. Noticing his mother's movements he moves in closer and places his hand onto his mother's shoulders. Together they remain silent, offering Taryn what they feel she needs at the time. But what I need is to grab a hold of her and run. Take her someplace safe, where I can protect her, and our child.
Child. She is carrying our child. I wonder if she knew before now?
“I’m good mom,” I hear her say from outside the bedroom door where I wait in silence as I listen to her talk to her parents. First, it was her father and now her mother. Each asking her a round of questions but nowhere in there did she mention me. Or the life we are creating here.
She never told them she was living here in my home, our home. In fact, I’d heard her mention the cabin more times than I’d wanted to. Almost like she’s chosen to keep me hidden, to ignore us in the equation.
“I’m not sure when, or if I’m coming back to the city.” My pulse quickens as I lean in closer to the slightly opened door. “It’s peaceful here and I’ve actually thought of getting a job in Stone Ridge. Maybe even something based online so that I can work from home.”
There is a pause and I imagine this is the part where her mother is telling her of all the reasons why she thinks she shouldn’t stay here. I fist my hands to keep myself from barging into the room and taking the phone from Taryn to announce myself and the life she is creating here.
“I’m not hiding out in a dark cabin.” Maybe this is it, the point where she tells them about me. “I’ve met people, made friends. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming.” Instantly I feel like the weight of the world is pressing hard upon my chest.
“I’m really loving it here.” And I’ve met a man, one that I love. I wish she’d say, but she doesn’t. “I promise I’ll call again soon, but please don’t worry.”
I wait for them to end the call and take a few extra minutes before I place my palm to the door and begin to slowly push it open. Taryn looks up when I fill the doorway and I stand still hoping she says anything that will calm me. I need to hear her explain why she is keeping me a secret. I have to know.
When she looks away, focusing on her hands as she worries them in her lap a crippling fear hits me and I start walking toward her. Careful to keep my movements slow and steady I sat near her and focused on one calming breath after another.
“Do you understand? Do you realize that your safety and that of our child is not only the most important thing to me but is also now the priority of every other person in this town that understands our gifts? Not only that but anyone outside of Stone Ridge that was not aware of you before, they are now.” I speak to her with the gentlest tone. I need her to get it, I thought she did, but maybe I’ve been so wrapped up in us that I ignored what I should have seen.
As she lifts her gaze to meet my own I know that I’m right. The way she is looking at me shows me exactly how lost she feels. This is all so much, the powers, the gifts, our child.
“It’s like we’re connected somehow. Like we all feel the presence of this new life.” I want so badly to touch her, but I remain at a short distance. “When that bond is formed, when the chosen has been bound with that of her mate, it sets forth a sequence of events. Those that hold gifts, they’re awakened. Some expected, some not. This, you and I, we’ve reignited a world that has been asleep for many years.”
“It's a lot to take in,” her words are barely a whisper.
“I know,” I reach out and drag my thumb along her jaw triggering her to look up at me. I can’t refrain from touching her. As I sit close, I feel like she is miles away from me. “But I want them to know about us.” Her eyes widen which makes me chuckle. “Maybe not the fact that I turn into a big burly wolf in the blink of an eye, but definitely that we’ve met. After all, they are going to be grandparents.”
“I’m terrified, what if they notice I’m different, that you are and that our child will be too?”
“They won’t know unless we tell them.” A single tear escapes and trails along her cheek. I catch it with my thumb before applying a small fracture of pressure beneath her chin to gain her focus. Her eyes lock with mine and I rest my forehead against hers. “I love you Taryn, and everything is going to be okay.”
Taryn
I lay on my back as Marissa places her hands on my head. The buzzing ebbs and I’m able to close my eyes, relaxing into my pillows. A warmth spreads through my body and my eyes begin to grow heavy.
The room is dark when I open my eyes. I grab my phone off the nightstand and see it’s a little after nine. With a groan, I sit up and stretch my sore muscles. Twisting slightly I welcome the pull at my waist, my body is tense. Crawling out of bed I look around the master bedroom and out into the hall to find I am alone. Hurrying to the master bath I take care of business and then brush my teeth.
