Canyon Wolf Bride

by Alisha Paige

  Sean hung up the receiver and walked into the bathroom. He flicked the light on and stared at his reflection. God how he dreaded telling Paige the truth. It scared him to death. White Feather’s premonition did nothing to soothe him or calm his fears. One day away from Paige was unthinkable. What if she was afraid of him or thought he was a freak of nature? He knew he would if the situation were reversed. He tried to imagine her telling him she was half horse or something. No, he wouldn’t have taken it well at all. Would that mean she wanted oatmeal for breakfast and carrot sticks for dessert? He was sure she would think the same sort of things of him. She’ll finally realize why he likes his meat so rare and maybe she’ll wonder if he eats all the bunnies in the forest.

  Aunt Bette had experienced many of the same thoughts after she realized Uncle Charles was a wolf. His strange behavior and certain likes and dislikes were suddenly explained, but she had to also undergo the change and experience life as a wolf. Paige would never fully understand like Aunt Bette did, nor did he want her to. Paige would never view life through the eyes of a wolf and he fully intended to take every precaution necessary. He couldn’t imagine her on a kill. Not only would he have to teach her to hunt and kill a living creature, he would have to protect her in the wild. The thought made him shudder, sending a chill down his spine.

  ****

  By the end of the week, he had already met with a realtor and his cabin had been appraised. He wanted to give it a thorough cleaning on Saturday so he could show it as soon as possible. He knew he should be doing the same for Paige’s cabin, but for now he would have to wait. First he would have to talk her into moving to Havasu Canyon and to be honest; he couldn’t picture her moving away from the museum. She loved her work and had grown very fond of her staff. Most of them had become like a second family to her and all of them had been excited about their engagement.

  Paige had already mentioned that she wanted a wedding in Havasu Canyon as well as a reception at the museum for her local friends. Few of them would be able to make the wedding. The trip into the canyon was strenuous enough and she doubted anyone with children would feel it was worth it, besides the fact that it would be an expensive wedding to travel to. They expected that the ceremony in Arizona would be attended by the tribe, Aunt Bette and Paige’s family only.

  Sean had stopped by Aunt Bette’s and told her the good news as she was painting an old rocker on the porch. She had jumped for joy and flung her paintbrush in the air, sprinkling Sean with yellow paint. They had laughed in unison before sharing a look between them.

  “I know. I know. I have to tell her.”

  Aunt Bette had made a fresh pitcher of lemonade and they sat on the porch, sipping the sweet liquid while a soft wind blew around their faces. Sean had filled her in on everything that had happened in the canyon. To his surprise; his aunt had nodded and said nothing.

  “You already knew.”

  She nodded again, taking a long sip of lemonade.

  “They’re your family, Aunt Bette. You’ve been missing out on them for years. They would love to meet you.”

  “They aren’t really my family, Sean. I married into the family and Charles told me about them after I made the change.”

  Sean knew why Uncle Charles had defected from the tribe and he couldn’t blame him. He had been labeled an outcast, but Sean knew that it had more to do with the alpha male than anyone else and he had never been a great leader. He had turned the tribe against his uncle and Charles would have been banished anyways.

  “Charles never wanted me to contact any of them again. He said he was dead to them and they were to him as well.”

  “That’s so sad. They’re a wonderful group of people. I want you to meet them. That was a long time ago and different people are in charge now. I’ll be in charge. I won’t go without you,” Sean said, his voice shaking at the thought.

  Aunt Bette patted his hand and smiled softly as she rocked and sipped her drink. The ice cubes shifted in the clear glass as she tilted it. “You can visit me anytime. I just couldn’t. Charles wouldn’t want it.”

  “Uncle Charles has been dead a long time. I know it still hurts, but you have to go on living. I can’t believe he would want you to stay alone for the rest of your life. Your entire family is there and we’ll be there. Your nieces and nephews will grow up there.”

  Tears formed in her crinkled eyes as she stared into the distance. “I need to paint the old sign. The words are wearing off.”

  Sean refused to be ignored. “Don’t change the subject. You’re my only family and I won’t allow you to live alone on this mountain. I might consider letting you keep the bed and breakfast and living in the canyon for part of the year and coming back here for the tourist season.”

  Aunt Bette laughed out loud and turned her head to look at him as if he were crazy.

  “You might consider? Don’t go get all high and mighty on me, oh powerful wolf god.”

  Sean’s face flushed crimson as he ran a hand through his brown hair that had begun to dip beneath his shoulders. He needed a haircut, but Paige had said she thought it was sexy. Usually he visited the barber every week. The wolf gene caused the hair to grow at a very rapid rate.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be disrespectful. Just promise me you’ll think about it. A lot has changed since Uncle Charles was a member of the tribe.”

  “I’ll think about it.” She took his hand as they rocked together, enjoying the warm day and the soft breeze. Sean breathed a sigh of relief. That was all he could ask for now. At least she would consider it. Maybe Paige would convince her one day, but that obstacle hadn’t been crossed yet either. The thought made him sick. How in the hell was he going to tell the love of his life that he was half wolf? Would she even want children? Would she want him? He didn’t care what White Feather said. He couldn’t even begin to ponder how to even broach the subject or if he should just blurt it out. Either way would be bad. It seemed as if Aunt Bette was reading his thoughts.

  “How will you tell her?” she asked easily as they rocked and watched two yellow butterflies chasing each other on the front porch.

  “I haven’t a clue,” he responded, staring at the flittering creatures now dancing near their noses.

  “Brave little devils,” his aunt commented as they twirled around their faces.

  Sean barely saw them. He took another sip and sighed again.

  “I’ll tell her if you want,” Aunt Bette offered casually.

  Sean just sat there, digesting what she had suggested. “What?” he asked, finally turning to face her with a confused look lining his features.

  “I said I’ll tell her. I think she might take it better coming from me. I can tell her about Charles and myself. I even have old pictures of the tribe from back then, before I knew of the secret myself.”

  “I don’t know. I think she’ll take it better from me.”

  Aunt Bette frowned, sliding him a skeptical glance. “Don’t be so sure. I’m a woman and I can relate to her. Besides, I’ve gone through the same thing. Don’t think I wasn’t shocked when I watched my husband turn into a wolf before my very eyes. I had never been prepared for it, like she will be. It changed nothing between us. I loved him always and still do. She’ll get over it.”

  Sean nodded, absorbing all she said as he scratched his head in question. “Maybe your right, but maybe I should be close by after you tell her, so I can talk to her, too.”

  “Let’s think about it and make a plan. Either way, she’ll be in shock. She’ll probably think she’s having a nightmare. I know I did. I kept telling Charles to wake me up and finally he just shook me over and over telling me I was awake and he was so sorry.”

  Sean winced at the thought. “How horrible. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like.”

  “But I can. Let’s break the news together,” she added.

  “Okay,” Sean agreed, feeling a tad more at ease as he rocked back and forth on the old porch.

  Maybe two wol
ves were better than one. Or maybe not.

  ****

  It was early evening when Paige returned from Meg’s. She was exhausted from staying up all night with her mother and sister. They had planned and schemed until the wee hours of the morning. Her mother had purchased four bridal magazines and Paige had torn out at least two dozen photos of glorious gowns that she just couldn’t wait to try on. Every time she thought she had seen the perfect gown, Meg or her mother would find another one that was more ornate or with a longer train or more beading in the bodice that she had to file into the “maybe” stack.

  From there they began compiling a guest list for the reception to be held at the museum. So far, they had one hundred and fifty names, but Paige knew those people were just the tip of the iceberg. Between the three of them, they had come up with that many guests off the tops of their heads. There was so much more work to be done. They still had to decide on flowers, music, bride’s maids dresses, food, wine, the bride’s and groom’s cakes. There was a list a mile long and they had only just begun. Paige’s mother had promised to go shopping with her for a gown on Monday. Even Meg wanted to tag along, though her mother said the baby shouldn’t venture out yet.

  “Oh, mom. The pediatrician said it’s perfectly fine as long as I stay away from crowded malls and virus-carrying children. Kids don’t hang out at the bridal shop,” Meg had protested.

  “Okay, but I want you and the baby home by noon. The baby will need another feeding by then and you might as well take a nap with her. You need your rest, darling. You look too tired.”

  “Well, I did just give birth. It’s no wonder I look a little ragged, but I’ve got cabin fever. I need to get out.”

  Her mother finally agreed with the promise that they wouldn’t over do it and be back by noon. Paige couldn’t wait until Monday rolled around. Having her mom here reminded her of her teenage years when the three of them would go on countless shopping sprees for school clothes and prom dresses. They always had such a good time together. Often they would spend the whole day at the mall shopping before heading to the salon for a new haircut and style. Paige smiled to herself at the warm memory as she walked to her front door. Her arms were full of bridal magazines and her overnight bag hung over her shoulder.

  She tossed the bag on the front porch so she could find her house key hidden somewhere in her purse when she noticed the door was slightly ajar. She looked around at her surroundings and was suddenly afraid as the image of Dark Horse popped into her head. What if he was waiting inside? She didn’t think he had made bail, it was set too high. Surely he was still sitting in a lonely cell, awaiting his fate.

  She fumbled in her purse for her cell phone and started to turn back to her car when something caught her eye. A single, white rose petal lay just inside the door jamb. She kicked the door open with her toe and it gently swung wide open. The sweet smell of roses mingled with the breezy spring evening. White rose petals covered the wooden floors and led down the hallway, like a lovely, white carpet beckoning to her. Her fear immediately subsided. Sean must be here. What was he up to now? Leaving her overnight bag on the porch, she stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her. It looked like a hundred ivory candles lining the floor boards, leading into her bedroom.

  A delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen. She noticed the dim yellow light of the oven and a single candle glowing on the stove. It smelled like lasagna. A bottle of white wine sat on the kitchen table, chilling in a golden bucket of ice. It was flanked by two silver wine goblets, sparkling in the candlelight. Sitting beside the wine was a tiny card with a pink ribbon affixed to it, waiting to be opened. Paige slid the ribbon off and opened the card with shaking hands. She read the words and smiled.

  Your bath is ready, my love. We’re having dinner promptly at eight. Your chamber maid is waiting for you.

  Paige’s face flushed as her pulse quickened. She didn’t have to guess who her chamber maid was, but she was wondering what he was wearing and hoping that it was nothing at all.

  Paige tiptoed to the bedroom, eyeing the candles as they illuminated the walls. She paused at the photo of Rob and herself, feeling guilty for an instant. She made a mental note to take the photo down. Though she was sure it didn’t bother Sean, it bothered her and she decided it was time to move on. She paused another second at the mirror hanging on the wall. She looked at herself, expecting herself to look a mess. She hadn’t applied any make up while she was at her sister’s house and her hair was tossed into a high ponytail. Wow, she thought. Was she glowing or was it the candlelight? She hadn’t seen herself smiling back in quite a while. Now she knew what her mother and sister had been talking about. They said she looked well taken care of and loved and they were right. Sean had been wonderful for her. She thought she looked five years younger and her worry lines had completely faded. She continued down the hall, following the carpet of rose petals.

  Sean was waiting for her in her grandmother’s rocking chair. He sat there, wearing only jeans, with one leg crossed over the other. His face was hidden by shadows, but instantly lit up when he flashed her a sexy smile as she appeared in the doorway.

  “This is a nice surprise,” she whispered, not wanting to ruin the mood as she walked to his side.

  Sean stood and wrapped her in his arms, breathing in her scent, his face hidden in her neck, tickling her with his whiskers.

  “Let’s hurry up and get this wedding over, so you can spend more time with me. I already miss you too much. How long did you say your parents are staying?” he joked.

  Paige raised her head for a kiss. Taking her face in his hands, he tasted her for the first time all day. He had missed her so much in a single day. He felt like he was coming back to life every time they were reunited. Her scent was like oxygen that he needed in order to breathe while her touch was like food that nourished his soul. Her kiss brought him to life, giving him new energy and meaning. He truly believed that he was addicted to her. He couldn’t imagine living without her and never wanted to try. Aunt Bette had agreed to help him the following night. They were going to tell Paige together and hopefully in twenty-four hours, it would all be over and Paige would still love him. He knew she would be in shock, but all he wanted to know was that she would continue to love him and trust him.

  He had a lot of new responsibilities and they were already calling out to him. Coming Wind had called again and he was getting impatient. Sean had his work cut out for him. Not only did he have to explain the wolf gene, but he had to convince Paige to move to Havasu Canyon for good and give up her life at the museum and on the mountain that they both loved. Maybe they could keep one of the cabins. He had mentioned it to Coming Wind and he didn’t seem to think it was a good idea, but Sean didn’t give a damn. If keeping one of the cabins made Paige happy, he would do it.

  Sean took Paige’s jeans and t-shirt off and led her to the tub.

  “Your bath, my lady.”

  The bathroom window above the tub was opened and a soft night wind whistled through the screen. Soft candlelight illuminated the small bathroom as the scent of gardenia bath salts mingled with the sweet aroma of the rose petals strewn across the tile floor. Paige stepped into the warm tub, frothy with creamy bubbles.

  “I’ll be right back,” Sean said, walking down the hall.

  He returned with the bottle of chardonnay and the silver goblets. He poured a glass for Paige and handed it to her before pouring one for himself and taking a seat on the edge of the tub. He bent down for a kiss as the wind teased their hair. The cool mountain air swirled around them. The only sound was the tinkling of the wooden chimes outside, hanging on the eaves.

  “Care to join me?” Paige asked, taking another sip of wine.

  Sean shook his head no and reached for the large pink sponge setting in the corner. He poured milky cream wash onto it and gently lathered her shoulders and back. She closed her eyes and moaned. He took the wine from her hand and placed it down on the cold tile. The wind began to pick up and the c
himes tinkled faster.

  “Is a storm coming?” she asked as he reached for an arm, pulling it out of the bubbles. Bubbles trailed down her arm, dripping from her elbow and fingertips.

  “I don’t think so. Just a nice mountain wind,” he replied.

  “I love it here, but I already miss the canyon,” she breathed.

  He placed her arm back in the bubbles and retrieved the other one. Sean smiled. He was hoping she would miss the beauty of the canyon. He hoped she missed it enough to want to move there.

  “How would you feel about moving there?” he asked gingerly as he lathered the front of her neck and chest.

  She was surprised at the question. It had never occurred to her to move there, just to visit. She knew it would become a favorite vacation spot for years to come.

  “I don’t know. I never thought of it, I guess. I don’t think I’d want to move there. It’s too far away from Meg and it would be hard for my parents to visit very often. It’s so remote.”

  Sean didn’t answer as he retrieved a long leg, hidden deep within the bubbles. He washed each tiny toe and lathered the bottom of her foot as she giggled. He seemed either deep in thought or concentrating much too much on washing her foot.

  “Honey?” she prodded, as his chocolate eyes snapped to her face with a sad smile.

  “Yes?”

  “Did you hear me?” she asked with a puzzled look on her small face.

  “Uh-huh,” he replied, with a far away look in his eyes.

  “What is it? You look sad. What did you do today?” she asked, wondering if something happened. He seemed melancholy and far away from her. She knew something was on his mind.

  “Oh, just some gardening and I straightened the house a bit,” he lied.

  He had really spent the morning with the realtor and the better part of the afternoon with Aunt Bette, concocting their plan.

  “Is something bothering you?” Paige asked, as he took her other leg.

  His gaze traveled from her leg to her face. He looked as if he was looking at her for the last time and it scared her. She felt like he was saying goodbye and she had no idea why the feeling struck her, but somehow she knew it.