by Ardy Kelly
The doctor paused, choosing his words carefully. “I’m concerned. The next twenty-four hours will determine if I’m worried.”
Chet sat silently, watching the doctor examine each child. The smile Kai gave him was too sad to be good news.
He had spent years with an unshakable faith in a vortex vision. Now, the picture of him holding his children with David by his side felt as if it were slipping away.
What the hell am I supposed to do? He had trained himself to fight shifters but that wasn’t the battle he was facing.
When Kai left the room, Chet recognized his own worry on Ricky’s face. “I have to do something,” Chet said.
Ricky eyed him curiously. “How strong is that feeling?”
“It’s driving me crazy.”
Ricky reached to the table and grabbed two blankets. “Take off your shoes.”
Chet cocked his head, not sure he heard correctly. “What?”
“Take off your shoes and socks, grab your kids, and go find a lawn.” Ricky calmly wrapped the twins in their own blanket. “Then do that energy thing.” He stood and Chet saw tears in the omega’s eyes. “I’m not able to help them. Maybe you can.”
Chet rushed to undress his feet. After Ricky placed a baby in each arm, the sheriff snuck out of the school. “Let’s see if Daddy has any fairy magic for you two,” he whispered while heading for the nearest patch of green grass he could find.
Night had settled and he paced the lawn in the dark, searching for that pulsing sensation. “A little help here,” he said to no one. “I’m fighting for their lives now.”
How did I do it at Trisha’s? He remembered being down on all fours, bruised, bloodied, and spent. He was ready to give up until he saw David. I would fight to the death for that man. That was when the vibration began.
“I will fight to the death for my family,” Chet chanted. The cool, damp grass pulsed slightly beneath his feet. He amplified the emotion, imagining battling the creatures of Jurassic Park with both babies strapped to his chest and David safely behind him.
The pulse grew as he drew the familiar energy up his body, down his arms and into his children. He imagined a field of felled prehistoric beasts lying wounded all around him. He stood there until both babies began to wail.
When he returned to the school, the twin’s cries echoed in the hall, causing most of David’s family to rush at him.
“Where have you been?” Diana demanded.
Constance swatted him with her purse. “You took preemies outside? What were you thinking?”
Even Raff looked ready to punch him.
“I think they’re hungry,” Chet replied.
Kai looked suspiciously at the twins, as if the sick had been swapped for healthy ones. “I think you’re right.”
Once the twins were fed and sleeping, the family gathered around David’s bed.
Constance reached in her purse. “I got you something.” She handed an envelope to David.
“This isn’t more Morehouse paperwork, is it?”
“No. I was talking to a woman named Tabitha, and when she found out I was your mother—”
David unfolded the paper. “You didn’t.”
“I told you once you settled down and started a family, I would give you the money for your restaurant. It seems Tabitha had one for sale.”
“If I weren’t all stitched up, I’d lean over and give you a kiss.”
“Maybe later,” Constance said. “Now, for the bad news. I’m only saying this as a warning, but certain family members who are not present expect the twins to be named Edward and Elizabeth.”
“The Morehouses name their children alphabetically,” Raff explained to Chet.
“Like hurricanes,” Diana added. “At least they used to before today.”
“We’ve already got a long list of possibilities,” Chet said. “We were planning on narrowing it down this week.”
“List? It’s more like a book,” David replied. “What was your brother’s name?”
Constance gasped, much to her embarrassment. “Cary.”
David nodded and asked Chet, “What do you think?”
“Cary and Constance? I like it.”
“Good.” He patted his mother’s hand. “I think those two names deserve a second chance, don’t you?”
Chapter 18
As required, Mack reported to the council that David had given birth. To stall, he let them know the babies were premature and the omega was still recovering from surgery, delaying their ability to travel.
The council wasn’t willing to stall. They responded they would hold the meeting at Lone Wolves Ranch that weekend.
Though Mother had been spending more and more time at the ranch, the news of a council meeting had her scurrying back to Marin.
“I guess having a bunch of pack leaders staying here scared her,” Diana explained. “She looked like a frightened rabbit.”
His sister’s tone was much gentler than it would have been four months ago. Mother had been making the effort to fit in at Lone Wolves Ranch. And she especially loved babysitting her grandchildren.
By nightfall on Friday, the parking area at the guardhouse was filled with trucks, motorcycles, a few luxury sedans, a 1964 Mustang rag-top, and a Tesla (whose owner was particularly upset that the ranch didn’t have a charging station).
Though David knew his issue would not be discussed until Saturday, he couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched. He tossed and turned all evening, sensing wolves stalking just outside the bedroom window.
“Adam’s team is watching the house,” Chet assured.
“If they’re watching, they don’t trust these wolves any more than I do.”
“Do you trust me?”
“You’re just one—”
Chet cut him off. “I come from a long line of fey warriors.”
David cocked an eyebrow. “Name one.”
“Chester the First.”
“You sure about that?”
“Of course. Who would name their kid Chester if it wasn’t a family name?” He wrapped his arms around David and pulled him closer. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’ve seen our happy little family, remember?”
“I also remember what Henry’s goons did to you last time we met.”
“Relax,” Chet cooed. “Everything is going to be fine.”
With Chet’s arms around him, and his soft breath on his neck, David fell asleep. He had a restful ten-minute slumber until Constance and Cary woke, demanding to be fed.
The next morning, there was a knock on their door. “Mack sent us,” Troy explained. “The council is ready to see you now. Robby will watch the kids.”
Rob rolled his eyes. He had given up on correcting Troy.
Rubbing his sweaty palms on his pants, David took Chet’s hand as they left the house.
Leading the way, Troy held up a seedling. “I brought this in case they want to see you do any magic tricks.”
“Mack said they would be more interested in David than me,” Chet replied.
“Could you do it anyway? I’m making lasagna tonight and I’m fresh out of basil.”
David’s stomach churned, anticipating the battle ahead. “Will Dominic be there?”
“No,” Troy assured. “He’s already made his case. Mack made sure you wouldn’t have to see him.”
The front door was open, and the raucous laughter frightened David more than silence would have.
Following Troy, they found Steven in the kitchen, making coffee. “We’re here,” Troy whispered. “How’s it going?”
“I didn’t know wolves could drink so much coffee. This is the fourth pot.”
Troy nodded as he slipped a tie around his neck and tightened it. “They’ve got a hunt hangover. They’re probably all a little droopy-eyed this morning, despite their noise.” He put on the suit jacket hanging over the kitchen chair. “Are we ready?”
“We?” Chet asked. “Why are you involved?”
Mack walked into the room.
“I invited him.”
Troy nodded. “Omegas are better at sizing up an alpha than another alpha is. I’m here to ‘read the room.’” He grabbed the briefcase on the table, and pulled out a clipboard.
Mack put his hand on David’s shoulder. “Are you ready?”
He swallowed and took a deep breath. “I’m nervous.”
“Don’t be,” Chet said. “I’m with you.”
Troy nudged Chet. “Let him have his feelings. If he’s nervous, all the alphas will want to protect him.” He slipped on a pair of glasses.
Mack winked at Chet. “And that’s why Troy is here.”
Eight men and three women sat in the living room. As Mack introduced each of the pack leaders, David felt an urge to look at his feet rather than look them in the eye. I’m not bowing my head, he told himself. I’m not a wolf.
Henry glared at him, but thankfully Dominic was absent. When the introductions were finished, David realized he hadn’t paid attention to any of the names.
The council members stared at him, and David’s chest constricted. The atmosphere in the room was oppressive, and he panted for air.
“Someone is trying to intimidate my client,” Troy bellowed. “Council leader, I request you forbid the use of alpha energy during David’s testimony.”
All eyes turned to Henry, but he was too enraged to notice. “You bit him! Your pack was strictly forbidden to bite him.”
“My pack didn’t bite him,” Mack replied. “The sheriff bit him.”
“The fairy sheriff? Isn’t he part of your pack?”
“I wasn’t when we mated,” Chet responded.
Henry ignored the answer. “You’re trying to steal him through technicalities.”
“Enough,” the elder said. “Let’s hear from the omega.” His eyes drilled into David. “Tell us the events, beginning with your first heat.”
David gave his rehearsed account, careful to convey his dislike of Dominic without offending the wolves. If he embellished his courtship with Chet as more romantic than he considered it at the time, it was largely due to Troy’s coaching.
The elder nodded. “I think that gives us enough information to vote upon the matter.”
Troy held up his hand. “Alphas, you only know half the story, and it’s not even the important half.”
Henry rose. “It’s too late. We’re ready to vote.”
Troy rolled his eyes in reply. “David, do you know of any other omegas in your family tree?”
“A distant cousin.”
“What became of him?”
“The family assumed he was a re-re…”
“Recessive,” Troy whispered.
“Recessive. Yes. A wolf bit him and he died.”
“He died from a wolf bite?”
David nodded.
“And it was in a pack in Oregon?”
David nodded again.
Troy took off his glasses, polished them, and addressed the alpha in the corner. “Alpha Sabre, do you remember a pregnant omega who died from a family bite around 1960?”
She nodded. “We were reminded of that recently when a Morehouse came to our lands. He was a young omega who couldn’t shift or even speak English.”
“I don’t see the relevance,” Henry said.
“The relevance is that David would never survive a mating bite from a wolf. He also cannot shift. So why should he be subject to wolf laws?”
“This isn’t about mating,” Henry said. “This is about Dominic’s parental rights.”
“Since when?” Troy mumbled. “Elder, when a wolf gets a human female pregnant, is she subject to wolf laws?”
The council leader shook his head. “Wolf laws take precedence. However, one of our laws is secrecy. Therefore, in the case of non-shifters, we are often forced to accept human laws to avoid exposure.”
“David is a non-shifter.”
“His hands are tied, too,” Henry stated. “A human court would require a birth mother. He’d be laughed out of the courtroom.”
“He might,” Troy agreed. “But there are some who already suspect our existence. And this case will certainly convince more. Especially if he insists on DNA tests to prove both he and Dominic are the father.”
“Impossible,” Henry said. “He’s a member of this pack and has to abide by wolf laws.”
“I’m not a member,” David said. “You forbade me to join. My mate is a member, but I am not.”
The elder nodded his head. “So you obeyed wolf law?”
“The pack obeyed wolf law,” Troy said. “It wasn’t David’s decision to join or not.”
“He has wolf blood,” Henry reasoned. “His family tree is well documented. And name another supernatural male who can give birth in four months.”
“Well,” Troy said, “I haven’t met every supernatural.”
A woman’s voice interrupted the proceedings. “Oh, Constance. This is much worse than you led me to believe.”
Framed in the doorway stood Constance, desperately trying to coax Abagail into the room. “We’ll only be a minute, Grandmama. Just show them the document.”
“I thought this would be a courtroom, not a Hell’s Angels convention.”
“What is the meaning of this?” the elder asked.
Abagail bristled at the suggestion there were any places she was not welcome. “Are you the head wolf?” When he nodded, she introduced herself. “I am Abagail Marie Morehouse-Wolvenman. My mother was Leticia Marie Morehouse-Lupinman. She was the first of our line to mate with wolves.”
Constance sighed. “Just show them the paper.”
Having evoked Leticia’s name, Abagail was not about to let the document speak for itself. “Being as fiercely protective of our good name as she was distrustful of your kind, my mother had a legal agreement drawn up to protect any non-shifter of the Morehouse bloodline from being subjected to wolf law.”
With a dramatic flourish, she produced an aged document. The elder’s eyebrows rose as he read it. When he passed it down the line, each member reacted identically.
Abagail wrinkled her nose when the papers circled back to her. “Would you grab that, David? I didn’t bring my gloves, and I don’t know where their hands have been.”
“Does anyone deny the validity of the document?” the elder asked.
Henry rose. “How do we know this isn’t a forgery?”
“I recognize my father’s signature,” the elder replied.
Because it was common for firstborn alphas to inherit their family’s pack, many of the other members also recognized their ancestor’s signature.
“Therefore,” the elder said, “David and his offspring, and every future non-shifter in his line, are not held to our laws.” He pointed to David. “You may want to hold onto that paper in case this comes up again in a hundred years. In fact, send me a copy for our records.”
David nodded and they were dismissed.
As they stepped outside, he could hear the elder announce, “For the next order of business, Lone Wolves Ranch has filed a complaint against the Bay Area pack for harassment, intimidation…” The complaint droned on as David moved out of earshot.
Chet gave David a fierce hug. “It’s over. We can finally put that behind us.”
“We should celebrate,” David crowed.
“Tonight,” the sheriff replied. “I have to get to work. But tonight we are definitely celebrating.”
As Constance led Abagail to her limo, Troy sighed. “How dramatic. A dying woman making a heartfelt plea to a room full of hungry wolves.”
“Great-grandmama is not dying,” David said.
“The contract clutched in her bony fingers. A shuddering breath as she collapses.” Troy sighed. “I really need to get back to your book.”
Being neighbors, David had learned the trick of distracting Troy. “How are Luke and Rob doing?”
“OMG. Let me tell you what happened last night!”
Before Constance could usher her grandmama into the car, Helen appro
ached. “Hello, Abagail.”
The woman turned and appraised the stranger. “You have me at a disadvantage.”
“I’m Helen. Helen Randall.”
“Randall? Any relation to Jon Randall?” Abagail almost smiled. “Of course. You’re Helen. Jon’s true love.”
Helen was prepared for a fight, so the acknowledgment silenced her for a second. “That’s right. The man who wasn’t good enough for you!”
It was Abagail’s turn to be surprised. “Jon never told you? We promised to keep it a secret, but I thought he would have told you.”
“Told me what?”
“Our families wanted us to marry more than we did. His mother was a real bitch.” She looked Helen up and down, silently signaling her belief that men married their mother.
Ignoring the implication, Helen nodded. “She was.”
“Jon told me he wanted to marry you, but his mother thought you were beneath him.”
“As often as I could get.”
Abagail chuckled. Bawdy humor was her secret vice. “He asked if he could grab me in public. He needed to make a scene that would humiliate the family, so his mother would be grateful anyone would marry him.”
“What?”
“Oh, yes. It was during a garden party. He grabbed me, growled, and sniffed my neck. I think he even let his eyes turn with that shifting thing you people do. Mother had him banished immediately. I always wondered if the plan worked.”
“It worked,” Helen snipped, unable to let go of the years she had harbored an unfounded resentment. “Nice to meet you,” she barked. Turning, she headed for the nearest exit. She wouldn’t cry, but if she did, she refused to do it in front of a Morehouse.
After sending Grandmama home, Constance linked arms with David. “Let’s tell Connie and Cary the good news.”
“I doubt they’ve worried much about it.”
“You were worried. Children can sense these things, even if they don’t understand it.”
David knew something was wrong the minute he entered his home. He called Rob’s name and only received a muffled cry in response. They found him tied up on the kitchen floor, with duct tape over his mouth.
“He took the babies,” he blurted out when the tape was removed. “Told me his name was Dominic and to meet him at the pools.”
