by Tl Reeve
The soft chatter of her son along with someone else and Jason pushed back against the growing terror. He can’t be hurt too badly. He’s talking. A small amount of relief filled her. She stepped into the room, surprised by all the people watching over her boy. She practically collapsed beside him on the bed. With both of his arms under the covers and the dazed, glassy look in his eyes, she knew he must be in pain.
“Hi, Mom.” He gave her a goofy little grin. “It was all Sam’s fault.” Said culprit lay at the foot of Dylan’s bed, his head propped up by her son’s blanket-covered legs.
As always. When in doubt, blame the dog. “I bet it was.”
“He slipped on some ice. Says it’s not his first time.” Bobbi, Tinks’ sister, glanced up at her. “There’s nothing seriously wrong. Just a few bumps and bruises.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I left you some lemon balm tea along with some chamomile tea for him in your kitchen.” She pulled the blankets back, exposing the bandage on his arm. “I applied the lemon balm oil directly on the biggest bruise to alleviate the pain. It should be healed in a couple of days.”
Their wolf genetics could take a licking and keep on ticking, but she didn’t know what would happen to the boys since they had a mix of human and wolf genetics. “Thank you. I’ll make sure to reapply it.”
“He’s wolf like us. He’ll be good as new in a day or two. Probably sooner.”
Sarah absorbed the reassurance in Bobbi’s voice. Kids got hurt all the time, but something about this time had her in knots.
“Where’s Charles?”
“He’s with your dad,” her mother replied. “I didn’t think you’d want him in here worrying over his brother.”
Good, he didn’t need to be in the room. He’d only work Dylan up, and then they’d have two overwrought kids on their hands. “Thank you,” she told her mom then placed a kiss on her son’s head. “I think we should let him get some rest.”
His eyes drooped. “I don’t want to take a nap.”
She pushed his hair off his forehead. “It’ll make you feel better. Okay?”
“I’m not a kid anymore.” His words slurred.
She smiled. “No, I suppose you’re not.” Sarah waited for the guilt to eat away at her. Waited to call herself all kinds of names because she’d been at work, having sex with her mates. But it didn’t come. She glanced up at Luc who watched over her, silently giving her strength, and everything clicked into place.
When Dylan’s breathing slowed to an even cadence, indicating he’d fallen asleep, she slipped out of the room with everyone and walked to the kitchen. “I want to thank you all for helping out.”
“It’s not a problem.” Bobbi squeezed her hand. “I’ll be back in the morning to change the bandages. Let him sleep as much as he wants.”
“I will.” She waved as Bobbi walked out the back door.
“Well, I’ll leave you two alone.” Her mother gave Luc a knowing grin. “Welcome to the family, my boy. Where’s your brother?”
“He’s closing the café so he can get here, Miss Claire. When he arrives, we’ll help get Dylan home.” Luc wrapped his arm around Sarah. A warm sense of safety and security engulfed her.
“Nonsense, stay for dinner. You’re all family now.”
“Are you sure?” He canted his head. “We need time to figure this out, and we wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Why don’t you grab some milk and a piece of the cake I made? Sweets always do the trick.” She winked at Sarah. “You did good, daughter. Very good indeed.”
She blushed as her mother strolled down the hall toward Dylan. Across from them in the living room sat her brother, holding his head in his hands. She mentally cursed herself for not checking on him as well. “Hey.”
Jason glanced up at her. Pure devastation rolled off him. “Hey.”
“Shit happens.”
“Yeah, but not on my watch. I should have been there.” The utter anguish in his words lanced her heart.
“It’s not your fault he slipped. Kids get hurt. Besides, we told you to have a day for yourself. To go have fun. And, he was at school.”
He shrugged. “I tried. It just didn’t hold any appeal. In all reality, I should thank Ma for calling me home.”
Luc took a seat beside him on the couch. “Have you thought about getting laid?”
Sarah choked. “Luc!”
“What?”
Jason raised his hand. “It’s okay, sis. He’s asking a logical question. I’ve thought about it several hundred times since we’ve been home, but I haven’t. The only gay wolves I’ve seen around here are mated.”
“Humans can be mates, now,” Luc interjected. “You’ve met several of them already, so you can widen your prospects.”
“I am aware of the rule change. Look, I just need some time is all. I’ll be right as rain soon enough.” Jason excused himself, leaving Luc and Sarah alone.
“I feel horrible. I didn’t know he’s been so sad.”
Luc pulled her onto his lap and kissed the top of her head. “His eyes are opening to possibilities and things are changing. It’ll all be fine.”
A soft knock came at the door. “Come in.”
Ero stepped inside and hurried to her. “How is he?” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
“He’ll be fine. He fell on some ice, so he’s a little banged up. Bobbi took care of it.” She grazed her lips over his. “Sorry I had to pull you away from work.”
“The boys come first. We’re a family now.”
“Speaking of which.” Luc placed her on the couch between them after his brother sat down. “We still have work to do and housing arrangements to make.”
“Well ahead of you.” Ero grinned. “I meant to tell you this morning at work about what I found last night.” He pulled his phone out of his back pocket. “There is a place in Deadwood that carries what we need.” His finger flew over the pad on the smartphone then he handed it to her. “It’s a trading post. The owners are Lakota Sioux, and they have someone there to bless the blanket.”
She scrolled through the pictures, grateful for the distraction. “When did you want to go?”
“I thought we could go after Dylan is settled and on the road to recovery.”
She snorted. “As upset as I am he got hurt, he’ll be tearing through the house by morning. Trust me on this. He’s never understood the word rest.”
Luc chuckled. “I kind of figured as much when he fought taking a nap.”
“I don’t want Jason to watch the boys though. I have leaned on him way too much for the last ten years.”
“I’ll watch the boys, dear.” Her mother walked back into the living room. “Why didn’t you tell me about Jason?”
She frowned. “I had no clue it’d gotten this bad. He only said something yesterday.”
Her mother sighed. “That boy will be the death of me.”
“He’s always been a little reserved about his needs, Mom. You had to have seen it.”
She nodded. “I did. I thought once he grew into who he really is, he’d open up. I feel as if he’s shriveled instead. What would have happened to him if he’d have stayed?”
Sarah didn’t even want to contemplate what the crazy bastard, Magnum, could have done to her brother. “Are you sure you’re okay with the twins? They’re a handful.”
Her mom waved her off. “They’re fine. Charles loves his gramps. He thinks the sun rises and sets on the man. Dylan will be on light activity till his arm heals, plus he makes a good taste tester for my cookies. Go. Have fun. Stay the night if you want.”
“Thank you, Miss Claire,” Ero said.
“Yes, thanks, Miss Claire.” Luc smiled.
She waved them off and headed toward the kitchen. “I’ve got a lot of time to make up with my grandbabies.”
Sarah glanced between both men. “What about living arrangements?”
Luc looked to Ero who shrugged. “Right now we’re living over Gee’s bar. Not much room for you and the boys. We thought about moving in with you.”
The house wasn’t huge, but they could always add on. Plus, everyone would still have their own room, and, unlike before, Jason didn’t have to go anywhere. “Sounds good to me, so I guess there isn’t much to discuss.” She chuckled softly.
“Our life with you is wherever you go. It doesn’t matter if it is this house or another. All that matters is we’re together, with our family.” Luc kissed the top of her head. “Now, how about we get some of those sweet treats your mom made?”
Sarah grinned. “I think you mated me just for her culinary skills.”
Ero barked out a laugh. “It’s your skills that keep us coming back for more,” he growled, winking at her.
“You’re both incorrigible.”
***
Sarah left a note for the guys who were sound asleep still when she’d woken up. The whole night, lying between the men, she’d gotten no sleep. Not because they kept her awake, but because the sight of her brother, upset and downtrodden, tore her apart. She couldn’t leave town without doing something for him first.
After her conversation with Ginger, she’d been ready to find Gee and ask him for some help. Since Jason had done so much for her since they left home and when the boys were born, she could do something for him now and get him back involved with his pack. Surely Gee could pair him up with someone. Didn’t have to be a mate, but he did need friends. Pack mates to get him out of his funk.
Outside, she stopped short. Gee walked up the snow-covered drive. The look on his face was a cross between growly bear and determination.
“Good morning.” She stepped off the porch and met him halfway. “Did you read my mind?”
He snorted. “Not hardly. I have a request for Jason. Is he here?”
“Sleeping.”
“Lazy pup,” he groused. “Tell him his partner is Reva Little Wolf. She’s a soft-spoken healer who could use a hand and a male she can talk to without wondering if they’ll try to get in her pants. She’s skittish as a mouse. Jason is a good man and perfect for helping her out of her shell. In turn, she will make a good friend for him.”
“Are you sure you’re not a telepath? I was on my way to The Den to ask you to include Jason in the scavenger hunt.”
“Tell him I need coriander. I have a plan for him.” He turned to walk away, done with their short conversation.
“Wait.” She hurried to catch up with big man. “Why are you telling me…us, so late?”
“Reva didn’t want to come out of her den.”
Sarah quirked her brow. “Den?”
He continued away down the lane.
“Wait…Gee. You can’t drop this on me and walk away.”
“What’s going on?” Jason came up beside her and yawned, drawing his robe tighter around his shoulders. “What did Gee want? Hasn’t he decided to hibernate yet?”
She snorted. “Don’t let him hear you say such things.”
He absently scratched his chest. “So, what did he want?”
“You have a partner. Reva Little Wolf. And both of you will need to find coriander.” She glanced at her brother. “She lives in a den.”
Jason’s features screwed up as he leaned away from her. “Like a natural wolf?”
“Yep. I think if you talk to Thaddeus, he can tell you where to look.” She touched his shoulder. “She really didn’t want to do this, so I’m not sure who convinced her. But Gee is certain you can help each other.”
Jason yawned and scratched his head. “Okay. I’ll go find her when you go to Deadwood.”
“Great.” She grinned. “I’m sure you will both have a good time.”
“Yeah. Maybe.” He started for the house, his hastily tied boots slapping around his ankles as he plodded through the snow then paused. He eyed her up and down, no doubt noticing she was fully dressed. “Were you going somewhere?”
“No.” No need telling him she’d meant to find Gee and ask a favor. “I came outside for a little peace and clarity.”
“What’s on your mind?”
She shook her head. “Nothing to worry yourself with. Everything is changing so fast, I needed a moment.”
He stared at her for a second longer then continued toward the house. “I’ll start the coffee.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Chapter Eight
Deadwood, South Dakota….
“Can you imagine Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok walking through these streets. The rain rolling down the dirt roads during the winter before turning to snow. Horses tied to those posts over there.” Sarah pointed to the hitching posts next to the old brick saloon. “Painted ladies beckoning the weary traveler to take respite upon her bosom.” She continued down the wooden walkway.
A different kind of energy flowed through Deadwood. Something she couldn’t explain. Something old and mysterious. The minute they got out of Ero’s truck, she’d felt it. Almost like the veil between the past and the future had been lifted and the spirits in the area stood at the edge, waiting for the right moment to step back into the land of the living.
“Do you like the history of the Old West?” Luc laced his fingers with hers.
“Some of it.” She glanced toward the mine. “Gold brought Custer here.”
And with him, brought the decimation of the Sioux. “Yes it did.”
“I have wondered if things would have been different had he not set foot on this soil.”
Ero took her other hand. “If it wasn’t him, it’d have been someone else.”
“What else do you like?” They stopped in front of an antique store, and Luc glanced down at her.
“I-I guess I never took the time to figure it out. Between running and trying to keep hidden. Then I met Ethan, and everything went on fast-forward.”
“Well, we can figure it out together. Would you like to go in?” Ero hitched his thumb toward the door. “You might find something interesting from the 1700s in there.”
She nodded. “Sure.”
The smell of weathered wood and old leather with the hint of mountain pine filled the shop. Somewhere in the store sat a record player playing old country music. The standard yodel softly drifted along the aisles. Against the wall rested an old chest with the lid open. A tablecloth along with an antique handmade doll had been situated there along with a stack of children’s books. An old oil lamp and a horseshoe completed the presentation. Next to it lay an old iron-frame bed—which surprised her because it couldn’t be anything from the late 1700s to early 1800s. Could it? She’d have thought one so old would have rusted through or been destroyed.
Yet, when she touched it…the energy. It hummed through her. So bright and powerful. She checked it for negativity, and, finding none, she turned to Luc. “What do you think of this bed?” Worn, with a hint of rust, but still well-loved and taken care of. She knew it would be perfect for their home and their new life together.
“I like it. Ero?”
He scrubbed his chin. “It’s rustic. Different.” He grinned. “I told you, you’d find something in here.”
She laughed. “So you did.”
After paying for her purchase, they continued down to the trading post. As Ero explained it, they wouldn’t be there long. Everything would be waiting on them. As much as her mother said to take her time and spend the night, she really wanted to get home. Once their lives were settled then they could take vacation. Plus, they were only an hour away, and with the clouds growing thicker and heavier by the hour, she worried they’d be stuck there until the major roads could be cleared.
They stepped into the trading post, and she swore she’d been transported back in time. The establishment reminded her of an old-fashion general store. Post boxes hung along the back wall of the building. Beneath them were jars of candy, dried beef, jellies, and sundry other items.
Modern and old-fashioned items lined the shelves. She loved it in there.
“Welcome,” a man greeted them. “Welcome to Wi-Sapa.”
Ero strolled toward the counter. “Good afternoon. I called about the blanket and the bracelet.”
“Ah.” He held up his finger then went through the door behind him. A few seconds later, he returned, packages in hand. “Here you are.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you ready for the other?” The smile on the man’s face had Sarah curious as to what was going on.
“We are.”
“Ero?” Sarah glanced at him. If she expected him to give anything away with the expression on his face, she’d been sorely mistaken.
“This is our gift to you.” Ero held his hand out to her while Luc guided her forward.
“Wh-what?” She licked her lips unsure of what was going on. She placed her hand in Ero’s as Luc wrapped his arm around her, sandwiching her between them. “When…how?”
“I have my ways.” Ero grinned.
“What he means to say is, while you were busy with the kids, we made plans of our own,” Luc replied.
“I don’t understand.” She glanced between both men.
“You will in a moment.” Ero grinned.
A woman appeared from the back room. In her hands lay a beautiful handwoven crimson-and-cream blanket. As she came around the corner, she unfurled it then proceeded to wrap it around all three of them.
Still confused, Sarah placed her hand on top of Ero’s as Luc laid his on top of hers. The kindly man behind the counter then laid his on theirs. “I’m guessing you didn’t tell her about this part, did you?” The laughter in his voice beat back at the nervous energy working through her.
“No. We wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Well you got me.” She chuckled.
