by AJ Skelly
“Give me a few minutes,” Dad replied. With a few discreet murmurs, the room completely cleared. The door snicked shut behind the last wolf. We were alone. I felt the vein in my neck pulsate visibly.
“What is it, Samuel?” Dad turned fully to face me and for a moment, my courage fled completely. His features were stern, commanding. Every inch the Alpha.
Afraid my voice would crack if I tried to use it, I shrugged out of my sweater and pulled up the sleeve of my shirt to fully expose my still-healing scar.
Dad’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell open.
“Last night someone shot an arrow at Megan from the archery station. I was able to get her out of the way in time.” My teeth clenched as Dad’s face drained of color. For a long minute, neither of us said anything.
“This is the second time someone has tried to kill my mate.” Deep breath. Courage. “I have to know if you were behind it. Did you call for her death?”
Dad visibly started, his skin paling further as he stared, then blinked slowly at me.
“You think I was behind it?” His voice was quiet—almost childlike.
“I don’t want to think you had anything to do with it,” I replied. My muscles were tense. Wolf was ready to spring at any sign of aggression.
“Samuel, I swear to you both as your Alpha and your father, I would not do, and have not done, any such thing.” My chest ached at his words. There was no lie in them. Dad wilted into a chair. “Why would you think I tried to kill her?”
I swallowed thickly as my dread slowly started to dissolve. “If Megan were dead, it would solve all the problems I created when I bit her. I would have no living mate. I’d be free to make a more political match. It saves face since I broke one of the big rules. You can hardly look at me without getting angry about it.” Tears pricked my eyes. Mortified, I blinked them back.
Dad steepled his hands in front of his mouth as he looked at me, quiet for a long moment. “Oh, Samuel. When did I stop being a good father to you?” His voice was broken; anguish leaked out with his words.
I felt like I’d been punched. There was suddenly no air in the room.
“The day I became your Beta.” The words strangled themselves past the fist of emotion closing on my windpipe. To my shock, a tear leaked out of the corner of my father’s eye. I’d never seen my father cry—only rarely ever seen him show any kind of vulnerability.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered brokenly.
Relief and hope burst from my chest in a wild rush that left me dizzy.
“I’m sorry,” he said again as another tear followed the first. He stood and closed the distance between us. He looked me in the eye, and I realized that I no longer looked up to him. We were eye to eye. This giant of a man was now my equal, in stature, height, and possibly something more. Slowly his arms came up and drew me to his massive chest. He hugged me. Hard. Hugged me like I was six years old again and I’d run to him after he’d come home from work. My arms came up around him, and I hugged him back.
“I love you, son. I’ve always been proud of you. I am proud of you.” He drew back to see my face. Something sweet bloomed inside my chest at his words. “A pack is only as strong as its Alpha and Beta. Our pack is not as strong as I thought. But we can fix that. More importantly, you are my son. Somewhere along the line I lost sight of that. I want you to know that I’m sorry, and that I want to fix this rift between us.”
I couldn’t speak. Instead, I hugged him back, a sob breaking loose from deep inside me. Chains broke free around a dark place I hadn’t realized I held trapped inside. Feelings of inadequacy shriveled up like mist burned away under a hot sun, replaced by something whole and healthy. We held each other for a long time, words unnecessary as the bond between father and son began to repair itself after years askew.
Finally, we released each other, both of us swiping an unmanly tear or two. Dad cleared his throat, but I spoke first.
“So who is trying to kill Megan?”
Thunder and lightning shuddered across my father’s face. “Someone is trying to tear this pack apart from the inside. We will find out who and deal with them.” My father had never looked so lethal or sounded so protective. My heart beat steadily in my chest, hope kindled, and relief fresh that my dad, my Alpha, was behind me completely. That we’d face this thing head on and face it together. It was a new beginning for us both, and I planned to grab it with both hands.
Chapter 42
Megan
We survived the rest of Saturday and into Sunday. The festival ended at three, and an hour later, Rachel and I were packed up and headed for naps. We’d made a killing and decided we’d meet up later to tally final profits. It was a good but emotional two days with thoughts of murder floating through my head every so often. I felt the need to stop and check my surroundings frequently. I felt watched, and not just by Sam and the other wolves I knew he had making rounds for suspicious activity. I worried for Sam. Someone had me in their crosshairs, but it had been Sam who had taken my metaphorical bullet. It made me feel equally safe and guilty.
Dominic had even stopped by and purchased a hefty order of cookies, rolls, and bread. He went so far as to compliment our ingenuity and our products. He was changed. There was a new air of purpose about him.
Once Sam and I were back at the cabin Sunday afternoon, he told me to go take a nap and he’d take care of bringing in the boxes. His arm was doing fine, and I was so worn out that I collapsed.
I woke up an hour and a half later to Sam sitting on my bed, lightly running his fingers down my cheek.
“Mom and Dad would like us to come down to dinner tonight. You up for it?”
I stretched, a groan escaping. I was still pooped, but I wasn’t sure dinner was optional. I wasn’t thrilled about sharing a meal with Dominic Wolfe, either, although Sam was now more at ease with his dad than ever before. Their conversation Saturday morning must have righted several wrongs between them, and for that I was deeply thankful. Wolf gave a good stretch and nudged me. She was as tired as I was because she wasn’t even asking to be let out. She was content and sleepy.
“I guess yes is the correct response?”
Sam grimaced. “Really. I think Dad has changed or at least is trying to change.” He caught my hands and pulled me up to sitting.
“I’m still wiped. Will they care if I come in a sweatshirt?”
“Not at all. I’m pretty sure this is an apology dinner, not a formal event.” He winked at me. “I’d like it if you wore one of my sweatshirts…” He trailed off, his eyebrows waggling suggestively. I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the grin that surfaced along with a few errant butterflies in my stomach.
****
“I’m glad you both came down for dinner,” Dominic began without much preamble as he passed the steaming dish of Swiss steak. He was wearing one of his classic flannel plaid shirts and jeans, but his face held an openness that I’d never observed before. I wasn’t sure if it made me more relaxed or more nervous. “Megan”—he turned his full attention to me, and Wolf backed up, ready to cower—“it has been brought to my attention that I haven’t made your first weeks as a werewolf very welcoming, nor have I made your entrance into our family very pleasant. I’d like to apologize and tell you that despite the unusual circumstances that brought you here, you are welcome, and you are a part of our family now. Even if you don’t stay here forever, you will always have a place of safety should you need one.” His eyes were serious, and I knew he meant every word he said. I was speechless.
“Thank you,” I managed to whisper around the emotion lodged in my throat. Wolf shook out her coat and lay down adoringly, basking in her Alpha’s acceptance. Heat bloomed across my shoulders, and I snuck a look at Sam. He was smiling at me, pride clearly written over his face. He squeezed my knee under the table.
Dominic nodded. “Mary, would you please pass the noodles?” The moment was over, but I still held that acceptance close to my chest. I belonged here. At least, part of me did.
The Alpha of the pack just confirmed it in no uncertain terms. But where would I fit once I was fully human again? Wolf whined.
****
It was completely dark by the time we drove back up to the cabin. I was quiet, reflective. Sam didn’t break the silence but let me process, loosely holding my hand on the console. It had been a full few days. The festival, the second attempt on my life, waking up next to Sam, dinner, and complete acceptance by Dominic Wolfe.
“What are you thinking?” Sam finally spoke as he locked the cabin door behind us. I sank down onto the couch and wrapped my arms around my legs.
“I’m not really sure. So much has happened the past few days, and I’m not sure what to think of any of it.”
He sank down on the cushions next to me. “Dad is on board now. We’ll find out who tried to hurt you.” His forehead creased as his eyebrows drew down before he met my eyes. “I will do everything in my power to make sure you’re safe.”
“I know.” I believed him. He would do anything to keep me safe. The thought heated me to my toes but also made me question myself. What was I willing to give to save Sam? If it came down to it?
We decided to put a movie on since neither of us had much motivation to do anything else. Even Wolf was too tired to run. I tried to call her up to make sure there weren’t any unscheduled shifts, but she was mostly unresponsive. She raised her head and tried to stand but flopped back down to the ground in an exhausted heap. I knew exactly how she felt. I zipped through the shower, and once I was in my pajamas, I snuggled back on the couch, Sam’s arm around my shoulders, a blanket over my lap.
The movie distracted me from everything, and when it was over, it was time for bed. School would come early in the morning.
“Night, Megan,” Sam said quietly, with a soft kiss to my lips. I struggled to smile back through my fatigue. I was asleep within minutes of my head hitting the pillow.
****
Shadows clawed at my throat as a faceless figure hunted me, growing closer with each second. Panic enveloped me, and the scream that tried to escape my mouth was shoved back into my lungs as the menacing figure reached inky fingers to my neck. Blinding white lights burst behind my eyes as I felt the life draining from me. Wolf jerked pathetically inside me, unable to free herself. The lights flitted away as darkness stole the breath from my body.
I jerked awake, gasping and sputtering, a cold sweat on my forehead and heart pounding. Safe. I needed to feel safe.
“Megan?” Sam said sleepily from the other side of the room.
Without another thought, I grabbed my pillow and scooted across the room to Sam’s bed.
“Will you hold me again?” I whispered as tears threatened over the pounding in my chest.
His arms reached for me, and I slid in next to him and pulled his covers up to my chin as his arms enfolded me. Snow and pine enveloped me, and I breathed him in with a shudder, the nightmare still at the front of my brain. He kissed the top of my head and rested his chin against the same spot.
“I’ve got you. You’re safe,” he whispered. I shivered and buried my face in his chest.
****
I woke slowly. Part of me knew it was still early, but I was thoroughly scattered, my thoughts like bits of cloud blown away in a stiff wind. I stretched and thought I must have rolled over next to the wall as my front moved against something solid. I heard Sam’s quick intake of breath and felt the warmth of his hand seep into my skin between my shoulder blades. My eyes flew open, thoughts centering as his blue eyes materialized in front of me. He looked down at me, propped up on one elbow, eyes fierce with emotions, his arm wrapped around me. Heat curled in my belly and spread throughout the rest of me, my face flushing in embarrassment, as I realized the solid thing I’d been stretching against was Sam’s tightly muscled body.
His gaze raked over my face, his hand sliding down my back, over the curve of my waist to rest on my hip. I felt his breath on my face, felt his heartbeat beneath my fingertips, felt mine accelerate to match. Blue eyes drank me in, desire, pain, restraint, and something wild flashed across his face. He searched my eyes, and my lips parted. Immediately, his gaze was drawn to my mouth, and then, for the first time I’d ever seen him do it, his eyes dipped below my face to my chest, which was pressed tightly to his and exposing more cleavage than normal. Heat sizzled through me when he didn’t immediately look away. He swallowed hard, his hand gripping my hip like a vise. When his eyes met mine again, he looked anguished, his breathing coming harder. My fist curled into his shirt, want coursing through me with enough force to scare me.
His head dipped slowly toward mine, my face tilting up for his kiss. Wolf was nearly panting, anticipating his touch.
Surprise ripped the moment away as a sharp knock sounded at the door. Sam growled low in his chest, and grabbed me roughly to him, not even room for air between us, and crushed his lips to mine in a kiss that was both quick and searing and left me breathless with my heart hammering in my ears before he rolled out of bed and stalked to the door.
Chapter 43
Sam
I was going to kill whoever was on the other side of that door. I yanked the door open to the startled face of my father who took in my dilated eyes and rumpled hair. I probably reeked of pheromones. His face turned stricken, and color rose in his cheeks as his eyes widened in surprise. Any other time, it would have been amusing. Not this time.
“I can come back,” he stuttered. I glanced back in the cabin. Megan was up and knotting her bathrobe. I heaved a sigh and ignored the urge to adjust my pajama bottoms that still felt four sizes too small and held the door so my dad could come in.
“I…” He cleared his throat, uncharacteristically uncomfortable. “I’m sorry to barge in, but I felt like this shouldn’t wait.”
I gestured toward the table. Megan filled the coffee pot, and Dad sat as she put grounds into the filter.
“I didn’t open yesterday’s mail until late last night. There was a letter waiting there with some interesting information,” Dad started. It had better be life-altering information. Meg joined us at the table, and I resisted the urge to pull her into my lap. “There was a business card for a Victor Atwood with a phone number and a message to call regardless of the hour.”
“Atwood? I wonder if there’s any relation to Shelby from school?” Meg voiced.
“I doubt it—Victor Atwood is the Alpha of a pack that wants to settle in this area.”
“Oh, Shelby isn’t a wolf.”
“He wants to settle near here? How big is his pack?” I demanded, hackles rising at the thought of another Alpha moving into our territory.
“I’m not sure of his pack numbers, but he said he’d like to meet to attempt to work out a peaceable agreement.”
“Did he say why he wants to settle here?” My full attention was now on this matter.
“I believe his family is from this area, so he feels it’s somewhat ancestral, though it must have been many generations removed. The Wolfes have been here for over three hundred years.”
I scowled. “Do you think he’s interested in joining packs?” It wasn’t unheard of for packs to join up, but it didn’t happen often, and it required one Alpha to surrender to the other so there was only one Alpha over the whole pack.
“It’s possible. We didn’t talk overly long. Just long enough to solidify a meeting. The meeting is tentatively set for Wednesday, but I wanted to check with you that the time works.”
I was momentarily stunned. It was unlike Dad to be so considerate of my schedule. Typically, in Alpha fashion, he made the plans, and everyone else followed them. His expression remained open, and I knew he was making his best effort to make good on his promise to build a bridge to stem the gap in our relationship. I smiled.
“Wednesday is good.” Then I sobered. “But I want to be sure that Meg has full protection. We still don’t know who is behind the attacks.”
Dad nodded. “I thought of that.” He glanced at Meg. “Would you feel safe if
you were with Mary, Rev, and Cade?”
Megan glanced at me, and I nodded back. Of the pack, those were the three people I trusted most with Megan’s life.
“Yes. If Sam agrees.” My confidence soared with her sureness in me.
“I agree those are the best to make a protection detail right now.”
“Wednesday evening then?” Dad asked.
“Fine. I’ll bring Megan down to the house and meet you there?” I offered with another glance at Meg to be sure she was comfortable with the plans. She nodded, and Dad smiled at both of us. Two smiles in fifteen minutes—real smiles!
“All right. Again, sorry it’s so early. I have to get into the city today for a client. I’ve got my cell on me. Also, I set Steve Rivers on the trail of young Kypson to check him out more fully.”
“You know, I like him. I think he could be a good addition to our pack.”
“I hope so. He needs a home.”
Dad clapped me on the shoulder and nodded his head at Megan.
“You two have a good day. Don’t be late for school.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall as I shut the door behind him. Six forty-five. We had plenty of time not to be late. Heat raced to my cheeks again as I found Meg and our eyes met. She quickly cleared her throat and turned to pour a cup of coffee. Sighing, I went to gather my things for the shower.
Chapter 44
Megan
I felt off. Not quite sick, but just…off. Maybe it was the nightmares, the adrenaline, and Sam’s kiss this morning, or being up too early and too much caffeine. Maybe Mary cooked with something I wasn’t used to last night. Wolf was still lethargic at best. I went ahead and skipped a big breakfast, opting for a piece of dry toast in case it turned out to be something more sinister.
