AGThanksgiving_JCSmith

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  Cole nodded. “I may just go get her and watch one of those princess movies with her. Don’t worry, Mom.” He smiled. “We’ll be okay without you.”

  Marin gave him a little wave and headed for the front door, grabbing her purse along the way. She really hoped Autumn didn’t have any plans. She hadn’t lied to Cole when she said she wanted to get to know the woman. Anyone who could get Gabriel out of the house was friend material to her. The fact she was related to Kiera was just a bonus. As far as Marin was concerned, that made her family. And if there was one thing Marin prized above all else, it was family.

  Chapter Five

  Autumn had planned to spend a quiet afternoon at home with Gabriel. He hadn’t arranged for her things to be moved yet and had taken her by the apartment that morning for more clothes. She’d wanted to stay and box some things, but for some reason he’d been anxious to get her back home. Or maybe he just didn’t want to be out of the house. She thought he’d done amazingly well the previous night and didn’t want to push her luck by asking him to stay out longer. For some reason, he refused to let her out of his sight. Honestly, she thought he was taking this whole protector thing a little too far. She’d managed just fine since Perry died. It wasn’t like she was completely helpless.

  “I have Netflix hooked up through my TV,” he said. “Want to rent a movie?”

  “Maybe in a little while. I really should get some work done. I’ve been completely useless for the past two days. I had writer’s block day before yesterday; then…well, you know what happened yesterday; you were there.”

  “Writer’s block?”

  She felt her cheeks warm. “I’m a romance writer.”

  “As in those sappy stories women like to read?”

  “Well, I like to think mine are a little different. Since people don’t believe in werewolves, I write about them. But I add in some suspense and a hint of mystery.”

  He scratched his head. “I’ve never met a writer before. You can make a living doing that?”

  “Well, not everyone can, but I’ve done well enough. It’s paid the bills and left me with a little extra spending money. I’m not clearing six figures by any means, but I’m comfortable.”

  “Are your books in bookstores?”

  She shook her head. “My eBooks are more popular than my paperbacks.”

  “I may be able to help you with that.”

  She looked at him in curiosity. “How?”

  “I know the owner of one of the local bookstores. I’m sure she’d carry your titles if I asked. At the very least, on a trial run, then we could renegotiate later. I know my sisters-in-law would buy them. They’re always reading those things. I’m more into thrillers, personally. But then, I’m a guy.”

  She smiled. “Men read romances too. They just don’t necessarily advertise it.”

  “Maybe I’ll read one of yours then.” He bounced his eyebrows up and down. “Are there lots of naughty scenes in them?”

  “A few.” She laughed. “If you seriously want to try reading one, I have a paperback copy of everything I’ve had published on a bookshelf in my apartment.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “Then I’ll get my favorite one for you the next time I’m at the apartment, or after my things are brought here. Not that I know where I’m putting everything. My room is lovely, but I have no idea how I’m fitting an entire apartment worth of stuff into one room.”

  “We’ll figure it out. If we need to store some things, there are two storage rooms at the garage across the street. One is usually empty or, at least, mostly empty.”

  The doorbell rang before she could respond. She rose to answer it, but Gabriel waved her back as he got up and headed that way. She stood in the living room doorway and watched as he opened the door, his eyes sharp, his body tense, as if expecting trouble. If she’d known she was going to acquire a watchdog when she came here yesterday, she may have ignored the order and stayed home. It had been bad enough when Perry had wanted an accounting of her every move. She didn’t want to go through that again, even if Gabriel did mean well.

  He swung the door wide open and smiled. An attractive woman stepped inside and he closed the door.

  “Autumn,” he said, turning her way. “I’d like you to meet my sister-in-law, Marin. She’s Cole’s wife.”

  Autumn shook hands with Marin. “I remember you being introduced at the first pack meeting I went to, but we didn’t get a chance to speak.”

  “I thought I’d stop by and see if I could steal you away for a while,” Marin said, smiling. “It’s a gorgeous day. Too pretty to be cooped up inside all day.”

  Gabriel looked uncertain. “Where exactly are you going?”

  “I thought we’d have lunch at the little Mexican place over on Grand, then maybe head to the mall for some shopping.” Marin looked at Autumn again. “I heard you’re Kiera’s cousin. I thought, as family, we should get to know one another better. If you’d like to, that is.”

  “That sounds like fun.” Autumn bit her lip and looked at Gabriel. “I know you wanted to watch a movie, but do you mind if we do it later?”

  “I thought you wanted to write?”

  “I do, but…I haven’t had any girl time since I moved here. I told you I was making myself as unnoticeable as possible, so I didn’t really get out and meet the pack members. I haven’t made a single friend in the weeks that I’ve been here.”

  “You won’t let the males harass her?” Gabriel asked Marin.

  “You think they will? Like she said, she’s been here for several weeks and no one has bothered her. I think she’ll be perfectly safe with me, Gabriel. Maybe you could use the time to have a chat with Kinley?”

  “I spoke with her after dinner last night. She looked a little bummed, and more than a little curious about Autumn, but I promised to help her find another job. So if you hear of anything, let me know.”

  “So you don’t mind if I go?” Autumn asked. She didn’t like the idea of leaving him alone after he’d just started getting out and about again, but she really wanted to go with Marin. The thought of making a new friend was just too good to pass up.

  His lips tipped up on one corner. “You may go. Not that you really need my permission. Ask Marin for my cell number and program it into your phone though, just in case.”

  Autumn shook her head. “You’re being paranoid. I’ll be fine.”

  Gabriel looked at Marin. “Will you have her home in time for dinner? Or should I make other arrangements?”

  “She’ll be back by then. And if she isn’t, you’ll be welcome to join us.”

  Gabriel stepped back, giving Autumn room to walk around him. She picked up her purse off the table in the entryway and followed Marin out the door. When she reached the bottom of the porch steps, she turned and waved to him, hoping to ease his worries. She knew he was being overprotective because of her tie to his deceased mate, and it was nice having someone worry about her, but she’d have to get him to back off a little or he would smother her. Maybe this outing with Marin would be a good start.

  She climbed into Marin’s SUV and waved again as they backed down the driveway. Even as the car turned and headed down the street, he still stood in the open doorway. She sighed, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders as they got further away from the house.

  “What was that sigh for?” Marin asked.

  “He’s a little intense.”

  “He didn’t use to be. I know he’s being a little overbearing, but I think you’re good for him. Honestly, you’re the first person he’s shown a real interest in since his family died. He talks to Kinley and Adriel, but it’s still limited contact. From what I’ve heard, he stays in his room except for mealtime.”

  “It’s still nice getting away for a bit. He glared at everyone who looked my way in the diner last night. And I know they weren’t looking at me in an I want to mate her kind of way, but more in the Oh my god! The alpha is showing an interest in someone kind of way.”

&n
bsp; Marin smiled. “It’s to be expected. Since you’re related to Kiera, he’s going to be overprotective.”

  “It’s worse. I told him about my mate. I wanted a fresh start, but I don’t suppose I mind people knowing about my background. Unless you think it would be a bad idea?”

  “Well, I’d have to know about your background to make that decision.”

  “My mate abused me. He would hit me and throw me around when he became angry. And he wanted to know every move I made. To make things worse, the entire pack thought that he was some sort of saint. He was always helping other people, always had a ready smile for them. He had all of them fooled and no one wanted to listen to me when I tried to say otherwise. Leaving and moving here was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

  “How did you hear we were open to new pack members?” Marin asked.

  “When I went to see my alpha, I saw a note scribbled on the pad on his desk. I memorized the phone number and called right when I got home. The alpha was shocked when I told him I was leaving. I think he’d already planned to pair me off with someone else.”

  Marin’s eyes widened. “He force mated people?”

  Autumn nodded.

  “That’s horrible.”

  “So do you think I should tell anyone? I don’t want to seem weak to the males in the pack, easily dominated. I don’t want to end up mated to another Perry.”

  “I can see why you would be worried. I’d like to say none of our pack members would lay a hand on you in anger, but I don’t know the new wolves all that well. I do know that if anyone dared harm you, Gabriel would throw them out of the pack and declare you free to choose another mate.” Marin smiled. “Something tells me the wolf would be lucky to escape with his life, the way Gabriel is watching over you like a baby chick.”

  “I don’t mind your family knowing, but maybe I should keep it quiet as far as the pack is concerned.”

  Marin nodded. “If that’s what you want, that’s the way it will be.”

  Marin pulled into a parking space in front of the restaurant and shut off the SUV. Autumn followed her inside and they were seated in a booth by the window. The waiter brought them water and chips with salsa. He left some menus on the table and promised to return shortly.

  “What’s good here?” Autumn asked.

  “I love their enchiladas, but Cole likes their tacos and burritos.”

  Autumn perused her menu before selecting one of the lunch specials. “Do you mind if I order cheese dip? I’ll pay for it.”

  “Oh no, you don’t. Lunch is my treat, and order anything you want. Consider it a ‘welcome to the family’ meal.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I want to.” Marin smiled. “It’s not every day I get to make a new friend.”

  “How long have you been part of the pack?”

  “About three years. I love Ashton Grove, and being part of Cole’s family is amazing. Everyone is really supportive and they welcomed me with open arms. Of course, I was the first mate in the Andrews/Tierney family. Then Kiera came along.”

  “What was Kiera like?” Autumn asked, curious about the cousin she would never get to know.

  “Funny. Vibrant. She always had a smile for everyone and was fiercely loyal to her friends. Probably her best friend was Ramsey. I only remember them butting heads once and that was over his choice of mate. There was a woman in the pack who pulled the wool over Kiera’s eyes, but once Kiera saw her for who she was, Kiera changed her mind pretty quick.”

  “And she was part fae?”

  Marin nodded. “Part fae and part were-fox. It nearly destroyed Gabriel when the demons killed their daughter and her. She was pregnant at the time so he really lost two children.”

  “That’s so sad. No wonder he shut himself away.”

  Marin smiled. “It seems that’s changing now. I had begun to wonder if he would ever come out of that house. There were days I wondered if he’d take his own life; he was just so depressed. It’s like part of him died the day his family did.”

  “He must have loved Kiera very much.”

  “He did.” Marin took a sip of her water. “But I think there’s still love in his heart, if he’d ever give another woman a chance. I’d hate to think of him spending the rest of his life alone. He really is a great guy.”

  “Maybe the right woman will come along one day. I’m sure she would have to be rather remarkable to gain his attention.”

  “Maybe.”

  The waiter returned and took their order before disappearing again.

  “What about you?” Marin asked. “What are you looking for in a mate? Or are you looking for one?”

  “If I find one, I’ll welcome him with open arms, but I’m not going to just go blindly into another relationship. I wasn’t given a choice where Perry was concerned. This time I’ll get to pick my mate. I just hope I do a good job of it.”

  “There are a lot of single guys in the pack. None of the new members were mated when they came to us.”

  “I want someone kind, caring, and compassionate. Someone who doesn’t lose his temper easily. I’d like to have a family one day, so he’d have to be good with kids.”

  “Those sound like reasonable things to ask for.” Marin smiled. “When you’re ready to meet some of the males, just let me know. Cole and I can have a barbeque at our house and invite a bunch of people. I’d have to ask some of the females to come too so it wouldn’t be quite so obvious, but it would give you a chance to mingle with them and still have family nearby.”

  “That would be nice. I think I’m content right now though.”

  “Gabriel mentioned something about writing. Are you an author?”

  Autumn nodded. “I write romances.”

  “Wait. Autumn O’Roarke. Are you Autumn LeFey? I didn’t make the connection before, with your family background…”

  Autumn nodded.

  Marin smiled. “I love your books. I think I have everything you’ve written.”

  Autumn felt her cheeks warm. She never knew how to handle enthusiastic fans. It just felt so odd to have her work praised. She wrote because she loved to tell stories, but it still amazed her that people actually enjoyed reading them.

  “Thanks.”

  “Wait until I tell Chloe! She’s read a few of yours too.”

  “I have a new one coming out in two months. If you’d like, I could give you both an advance reader copy. I should receive them next month.”

  “That would be awesome.” Marin smiled widely. “Wait until I tell Cole I not only met my favorite author, but she’s part of the family.”

  “It’s odd having family again.”

  “It was just your mom and you?”

  Autumn nodded. “My dad came to see me when he could, but it wasn’t often. Maybe once a year, usually around my birthday. Then one year he didn’t show up. My grandfather came and told me my father had died and that it was imperative I seek refuse with a wolf pack. He worried about my safety.”

  Marin frowned. “Kiera’s mom didn’t seem worried about her. Did your grandfather say why he worried about you?”

  “No, but I often wondered if it had to do with the way my father died. He was still young by fairy standards. I believe he was killed, but I don’t know why someone would want to harm him.”

  “No one has heard from Kiera’s mother since before Kiera’s death. We’ve wondered if something happened to her. Do you think someone could be assassinating the royal line?”

  A shiver raked Autumn. “I hope not. As far as I know, I’m the last. Unless Grandfather had other children I don’t know about. My father never mentioned a sister or that I had a Halfling cousin so it’s possible I have other aunts and uncles.”

  “But you don’t think so?”

  Autumn shrugged. “I’d like to think my family would have come to my rescue when Perry had me in his clutches. I know Grandfather stays busy as the fae king so he couldn’t have been expected to keep an eye on me. I’m su
re he thought I was safe with the wolves.”

  “I think we need to find a way to reach your family. I don’t like the idea that there could be possible danger out there that we know nothing about. How are we supposed to protect you if we don’t know what we’re protecting you from?”

  “I don’t know how to reach my Grandfather.”

  “Then we need to find another Halfling. There have to be more of you in the world.”

  Autumn knew she was right, but she had no idea how to go about finding another Halfling. And to find one in Ashton Grove? She didn’t think that was likely. Would she even recognize another Halfling if she saw one? Maybe she’d met one before and just never knew it.

  Their food arrived, along with their cheese dip. Autumn wasn’t sure what to attack first as it all looked wonderful. She dipped a chip and took a bite, moaning as the taste exploded on her tongue.

  “This is amazing,” she said after she’d swallowed.

  Marin smiled. “Best Mexican restaurant in town.”

  “I don’t know about you, but I have no clue how to find another Halfling.”

  “We’ll ask the sorcerer. He’s friends with Aislinn so I’m sure he would be willing to help us out. And if there’s danger in your future, maybe he knows that too.”

  Autumn grimaced. “I met him, when he delivered Aislinn’s message. I don’t think he liked me very much.”

  “It wasn’t you. He didn’t like being Aislinn’s errand boy. I believe that’s how he worded it.” Marin smiled. “Don’t worry, he’s on our side.”

  “I’m willing to try anything to find out more about my fae family. If there are still living relatives, other than my grandfather, I’d like to know. And if I’m the last, as I fear, I’d like to know that too.”

  Marin nodded. “I’ll give Aislinn a call on our way to the mall. Now eat up! We have some shopping to do!”

  Autumn dug into her food and contemplated her life. Maybe she’d come to Ashton Grove for a reason. Maybe fate had stepped in and guided her. She couldn’t think of any other reason she would be here now. It was just too crazy that she was now part of her cousin’s pack and that she had people she could trust with the knowledge of her fae heritage. Autumn believed everything happened for a reason, even the abuse she’d lived through. If things hadn’t been so miserable with Perry, if she hadn’t worried the alpha would force her to mate with someone else of his choosing, she may have never ended up in Ashton Grove. And she firmly believed it was the best thing that had ever happened to her.