DISCOVERING HER WOLFEN HERITAGE
Missy Martine
EROTIC ROMANCE
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: Erotic Romance
DISCOVERING HER WOLFEN HERITAGE
Copyright © 2009 by Missy Martine
E-book ISBN: 1-60601-640-7
First E-book Publication: December 2009
Cover design by Jinger Heaston
All cover art and logo copyright © 2009 by Siren Publishing, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
PUBLISHER
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
Letter from Missy Martine
Regarding Ebook Piracy
Dear Readers,
Reading romantic fiction has brought joy and romance back into my life for many years. Each story different, yet the same. Books filled with passion, romance and happily ever after endings. These are the things that fueled my fantasies for years.
Now, I write to bring the same kinds of romantic feelings to you. It makes me happy to think that I can bring a little romance and fantasy into people’s lives.
I’m really lucky because I can earn a living writing my stories for you. I don’t have another job. Selling my books is my only income. When I recently discovered that my books were being pirated, I was devastated.
Pirating books is the same as stealing. Don’t share this book with your friends. Don’t post copies anywhere on the internet. Don’t sell or auction it to anyone. Please respect my right to earn a living from my hard work.
With deep gratitude,
Missy Martine
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated in part to Dana Marie Bell, whose shape-shifter books inspired me to want to create characters of my own, and to my husband, who once again read along as I created, giving me his honest opinions and his unconditional support.
DISCOVERING HER WOLFEN HERITAGE
MISSY MARTINE
Copyright © 2009
Prologue
Summer 1997
“Grandpa, who’s your friend?”
Victor Barrow wasn’t surprised by the sound of his granddaughter’s voice. He’d sensed her approach even before she came around the corner of his cabin. Truth be known, he hoped for the chance to introduce her to his friend before her father took her home. Turning to look at her, he flashed her a smile and motioned her forward.
“Come and meet my friend, Maddie.”
The petite eight-year-old girl moved cautiously forward, never taking her eyes off the large, black wolf lying at his feet. He watched the wolf’s bright blue eyes following her movements and saw his granddaughter’s body shiver.
“What’s his name, Grandpa?”
“Well, Maddie, I suppose he does have a name, but I’m afraid he’s the only one who knows it. He sure hasn’t told it to me.”
The solemn faced little girl giggled, just as he hoped she would. She always seemed so serious. Victor just wanted to put a smile on her face and keep it there.
“Can I pet him?”
“Yes, Maddie, you can pet him all you want. Look at his eyes, little girl. They show you what kind of wolf he is. I promise you that this wolf will never do anything to hurt you. In fact, he’d protect you from danger if you ever needed it.”
The little girl dropped to her knees beside the large wolf and tentatively held out her hand. Raising his head, the wolf sniffed at her fingers and stared directly into her wide, brown eyes. His long, moist tongue came out and gently lapped at her fingers and hand, making her giggle again. As she relaxed her posture, the wolf lowered his head and butted up against her arm. Maddie ran her hand over his head and down his back.
“Grandpa, his hair is so soft. It tickles my hand.”
The old man smiled at his granddaughter and had to blink back tears. He wished he could tell her that her future belonged to this wolf, but he’d promised his son he wouldn’t say anything. It hurt him deeply that his own son continued to deny his heritage. It shamed him to know how he failed his beautiful wife, Eloise, by not instilling the pride of her people in their only son.
As he watched, the wolf crawled closer to the child and curled his massive body around her where she sat on the grass. She smiled happily and sunk both her hands into his thick, fur and then laid her head on his side.
“You’re my new friend, wolfie,” she said with her eyes closed.
The wolf raised his sky blue eyes to the old man, showing his content, then slowly closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Victor knew this was the wolf’s way of memorizing her scent.
“Maddie, get away from that filthy thing right now,” came a harsh voice from the corner of the house. “That thing could kill you with one bite.”
The wolf’s eyes flew open and turned to look at the young man standing in the sunlight beside the small cabin.
“Michael, don’t try to scare your sister like that. She’s perfectly safe with the wolf, more so than you’ll ever know.”
“Grandpa, wolves are wild animals, and you can’t tame them, no matter how hard you try. You may think it’s safe, but one day, when you least expect it, he’ll turn on you and kill you.” The young man looked irritated, as if he couldn’t believe he had to explain this to his grandfather. “Come on, Maddie, right now, or I’m going to tell Dad.”
At this, the wolf slowly rose to his full height and released a small growl from deep in his chest. Maddie jumped, pulled back her hands, and began to scoot away. Victor realized the wolf frightened her. He smiled as he watched him lean forward and lick her on the side of her face. Maddie smiled and seemed to calm instantly.
“See, Maddie? Don’t listen to your brother. This wolf loves you and would never hurt you.”
Smiling, Maddie petted the wolf one last time and then got to her feet.
“I have to go, Grandpa. Dad’s waiting.” She threw her arms around the old man, hugging him. “I love you, Grandpa.” She looked up at her grandfather inquisitively. “Are you going to come to my birthday party next month? We’re having a cookout at the lake, and Michael promised to teach
me how to water ski.”
“I’m going to do my best to be there, little girl. I can’t wait to see you flying across the waves behind that boat of your Dad’s.” Returning her hug, he said, “I love you too, child.”
Maddie giggled one more time, looked at the wolf again, and then ran off to join her brother beside the house.
“Goodbye, Grandpa. I had a nice time. You be careful around that wild animal. He really could turn on you without any warning.” Michael seemed to be trying to sounder older and wiser than his sixteen years.
“Bye, Michael. I love you, boy, and I hope you visit me again sometime soon.”
Both children waived one final time, with Maddie looking longingly at the wolf, and then raced off to join their father in the car.
“She’s mine Victor, you must know that.”
Victor turned his head and looked at the tall, naked man standing where the wolf had been just moments before. He sighed and thought carefully before he answered.
“Yes, Remus, I know she’s destined to be your mate. You must be patient, though, and not rush her. She needs time to experience life, and it must be her choice. Believe me, your union will be a happier one if she comes to you on her own.”
“I’ll give her time. After all, she’s still just a little girl.” Remus’s deep voice held a hint of anger in it as if he didn’t like getting advice from his old friend.
“No, Remus, you must wait until she’s twenty-one before you claim her.” Seeing Remus about to object, he quickly continued, “But more important than that, you’ve got to wait until she loves you.”
“Victor, you know the mating bond brings feelings of love with it.”
“Yes, I know, but I want something more for Maddie. I want her to love you because her heart says it’s right and not just because some chemical reaction in her body makes it so. If you spend time with her then you’ll develop real feelings that will make your life together even more special.” He could tell by the look on Remus’ face that he was getting angry, so he added one last plea. “It’s what Eloise would have wanted.”
Remus appeared thoughtful at the mention of the woman who always treated him like her own son.
“I loved Eloise, too, Victor. You know that. She came from my own pack. But I can’t make a promise I know I might not be able to keep.” Looking away toward the mountaintops, Remus thought quietly for a few moments. “I’ll promise I won’t go in search of her until her twenty-first year, but if she comes back here before that and she’s at least seventeen years, I may not be able to stop myself from claiming her.” He turned and gazed into the eyes of the old man. “But I will promise you that I’ll spend time with Maddie and get to know her before I stake my claim.”
Victor stared at him for several minutes and then shook his head sadly.
“Thank you, Remus. I wish Eloise could’ve lived to see the two of you mated.”
“She does see, my old friend, she sees everything from above.”
Victor wiped the tears from his eyes, turned to say something, and saw a large, black wolf running down toward the river, heading into the trees.
Smiling, he watched the fearless animal racing with the wind, and he knew the wolf wouldn’t be happy until the day his Maddie came home for good.
Chapter 1
Ten Years Later
“Maddie, be reasonable, you can’t expect me to leave you here alone.”
Maddie Bowers looked up at her handsome brother and tried not to show her irritation. She understood he worried about her, but at some point, he had to accept that she was an adult and responsible for her own choices. He’d spent the last two weeks helping her get settled in her new home, and now she really wanted to be alone.
“I do expect you to leave me here alone, Michael. I expect you to respect my decisions and acknowledge that I’m an adult.”
“Oh, honey, I know you’re an adult, but you have to admit that your situation isn’t entirely normal.”
“I’m perfectly normal, Michael Barrows.” She interrupted his pleading, her voice becoming louder as her anger grew. “As for my special situation, well, this place is perfect. It’s remote, with no one anywhere close. It’s the perfect place for me to relax and begin to take control of my life.” As she spoke, Maddie looked around, taking in the cabin with the majestic mountains and forest in the background.
“Exactly, it’s too remote. Hell, we’ve been here two weeks and haven’t seen anyone except when we drove into town to buy supplies. What happens if you get hurt?”
Trying her best to control her temper, Maddie turned away from her only brother before she answered him. “You know as well as I do that I’m more likely to hurt someone else than myself.” There was no way she was going to let him know the thought of being on her own terrified her. The idea of being watched constantly scared her even more.
“But Maddie,” he began.
“Stop it, Michael. Stop it right now,” Maddie yelled. Suddenly, the dirt and flowers behind Michael exploded up and out into the air, showering Michael with dirt.
“Holy hell!” he shouted as he jumped to the side.
“Michael, I’m so sorry,” she gasped. Huge tears ran down Maddie’s cheeks as she apologized to her brother. “That’s why this place is so perfect, Michael. I don’t get angry when I’m alone.” She pleaded with him to understand.
“All right, Maddie, you’re right.” He leaned over and began brushing the dirt and leaves from his clothing. “You’re an adult, and there isn’t anything I can do to stop you from staying here.” He straightened and gazed into her eyes. But try to remember that I’m your brother, and I love you. There is nothing you can do to stop me from worrying and caring about you.”
“I love you, too, Michael.” She looked at him and tried to make him understand. “I want this time to figure out what I want to do with my life.” Maddie stepped closer and put her hand on Michael’s arm. “I’d also like you to take this time and think about moving forward with your own life as well. I know you’ve put off planning for a future because of your commitment to me. Well, I’m selfish. I want little nieces and nephews to spoil. If you’re going to give them to me, you’re gonna to have to get busy.”
Michael frowned at her. “I’ll find a wife when I’m good and ready to find one and not before, little girl.”
They had this discussion before, and Maddie knew she was making him angry. She wasn’t at all surprised when he suddenly changed the subject.
“Maddie, do you remember the man Grandpa left his land to?”
She nodded. “Sure, Remus Wind River, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, that’s right. I spoke with him last week, and he’s gonna be checking in on you from time to time while I’m away on this job.”
Trying to hold her anger in check, Maddie glared at him. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I need peace of mind, Maddie.” Michael sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “With me being so far away, I need to know you’ve got someone to turn to if there’s a problem. He seems like a responsible, decent fellow, and I trust him. Hell, Grandpa must have trusted him since he left him the land and you the house. He would have known the two of you would have to interact from time to time.”
Figuring she could get rid of Mr. Wind River easily enough, Maddie held her tongue and let her brother continue.
Michael hesitated for a moment and then changed the subject again. “You’ve got plenty of food, and there’s enough fire wood to last several months. I left the number on the counter for you to call when you start getting low. They’ll deliver it and stack it up for you.” He walked over and took her chin in his hands, forcing her to look him in the eye. “Please, don’t go trying to cut wood yourself. My heart couldn’t stand knowing you were here alone, playing with an axe.” He gave her a wicked grin, which softened his words, and then he held out his arms to her. Maddie walked into his embrace without hesitation.
Hugging her close, Michael closed his eyes. “I�
��m gonna miss you, little sister. I’ll have my cell phone on all the time, so if you need anything, or just want to talk, I’m only a phone call away.”
She felt him bury his face in her hair and take a deep breath. Maddie pulled back slightly and looked up. She was surprised to see the tears forming in the corners of his eyes.
“Take care of yourself, little sister.”
“Try not to worry, big brother, I’m gonna be just fine.”
Michael held her face between his hands and leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. Stepping back, he smiled and then tweaked her nose. Without another word, he got into his car, and drove away.
Maddie watched the car as it slowly moved down the winding gravel road. When she couldn’t see it any longer, she sighed and looked around, listening to the sounds of the birds. A sudden feeling of helplessness washed over her, and she found herself blinking back tears. Struggling for just a moment with her feelings, Maddie forced herself to relax and felt a blanket of peace wrap around her. This cabin was her home now. Fate meant for her to be here, and she believed in her heart that her destiny was tied to this place.
“Thanks, Grandpa, for leaving me your house and for trusting me. I’ll always love you,” Maddie whispered.
She walked up on the porch and relaxed down into the hanging swing. Smiling, she pushed with her foot and began swing back and forth.
* * * *
Unknown to Maddie, Remus stood in the trees, hidden by his wolf form, watching her. Shifting silently, he went from wolf to human in the blink of an eye. He’d been waiting for this day for a very long time. Maddie lived with her brother for the past year, and Remus had begun to fear she would never claim her grandfather’s cabin. His mate had finally come home, and now the time to claim her had arrived. She wasn’t twenty-one years yet, but he felt certain that Victor would understand and even approve. He wouldn’t break his other promise to his old friend. He’d court Maddie and make her fall in love with him.
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