by Tl Reeve
“Well, here’s to a new life and a better me.” She took another swig from her mug and grinned. “Yep, I’m grabbing life by the horns.” Maybe.
***
The scent of fried chicken greeted Kalum as he stepped over the threshold of his home. He strolled into the kitchen and found his sister and brother working side by side in front of the stove. “Wow, leave for an hour, and look at you two. When did you get to be so domesticated, Graham?”
His brother flipped him off. “About the same time your ass did, crafting diva.” Wearing a floral apron, Graham carried a pot of potatoes over to the sink and poured out the water.
“Let me guess. You’re afraid of getting dirty?” he said, tugging on his brother’s smock.
“As a matter of fact, I have a date in Rapid City tonight,” Graham replied. “I wanted to look my best.”
“Then stay home,” Lily piped up. “She gets one look at your ugly muzzle and she’ll run for the hills.” She squealed when Graham grabbed her and started tickling her.
Kalum stood back and watched his younger siblings. After their parents passed, he’d wondered if they’d ever be normal again. Mom and Dad had been the glue holding their family together. The love his mother had for each of them—teaching them to be respectable adults and never take for granted a moment in life, seemed like a stark contrast to Fawn’s life. How many happy memories did she have?
Had her mom baked cookies with her? Had her dad taught her how to fish? Had she ever been camping or slept out under the stars? Questions swirled through his mind as he stood there with his siblings.
“Hey, Earth to Kalum, did you get lost again?” Lily tapped his shoulder.
“Huh?” He shook his head. “What did you say?”
“I said, would you mind setting the table,” Lily said with a laugh. “I swear, since you started this little scheme, your mind has been wandering.”
“I was thinking about the cattle and what I have to do tomorrow,” he said, grabbing the dishes out of the cupboard.
“You lie worse than a snake oil salesman,” Graham chuckled. “Plus, if you get that look on your face from thinking about the cows, we have bigger problems.”
“What look?” he asked, placing the plates on the table.
“Like you can’t wait to get balls-deep in a heifer.” His brother grabbed the bowl of mashed potatoes and placed it in the center of the table. “Is there something you need to tell us, bro?”
“Fuck off, asshole,” Kalum snapped and stomped back to fridge. Grabbing a beer for himself and one for his brother, he walked back to the table. “I was thinking about Fawn.”
“Does she suspect it’s you?” Lily set the platter of chicken on the table.
“No, I don’t think so. I played it off yesterday, and tonight I dropped the present off as a Wolf.”
“How did you cover your scent?” His brother took a seat across from where he stood. “She should be able to smell you.”
“I’m hoping with me popping up at random times at her house, my scent will mingle with the package, and she won’t think anything of it.” Kalum shrugged.
“I told you, I should have done it in the morning on the way to town,” his sister said, patting his back.
“Yeah, maybe.” He took his seat. “What about you and Chris?” Lily’s reaction the day before hadn’t set well with Kalum, but he didn’t know the right way to broach the subject.
Graham took a bite of chicken. “These are the times I wish Mom was still around. I don’t want to get into the whole touchy-feely thing.”
“Mom would have baked cookies then braided my hair while telling us stories about her and Dad,” Lily mumbled.
“I liked the one about the first time Dad met Mom,” Graham said. “I think it’s why I don’t want a mate. The way Dad looked at her—”
“Like she hung the moon and the stars,” Kalum said.
“Yeah. I don’t think I’ll ever find a woman like Mom.”
Kalum nodded. He had to agree with his brother, but were they supposed to find mates like their parents? “I don’t think we’re supposed to. I think we’re meant to find someone who makes us want to be better people. Kind of like Dad said.”
She snorted. “Who are you and what did you do with my brother?”
Kalum shrugged. “I realized I didn’t want to be alone anymore.”
“You’re turning sentimental in your old age,” Lily teased.
“Yeah, maybe I am. So, are you going to the solstice party?” he asked.
“And mingle with the heathens? No, thanks. I’ve seen what our pack does to their women. I don’t want any part of it.”
“Watch it now,” Kalum said. “We all belong to our pack, Lily. Chris wouldn’t hurt one hair on a fly’s ass, let alone a woman.”
“Chris isn’t everyone, Kalum. I’ve heard things. Our pack is—was—messed up,” she replied, while picking at her potatoes. “Look at what they did to Fawn.”
“That was part of the old regime. It’s different with Drew. You’ve seen it, little sis.”
“I have. He’s doing a great job of revitalizing the land, but old wounds, brother.”
Yeah, he understood what she was getting at. “I know. Look, why don’t you at least come with me to the solstice festivities if Fawn bows out? Both of you. We’ll make it a family thing.”
“I hate when you pull the family card,” Graham grumbled. “It reminds me of when Dad would say, ‘Hey, watch this’ when he’d take us camping. Everything always backfired on the old man.”
Lily laughed. “Poor Dad. Do you remember the time he thought he still had it and used the rope swing over the lake?”
Graham nodded. “Let a professional show you how this is done, boys.” He took a sip of beer before he chuckled. “Dad forgot to let go and smacked into the hillside then fell into the water.”
Kalum snorted and then took a bite of chicken. He could remember what happened like it was yesterday. Their dad had been laid up for three days afterward. “Then when he surfaced and squeaked out, ‘I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.’ I swear Mom had a heart attack and called him every name in the book.”
“I thought she was going to castrate him,” Graham said.
“I think she did.” Lily snickered.
“So, this means you’ll join me?”
“We’ll join you,” Graham agreed.
“With bells on,” Lily added. “You should know, if there is dancing, I’m not doing it.”
“Why not?” Kalum asked, curious to hear her answer.
“So I can step all over my partner’s toes? Hell no. Plus, I don’t two-step.”
“Hundred bucks says you would if it was with the right partner,” he said, smirking at her. “In fact, I dare you to find one partner to dance with. I’ll double the kitty. Two hundred bucks, toe stepping and everything.”
“If I don’t?”
“Then you’ll help me the next time Chris comes by to check on the cattle. Graham can do the woman’s work.” He winked at his sister.
“Woman’s work, my ass,” Graham growled.
“But you look so adorable in your floral apron,” Kalum taunted him.
“You’re on, big bro. I’ll take your bet.” Lily spit on her hand and held it out.
“God, you’re gross.” Kalum spit on his hand and clasped hers. “I can’t believe you’re still making us do spit handshakes.
Lily rose then went to the sink and he followed her. “It’s the only way I know to make sure you’ll keep your end of the bargain,” she said while washing her hands.
“We’re not ten anymore. Next time, write something up and I’ll sign it.” When his sister stepped away, he washed and dried his hands then returned to the table. “You were always a tomboy.”
She grinned. “Says the man who said I needed to be tough.”
Chapter Four
The forecast had been right on the money. A few more inches of s
now blanketed the ground, the early morning light glinting off the pristine powder. Kalum came around Fawn’s house and laid the gift by the door. The heavy purple clouds threatened to unleash more of the white stuff before the day was over.
After talking to his siblings over dinner, he knew he was moving in the right direction. The honeysuckle bath-and-body basket complemented Fawn’s natural scent—light, floral, with a hint of honey—while pampering her abused skin. He took one more look around the house. Grabbing a twig from the tree next to her back door, he kept to his original trail and began to clear his tracks. Fawn wouldn’t be up for a few more hours, so he didn’t have to worry about getting caught acting like a Peeping Tom, but his footprints would get him into trouble.
Everything inside him said to go back to her and reveal himself. To ease the ache in her gaze every time he saw her. Yet, he knew she’d rebuff him. If his mom was around, like his sister said, she’d give some anecdotal story about their father. So what would Mom say now? Kalum let out a breath. He glanced up the darkening sky and smirked a little.
She’d say something along the lines of, You can lead a horse to water, Son. Whether the horse will drink it is something else. It’s the same for us. It all comes down to trust. Does your horse trust you to not put it in danger while it takes its fill? The same goes for a wife. Will you protect your mate at her most vulnerable? Will you make sure there isn’t anything in the waters of life that could harm her or harm the life you’re building with her?
Yeah, he would. He hadn’t been able to save her from Magnum, and he’d never be able to make up for not being here to protect her, but he’d strive to improve her life. Give her everything she’d ever want, beyond mere material possessions. He’d teach her to love again. To trust. Give her safety and comfort and a home. The knowledge family stuck together, unlike her selfish older brother, Kru. The bastard had walked out on his sister when she needed him. Pot meet kettle. You’re both black. Nevertheless, Kru had an obligation to help Fawn and, instead, he ran like a scalded dog.
“I knew it.” The rough whisper of Fawn’s best friend, Tinks, jerked him out of his musings. So sure he’d be alone, he hadn’t even attempted to scent the air for trouble or danger.
“Staying downwind, I should have known,” he said, turning toward Fawn’s friend. “Good morning, Tinks.”
“Morning, Kalum. Mind telling me what the hell you’re doing?” Tinks crossed her arms. Her honey-colored eyes narrowed at him. Even in thirty-degree weather, wearing a peasant dress, cowboy boots, and a Carhartt jacket, she mastered bohemian chic. “Besides, why I shouldn’t tell Fawn you’re snooping around.”
“I’m not doing anything,” he replied, standing to his full, imposing six foot three height. “Better question is, why are you here?”
She pffted him. “You don’t scare me, Kalum Truesdale. I was trying to protect my friend from some stalker.” She pointed to the package covered in wrapping paper sitting by the door. “Start talking.”
Kalum blew out a breath of frustration. “Not here,” he muttered. “She’ll be up in a bit, and I don’t want my scent lingering. How about I take you for a cup of coffee, and we discuss this?”
She eyed him speculatively. “On one condition.”
He glanced back at the door. The growing morning light illuminated the rustic cabin. “Make it quick.”
“You let me help you.”
“If I don’t?” He cocked a brow.
“I’ll spill your secrets.”
Well damn. Nothing like being put between a rock and a hard spot. “All right, let’s go.”
Kalum held the door to Lobos Café open for Tinks. For all her bluster at Fawn’s house, she was actually happy to help him woo her friend. He waved to Ero behind the counter then nodded to Luc who sat in his normal seat by the window. The tracker inclined his head in return while his brother picked up his pad and headed right for Kalum. The brothers had come home a couple of months ago and were already putting down roots in the once-thriving community. Ero had opened the café shortly after they arrived and although it wasn’t much, it gave people a place to go other than Gee’s.
“What can I get you both? I have some pastries and three different coffees. The newest flavor is chocolate-caramel.” Ero’s hazel-green eyes held a bit of an unnatural wisdom to them that occasionally freaked Kalum out. The man grinned at Tinks, who idly twirled her hair around her fingers. “Ladies first.”
“Oh, um, I think I want to try the blackberry Danish and the new coffee.” She smiled back at Ero. “I could use the extra caffeine today.”
“Spent the night at Fawn’s again?” Ero asked.
“Yeah, seems she had a Peeping Tom lurking around her house,” she answered while quirking a brow at Kalum.
“I could check it out for you, Tinks,” Luc called out from behind them.
“No, I found out what the problem was.” Mischief swirled in her eyes.
“Oh?” he said.
“Stray wolf looking for a bone,” she replied. “I shooed him away.”
Kalum clenched his folded hands and suppressed the need to growl. “I’ll take a regular coffee,” he said to Ero through clenched teeth. “It’s lucky Fawn has such amazing friends.” The green-eyed monster welled up inside him, snarling and cursing everyone in the café. When it came to Fawn, he was possessive as hell, and his Wolf didn’t like others being familiar with what he deemed his.
“Well.” Ero brought their order to the table. “Fawn is special to us.”
“Special to you?” he snorted. “If she was so fucking special, why did you let the demented bastard hurt her?” Anger coiled in his belly like a pissed-off rattler ready to strike its deathblow.
“Hey.” Luc stomped over to the table. “Let’s get something straight. You weren’t here. You don’t know what we tried to or not to do.”
“You left as well, so don’t get up on your high horse and preach your drivel to me when you don’t know a damn thing either,” Kalum spat. “I saw what she looked like before Magnum got his hands on her and what she looked like after. When was the last time you saw her?” The tension inside the coffeehouse grew exponentially.
“Yesterday afternoon.” Luc smirked. His blue eyes blazed with male dominance. “I wanted to make sure she was okay.”
“Luc.” Ero’s tone held an edge of warning. “Right now might not be the best time to start shit.”
“Yeah, fuck-face. Listen to your brother.” For long moments they stared at each other. His body tensed, readying for battle if Luc tried to stake his claim over Fawn. To hell with the asshole. I’ll make damn sure he never touches her.
“Well, at least I know you have her best interest at heart,” Tinks said. Her cool, level tone helped dissipate the negative energy. Her hand covered Kalum’s. “We saw, but there was nothing we could do. Until Drew came back, the pack was led with a heavy hand and fear. I mean, look around you. This isn’t a big city or anything.”
“If you are so concerned about her,” Luc stated, taking the easy jab, “why didn’t you claim her and get her the hell out of here?”
Kalum shook his head and gave mirthless chuckle. “She was too young, and I was too dumb. How the hell was I supposed to know what would happen when my parents moved us away?”
Luc grunted. “You’ve got a point.” He stood. “Tinks.”
“Luc.” She grinned. Ero poured more coffee for Tinks then walked away. “So, about this little secret-admirer game you’re playing.” She ripped off a piece of the gooey confection in front of her and popped it into her mouth. “Mmm, so good. What are you doing tomorrow?”
Kalum regarded her for a moment. If he could get Lily and Graham to help him decorate the house, all he’d need was a way to get Fawn out and about for a bit. He took a sip of his coffee. The bitter brew warmed his belly. “I’m going to decorate the house.”
“What?” She dropped the bit of pastry in her hand and sat forward. “You’re going
to decorate the house?”
“That’s what I said. Then I’m going to ask Fawn to the Winter Solstice festivities.”
Tinks swallowed the bite of her Danish. “Really?”
“No. I thought I’d dick you around, buy you coffee, and then feed you a line of bullshit, just so you’d tell your friend to go to the festivities with me,” he said sarcastically.
“So, what am I supposed to do?” she asked, before taking another drink of her coffee.
“I don’t know, take her to lunch or shopping. I can make the reservations if you want.” Kalum glanced down at his watched and frowned. “I don’t care what you do. Just make sure she’s not back till sundown.”
Tinks sat there and didn’t say anything for a long moment then nodded. “You’ve got a deal, Kalum.”
“Thank you,” he replied. “Now finish up your breakfast, I need to get back to the ranch.”
After dropping Tinks back at her place, he drove on to the ranch. Graham was already outside feeding the cows. He picked up the walkie-talkie off the seat of his truck then called his brother. “Meet me at the house. I need to talk to you and Lily.”
“Everything okay?” Concern filled his brother’s voice.
“Yeah, I’ll explain inside.”
“Meet you there.”
Kalum got out of his truck and went inside. Lily stood in the kitchen looking through their mom’s old cookbook. “What are you doing, squirt?”
“Ugh, seriously? Do you have to call me, squirt?” She glanced up from the cookbook and frowned. “I’m not a little girl anymore.”
Kalum laughed as he pulled her into his arms for a hug. “I’ll stop calling you squirt when you stop those damn spit shakes.”
Lily groaned. “You’re an asshole.”
“A loveable one.” He chuckled. Behind him, the door opened. “Good, now we can talk.”
“That sounds bad. Did Fawn figure out who is giving her the presents?” Lily asked.
“No, but I did get caught by Tinks,” he replied.
“Son of a bitch,” Graham growled. “You know she’ll tell Fawn.”
