The adult tapped a finger to his lips, looking pensively at Ky. “Do you by chance know a man by the name of Stefan?”
“I do. I work with him. He’s a panther shifter who runs one of the sanctuaries.”
“Describe him.”
“Older. Close to one hundred and fifty, although he looks in his sixties with his graying hair. He has a small tattoo of two paw prints linked to a heart behind his right ear.”
::I guess that answers my question about my getting one,:: Cole said.
::Shifters can, although I’m not sure I like the idea of a heart with our initials. It sounds like something a teen would carve into a tree.::
The man nodded at Ky’s reply. “Not many know about the tattoo. Welcome to our home, Kyland Jaeger. Come. We’ll take you to Hallam.”
Cole and Ky followed them into the trees. Soon, they came to another, much bigger clearing. Around the perimeter were rustic cabins that had obviously been built by hand. Three men stood in front of the largest one, with two huge Bullmastiffs flanking them.
“Who have we here, David?” one of the men asked, pronouncing it Dah-veed, his gaze raking over Cole. He was imposing, at least as tall as Ky, and even more muscular. The only thing that spoke to his age were traces of gray in his long, dark hair.
“Kyland Jaeger, and someone who claims to be your grandson,” the man called David replied.
“Cole Williams, sir,” Cole said. “Williams, because that was the last name of the people who adopted me. Cole was the name given me by my mother. It was on the blanket I was wrapped in when I was left at the sanctuary.”
“Really? Only your name?”
Cole was certain the man had to be Hallam, so he replied boldly, “No, sir. Yours was on it, too, and my mother’s.”
“Drop your shielding.”
Cole did, staring defiantly at him. ::Please believe me. It’s true…grandfather:: He wasn’t certain that he could mind-speak to Hallam, but he thought it was worth a try.
After a long moment, Hallam replied, ::I believe you…grandson.:: He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Cole in a warm embrace. “Eldon,” he said to the teen, “if you would, please, tell your mother I’d like to speak with her.”
Cole held his breath when Eldon walked away, still terrified that Rilla wouldn’t want to meet him—or would reject him when she did.
Hallam chuckled, putting one hand on Cole’s shoulder. “You might want to breathe, and put up your shields, again.”
At the same time, Ky said, ::Breathe before you pass out::, smiling at Cole.
Cole inhaled, looking up at Hallam. “Will she—?” He bit back the rest of his question when a slender, dark-haired woman came across the clearing.
She looked curiously at Ky and Cole before saying, “You wanted me, Father?”
Hallam nodded. “Rilla, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. This is Kyland Jaeger,” he nodded toward Ky. “And this—” he smiled at Cole, “—is your first born—Cole.”
For a moment Rilla stared at Cole in disbelief. Then, with an elated cry, she was hugging him, tears streaming down her face. Finally, she stepped away, gripping one of his hands in hers. “I don’t believe it. I thought…I was certain I’d never see you again. How…?”
Cole realized he was crying, too, and wiped his hand across his face. “I didn’t even know you existed until a few weeks ago. Until Ky found me.”
Rilla turned to look at Ky. “Then I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
“As do I,” Hallam said. “Thank you for bringing him to us.”
“Thank you so much.” Rilla kissed Ky’s cheek then took Cole’s hand again. “Tell me…everything.”
“Why don’t we go inside,” Hallam suggested. “That includes you and Eldon, David.” He opened the cabin door then stepped aside.
The interior of the cabin was divided into two rooms, one of which, Cole presumed, was Hallam’s bedroom. The main room was rustic, with a mix of handmade and store-bought furnishings. When Hallam gestured toward the sofa, Cole sat, with Ky on one side and Rilla on the other. The remaining men took their places in the three chairs facing them.
Eldon seemed uneasy, his gaze going to Cole then flitting away, as Cole began relating everything that had happened since he’d left home. He glowered more than once when Rilla would grip Cole’s hand or hug him at a particularly frightening part of Cole’s story.
“And that’s it,” Cole said in conclusion. “Without Ky, things would have been a lot different. I owe him my life.”
Rilla lifted an eyebrow, glancing at Ky, then grinned at Cole. “Have you paid him back, yet?”
Cole swallowed hard. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Come on. You can’t fool a mother. It’s pretty obvious, to me at least, that there’s more between you two than just friendship.”
Eldon sprang to his feet, his expression deadly as he started to the door. Cole went after him, gripping his arm. “I’m not trying to replace you,” he said firmly. “Believe me, I’m not. I couldn’t. I know Rilla loves you. So do you, if you stop being jealous, and start thinking. We’re both her sons. You’re the lucky one, because you’ve spent your whole life with her and your father. You have a family, a real one. Please, let me have a bit of time with her, without ruining it. I won’t be here that long.”
“You won’t?”
“No. I have my own life that I have to get back to. It’s a lot different than yours, but once Marsham’s…out of the picture, I guess…maybe your pack will return to civilization.”
“I’m sure we will,” Rilla said, joining them. “He’s right, Eldon. I love you to death. But I also love Cole. You are both my sons, and both equally important to me. So give Cole a chance. You might find out he’s not a bad guy—” she winked, “—for an older brother.”
Eldon smiled weakly. “I guess I was acting pretty stupid.”
“No,” Cole told him. “You were acting the same way I probably would have, if things had been reversed. Friends?” He held out his hand.
“Friends, and brothers,” Eldon replied.
“Good. That’s settled,” Rilla said. “How about we celebrate with a feast, before Cole and Ky have to leave. I hope that’s not going to be immediately.”
“We can stay at least until tomorrow,” Ky replied. “So, let’s par-tay.”
The pack did, once all the members had met Cole. He was surprised to see everyone, male and female, pitching it to put together the food and drinks. “This is so different from what Jenna and Venus said Marsham’s pack is like,” he said to Ky.
“Marsham’s is an autocratic patriarchy, pure and simple. Some packs are like that. I’m sure some are matriarchies, although so far, I haven’t run into one. Thankfully, in today’s society, most of them are democratic, other than the basic hierarchy of an Alpha and his Betas. The Alphas are smart enough, or wise enough, to know it takes females to keep the day-to-day life running smoothly.”
“Mom does that very well,” Eldon said, obviously having overheard them. “Our mom,” he added smiling at Cole. “Come on, let’s get some of the food before it’s all gone.”
Over the following two days, because he and Ky had been invited to stay for as long as they wanted, Cole got to know more about his new family. David treated Rilla as an equal, much to Cole’s relief, and Hallam did the same with every member of the pack—even the children who hadn’t yet reached their maturity.
“I never realized,” Cole said when he and Ky were getting ready to leave Saturday morning, “what having a real, loving family was like. Okay, that’s probably not fair to the Williamses. They did love me and showed it, until the last couple of months. But they didn’t have a large, extended family the way I do now.”
“Not all that large,” Hallam pointed out.
“Maybe not as far as being related, but it feels like everyone here is family.”
“We are,” Rilla agreed. “Through good times and bad, and we’ve had some bad, unfortunately, w
e’ve stuck together, celebrating the best, supporting each other when needed. That, Cole, is what being a good family, a good pack is all about.”
Cole nodded, wishing on one level that he could stay with them forever. But, as he’d told Eldon, he did have his own life that he had to get back to.
“You know, you’re welcome here whenever you want to visit,” Hallam said after giving Cole a hard hug. “When we move on, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Thank you. I hope that’s soon, and for the right reasons.”
Hallam smiled wryly. “I’m not certain wishing for someone’s death is a good thing, but as it’s going to happen sooner than later…” He shook Ky’s hand, saying, “Keep my grandson safe until it happens.”
“I intend to,” Ky replied adamantly, putting his arm around Cole’s shoulder.
“My turn,” Rilla said, looking pointedly at Ky. He laughed, moving away, and she embraced Cole. “I haven’t said this, but from the day I left you at the sanctuary, you’ve been in my thoughts, and my prayers. I was sure, here—” she placed her hand over her heart, “—you’d grow up to be a fine young man, and I was right.”
David and Eldon were a bit more circumspect in their goodbyes, merely shaking Cole’s hand. Then Eldon asked, “May I come visit you sometime?”
“You bet. Let me know when and…oh…” He glanced at Ky.
“I’m sure Larry or Adam can find him a bed at one of their places, if you’re still using my guestroom.”
The adults laughed knowingly. Eldon seemed puzzled, momentarily, then got it and blushed. Cole patted his arm. “You didn’t figure it out?”
“Well…yeah. Sort of. I just didn’t…”
“Think about the details,” Ky said with amusement.
“Yeah. That.” Eldon blushed again. “I’ll let you know before I visit.”
“That might be a good idea, so we can pick you up at the airport.”
“I could teleport him right to your house,” Hallam said, and winked. “Even if I did, I’d still give you a heads-up.”
More laughter ensued. Cole thanked each of them for accepting him into the family.
“Of course we did. You are part of it, now,” Rilla told him, kissing his forehead. “Never forget that.”
Then, he and Ky made a quick exit before things got, as Ky put it, “Even mushier than they are already.”
Chapter 14
Between the emotional highs Cole had experienced over the previous three days, and the long trip home, he was exhausted by the time they got to the house.
“If you’d slept on the plane,” Ky teased as he prepared supper.
Cole nodded, bleary-eyed, uncertain if he had the energy to eat. He managed to, barely, then Ky sent him to bed, even though it was only a few minutes after nine.
He awoke Sunday morning to the aroma of bacon, making his stomach growl. Jumping out of bed, he grabbed a clean pair of briefs and hurried down the hall to the bathroom. He took care of the most pressing business then washed his face and hands, and brushed his teeth.
When he got back to the bedroom, he stopped in surprise. Ky was there, leaning against the headboard, wearing jeans and nothing else. A tray sat on the nightstand, holding two plates of eggs, bacon, and toast, as well as glasses of juice.
“I thought we should have breakfast in bed,” Ky told him seriously. He looked Cole over, and smiled. “That way, since I’m sure you’re starving, you don’t have to waste time putting on any clothes.”
Cole gulped, then scurried to get under the covers. Or rather, he tried to. Ky put a halt to that by putting his arm around him with a shake of his head. “You’re fine the way you are. Cute, sexy, and dressed for the occasion.”
“Briefs are de rigueur for breakfast?” Cole asked. “Since when, and why are you wearing jeans if that’s the case?”
Ky grinned. “Because I don’t own any underwear?”
“I…see.”
“Not yet, you don’t. After we eat, then you will.” Ky winked, handing Cole one of the plates, and silverware. Cole rested it on his lap as best he could, considering there was a definite impediment at the moment to its sitting flat. He concentrated on the food, rather than what he suspected would come next, and his semi-erection flagged, much to his relief.
How can he be so casual about this? Cole wondered as he finished eating. Like he knows without a doubt that we’re going to…
Cole realized he’d forgotten to shield when Ky said, “Make love? I don’t know for certain, but I hope we are. It’s really up to you.”
“Don’t you mean both of us?” Cole asked as he reached across Ky to set his plate back on the tray. He started to straighten up again, only to find himself wrapped in Ky’s arms.
“No,” Ky replied. “I meant you. I know I want you. You, Cole. Not some nebulous male, but you. I need to be certain you feel the same. I don’t want you saying ‘yes’ because you think you owe me something.”
“I couldn’t do that,” Cole protested. “It would be like lying.”
“And you never lie?”
Cole shrugged. “I can’t say never. I’m only human—well, more or less. But I never have when I knew it would hurt someone. I’m not like that.”
“I know,” Ky replied, dropping a kiss on his lips. “So if you’re not going to sleep with me to pay me back, I guess that means you want me?”
“You have no idea how much I do.”
Ky chortled softly, running his hand over Cole’s erection. “I think I’ve got a pretty good idea.”
Cole looked him straight in the eye. “Then let’s make love.”
* * * *
Much later, Cole was nestled in Ky’s arms, still savoring what had happened. He wasn’t about to say it out loud, but he was certain he was in love. He might not feel the same, but I don’t care. I love him and that’s what matters. For a second, he was afraid he hadn’t shielded and he glanced quick at Ky.
Ky smiled, ruffling his hair. “For our first time together, that was pretty damned good.”
Cole refrained from stating the obvious, that he thought it was a hell of a lot more than that. Instead, he smiled back. “At least you sound like you think we’ll do it again.”
“Don’t you?”
“Oh, yeah. Every time we get the chance.”
Ky laughed. “You’re going to be insatiable, aren’t you?”
“Maybe?” Cole grinned.
“I have no problem with that.”
* * * *
Ky had schooled his expression not to react to Cole’s thoughts. Not that he didn’t feel the same way. He just believed it was too early for any declarations of love. Things can change in a heartbeat. A wrong word that causes an argument there’s no coming back from. Jealousy because he looks at someone else and I wonder if he’s comparing me to him, and I come up short—or vice versa. When we…okay, I get too involved in my work and neglect to do the little things that let him know he’s special to me. Loving someone is more than being compatible in the sack. It takes work. Until we get past the euphoria of sex and start living together day to day, handling all the small things together, we won’t truly know if it’s love we’re feeling, or just friendship with sex thrown in.
Ky gave Cole a slow, tender kiss, then said, “I think it’s time we got up and faced the day.”
“Ugh,” Cole grumbled.
“Hey, it’s Sunday. We can do something fun, like go to a movie.”
“Or be good guys and let Larry and Adam know what happened.”
“Yeah, that, too, I suppose.” Ky sat up, adding, “And Mike.”
“Definitely. I have to let him know I’m back. I should volunteer to work tomorrow and Tuesday, so whoever took over for me can have a couple of days off.”
“They’d appreciate it, I’m sure.” Ky chuckled. “My employees would probably appreciate it if I showed up for work, too. I’ve been somewhat remiss with that, since all this crap with Marsham began.”
“Meaning keeping me safe.
Sorry.”
Ky hugged him, shaking his head. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. It added some excitement to what is usually my very mundane life.”
“Uh-huh. Believe that, and you’ve got a bridge you want to sell me.”
Cupping Cole’s face in his hands, Ky replied, “It’s the truth. That and the fact I met a very interesting young man in the process. So I have no regrets.”
“Me, neither,” Cole replied. “I have you, and my family, and with any sort of luck both our lives will get back to normal, now.”
“I can deal with that.” All I have to worry about is the fact Marsham is undoubtedly still looking for him and will be until the day he dies. Not an idea he liked, but he knew it was the truth. I’ll point it out to Cole, but not right this moment. He needs to savor his happiness for a while. “Come on. Get your ass out of bed. We have people to visit and a movie to see.”
“I’m on it,” Cole replied. “It would help if you moved, unless you want me to crawl over you.”
Chuckling, Ky moved. They took quick showers, dressed, and set out to face the day.
* * * *
“That’s fantastic. I’m happy for you,” Larry said after Cole and Ky told him about finding the pack—and Cole’s mother. His response echoed Adam’s almost word for word. “After all our speculating about the ‘what’s’ and ‘why’s,’ it’s nice to know that there’s, not to be hokey, a happy ending.”
“Almost,” Cole replied. “It won’t really be over until Marsham is gone. Until then, I’ll still be looking over my shoulder for his goons.”
“I suspect he has other things to worry about,” Larry said. “If Ky did what he was planning.”
“I did,” Ky told him. “I’ll know tomorrow if it worked.”
“When the Stock Market opens?” Larry asked.
“Exactly.”
They spent a few more minutes with Larry before heading to the restaurant. When they got there, Mike greeted Cole like a long-lost son, eyed Ky speculatively, then suggested they wait in his office until he was free—“Which should be soon. Lunch rush is almost over.”
Mike came into the office fifteen minutes later, a questioning look on his face. “Did you find out what you wanted to know?” he asked Cole, obviously keeping his question general because Ky was there.
Cole and His Dog Page 13
