Caden

by Tl Reeve

  The disturbing visage peering back at her in the full-length mirror scared the shit out of her. There she stood. Skin and bones. She took a moment to really see herself. Her hip bones pushed at her skin. Her ribs showed when she lifted her arm. Her cheeks were sunken, not horribly, but noticeably for someone her size. Her eyes were dull, listless. Dark smudges circled her eyes. God, she’d been absolutely ghastly. Why had no one said anything? She gave a derisive laugh. They had been, but she’d chosen not to pay them any mind.

  A soft tap drew her attention to her bedroom door. “Yes?”

  “Hey, you still got that tea you like? The one Mrs. Martin gave you,” Caden called out.

  “Yes, it’s in one of the cabinets. Why?” She turned off the water before testing it.

  “I thought you might like a cup. I’ll have it ready for you when you come down.”

  “Uh...”

  “Thanks,” Caden said. “Enjoy your bath.”

  She stared down at the bubbles in the tub then back towards the door of her room. What the hell was she thinking letting him in the house? It had to be a moment of weakness. Nothing more. Nothing less. He’d leave when she got done and he’d never come back. She’d let him feel better about his actions and tomorrow, she’d forget about it all. She slipped into the water and groaned. Every inch of her frail form absorbed the warmth of the water. The silkiness of the bath suds eased her brittle skin. She’d always taken care of her body. Ran a mile here and there. Ate a healthy diet, but unlike Keeley, who had a curvy body, she’d always been thin. Even as she started to show, in her sixth month of pregnancy, she’d always been smaller than most. She blamed herself of course. It was only natural. She supposed she would have put on the weight if things hadn’t gone completely wrong.

  When she stepped in front of Kalkin, taking the bullet, well, if she were being honest with herself, she hadn’t been thinking. She’d been feeling. Guilt. Sorrow. Suffering. Longing. Love. Regret. All of them. It became a thick black ball of icky slime churning inside of her. She tapped into it, and, like she discovered the other day, continued to feed off of it. In a way, it’d become a security blanket. Take it away, and she didn’t know what to do with herself.

  As she closed her eyes, relaxing for the first time in ages—it seemed—she tried to find the part of her that still loved Caden. Because, let’s face it, she did. If she didn’t, the ache in her chest from the hole ripping her in two, where his presence had occupied, wouldn’t exist. She wouldn’t cry over him. She wouldn’t ache for him, and the fact he was her mate pretty much cemented the fact there’d be no way they’d ever be parted. Maybe, they could try being friends again. He appeared clean and sober. Sure, he had to make the effort, but shouldn’t she meet him halfway? He was after all taking a huge step, right? He showed up. She could allow him to be in the boys’ lives. Give them a sense of normalcy they’d been lacking.

  Ugh. She sounded like one of those women who grasped for the barest of threads when it came to a failing relationship. I can’t do this. She grabbed her body puff. She wouldn’t be the one treated like shit, but stayed because... “I love him.” Danielle dunked the puff into the water then added soap. She scrubbed her body, frowning every time she felt another bone through her skin. Now wasn’t the time to think about Caden. She should be concentrating on herself.

  When she was finished with her bath, she stepped into the shower to make sure she washed away any lingering soap. After she got dressed, she’d tell Caden to go home. Later they could figure out some kind of schedule for him to see the boys or whatever. Right now, she didn’t have time for him. She was in the middle of putting the orphanage together with Keeley along with her sister’s security company. She still had to call her new employees and tell them they had a job, even if it would be a while before they could allow the orphans and children with abilities to live in the house.

  Too many things were changing and, for the moment, Caden didn’t fit into her life. Maybe later, once things slowed down. She snorted as she dried off. Who was she kidding? Her life wouldn’t slow down once they opened the orphanage doors. Her and Keeley would be constantly on the move. Relationships were the last thing on her mind. More importantly, Caden was the last thing on her mind.

  You can only lie to yourself for so long, Danielle.

  She frowned.

  Well, lying had been her choice and she’d keep doing it until it became impossible to maintain.

  Stepping out of her room, the house was quiet. Fear made her heart pound. She hurried down the stairs, afraid when she entered the living room, Caden and the boys would be gone, and she’d never see them again. Instead, she stopped short. She couldn’t believe what she saw. Aiden had shifted to his puppy form and lay napping next to a smaller cinnamon puppy with white paws and ears. It took her a second to realize the little bundle was...Nicolas. She stared at Caden, dumbfounded. How? How had he done it? Everyone in the Raferty family had tried to help Nic, but it had never worked.

  “Wha—” She swallowed hard. “How did you get him to...” She stepped closer. “No one else has been able to make him shift. I thought...” She sat down on the couch a little harder than she meant to. “I thought he’d be psychic, not both.”

  Caden glanced up at her from where he lay with both boys. “Your tea is on the table.”

  She ignored it. “Thanks.”

  “Sure.” He kept his hand on Nic, stroking the soft fur along his side. “As for this... I’m his father. He needed the right bit of nudging from me. He kind of reminds me of Aiden. Small, but a fighter. Kind of like his mom.”

  What did she say? Thanks? Okay? “He’s not the color I expected.”

  Caden chuckled softly. “Me neither, but he has a beautiful coat. I have to believe he gets it from you. He’s unique.”

  Unique, yeah, she agreed. “He’s been forming connections with people he likes. For about two weeks now. He’s pretty proud of himself.”

  Caden gave her that cocky Raferty grin of his. “Well, he is a Raferty.”

  She flinched. He had denied Nicolas at every turn. Now, all of a sudden, her son belonged to him. She clenched her hands into fists. She wouldn’t fly into a blinding rage. She had to take the small victories and appreciate them. He got Nicolas to do something no one else seemed able to do—shift.

  “You can say it, Dani. You don’t have to hold back. I deserve every bit of venom you want to spew. It’s okay.”

  She also didn’t need his permission. She opened her mouth to say such when her phone rang. No one called her unless it was an emergency. “Saved by the phone.” She gritted out the words as she reached for the palm-sized device. When she saw Jace’s name, she frowned while sliding her finger across the screen. “Jace? What’s wrong?”

  “I hate to ask you for a favor, but I need you and Keeley right now,” he answered.

  “Uh...” She glanced at Caden who sat up a little straighter. “Can you tell me what’s wrong?”

  Jace sighed. “We found a naked shifter child. We’re at the sheriff’s department. It’s a long story.”

  She closed her eyes. They always were, she was learning. “I’ll be right there. I’ll get Keeley on the way.”

  When they hung up, she looked at Caden. The thought of leaving the boys with him left her feeling a little awkward, however, while another part of her said she could trust him. She knew he’d never hurt them; it was just weird. “Jace found a new orphan. I have to go. Can you...if you have the time to—”

  “Go change. I have nothing better to do than take care of these two.” He gave her a curious look. “Do you mind leaving their car seats? I thought we might grab a burger later for dinner. If that’s okay?”

  She eyed him suspiciously then relented. There’d been nothing deceptive about what he said. “Sure. I’ll be right back.”

  Danielle ran upstairs to her room where she grabbed one of her sets of scrubs, and her go bag from the closet. Before she and Keeley arrived at the station they’d have to pick up so
me clothes for the poor child to wear. Training underwear, probably, food... She continued to make a list as she got ready to go. With shoes tied, she stood, grabbed her bag and headed out of her room. She heard the soft rumblings of conversation as she stepped into the living room.

  In the kitchen stood Caden. Aiden had been placed in his chair, and Nicolas snoozed in his swing. Caden placed a sandwich into a bag then a second. “You didn’t have anything else, so I hope two sandwiches is enough to hold you over.”

  “It will. Thanks.” She kissed Aiden’s head. “Be good for Caden.” She then brushed her lips across Nicolas’ forehead. “I don’t know how long this will take.”

  He handed her the bag. “I’ve got this. If I need you, I’ll call. I already got their seats while you changed. Do you need to call Keeley?”

  Shit. “I can do it on the way.” She spotted the two resumes on the island. Well, if they wanted to work for her and Keeley, nothing like jumping in with both feet. “Thanks.” She grabbed the papers Charisma handed her on the way out.

  Keeley? She didn’t give herself time to think about leaving the boys with Caden. A young shifter needed her and Keeley. Later she’d berate herself for making a stupid decision. Now, she needed to focus.

  What’s up? Danielle frowned at the exhaustion filling her sister’s voice.

  I really hate to bother you. I know you’re exhausted. But, Jace called and I need you.

  What happened? Keeley perked up.

  We’ve got another shifter child. Jace found him. I’m on my way to you.

  I’ll be ready. Everything go okay with Caden? Keeley hedged.

  I’ll see you in a second. Danielle started her vehicle. She glanced in the rearview mirror and bit her lip. She hoped she made the right decision. As she pulled away, she couldn’t help the small glances backwards. She’d never left the boys with Caden, nor did she ever think she would. Gah, put it out of your mind. A child needs your help. She turned into Keeley’s driveway, just as Keeley stepped out the door.

  While she waited for her sister, her stomach gave a growl of hunger. She side-eyed the bag of sandwiches Caden made for her. She snatched one out of the sack before she could internally debate the pros and cons of eating them or why he’d made them to begin with. She’d just taken a bite as Keeley climbed in beside her. Danielle smiled to herself. Peanut butter and jelly. Aiden’s favorite.

  “You had time to make a sandwich, lucky bitch,” Keeley grumbled.

  “There’s another one in the bag. If you’re hungry, eat it.” Danielle lifted her chin to the bag sitting beside her.

  “Thank God.” Keeley snatched the sack. “Did Jace tell you anything?” She unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite.

  “No.” She drove towards town. “Just that they’d found him, and Jace would explain when we arrive.” She pointed to resumes. “We’re going to need them now.”

  “You’re right. The house is full as it is. Same with yours. We’ll have to explain the situation to them.”

  “They’re going to need everything. Clothes, furniture, food, diapers, or training pants. A stipend to take care of the expenses they’ll need, and pay as well. They’re officially our employees.” Danielle finished her sandwich as they entered town.

  “I’ll get started on it. Kalkin said the pack has money so we’ll have to dip into that fund until we receive the grants we applied for and donations.”

  “Maybe we should do a fundraiser too. This blindsided us.” Once she was parked, she turned the SUV off and glanced at her sister. “We can’t rely on money coming anymore. We need to be solvent now.”

  Keeley nodded. “We have some cash to work with for now, but I agree. We’ll talk about it later. For now, let’s go see this little boy.”

  They got out of the vehicle, and Jace greeted them at the door of the Sheriff’s Department. Waves of sadness and something else rolled off of him. Was the boy that bad off? Danielle quickened her pace, reaching him first. Fear tightened her gut and made the sandwich she’d finished settle wrong in her stomach.

  “How bad?” she murmured when she hugged him.

  “He’s three. Had a tag around his neck that said his name is Crow and he was a mongrel,” Jace said when Keeley joined them. “He’s naked too. Mrs. Martin said Nico will be bringing him clothes in a moment.”

  “Mongrel?” Danielle tilted her head to the side. “I don’t understand.”

  “He’s mixed. Coyote and wolf. He’s also Navajo.” Jace motioned for them to follow him. “He’s back here. He won’t talk to us.”

  “Where did he come from?” Keeley inquired.

  Jace sighed. “From the direction of Quincy pack lands. It wouldn’t surprise me if he isn’t one of theirs.”

  Danielle stopped. “What?”

  “I know.” Jace frowned. “His feet are bloody. He’s malnourished and like Aiden, has bite marks on him—healed of course. I’d say they are at least a year old.”

  If she could growl, she would. “Are you making a report?”

  Jace rolled his eyes. “Of course. Kalkin would have my ass if I didn’t.” The door opened, and Nico entered the station. “Finally.”

  “Sorry. Mrs. Martin thought she had more, but this is all she had.” Nico handed Jace two sets of clothes. The shirts were threadbare, worn and well loved. The cuffs of the pants were tattered from someone stepping on them while walking or, if she had to guess, running. “Hey, Miss Danielle... Miss Keeley. Wild night, huh?” He raised his brows and let out a breath.

  “I’ll say,” Danielle muttered. “Thank you, Nico.”

  “Sure. If you need anything else, let me know.”

  Danielle inclined her chin. “We will.” Then an idea struck her. “Hey, Nico?”

  He stopped mid-stride. “Yeah?”

  “Would you like to help us with the orphans?” Charisma and Marie were going to have their hands full with a little shifter boy, especially an abused one. Aiden experienced those growing pains. He still had his good and bad days. Sometimes it was a touch. Sometimes it was the sound of Danielle’s voice, even if she didn’t yell. She couldn’t imagine how a three-year-old would react.

  “Serious?” He cocked a brow.

  “Yeah. Crow is going to be staying with our assistants.” Jace gave her a look but she pressed on. “We’re kind of doing a trial by fire thing with them.”

  The boy laughed. “Sure. Give Mrs. Martin the info and let them know I’ll be around.”

  “Are you sure about this?” Jace said, as Nico strolled out of the Sheriff’s department.

  “No,” she answered honestly. “However, we weren’t prepared for a new child being added to those already here. Keeley thought we’d at least have the house ready by the time we accepted new children.”

  “Same,” Jace agreed. “Let’s go meet him.”

  Jace placed the boy in the breakroom. He sat on one of the chairs, a blanket wrapped tightly around him. Whatever collar he’d been wearing, Jace had removed. The first thing Danielle noticed was his eyes. The sadness in his mismatched eyes bore into her. Danielle gripped Keeley’s hand as they stepped closer. Crow was absolutely beautiful. He had long raven hair. His skin was a lovely shade of burnt sienna. His left eye was green while the right had been brown.

  He stared up at Danielle and Keeley with open curiosity while clutching the blanket around him. He needed a bath, some food and sleep. First, she’d take a look at his feet then listen to his heart and lungs—checking him out for any other unseen injuries. Jace gave them room to work. While Keeley sat beside the boy, she crouched down in front of him and spoke softly. “Hi, I’m Danielle, and this is my sister, Keeley. We’re here to make you get better, okay?”

  The boy grunted.

  Keeley and she exchanged a look. “Is your name Crow?”

  He nodded.

  “I think it’s a magnificent name. It’s strong. You’ve earned it.” She lifted his foot and internally winched. He had all kinds of cuts and debris stuck to the bottoms. I need to m
ake him sleep. This is going to hurt. Want to help? She glanced at Keeley.

  Yep. Go for it. “Here, why don’t you lean against me. You can relax now. You’re safe.”

  The boy looked between them then finally eased himself into Keeley’s side. “Such a brave little boy.” She took his hand. “I have twin babies. I hope they’re strong like you when they get bigger.”

  Keeley eyed Danielle as she began inducing the subconscious message to sleep on the little boy. His eyes grew heavy then drifted closed. His whole body went limp as he sighed. “There are some cactus briers here, and shards of glass. I’m going to need a little of your energy to heal them. No way he can walk out of here like this.”

  “Do it,” Keeley said. “Poor baby.” She stroked his long hair while gently rocking him. “Who does this to kids?”

  Danielle gave her a droll stare. “We know the answer. I want to rip his nuts off and feed them to vultures.” She grabbed the long-nose tweezers out of her bag. “I don’t like the idea of Quincy being so close. Not with what we know about them.”

  “I don’t either,” her sister added.

  When they moved to Window Rock, the feud had been in full effect. One of the pack members had tricked Mackenzie, and for almost twenty years, he’d disappeared. The whole time Kalkin, his brothers, and worst of all their nephew, Royce, thought he’d died. Quincy had also taken all of Rapier’s land as well. Of course, there were rumblings from the smart-ass kids in town like Jeremy, who said the Quincy’s were coming back for their land, but besides the incident with Tiffany and Aiden...nothing. Now, she wondered.

  Danielle worked as quickly and efficiently as she could to cause as little discomfort as possible. When his feet were a soft pink indicating they were almost healed, she pulled back and let his shifter genetics do the rest. There’d been no way they’d have healed on their own. Not with all the crap she’d dug out of them. While he still slept, she began her full examination of his body. She pushed the blanket back, revealing a bruised and battered body. Jace had been right. The marks and scars looked to be about a year old. But, one thing she noticed twisted her guts. Whoever had him had tried to castrate him.