Once Forgotten Twice Loved

by Bryce Evans

  Grabbing her luggage off the luggage rack, Ash went in search of the van that would take her to the lodge. Nash had given her exact instructions on what to do when she got off the plane and where to look for her ride. Following the instructions, she walked outside the airport and observed an eighteen-passenger van sitting at the curb just like Nash said would be there. On the side of the van had a picture of the Rocky Mountains and had the name Meadowland Lodge in Freedom, Colorado, in big bold letters. A good-looking young man was checking people in and putting their luggage into the van. Nash advised her that Jessie would be the one checking people in. She gave the young man her name, and as he took her luggage, he smiled at her and then winked. Ash blushed and said, “Thank you, Jessie.” He looked up shocked that she knew his name. She looked away blushing and followed an older man and a small child onto the van. When she got on the van, it was almost full, so she made her way to the back and sat next to the child. While she was walking toward the back, she observed two men sniff the air as she walked by them. She immediately knew they were shifters. She was used to it with Nash and some of the other shifters on the force. She had a cat shifter on her squad, and another cat shifter was in the SWAT division. They continued to stare at her until she passed them by. She tried to ignore the way they would turn around and look at her during the drive to the lodge, and she couldn’t help wondering what they were thinking about her. Could they tell she was different, too? Ash got caught up talking to the little boy sitting next to her and fifteen minutes later, the van pulled up at the Meadowland Lodge.

  As she exited the van, Ash gasped as she looked up and observed the beauty of the lodge. The lodge was nestled in the middle of the mountain. Twinkling lights draped around the trees. The views of the mountains were the most beautiful views Ash had ever seen. The pictures Nash sent her didn’t do the place justice. This place looked like it was made for the rich and famous instead of a bunch of cops for a conference. She couldn’t believe she was actually going to stay there. She had been in beautiful hotels in New York that catered to the rich and famous but this place was beautiful and rustic. Ash couldn’t understand the feeling of home she felt when she looked up at the lodge.

  Ash stood outside of the van, looking up at the lodge and the mountains. She didn’t have the words to express how beautiful the lodge was.

  The two gentlemen who were staring at her in the van came up and stood beside her. One of the men asked, “Have you ever been to the Meadows?”

  Ash shook her head out of the trance to answer the man. “No, sir, this is my first trip, and it is exquisite.” Ash couldn’t look at the men long without blushing so she turned her head back to look at the lodge.

  “Yes, she is.”

  Ash didn’t think he was talking about the lodge. She looked down and then up at the man. He winked at her then both men started walking toward the front door of the lodge. Ash turned around and walked to Jessie, who was unloading the luggage. She pointed at her two pieces of luggage and told him those were hers. “Yes, ma’am, I know. We will bring it in for you. It’s too cold for you out here. You can go inside, and I will bring your luggage in for you.”

  Ash smiled at Jessie. “Thank you.”

  “Yes, ma’am, your welcome. And, ma’am, welcome to the Meadows.”

  Ash turned around and walked up the stairs to the lodge. She loved it. The large wraparound porch with all the rocking chairs placed where anybody who sat in them could see the mountains. Ash could see herself sitting outside early in the morning, watching the sun come up while she drank a cup of coffee. She could see the snow laying on the ground and breathing in the crisp air as she rocked in the rocking chair. Ash noticed the baskets lying beside the chairs that had blankets in them that could be used to cover your legs with as you sat on the porch. She couldn’t wait to experience as much as she could before she went back to New York.

  As Ash approached the front door, a young woman opened the door and welcomed Ash into the lodge, directing her toward the front of the large room where the reception desk was located. Ash walked into the breathtaking room and was welcomed with the smell of wood burning in the largest fireplace she had ever seen. The fireplace was made of stone and stretched halfway across the wall. The scent of cinnamon tickled her nose as she closed her eyes, smelling the stimulating scents. She was next in line as the receptionist greeted her and welcomed her to the Meadowland Lodge. She informed Ash that she could sign in for the law enforcement convention in the next room. It didn’t take Ash long because she had already preregistered and faxed all the information prior to her arrival. She gave Ash the key to her room and informed her that her luggage would be waiting for her when she arrived to her room. After thanking her, Ash turned around, and walked toward the area designated for the convention.

  Chapter Two

  Larken sat looking off into space as he drummed his fingers on the desk that he didn’t see his baby sister walk in and sit down in a chair. He was leaning back in his chair thinking about the weird dreams he had been having for a week now. He couldn’t remember or describe the dreams, but he felt anxious, thinking something important was going to happen. As he drifted back from the trance of daydreaming, the hair on the back of his neck came alive. He looked over and saw his baby sister, Lilly Wilder, sitting in the chair. The expression on his face had to be priceless for her. Larken was shocked that he had left himself wide open. He never even heard her come in. She just sat there staring at him.

  These dreams were playing havoc on his wolfie senses. He needed to get it under control before he left himself open for anyone to challenge him. “What do I owe to this visit, baby sister?” Larken asked as he turned his chair toward Lilly.

  “I’ve never seen that look on your face before, brother,” Lilly murmured very quietly as she continued to stare at her brother, the Alpha.

  “What look, Lilly?”

  “The look of bewilderment. You need a mate, brother. Maybe that will help you find the contentment you are looking for.”

  “Mate? You know we are fated our mate, Lilly. I can’t just take up with any women as my mate,” Larken said as he chastised Lilly for that remark.

  Lilly looked down toward the floor. She knew that some wolves chose random women to be their mates, but Larken was an Alpha, and he was special. The fates surely would choose a special mate for him.

  “Sorry, Larken. I know this. I just don’t want to see you alone anymore. You deserve to be happy and have a mate who makes you happy, too.”

  Larken sighed and got up from his desk, and walked around to where Lilly was sitting. He grabbed her hand, pulled her up, and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her. “Always the sweet one. The one who looks after all of us. Lilly, Lilly…what will I do with you?”

  Lilly sighed when her brother hugged her. She loved Larken, not because he was her oldest brother, but he allowed them to be themselves no matter how they dressed or how different they were. He always found a place for them no matter what. Larken was a true Alpha, bringing all his different wolves into the family.

  “So, baby sister, where are the women in my life going today?” Larken asked as he allowed Lilly to sit back down in the chair.

  “Well, we are having a girl’s day out with shopping, getting pedicures, and lots and lots of good food,” Lilly said as she smiled at Larken. “Plus, we plan to take you up on your offer and spend some of that money on clothes.” Lilly giggled as she watched the smile spread across Larken’s face.

  “Finally.” Larken walked back around to his desk and pulled open his top drawer. He pulled out a black credit card and handed it to Lilly. “Now go and have a good time and spend the money like I asked you girls to.”

  Lilly smiled as Larken handed her the credit card. “Aye, aye, Captain. Well, Alpha.” Larken couldn’t help but smile at his baby sister.

  Larken sat back down in his chair trying to remember parts of the dream. Lilly’s comment was nagging at him. Larken knew he could get a mate, but she would
n’t be the mate who was meant to be his. He hardly had time to think these days, getting the lodge ready for the ski season, and this year he was in charge of the Valentine’s Day pack dance. Last year Lilly was in charge, but Larken had made some comments about the band so Lilly told him he could get the band, the decorations, and the food this year. This dance was only for the paranormal kind. Larken invited all the packs from around the area to come and stay at the lodge and celebrate. Valentine’s Day was the only holiday the Alphas would agree on to let all the packs come together. The Alphas needed a weekend where single members could come together and meet with each other, hoping that their true mates would be within another pack. Since they started having this special weekend, ten single members had found their true mate. It has been a success and Larken and the other Alphas couldn't be happier. He wished every year that his true mate would be among the incoming packs.

  Larken thought back on his life and the goals he wanted to achieve when he became Alpha. His dad, Joseph Wilder, was the Alpha before him. He was a great Alpha but wanted more time to spend with his mate, Larken’s mother. When the call came out to the other pack members for the challenge to be Alpha, nobody came forward. Larken was the only one who was strong enough to take on the challenge for Alpha of the Meadowland Pack, and everyone knew it and wanted it.

  Larsen Wilder, his twin, was always the choice to be his Second in Command. His brothers, Chance and Wind Wilder, were to be part of his Command staff, too. Chance and Wind were his Lieutenants along with Nash, his cousin. Nash was also Head of Security at the lodge. Several other pack members carried rank in the Meadowland Pack, which was a large pack with almost two hundred wolves. He received requests every day to join his pack. They were a very profitable pack because of Larken and his staff. They came together and made good decisions when it came to pack business.

  Larken had gone to college and majored in business. He had known he would be Alpha. His dad and granddaddy had trained him since birth to be the Alpha when the time was right. Larken didn’t take it lightly. His goals had been established way before he had become Alpha.

  One of the goals was to make all the pack members feel like they were part of the pack and had a vested interest. He gave every pack member a job at the lodge and other various businesses that they owned. He paid good wages and benefits. Most of the pack was surprised when this occurred. He gave them a purpose. He also asked the older pack members to become part of the Elders of the pack, and all the young pack members had to go through them for some of their training. This gave the Elders an opportunity to participate in the pack instead of just showing up for meetings. This gave them meaning. They would teach them the old ways and the history of the pack.

  Women in the pack had a voice, too. He allowed his sisters to help him with this and find out what the women of the pack wanted to achieve. Of course, this made the women in his family happy with their Alpha, and it made the females in his pack happy, too. The women came up with a lot of great ideas. Larken had a couple of Protectors as women, and allowed them to voice their opinion at the meetings.

  Most of all, Larken wanted all the young people of his pack to get certain training and education. Some of the training would go through the Elders. Also, Larken wanted all his pack members to know how to defend themselves. He never wanted his pack to be unprepared for any kind of attack. He attended all the Alpha meetings and shared all the new information with all of his pack. Other Alphas respected him and looked to him for new trends in leadership. Larken was also a fierce fighter and made sure his Command staff and Protectors trained for any type of attack. His family meant everything to him. He didn’t take his job as Alpha for granted. Larken sat back in his chair and smiled. He was happy but still wished for the day he would meet his mate.

  Larken turned around in his chair when he heard Nash enter his office. He could smell his cousin’s unique scent. “What’s up, cuz?” Larken and Nash always joked around with each other. Larken had been looking for his cousin when Nash had applied to the State of Colorado for any information on his parents. Nash was only nineteen years old when he came to live with Larken and his family. He was a good man, and Larken trusted him with anything.

  “Hey, I just wanted to let you know that my best friend, Ash, will be arriving today for the conference. Remember, she’s the one that helped me before you found me,” Nash added as he sat down in the chair in front of Larken’s desk.

  “Nash, I remember. Is she coming to the Valentine's Day dance, too?”

  “I asked her, Alpha, but Ash is funny about this, so she may not come, but I will try to get her there. She knows that only pack will be there and what the dance is for. Of course she is all for it. Trying to get me hitched has been her hobby.”

  “Nash, you said she was a beautiful woman. Have you never considered hooking up with her?” Larken knew the answer, but this was his time to have a little fun with his cousin and harass the hell out of him.

  Nash looked like he was going to be sick. “Alpha, you know Ash is my best friend, right? There has been nothing sexual ever going on between us. She would rip my head off if I ever did anything like that to her. Plus, she’s like a sister to me.” Nash stopped talking as he watched the smile come on Larken’s face. He knew how Nash felt about Ash, but he had to tease him since he hadn’t seen Nash all day.

  “Cousin, I know how you feel about your friend. I just wanted to see your face. The look on your face was priceless.”

  “All right, the time will come and I will find something to get you back,” Nash said as he sat back in his chair laughing.

  “Another reason I’m here is to tell you that a lot of the pack members have arrived already. Jonas just checked in and was asking where you were at.”

  “Jonas. That old goat. I hope he meets his mate at this dance so I don’t have to pay for every meal this week.” Larken shook his head, laughing about Jonas.

  “Just think if he does meet his mate, then he will expect you to pay for hers, too.”

  Larken looked up and laughed harder. “Your right, he would.”

  “How long have you and Jonas been friends?” asked Nash.

  “A long time. He has been my best friend since we were pups. He was always there when I needed a friend.” Larken sighed then looked at the clock.

  “Damn, I guess I need to get out there and help register people for the conference.” Larken pushed his chair back then stood and walked toward the door.

  “I’m going to check with security one more time before Ash gets here,” Nash said as he and Larken walked out of the office.

  Larken turned around before he walked further down the hall. “Remember to bring your friend around and introduce her to some of the packs from out of town. She may be a mate to one of them.”

  Nash just threw his hand up as he walked out the door, and snorted as he thought about Ash. He knew that hell would freeze over before that happened.

  Chapter Three

  This was a law enforcement convention so Ash was used to men looking at her, but Ash was never confident in her appearance. She had long brown hair and green eyes, and knew she was built pretty well, but she had to work at it, working out almost every day. She took Krav Maga to keep her body in shape and to hone her fighting skills. She had big breasts but not so big that she looked fat. Ash was a curvy woman with long legs and shapely arms. Unfortunately, she had self-esteem issues. She always remembered what the men and women at the orphanage said about her, and it always stayed in the back of her conscience. It would raise its ugly head sometimes, and come out and tell her she wasn’t pretty. Ash worked hard on building her self-esteem, but she found it difficult to do sometimes.

  Nash always told her she was beautiful, but she told him he had to say that since he was her best friend. Ash would tell herself that they were just looking but not at her, that way she never had to wonder if people thought she was beautiful. Plus, she never let anyone get close enough to tell her but Nash.

  Ash wal
ked into the huge room where the desks were lined up against the wall to sign people in and noticed that a group of men hovered near one man sitting behind one of the desks. Ash got in line, reading the brochure she was given at the reception desk. She was next in line when the young man said “Next.” She was hoping she wouldn’t go to the desk the group of men was gathered at. She walked up to the desk, and the young man introduced himself as Randy then welcomed her to the lodge and to the convention.

  “What is your name, ma’am?” asked Randy.

  “Ashland Peters.” All the men behind her titled their heads back and breathed in her scent, then they all turned and looked at her. Ash felt their eyes on her but tried not to look up, even to peek at the men. She didn’t want to act interested even though they were all good-looking men. Ash could tell that they were Alpha males by how they stood and talked with each other. The one man sitting down was the best looking one. Ash tried not to look, but she glanced over at him and caught him staring at her. She immediately looked down, blushing, as the man behind the desk gave her a packet and asked if he could help her with anything else. Ash needed to get away from the man who stared at her. Unfortunately, she couldn’t stop glancing back up at the man. Just peeking at him made her body tingle. Ash knew she needed a distraction, and she knew exactly who would help her. Nashville Wilder.