by Kasey Belle
Things had been tough since their dad died. They had no real family to speak of. There were some cousins here and there, but no immediate family. Their dad’s parents had died within months of each other when Lula was a baby. Her mom’s parents had been gone before Emmarie was even born. A cousin had taken over her father’s old pack. He wanted nothing to do with them. The alpha of her mom’s old clowder was a dick from what Emmarie heard. Neither side wanted them because their parents had dared to mate outside their species.
Their mom had planned to move them to Montana once school was out for the summer. She’d heard of a town there where all shifters were welcome regardless of species. They would have made it too had it not been for some woman who decided to quit her job and get drunk to celebrate.
Emmarie fought her tears. She didn’t want Lula to see her cry. It would only scare her. She had to be strong for Lula and Sage. She leaned over and grabbed the plastic bag off the floor. Her mother’s personal items the kind policeman at the scene had removed from the car. He’d dropped them by yesterday because he thought they might want them. The hospital had already given Emmarie her mother’s wedding rings and the necklace she always wore with their father’s dog tags.
Emmarie opened the bag and pulled out her mother’s purse. She stuck her face in the opening and inhaled. The inside of the purse smelled like her mother’s perfume. She heard her mother’s voice. Take care of them.
I will. There was only one way to do that. They had to run.
She kept an eye on the door while she checked the wallet. Everything was still there. Her mother’s credit and debit cards, plus a few hundred in cash. She also checked the cellphone which surprisingly still had a charge. Not much, but enough to search for the nearest Walmart. Once they left the hospital she’d run in and buy a charger, more clothes, and a few supplies.
Emmarie and her siblings had already changed into the clothes Ms. Caldwell left behind for them after her first visit. They were generic sweats and tennis shoes, plus underwear and socks, but they would do. “Here, Lu. She dropped a pair of socks next to her sister. Put these on.”
Emmarie shoved her feet into the shoes. They didn’t have much time. She’d worry about Sage’s feet later. They didn’t have a second to waste. She rushed to help her sister while she tried to figure out how they’d get out of the hospital. It wasn’t like the nurses wouldn’t notice them leave the room.
She shoved all her mother’s belongings into the hobo bag she’d called a purse. The thought brought a sad smile to her face. She always called her mother’s purse a Hermione bag. It held everything. Then, on a whim, she did something her mother would have absolutely not approved of. She took all the cash from Ms. Caldwell’s wallet. Emmarie vowed to whoever was listening she’d pay her back.
She pulled a still sleeping Sage from his crib and stuffed her mother’s bag between their bodies. Hopefully the nurses wouldn’t notice. She opened the door and stuck her head out. Ms. Caldwell was nowhere to be seen, neither was the doctor. There was only one nurse occupying the desk.
“Come on, Lu.”
Her little sister climbed off the bed. She took Lula’s hand and led her out of the room. “Where are we going, Emmy?”
“For a walk.” She knew better than to divulge anything to Lula. Her little sister couldn’t keep a secret to save her life.
“Goody. I was tired of coloring.”
They made their way down the hall. The nurse at the desk looked up and arched an eyebrow. “Where do you three think you’re going?”
“We’re goin’ for a walk,” Lula chirped. “I was bored.”
“Don’t go far. Your discharge papers will be ready as soon as the doctor signs off.”
“No, ma’am. We won’t.” Emmarie offered the woman her best smile. She led her sister to the elevator and veered left. They entered the stairwell and took them down two floors. Once they were on the second floor they left the stairwell and took the elevator. As they walked through the lobby towards freedom, Emmarie made sure she didn’t look around or glance over her shoulder. Acting guilty certainly would draw attention. With Sage in her arms and Lula at her side, Emmarie stepped through the sliding doors as if they had every right to leave.
Chapter 2
Devon turned his cruiser onto the state highway and headed home. Home a word that used to bring about regret and sadness now filled him with contentment and joy. Hard to believe he and Janie had just celebrated their six-year mated anniversary. They had two girls now. Heather was four and Mazie was three. Janie was pregnant with their third and due sometime after the first of the year just after their wedding anniversary. His mate loved to tease him about slacking on the job because they’d actually waited two years for her to get pregnant with this last pup. He figured a set of Irish twins was enough, no need to make it triplets.
“What the hell?” He squinted and called upon his wolf sight. There was someone walking on the road about a mile up ahead. Two someones. It was dark and too damn cold. One of them looked to be the size of a small child. Suddenly they disappeared. They must have darted into the trees that lined the road. He drove about a few hundred more yards then pulled off to the side, parking as far into the grass as possible.
He checked behind him to make sure he was indeed alone then got out of the car. Devon sniffed the air. There was a faint scent of shifter. They were close, probably watching him.
“Hello?” he called out. “I know you’re here. I won’t hurt you. I swear on my mate and pups.” He waited for a few moments when there was no response he continued. “My name is Devon Stone. Some people call me Deputy Stone, but I prefer Dev or Devon. I can tell you’re a shifter. I don’t know which kind. I’ve never encountered that particular scent.” A snowflake landed on his cheek. It would soon be too cold outside even for shifters. “Will you please come out? It’s starting to snow. You’ll freeze out here.”
“Please, Emmy,” a little whispered voice met his ears. “I’m cold. So’s Sage.”
He stood frozen unwilling to make a single move. He didn’t want to frighten this Emmy person. He or she seemed to be in charge. Leaves rustled, and branches snapped as whoever were hiding in the brush began to move about. The next thing Devon knew, two forms stepped out into the clearing. Scratch that, three children. A little girl was holding the hand of an older girl of approximately twelve. The older girl held a smaller child on her hip. In his career both as an MP and a deputy, he’d seen a lot of heartbreaking things, but no more so than these three bedraggled children who looked so lost and hopeful at the same time.
“You swear you won’t hurt us, mister?”
“On my mate and pups. But you don’t need to rely on my word. You’re a shifter. Use your senses. You’ll be able to tell whether I am lying or not.”
They came a step closer. The older girl sniffed the air. The little one holding her hand mimicked the action making Devon smile. She was adorable with big, innocent eyes. Her long, curly dark hair stuck out from under her knit hat.
The older girl pinned him with wary watchful eyes. “You don’t smell like your lying.”
“I’m not. I want to help. What are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere by yourselves?”
“We’re looking for someone.” The youngest girl supplied.
“Shh. Lula.” The older girl scolded.
“Is that your name? Lula?”
The little girl nodded. “That’s my sissy Emmy.” She pointed to the older girl. “That’s my brother Sage.” She pointed to what Devon could see was a sleepy toddler.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Lula. You too, Emmy and Sage.”
The little boy didn’t acknowledge him but continued to suck his thumb and cling to his older sister. What the hell were the siblings doing out on their own? He wanted to pepper them with questions. However, he knew better than to do so. He didn’t want to send them running. If that happened he’d have no choice but to chase them down. Which would most likely scare the shit out of them.
“Maybe if you tell me who you’re looking for Emmy, I could help you find them.”
Emmy covered Lula’s mouth with her hand when the little girl started to answer. Emmy chewed her lip. Devon could practically see the wheels turning inside her head as she weighed whether or not she wanted to divulge the information.
“It’s Emmarie. Only people I know call me Emmy.” Emmarie raised her chin daring him not to comply.
He so wanted to snicker at her bravado but didn’t. Remaining on her good side was the only way to help them. “My apologies, Emmarie.”
She jerked a nod in acceptance. “You said your name was Stone?” Was that hope he heard?
“She couldn’t be looking for Koda, could she?” his wolf uttered.
“I did,” he told her.
“Do you know Dakoda Stone?”
“Holy shit. She is.” Wolf pushed at him to just grab the children and toss them in the car. Yeah, that would go over well.
Devin ignored his wolf and responded, “He’s my cousin.”
“You could be making it up since I supplied you with his name.” She shook her head and muttered, “That was stupid.”
Sage petted her cheek. Emmarie turned her head and kissed his palm. Devon’s heart melted.
“How do I know you really know him?”
Devon took the cellphone out of his front shirt pocket and unlocked the screen. He held it out to Emmarie. “Speed dial two.”
She didn’t move and shook her head. “You dial it. Put it on speaker and don’t say anything. I’ll do the talking.”
“Smart girl. Cautious yet courageous,” wolf said with pride.
Koda picked up after the third ring, “Hey, cousin. How was your day?”
“H-hello?” Emmarie stuttered. “Who is this?”
“Who is this?” Koda countered.
“I asked you first,” she replied with attitude.
Devon fought his snicker. The kid had balls.
“Dakoda Stone. Now tell me your name.”
“Emmarie.”
“Emmarie?”
If Devon didn’t know any better, he would swear Koda recognized her name.
“Is Devon with you? Is he hurt?” The worry in Koda’s voice warmed Devon. His older cousin and alpha was always looking out for him.
“I’m here, Koda. I’m fine.”
Emmarie cut him a glare. Damn she was spunky. She turned her attention back to the phone. “Are you the alpha who takes in the stray shifters?”
Koda chuckled. “I’ve never heard it put quite that way, Emmarie. But, yes, I am.”
“Can we come stay with you?” Lula piped up and asked. Her little cherubic face bright with hope.
“Well, hello. Who might you be, little one?” Koda used the same gentle tone he used with all the children in the pack including his own.
“I’m Lula.”
“I would love it if you came here and stayed with my pack. My cousin will give you a ride.” He paused. “Devon?”
“I’m here.” He took the phone off speaker and put it to his ear. “Hold on a second, Koda. Let me get them out of the cold.” Devon looked at the children. “Why don’t you guys hop in the back.” He walked over and opened the back-passenger door of his county issued SUV. “I hate putting you in the back seat, but it’s the only way to accommodate the three of you. I don’t have any car seats for the little ones Emmarie. Belt Lula in and hold Sage on your lap. Okay?”
The girl nodded. She didn’t appear to completely trust him. He didn’t sense any fear, so he took it as a win.
After Emmarie climbed in behind Lula, he shut them in the car. “Okay, I’m back.” He spoke into the phone as he walked around to the driver’s side door and climbed in.
“Jesus. Where did you find them?”
“Walking along the road. Headed your way it would seem.” He settled into his seat and shut the door. “The oldest is about twelve.”
“Thirteen,” Emmarie snarled giving him an impressive bit of shade.
“Correction,” he told Koda. “Thirteen.”
“I’m four,” Lula supplied. “Sage is almost two.” The little angel held up two fingers.
“Where the hell is their mother?”
“Unknown at this time. Do you know them?” He put the car into drive and pulled back onto the road.
“I think I know of them. A woman named Katie Bennett petitioned to join the pack. She planned on moving out here this coming summer. I knew her husband, William. He was Green Beret. We served together. If they’re alone, something is horribly wrong.”
“Agreed. But best discussed later.” Koda hummed his agreement. “I’m only a couple of miles out. We’ll be there in a few. Oh, hey. Would you do me a favor and call my mate and let her know what’s going on?”
“As soon as I hang up.”
“Thanks. See you in a few.”
Chapter 3
Slim arms slid around his waist from behind. Koda placed his hands over hers and twined their fingers together. Ella kissed the space between his shoulder blades. “Who was that on the phone?”
“Devon. I think he found Katie Bennett’s children?”
Ella jerked her hands away and moved to stand in front of him. “What? Bennett? The family that are supposed to move here in the summer?”
Koda nodded. “Unless this is a twilight zone coincidence. Yes.”
“Wait? Found the children? What about Katie?”
“Dev said they were alone.” Dread filled him. Koda scrolled through his phone. “Devon wanted me to call Janie and let her know what’s going on.”
“You do that. I’ll fix something for the children to eat. They have to be cold and hungry.” Ella rushed into the kitchen. He could hear her moving around as he waited for Janie to answer. When she did Koda explained what was going on. His cousin lucked out with Janie. She was a sweetheart. She offered to come over and bring the girls on the off chance it would make Emmarie and her siblings more comfortable in a strange place. Koda declined the offer. It was starting to snow, and he didn’t want her and the children on the road even if all they had to do was drive across the street.
Devon’s SUV pulled in front of the cabin. Koda toyed with the idea of going out to greet them but decided against it. He didn’t want the children to feel like he was rushing up on them. It would be better if they came to him. The car doors shut and moments later, Devon walked through the door with three dirty children. The little ones clung to their older sister. They were nervous and a little scared. Koda used his alpha influence to calm them not enough to completely inhibit their emotions, but enough to take the edge off.
He addressed Emmarie first. “Welcome to my home and Sanctuary Pack, Emmarie.” She let go of Lula’s hand and shook his. Koda then placed an assuring hand on the little boy’s head. “Hello, Sage.” The boy eyed him but said nothing. He squatted down in front of Lula and held out his hand. “You must be, Lula.”
“Yes, sir, Alpha.” She placed her tiny hand in his and gave it a little shake. “I’m thirsty.”
“Lula,” Emmarie scolded. “Manners.”
“It’s fine. My mate Ella is in the kitchen fixing you guys up as we speak.” He gestured to the open archway.
“She is pretty,” Lula stated with wide eyes. “I like her hair.”
Koda leaned in and whispered, “So do I.” They shared a smile. “Before we get into why and how you ended up here alone, why don’t you guys have something to eat and drink.”
Once the children got warm and their bellies were full, the two youngest looked ready for bed. Koda looked at Ella then nodded at Emmarie. His mate winked making him smile. He knew he could count on his spitfire to understand.
She placed a hand on Emmarie’s shoulder. “Why don’t I take Lula and Sage upstairs for a bath, so you can speak with Koda?”
“Um.”
“I promise they’re safe with me,” Ella assured the teen. “I don’t think they need to hear whatever it is rehashed, do you?”
Emmarie shook her head. “No ma’am. Thank you.” She got out of her chair and squatted down in front of Lula and Sage. The little boy held his youngest sister’s hand. “Go with Ms. Ella. She’s gonna give you a nice warm bath and some clean jammies. Okay?”
Lula hopped down then helped Sage. “You’ll be here when we’re done, right?” she asked.
“Of course, silly.” Emmarie tousled Lula’s curls. “We stay together, remember?”
Lula looked up at Ella. “Do you have bubbles?”
“I have lots of bubbles. Stephanie Ann is a big fan of bubble baths.”
His sweet princess joined them and took Lula’s free hand. “Mommy’s right. I do. Come on. I have bunches of different kinds of bubbles. You can pick the one you want.”
“Okay! Ms. Ella can you carry Sage up the stairs. He’s not sposed to go up them by himself.”
Koda shared a grin with his mate. Lula was adorable. He was beginning to think she’d never met a stranger.
“We’ll be back down soon.” Ella picked up Sage and followed Lula and Stephanie Ann up the stairs. He waited until he was sure they were out of earshot before speaking to Emmarie. “Tell me what happened.”
“Some drunk lady hit us head on Thursday after she picked me up from school. My mom was killed. We were in the hospital for a few days while Ms. Caldwell from social services tried to find us a placement. She’s like us. A shifter. Her father is alpha of my mom’s old clowder. The alpha banished my mom when she mated my dad.”
“Your mom mentioned the banishment.”
“I knew the alpha wouldn’t want us. Neither did my dad’s old pack. But, Ms. Caldwell is a nice lady. She wanted to try. When she came to pick us up, I knew she wasn’t able to keep us together. I promised my mom I’d to take care of them, Alpha. I couldn’t let them split us up. How was I supposed to watch over them if I wasn’t there?”
“So, you ran away?”
“Ms. Caldwell went to find the doctor because he hadn’t released us yet. I took Lula and Sage and we left.”
