Alphas for the Holidays

by Mandy M. Roth

  “Which is why we’re discussing these plans.” Rocky’s gesture invited her to take a look at the drawings still spread on the table.

  It was another house, very similar in style to Rocky’s growing cabin, but definitely different. And they were professionally done. Very slick with measurements and calculations along the borders.

  She gazed up at the elder Garibaldi. “Did you do these, Mr. Garibaldi?”

  “I think you’re old enough to call me Joe now, don’t you, Maggie?” Rocky’s father winked at her and smiled, though it felt strange to think of him by his first name. “I couldn’t sleep last night so I went out and prowled around. There’s a beautiful spot right nearby—close enough for safety and far away enough to give you a little privacy. We could build there easily and the position would be very defensible should anyone or anything threaten the boys.”

  “We’d be nearby to babysit whenever you needed it,” his mother added with a smile. “We could connect the yards so the boys would have plenty of room to prowl but still be in a safety zone as they get older. Between Rocco and Joe…” she patted her husband’s arm, “…they would be well protected.”

  “Wow.” Maggie sat back and took it all in. “You’ve certainly thought this through.”

  “We want to help you, Maggie,” Marissa said kindly. “We’ve always thought of you as one of the family. Since before you married Tony. You’re home now, among friends. If you let us, we’ll protect you and the boys. But if you feel like we’re overwhelming you, we’ll back off.”

  “No,” Maggie was quick to clarify. “Oh, no. If anything, I’m overwhelmed that you’re so eager to help and so accepting of me when I’m not…like you. Not a shifter, I mean.” She blushed but Marissa’s sparkling eyes put her at ease again. “I’m not saying this well. I’ll admit it’s confusing and a little scary to go from being all on my own to having you and Rocky and all those wolves willing to help us. I’m just trying to take it all in and realize that we’re safe—or as safe as we can be—for the moment. Believe me when I say, the last thing I wanted to do was bring danger to you, but I’ve been running from Tony’s killer for months and it’s more than I can handle now that I have the boys to consider. I don’t know what I would have done if Tony hadn’t made me promise to come here. As it is, I feel bad for sticking you with my problem.”

  Rocky put his big arm around her and drew her to his side as they both sat around the kitchen table. He was such a comforting presence.

  “None of that, Maggie. You should have come right away. I can’t believe you ran all over the place with a murderer on your trail. You’re more resourceful than I thought, but it ends now. Now we’re a team. United against anyone or anything that would threaten you or the boys. All right?”

  His big brown eyes dared her to disagree, but not in a threatening way. She knew he had her best interests at heart. He loved her—if she dared believe him. Maggie nodded and gulped back the emotion that threatened to escape.

  “All right.”

  “Good.” Joe looked pleased. “So then what do you say to grandparents living nearby? Would you mind having us around?”

  “Are you kidding?” Tears spilled down her face as she looked at Rocky’s parents. They’d always been so kind to her. So welcoming. She knew they’d be good for her boys—and her—if she let them into her life. There was no doubt in her mind on that score. She reached across the table to take Marissa’s hand in hers. “I’d love to have you here.”

  “So you’re definitely staying?” Marissa asked.

  “I’m not too proud to admit I need help with Tony’s killers still on the loose. Once they’re dealt with? I don’t know exactly where I’ll live yet, except that it’ll be somewhere in these woods so my boys can grow up where it’ll be safe for them to be what and who they are. Even though I’m not like you, I’ve felt very welcome here, and I know my boys would do well with such good people all around. Everyone here has been so helpful.”

  Marissa sighed. “I’d hoped—” she began, but cut herself off from whatever she’d been about to say. “Never mind. Things will happen as the Lady wills. For now, I’m just glad you realized the twins need their Alpha.” She smiled at her grown son. “We all need those little boys and we’ll be ready to help you raise them, watch over them and teach them about being grizzlies whenever you, or they, need us. You’ve made a good decision to raise them here.”

  They talked about building plans until the work crews showed up. Rocky and his dad went out to meet them, toting the new plans with them.

  Between the fussing of the twins, the whirlwind of construction, Rocky’s mom helping Maggie sort out being a new mom and the danger she felt approaching, Maggie was worn to a nub over the next week or so. She floated in a limbo of uncertainty and frantic activity while the house started taking on its new shape and some of the interior finishes were being tackled. Rocky asked her advice on colors and designs, which made her feel part of the new building in a way she hadn’t expected.

  The boys would eventually have their own room, right next to a giant master bedroom on the second story of the new part of the house, but that wouldn’t be for a while yet. For now, she was enjoying the makeshift den/bedroom and Rocky’s extensive library. She’d made use of it often when the boys woke her up and she couldn’t get back to sleep right away.

  Time passed quickly with everything remaining carefully obscure between Rocky and Maggie. A status quo of sorts had been reached, though he was insinuating himself more and more into her life. He was her helper at all hours with the boys and always seemed to be there when she needed him.

  One memorable night, Rocky again helped her with the middle of the night feeding. He soothed one twin while the other nursed. He changed them and talked to them in a rumbly whisper that seemed to set them both at ease. They fell asleep again with little fuss.

  “Thanks, Rock,” Maggie whispered, standing next to him as they gazed down at the sleeping babies.

  She and Rocky had learned to work as a team over the past weeks. Maggie wasn’t getting enough sleep, but Rocky was there even when she felt most like a zombie. He didn’t talk much, moving silently around the room to make her life so much easier. He cared for the boys as if they were his own flesh and blood, and she watched him wistfully at times, wondering if Tony would have been half as attentive to his sons as Rocky was.

  Tony had been less hands-on than Rocky in many ways, though he’d done his share of the chores in their home. Tony had been sort of half in this world and half in the next most of the time, his head in the clouds, thinking profound thoughts. He didn’t seem to know exactly where clean laundry came from, except to occasionally show his appreciation.

  Not that Tony had taken her for granted. Far from it. But he’d had important work to do that she hadn’t always understood…or known about, for that matter. He’d traveled a lot, and sometimes had clients visit his office, but she’d never really understood that many of those so-called clients were shifters in need of his unique abilities and counsel.

  Tony guided many shifters in esoteric matters that she’d known nothing about until the very end. She’d seen some of the few records he’d kept before she torched the lot. She’d burned everything according to his wishes, keeping only a small portable hard drive that held the work of his lifetime and some videos he’d made for his sons. Several terabytes of irreplaceable data that was her burden and her gift to their children and his people.

  She didn’t know why she hadn’t given it to Rocky yet, but the burden felt heavier every day. Maybe now was the time to release it.

  “Rocky, there’s something you should look at. Something I’ve been carrying with me since Tony died.” She turned away from his questioning gaze and went to the pocketbook that still held her most prized possessions.

  She dug through it to the hard part on the bottom where she’d secreted the drive inside the lining of the bottom support piece to protect it. It was wrapped tightly in plastic and she was glad to
see it had come through its ordeal in good shape as she handed it over to Rocky.

  “What’s on it?” He seemed to hesitate as his hand touched the casing she held out to him.

  “All of Tony’s records, plus some videos he made for the boys. I’ll want those backed up to something I can carry in my bag. Along with the folder labeled Private. Everything else is yours to disseminate where you think it should go. There’s probably some stuff on there relating to other shifters Tony was helping that might be best in the hands of Allie or the Alphas, but you should decide. You know more about this world than I do.” She kept her voice low so as not to disturb the sleeping babies, but they showed no signs of waking.

  “Why are you giving this to me now?” Rocky’s hand closed over the drive still in her hand, engulfing both in his gentle grip.

  “It seemed the right time. I’m sorry I didn’t do it before now, but it just never came up, and to be honest, for a while there I’d pretty much forgotten about it. So much was happening and there was so much to get used to. I’m sorry, Rocky. I didn’t mean to hide anything from you. It’s been my burden for almost a year now. I guess I wasn’t quite ready to share it yet.” Her own words took her by surprise and made her pause.

  Had she been holding on to the past, even unconsciously? Was this last link with the life she’d had with Tony more symbolic than even she had realized?

  “But you’re able to share it with me now?” He stepped closer, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

  A feeling of freedom caught her off guard. She lifted her head so she could meet his gaze. She’d been staring at their hands while she spoke, but she felt lighter now somehow. Braver.

  “Yes, I think so. Maybe.”

  She tilted her head and smiled at him, not really sure of her own feelings. But she was certain of one thing. Something more momentous was happening here. A sea change of some kind was just beginning. It was a slow start, but it was definitely a start. Where it would lead, she didn’t really know, but she was willing now to at least try to find out.

  Rocky smiled in return, just a little, and it touched her heart. He was so serious all the time, making plans at all hours with the other shifters regarding security and the ongoing construction. All that in addition to his regular duties for the Lords and his engineering work. She’d caused a huge disruption in his life, but he never complained. She would take some of the burden from him if she could.

  “I like it when you smile, Maggie mine. You don’t smile often enough these days.”

  “I smile all the time at the boys,” she protested as he took possession of the hard drive and placed it in his pocket. He didn’t let go of her hand, using it to draw her closer.

  Her breath caught as he tugged her nearer. A new excitement was in the air. A brand of electricity that she’d felt from time to time when Rocky touched her or looked at her in a certain way, but he hadn’t pressed her response, and for that she’d been grateful.

  No more, though. Now, she was willing to at least try to see where this shivery feeling might lead. Maybe.

  Still uncertain, she allowed him to pull her into his arms.

  “You smile at the boys,” he said softly near her ear as he tucked her into his embrace. “But you don’t smile at me.”

  “I’m smiling now,” she teased, trying to lighten the serious mood as she rested her cheek against his chest. She loved the way he felt against her, so strong and sure.

  “Really?” He drew back so he could look at her face. She kept the smile on her lips even as he lowered his head and reached tentatively for her mouth with his.

  Oh, yes. This is what she wanted. The taste of him. The feel of his arms around her, his warmth wrapping her in his strength.

  When she wanted more, he gently set her back. “Not too much, my heart,” he warned her in a whisper. “I don’t want to ruin this by asking for too much, too soon.”

  He rested his forehead against hers, rocking her in his arms from side to side in a slow, soothing motion.

  “Thank you for trusting me,” he went on a few minutes later. They’d been holding each other in silence, just enjoying the moment.

  “I trust you with everything that’s most precious to me, Rock. My life. My boys.”

  “Everything but your heart,” he said in a soft whisper that made her want to deny the truth of his words, but she knew she was still holding back.

  Her heart had been broken by Tony’s death. It would take time to heal. Time before she could trust it to Rocky’s care. If she dared take that big a risk again. At this point, she still didn’t know if she was brave enough.

  “If I were to give my heart to anyone again, it would be to you,” she admitted, knowing the truth of her words deep in her soul.

  “Thank heaven for that, at least,” Rocky replied with a small grin. “Don’t worry. I’m not rushing this. I’ll take what you can give, when you’re ready to give it.”

  “You’re a special man, Rocky.” She kissed his stubbly cheek, loving the masculine feel of it against her lips.

  He let her go and left the room on silent feet, leaving her standing and watching him disappear back into the other room. She felt something monumental had just happened but she couldn’t put it into words.

  She stood watching the doorway for a long moment. Finally, she turned to her bed and settled down to sleep with a soft smile on her lips and the warmth of Rocky’s arms a pleasant memory.

  Chapter 9

  One afternoon, Allie showed up with what seemed like a truck full of groceries to help replenish the larder. Thanksgiving was only a few days away and Marissa was already planning a feast.

  Different wolves from the surrounding Pack had been helping keep the cabin stocked with supplies, but this was the first time Allie had been back since those first days. Marissa invited her in and the three women spent some time putting things away and then chatted over coffee.

  Maggie enjoyed getting to know Allie better. She was a lively woman with a surprising background. Maggie learned that Allie had been raised in the human world, with no knowledge of shifters, though she was related by blood to a bunch of werecougars. She’d been just as shocked as Maggie when she’d first learned about the whole society that was hidden from the rest of the world.

  Allie stayed and helped them cook dinner since her mates would be joining them to discuss the expanded building plans. When the babies started fussing, Allie and Marissa shooed Maggie out of the kitchen and suggested she take them outside for a little fresh air.

  Maggie liked the idea. She’d been cooped up in the cabin for a while and wanted to see how the building was progressing. Each day she heard the sound of saws and hammers, but she hadn’t seen much of what the men had been doing since that first outing.

  She stepped out the front door, lugging the dual baby carrier someone had donated—most likely Tim and Rafe. The boys waved their tiny hands and feet happily as they felt the fresh air on their faces. They loved the outdoors, just like their father had. Like Rocky did.

  Thinking of him, she wasn’t surprised to see him hefting a giant log into position on the side of the house. They’d had to clear a bit of snow the past week to get to the construction area, but the men were making judicious use of tarps and plywood to keep the snow out of the newly constructed areas. Eventually they’d break through the kitchen wall to join the new section on to the existing structure. It looked like that would be much sooner than she thought. These shifters moved fast.

  Maggie walked nearer the work zone, careful to stay a safe distance, but Rocky saw her almost immediately and came over.

  “How’s my favorite girl?” He leaned down to buss her cheek, making her feel all tingly. He smelled good. Like man, hard work, pine needles and fresh air. It was a heady combination.

  “Your mom and Allie talked me into taking the boys for a little walk.” She looked down at the carrier and Rocky bent to take the heavy burden from her. He lifted it like it weighed nothing at all, while sh
e knew firsthand that it had to weigh a good twenty to thirty pounds with the boys in it.

  “A brilliant idea,” he agreed. “Want to see the progress we’re making on the addition? We’ll be ready to break through into the kitchen any day now. Maybe even tomorrow.”

  “Really? I had no idea you were that far along.” She walked with him as he strolled toward the work area. She noted he was careful to keep clear of any place there were people actively working, instead taking them through a side entrance where it looked like things were mostly finished for the day.

  “We move fast on tasks like this. A lot of our people work in the construction industry. Some of the best building companies in the country are owned and manned by shifters of various Clans and Packs.”

  “Really? I guess that makes sense, since you’re naturally so strong and agile.”

  “Plus we really like to work outdoors and build things in harmony with nature.”

  “You’ve done that here. This addition really blends with its surroundings. And it’s huge. I didn’t realize you’d intended to build quite so much on to your house.”

  “Well, it isn’t just me anymore. I’ve got two boys, who will grow into big fellas, and you to consider. A small cabin was fine for a bachelor, but I always wanted a big house if and when I had kids to worry about. Grizzlies need space to roam, even inside their dens.”

  “So then you really want us to stay with you? I mean permanently.” She was nervous about his answer.

  “I told you before, darlin’, I intend to raise these cubs. I want them with me. I want you with me, but it’s your choice. You can live here. You’ve seen the plans. You can have your own suite if you want it. I won’t force you into anything more intimate.” He placed the carrier down on the floor next to him as he strode forward to face her. “Not unless you want it too. I can be patient.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gave her a lopsided grin. “At least I can try to be patient.”