Samantha pushed back her shoulders, lifted her chin, and left her temporary hiding place. She was about to fight for her future happiness. A group of old men wouldn’t dictate how she lived her life.
When she entered the gymnasium, only a few chairs were set in front of the table seven of the joint council members occupied. They needed to convince four of them not to censure them from their pack and pride. She knew five of the seven members before her. One being her uncle Tommy.
Although she had an extended family living in Eclipse, they weren’t close. Her father and Tommy fought most of their lives. The rivalry ended with her father’s death. She never felt obligated to heal the relationship between her and her uncle.
“We are all assembled,” an older gentleman announced. She didn’t know him and he didn’t carry the scent of a shifter. His voice shook with age. “I call this disciplinary board of the joint Eclipse Shifter Council to order. Today we are represented by three wolves, three cougars, and one bear shifter.”
The inclusion of the bear community surprised her. Cougars and wolves normally didn’t include any of the other species who settled in Eclipse in the running of the town. She didn’t know if it was because of the gravity of their offense or a new precedent was being set.
She leaned toward Barry so she wouldn’t be overheard. “Why is a bear shifter part of the group and do you know who just spoke?”
“That’s Simon Hargrove,” Barry whispered. “He’s pretty much a recluse. The man only comes out for council meetings. Illness has been his constant companion the last twenty years. I’ve tried to examine him, but no one would let me near him. He suffered a stroke about ten years ago.”
That was why she couldn’t pick up his scent. The man couldn’t shift. Since she couldn’t pick up the scent of a bear, the seventh member of the council must have the same infirmity. It was ironic the man beside her was educating himself to one-day deal with their inability to shift.
“Grave charges have been brought forward against Samantha Harper and Barry Simpson,” Uncle Tommy stated. He looked so much like her father, she felt like he was present. There was no emotion in Tommy’s voice. She knew at that moment; he would vote against her.
“What charges?” Samantha asked. “It has been years since I’ve read the community bylaws. I’d like to know what we are supposedly guilty of.”
“You fornicated with another species,” her uncle growled.
“Again, what specific article number did we break? You can’t charge us with something that was not stipulated by the pride when our community was founded. Cross-species relationships are certainly not included in California law.”
“There are rules of conduct known to all shifters,” Simon Hargrove growled. “It is an abomination what you two are guilty of. We don’t need to state any regulation to drive such behavior from our town.”
“This council is responsible for the quality and protection of life within Eclipse,” her uncle stated.
“So, you seven decide outside our written laws what is acceptable?” Barry asked. “That’s not government, that’s anarchy. We have traditions, that is true. But with time, many of them have changed. Our community has adapted as progress and non-shifters were introduced.”
“But what are we without our traditions?” Warren Sharpton asked. The cougar shifter was the only member young enough that his coat had not grayed. His light brown hair had thinned over time, but still retained the color of his youth.
“Traditions are to be celebrated, but they are not laws,” Samantha cried. “In the old days, we lived in closed communities. We were fearful of outsiders. Eventually, we adapted. Our forefathers welcomed the wolves into our community, a sacrilege to shifters who came before them.”
Various council members mumbled to themselves, but Samantha couldn’t make out what they said. Anger was depicted on the majority of their faces. They were going to find them guilty, regardless of what she or Barry said.
“We are wasting time,” Simon Hargrove shouted. “If anyone other than the defendants or family members have something to say we’ll listen, otherwise I call for a vote.”
The hall was quiet; she could hear her heart pounding. It beat so hard; she was afraid it would burst. For the first time, she understood the expression being heartbroken. They were about to be expelled from their family and friends for the offense of falling in love.
“I have something to say,” a female shouted from the back of the room. Her voice echoed throughout the chamber.
Samantha turned to see Miranda standing alone. How had she found out about the charges? More importantly, what did she have to say?
Samantha wasn’t sure what to make of Miranda’s appearance. Had she pretended her support for there relationship and was she waiting for an opportunity to destroy it?
When Miranda walked out of the shadows of the entry and entered the well lit gym, gasps could be heard from several members of the council. Her long blond hair and pale complexion advertised she was a white wolf. Many of the council members may have known of her arrival, but may not have seen her as of yet.
“Young woman, what could you possibly have to say?” Simon Hargrove asked. His tone was light, almost grandfatherly, when he addressed Miranda. As a wolf shapeshifter, he knew the significance of having a white wolf among them.
Miranda stepped forward and placed her hands on each of their shoulders. “I know this couple and you obviously do not. Why would you be threatened by two people who are obviously in love?”
“It is a matter of tradition,” the bear shifter said. “Our community has been plagued with infidelity and now cross-species mating. We must cut out the cancer that is destroying our young people.”
Miranda shook her head. “Then I must leave this community since there are no white wolves for me to ultimately mate with.”
Samantha bit her tongue to prevent herself from smiling. She understood why Miranda was here. The council was using tradition against her and Barry, so Miranda was using it against them.
“My mother used to tell me stories about the old days,” Miranda continued. “White wolves only bred among themselves so the pups would only be white. Gray and red wolves would pollute our gene pool. If the packs hadn’t changed with time, I would never have been born. Mom mated with a gray wolf, further reducing the chances of producing a white wolf. She called me her miracle when I was born. There are no other eligible white wolves in the community, so I should leave and seek a community where others exist.”
“Dear, we are talking about a wolf and a cougar,” Simon clarified. “Your addition to our community is a blessing.”
“Shapeshifters make love in their human form. Why would the species they could shift into make any difference? If they have children, they will either be wolves or cats, not something in between. Just like a white wolf mating with a gray wolf. My children will be gray or white.”
“It’s tradition,” Simon yelled, rearing up from the chair.
“And it was tradition for white wolves to only mate with white wolves.” Miranda smiled when she lovingly said the words. Her innocence was clear for all to see. “I don’t see the difference.”
Simon fell back exhausted, not bothering to answer the girl. Anger visible in his eyes as he glared at them. Three of the other members had their eyes cast down. The rest of the council examined them with new found interest.
Her uncle didn’t say anything, he just stared at Samantha. Perhaps it would have been easier on both of them if they hadn’t been related.
It was time for Samantha to stop fighting why they were there and tell the council her feelings. “When I turned thirteen, I started to attend functions where I could meet a possible mate. For years, I felt the frustration of not being physically attracted to any of the boys brought before me. Finally, I just gave up. I’ve had relationships with other cougars, but not a mating. Then I met Barry and my life changed. My cougar doesn’t care he is a wolf, just that she found her mate.”
Warren stared at her, not bothering to blink. “Are you just saying that, or did your cat truly claim him as her mate?”
Samantha smiled. She couldn’t help it. That was her answer, but she verbalized it anyway. “He is my mate. Whether we live in Eclipse or move to Colorado where Barry will continue his studies. I have saved a lot of money and can support the two of us and pay for his residency. In fact, I can pay back the council for his medical school tuition and free him from his obligation to you.”
“I can find another pack to do my research on geriatric wolves who can no longer shift,” Barry continued on the path she set in motion. “When I find an answer, perhaps the next generation to age in Eclipse will be able to benefit when the science is published.”
Simon Hargrove paled to a shade a gray lighter than his hair. It was at that moment Samantha knew they had won. “I move we adjourn, since there is no specific bylaw this couple is guilty of breaking.”
The motion was seconded by Tommy and quickly voted on. Her uncle had been the only one who voted against them. They had won their day in this flimsy excuse for a court. As they walked out, Samantha didn’t feel vindicated. Instinctively, she knew there were still battles to be fought where her relationship with Barry was concerned. First, and foremost, was Barry’s mother.
Chapter 13
Samantha couldn’t believe she was walking out of the recreation center a free woman. She was expecting to be censured from the pride and possibly be railroaded out of the county. Although they talked about making a life together in Colorado, Samantha didn’t want their relationship marred by expulsion from their communities.
“I think we should go out and celebrate,” Barry announced. “How does the Eclipse Diner sound to everyone? They’ve got the best waffles in town.”
“Sounds good,” Nate said.
“Are you crazy?” Samantha replied. “Everyone will know about our relationship.”
Barry placed his arm around her shoulder. “Love, everyone is going to find out. Eclipse is a small town. I’d rather have them find out on our terms, rather than hiding in your house. I’m not ashamed of what we have together.”
“Can I come along?” Miranda asked.
“Absolutely,” Barry responded. “We owe you at least a meal for what you did today.”
The Eclipse Diner was opened in the nineteen fifties and nothing about the place had changed. Red vinyl booths lined the window and the sides of the restaurant. A large soda fountain occupied the wall across from the window. Black covered stools sat before the counter. The black and white checkered floor was the original and worn with time. Even the records in the jukebox hadn’t been changed over the years.
She was swept back in time when they entered the diner. A Buddy Holly song blared from the jukebox and the place was crowded with people grabbing lunch. Later this afternoon, the establishment would be crammed with high school students.
“There is a booth in the back,” Barry pointed out.
They headed for the rear of the restaurant, a trip she had made often over the years. However, she would never have dreamed of sitting with wolf shifter boys. Today, she was with two grown male wolves, one being her lover. She wondered if what happened today would change how kids and their parents handled dating from this point forward.
Nate picked up a menu and reviewed it. “I haven’t been here since I was a teenager. When Lisa and I go out, I never consider coming here. If memory serves, the food wasn’t half bad.”
“It’s hard to screw up a cheeseburger,” Barry commented. “Fortunately, they serve breakfast all day.”
Samantha’s stomach was still in knots. The tension she felt should have been mitigated by the verdict, but it hadn’t. Too many factors still circled above them, like a vulture waiting for his prey to die. As the truth circulated, the good people of Eclipse could turn their backs on them. It didn’t take a council vote for their worlds to still fall apart.
A teenage waitress approached their table. She scrutinized their party, a confused look on her face. “Miss Harper, I thought you were playing bridge with my mom and the other ladies at our house.”
She examined the girl and realized Daphne Andrews was their waitress. With the meeting of the council today occupying her mind, she had forgotten her bridge game. Odds were good that Nancy found a substitute for her. It was strange she wasn’t there to witness her son’s fate.
“I couldn’t play today,” Samantha answered. “How long have you been working here?” She wanted to focus of the conversation anywhere but on her.
“As soon as I turned sixteen,” Daphne replied. “I’m saving to go to school. My parents don’t want me to go away, but I think there is more to life than starting a family. Besides, there is so much tension at home. People keep coming by to gossip with my mother. You lucked out not having to play bridge there today. All people seem interested in talking about is Mr. Franklin’s affair.”
Samantha rubbed her temple. She imagined the topic of gossip would soon shift to her and Barry. Daphne took their drink orders and disappeared behind the counter.
Her head started to pound and she pulled a couple aspirin from the bottle she carried in her purse. It wasn’t uncommon for her to get a headache after a stressful event occurred. She had both a tension and stress headache. The medication would help with the pain in her temple, the sharp pains in the back of her head were another story.
As if he could feel her pain, Barry massaged the base of her neck. “You are so tight.”
A mournful sigh escaped her. She imagined the turmoil in her life had just begun. Barry seemed to stand up to the pressure better than she did. It must have been his medical training that allowed him to appear so calm.
“This place has the cutest signs and posters,” Miranda pointed out. “Samantha, have you ever designed a diner like this one?”
Their drinks arrived that allowed her to swallow some water before answering. Her mouth and throat were parched. “I specialize in bed and breakfasts, as well as boutique hotels. My clients are interested in country kitchen or upper-end dining areas. Everything around you is authentic, ketchup stains included.”
The girl’s eyes soaked up everything around her. Miranda did have an artist’s curiosity, even if she concentrated on landscapes.
Daphne returned and took their orders. Although Samantha’s stomach was still upset, she ordered a double cheeseburger and fries. Greasy burgers were the best stress reducing item on the menu. She’d finished up by ordering a brownie.
Nate got up and placed some quarters in the jukebox. She remembered studying the song selection when she was a teenager, even though she knew them by heart. There was always a song that brightened her mood or reinforced her supposed broken heart.
Elvis’s edgy Jailhouse Rock blared from the jukebox speakers. Her foot automatically tapped to the song’s fast tempo. For the duration of the song, she actually felt better. She was disappointed when the song ended, but Eddie Cochran’s Summertime Blues kept her mood elevated. Nate instinctually knew what they all needed.
Bobby Darin’s version of Mack, The Knife was playing when their meals arrived. Although Frank Sinatra also covered the song, she always preferred Bobby’s version. It was his signature song and she spent countless quarters playing it over the years.
“You have some nerve showing yourselves in public,” a man’s voice cut through her short-term escape from her problems.
Samantha looked up from her burger to see Simon Hargrove sneering at them. She had hoped not to see him again if she had a choice. This was just the start of what she was going to face if they stayed in Eclipse.
Barry tensed next to her. She placed her hand on his forearm, hoping to deter him from doing something stupid, like making a scene in public. Her heart fluttered when he slowly stood.
Barry was just finishing up his waffle when he saw Hargrove stalk across the diner. He prayed the man was heading for the restrooms in the back, but unfortunately, he ended up in front of their
table. Samantha had finally seemed to relax and his presence would only upset her.
“We have every right to be here, just like you,” Barry pointed out. It was an effort to keep his anger in check. “There are a number of tourists in the diner. I suggest you wish us a nice afternoon and have lunch before you are responsible for exposing who we are to outsiders.”
His argument hit a bull’s-eye as all color drained from Simon’s face. He couldn’t expose him and Samantha without doing irreparable damage to their pack. His adversary gave him a short nod and removed himself.
Nate high-fived him as he took his seat. “Nice going. You always had an uncanny ability to remain calm. I probably would have ripped out his throat.” To extenuate his point, his brother took a large bite from his burger.
When they were kids, he always backed away from fights. If anyone took exception to his refusal to engage, Nate and Marc dealt with the problem. He never sought to have any standing in the pack. His desire was always to heal, not to cause injuries. For that reason, he was always out of step with his family, friends, and the community.
Maybe that was what drew him to Samantha. She had been under a lot of pressure to mate from the time she was fifteen, but like him, she chose a different path. By the time he met her, she was building her business and spent little time with members of her pride. It seemed the only people she had regular contact with in Eclipse were members of her bridge group. They were both round pegs in a square world.
He watched as she put down the burger and slid the plate toward the middle of the table. She rubbed her temple. It was clear the aspirin she took had not relieved her headache.
Barry kicked his brother under the table and slightly nodded his head toward Samantha. He needed a graceful way to get her out of the diner without focusing on how she was feeling. She’d present a brave face and tell them she was all right.
“Lunch is on me,” Nate said. “You two should take off and I’m taking Miranda to meet Lisa and the boys. She offered to babysit and I wanted her to see what she was getting herself into.”
20 Shades of Shifters: A Paranormal Romance Collection Page 21
