“I don’t know much about my mother. She died when I was very young, too young to have any memories of her, and my father never spoke of her.”
“I’m so sorry.” Helena wanted to hold Dario in her arms and make everything all right for him.
“How do you miss someone who barely existed?” He gave a sad half-smile.
“I don’t know who my father is,” Helena admitted. “I only ever remember my mom and she never spoke about our father. All we know is that Penny and I share the same father. What happened to him, we don’t know.”
“It’s hard, it’s like there is a piece of you missing.” He kissed her cheek and inhaled her scent as his breath shuddered through his body.
“When you grow up, you expect the pain and the hurt to go but it doesn’t, does it?”
“No.”
“What happened to your dad?”
“He raised me. At least he fed me and clothed me, but he was never there for me. He was emotionally absent. I didn’t understand why until today.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Now that I’ve met my mate, I realize just how much he lost when his mate, my mother, died. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you now. And we’ve only just met.”
“And that connection between us will grow stronger and deeper.” She could sense it inside of her, it was as if there was an invisible tether connecting them, binding them together. And if that snapped, if life was torn from one of them... “He died of a broken heart.”
“He took his own life.” Dario’s voice broke and she held him, cradling him to her.
“I’m so sorry.” She rocked him like a baby, this grown man who stirred something inside of her she never dreamed existed.
“I’ve shut off the hurt and betrayal for so long but today the barrier I put up collapsed.”
“I’m sorry.” This was her fault.
“Don’t be sorry, you coming into my life is the best thing to ever happen to me. I should have faced up to my past before, I should have dealt with the feelings I have. Instead, like a coward, I hid from them.”
“There is nothing cowardly about shutting off the pain inside. I know I have. When my mom passed, I felt the same pain and betrayal. She’d always been kind of absent when we were growing up. It was as if she were with us but also somewhere else.” She pushed herself to a sitting position and stared toward the window. “I always thought she was a little crazy. Now I’m beginning to think there was more going on than we could ever have imagined.”
“I can’t change what happened to my parents. There is no mystery, there is just death. But I can help you find out about your mom and maybe we can put the demons to rest.”
“The monster in the closet.” She half-turned to look at him. “When I was a child, I had nightmares. I was convinced there was a monster in my closet. My mom would hang a talisman in the closet and the dreams would stop for a while. Most other moms would have sat on the bed and told their daughter the monster wasn’t real. But what if it was?”
“Lots of children dream of monsters,” he told her.
“I know, but this was different.” She looked down at her hands. “My mom acted as if it was real, as if her talismans would keep me safe.”
“She might have simply had her own way of dealing with it. Instead of telling you it was nonsense and just a dream, she hung a talisman. It’s like a placebo.”
“I thought that, too. After she died, I thought about her a lot. I realized that she was doing her best for me.” Helena’s eyes glittered with tears. This realization had brought a whole dose of guilt with it. “But today I learned that monsters are real. What if Barry is a monster? You can shift. What if he’s not human? What if he’s just in human form? What if my mom knew there really was something stalking us?”
“You mean Barry.” Dario sat up, his arm pressing against hers. “You think it’s all connected?”
“Barry was in my apartment the day Penny was due to arrive. The day she found Wishing Moon Bay.” She inclined her head toward him and gently nudged him. “You are the one who told me there were no such things as coincidences. Penny is certain she’s been to Wishing Moon Bay before. So what if it is all connected? What if she is in danger?”
“We should go back to your apartment as soon as possible.” Dario got to his feet in one lithe movement and held out his hand to her.
“The day after tomorrow.” She slipped her hand into his and he pulled her to her feet. “I want to stay for Penny’s birthday and then we leave. Alone. No matter how much Penny insists she’s coming, she is going to stay here where Logan and your brothers can keep her safe.”
“Why don’t you stay with her and I’ll go alone?” he suggested.
“No, this is my problem.” She slid her arms around his neck. “And I’ll be safe enough. I have this big, insanely attractive, and incredibly sexy man to watch over me. And I trust him with my life.”
Chapter Eight – Dario
After a couple of hours ensuring Logan’s cabin was tidy and secure, they began their descent down the mountain. Dario shifted into his horse and stood next to the porch steps so that Helena could climb on his back.
“Okay, hold still. This is a little more awkward because of the packs.” Helena slipped her right leg over his back and hung on to his mane as she wriggled into position behind the makeshift saddlebags they had fashioned from the wet sheet. They had packed the spoiled food on one side and any other dirty laundry on the other.
As she shifted position on his back, his horse absorbed her warmth and the sense of closeness between them. He longed to carry her across wild grassy plains and swim in the ocean with her on his back. There were so many places he’d love to show her, places he’d explored alone.
We will never be alone again. His horse tossed his head and stepped away from the porch, carefully following the snow-covered trail leading down from the cabin.
Once they had left the clearing in front of the cabin where the battle with Sophie had taken place, the snow was a couple of feet deep, with drifts of three feet or more. Dario’s horse lifted his legs high before stepping forward and plunging his hooves into the snow.
A cold wind swept down from the higher peaks and his horse shivered in delight. If he didn’t have such precious cargo on his back, and he didn’t mean Logan’s dirty laundry, he would gallop down the mountainside at breakneck speed.
Soon he would teach his mate to ride at a faster pace. He wanted to share the thrill of the wind in his mane and the ground disappearing under his hooves. The freedom was incredible. But sharing it with his mate would increase his joy beyond measure.
His ears twitched as he listened to his mate. She spoke to him in a soothing voice, encouraging him when they reached a deep drift that came up way past his knees. Then she would fall silent as she looked out over the majestic view of the mountain behind them and the town nestled in the valley below.
All too soon they were back at her car. Their close connection broke as she slid down off his back.
“Are you sure this isn’t going to hurt?” she asked as she looped the rope over his head and pulled it back against his shoulders.
The horse tossed his head and snorted, pawing the ground as she removed the saddlebags and unlocked the car. He had pulled heavier loads than this. Plus, he wanted to show off his strength to his mate.
Helena opened the trunk and deposited the saddlebags inside before slamming it shut. Going around to the driver’s side, she opened the door and slid into the seat. Inserting the key in the ignition, she started the engine and turned on the heater before getting back out. Her cheeks were white from the cold, her features pinched as she took the end of the rope and attached it to the car.
“Are we ready?” She gave him a thumbs-up and he tossed his head in response. “Okay.”
She hurried back to the car and got inside. Helena let off the brake and put the car in reverse, as the wheels spun, Dario took the strain of the rope and pulled
the car. It slid slowly out of the snowdrift, the tires finally getting a grip.
Dario quickly shifted into his human form and removed the rope from the car. Running to the edge of the road, he guided Helena forward and back until she had turned the car around.
“Thanks, I couldn’t tell where the edge of the road was, the snow is too deep.” She put her foot on the gas and they slowly crawled forward down the steep section of the road.
“The snow makes everything look different. Do you like the snow?” Dario needed to find out everything about her. What she liked, what she didn’t like, what she wanted from life. He might not have much to offer her right now, but he was determined to make all her dreams come true.
“I like snow, but I don’t like the cold. And it’s very cold up here.” She glanced at the heater which was making a valiant effort to warm the air inside the car.
“You should see the mountains in the summer when the trees are in full leaf. It’s an incredible place, filled with birds and small animals making the most of the long days.”
“You love it here.” She glanced at him and he nodded. “But you’ve spent so long away.”
“I needed to see the world to understand what I was missing.” He chuckled. “I went out into the world in the hope that I might find my mate. I knew she wasn’t in Wishing Moon Bay and not many new folks come here. I was being proactive.”
“And you found her on your return. Who says fate doesn’t have a sense of humor?” She laughed. “Do you regret any of it?”
“No. I have seen so much and learned so much about myself and the world around me. It’s given me time to think and to appreciate what I have. Of course, that was before I found you. Now I have so much more to appreciate.”
“What happens now? I mean after we figure out if Barry is a bad guy.”
“I don’t know. What do you want?” Dario was dreading her answer. Now that he’d come home to Wishing Moon Bay, he could not bear the thought of leaving and living somewhere else. If they were going to have children, this was where he wanted to raise them.
“I want to be happy.” Her simple answer resonated with him.
“That’s all I want. But where is happiness for you?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know if I’ve ever been happy.” She inclined her head toward him. “How sad is that?”
“It’s not sad at all. I’ve had fleeting moments of happiness, and long periods of contentment. But I don’t believe I’ve ever been happy. I’ve lost myself to a world where happiness didn’t matter, where it was more about survival, finding food, and keeping the herd safe. But even then, I wasn’t happy.”
“When I look at you, it’s as if I’m holding up a mirror to myself.” She reached for his hand as she steered the car with one hand. “We are meant to be together and make each other happy.”
“You’re a believer?” He arched an eyebrow at her.
“Yes, I’m a believer.” She shook her head. “All this because a horse ran out in front of me.”
They reached the town and he directed her back to the hotel. As she switched off the engine, neither of them moved.
“Thank you for today. I know you came to town to see your sister but I’m glad we spent the day together.”
“Me, too.” She leaned across and kissed his lips. “I’m going to spend the evening with Penny and Milo. Then tomorrow we’ll celebrate her birthday.”
“And the day after that we’ll leave.” He sighed. “I’ll make the arrangements and make sure my brothers know what’s going on. My guess is, if Penny is anything like you, she is not going to like being told to stay here.”
“No, she won’t. But she will if it’s to protect Milo. My sister will do anything for her son. And I’ll do anything to keep them both safe.”
“That’s not something I need to hear.” Dario placed his hand on the car door. Perhaps he should leave tonight while Helena was spending time with her sister.
She will never trust us again if we do leave without her, his horse told him firmly. I don’t like the idea of putting Helena in danger any more than you do. But this isn’t a choice we can make for her.
And we have no way of tracking down this Barry person. If we’re going to deal with him, we’re going to need Helena.
We’ll keep her safe. His horse sighed heavily. I just wish we knew what we were up against.
Maybe he’s just a creepy human and we just have to impress on him that Helena is out of bounds and if he ever gets within twenty feet of her again or invites himself into her apartment then we will deal with him.
At least we know he’s not a vampire. His horse shuddered. He wouldn’t have been able to get into her apartment uninvited if he were.
Vampires. Dario shared his mistrust of the creatures of the night. Although most vampires who lived in Wishing Moon Bay were peace-loving and drank donated blood. He couldn’t remember the last time there was a vampire-related death in Wishing Moon Bay. You had more chance of being hit by a lightning bolt sent from the hands of an inexperienced witch or wizard.
Dario grabbed the makeshift packs from the back of the car and carried them inside, with Helena walking behind him, checking her phone for messages. As they walked through the main door, he sensed Logan and another man in the reception area. And Valerie.
“Mom.” He grinned as the woman who had raised him after his father’s death and the only mother he had ever known turned to look at him.
“Dario.” Her forehead creased and she wagged her finger at him. “You come home after all these months and then disappear out of the door without even a hello.”
“Sorry, I had something important to do.”
“More important than seeing your mother?” Valerie put her hands on her hips. “Is that dirty laundry?”
“It’s the stuff from Logan’s cabin, we went up there to clean up the mess.”
“Well, you’re here now.” Valerie held out her arms to her son and he hugged her close. “I missed you.” Even at forty-two, Dario still missed Valerie when he was away. He missed her hugs and her wisdom, she was home to him. “And who is we?”
Valerie patted his back and pulled away from him as Helena entered the hotel.
“Logan didn’t tell you?” Dario shot Logan a questioning look.
“We agreed it wasn’t our news to tell,” Logan said in defense.
“Didn’t tell me what?” Valerie’s expression cleared and her mouth fell open. “No!”
“Mom, this is Helena, my mate. Helena, this is Valerie, my mom.” He grinned like a fool as the two most important women in his life met.
“Your mate!” Valerie covered her face in her hands, her voice choked with emotion.
“It’s good news, Mom, no need to cry.” Dario winked at Helena as he slipped his arm around Valerie’s shoulders.
“They’re good tears,” Valerie insisted as she cleared her throat and wiped her tears from her cheeks. “I just can’t believe it. After all this time, two of my sons find their mates. We’re truly blessed.”
“I figured you had been down on the beach throwing all the wishing stones into the ocean under a full moon,” Dario said drily.
Valerie playfully slapped his arm. “I have been doing that since you boys first shifted. It’s sure taken long enough.”
“But the wait has been worth it.” Dario guided his mom toward his mate. Something he’d never dreamed would happen. Just like his mom and his brothers, he’d figured that fate had passed him by, that he’d used up all his luck when Valerie opened her door and her heart to him.
“I’d reserve your judgment there.” Helena blushed as she glanced from Dario to Valerie and back again. She looked like a cornered animal as she licked her lips and smiled.
“I know you must be special if you are lucky enough to be the mate of one of my boys.” Valerie looked up at Dario. “They are all special in their own unique way.”
“Isn’t that what every mother says?” Dario said drily.
“It i
s, but this mother means it. I’ve always been honest with you all.” Valerie broke away from Dario and opened her arms to Helena. “And we’re doubly blessed that you are Penny’s sister.”
“There’s nothing like keeping it in the family, is there?” Helena hugged Valerie back. “It’s good to meet you, I think you’re incredibly brave to adopt six boys.”
“I see it as incredibly blessed.” Valerie inched back and put her hands on Helena’s upper arms. “As I’ve gotten older, they have come in very useful. I always have someone to fix things around the hotel.”
Helena laughed. “I see, they were an investment.”
“Like a retirement fund.” Valerie laughed. “You know I’m only joking.” She half-turned to look at Dario and Logan, her voice cracking as she added, “Although they are the best investment I have ever made. If you pour in enough love, then you get an immeasurable return.”
“I think the amount of stress we caused you growing up might make us a very bad investment,” Logan replied. “But we’re all incredibly grateful for everything you did.”
“Oh, I didn’t do it for your gratitude,” Valerie told her son. “I did it because you all needed a home and someone to care for you.”
“You’re too modest, as always, Mom.” Dario shuffled his feet. Valerie always did see the best in them all, no matter their faults and they all had faults. No one, not even Ivan, would argue about that.
“Okay, Logan, we have some trash from your cabin and some laundry that needs washing. We’ve put everything away, although we can’t guarantee it’s in the right place.” Dario held up the sheets he’d fashioned into bags.
“Thanks.” Logan came around the reception desk and held out his hand. “I’ll deal with this. Jeremy, can I leave you in charge here for a couple of minutes?”
“Sure,” Jeremy answered nervously.
“Jeremy?” Helena stepped closer to the desk. “You were on the mountain with my sister yesterday? You protected Milo.”
“I did.” Jeremy tensed as he glanced at Dario, who stared at the warlock, a warning carved into his features.
The Horse Shifter's Mate: A Wishing Moon Bay Shifter Romance (The Bond of Brothers Book 2) Page 6
