by Tl Reeve
“Come on in,” Kalkin said, standing aside.
Aurora stared up at him a little too wide-eyed for his liking. She barely said much, but she had excellent organizational skills and was a damn hard worker. “Thanks.” She tucked a lock of her curly-brunette hair behind her ear. Pink tinged the top of her freckled cheeks as she stepped into the house. “Thank you for inviting us. I really hope we’re not intruding.”
“You’re not,” Kalkin grunted. “Hello, Abby.”
“’Lo, Mr. Wolf.” She was the spitting image of her mother. Except her long red hair had been pulled back into a high ponytail. Her blue eyes twinkled with happiness, though her coloring was a little off. From what Aurora said, it was a by-product of her heart condition and something the doctors hoped, as she grew, would correct itself.
Kalkin chuckled. “Come on back. We have drinks and food for everyone.” He glanced at Abby. “The kids are outside if you want to go play with them. Or, the babies are in the nursery if you’d rather be with them.”
“Mumsy, can I go outside?” Abby looked up at her mom.
“You may. Remember to keep your sweater on.” The little girl skipped to the door. “Sorry about her not dressing up. She said she’s already wearing her costume.” She rolled her eyes at Kalkin and gave a small chuckle.
“It’s okay. So, are you liking our little community?” Kalkin led her into the kitchen.
“I am. I have to thank you again for the job. I really think I am going to like working for the Sheriff’s Department.” When she came in looking for work, something, whether it was his mate whispering it to him or instinct, told him she would be somehow connected to their family for a long time to come.
“Good. Loraine only says good things about you,” he said. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”
Kalkin first introduced her to Keeley, then Danielle. They made their rounds through the living room, and only when he had Mackenzie left did he introduce her to his older brother.
Since Mackenzie returned from Everett, he’d let his hair grow out and he’d put on a little bit more muscle. Of all four of them, Mackenzie had become the biggest. “Aurora, I would like you to meet my big brother, Mackenzie.”
She held a trembling hand out to him. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you.”
Mackenzie took it. “Likewise.”
“Aurora is our new dispatcher. Loraine has been training her. You probably saw her daughter skip through here. Her name is Abby.” Kalkin stared at his brother, who appeared indifferent.
Mackenzie nodded. “Good to know. So, you’re new here?”
“Yeah, kind of,” Aurora answered. “I really like it though.”
Kalkin left their side and went in search of his mate, who’d been watching the kids outside. He gathered her in his arms and breathed in her fresh scent. When she sighed, he let her go. “Do you really think this is going to work?”
“I guess it’s up to Mac,” Keeley said, nuzzling his neck. “What he wants in his life.”
“Do you think we can help the little girl?”
“Danielle has already started.” Keeley pulled back and gave him a sad, small smile. “She’ll do the best she can, and the rest will be up to Abby.”
Kalkin nodded. “It’s all we can do then. Come on, let’s go trick or treating.” He wiggled his brows as he tugged her back into the house.
“Why do I have a feeling my definition of trick or treating is different than yours, Kalkin Raferty?”
He laughed. “Trust me, mate, you’re going to love the treat I’m about to give you.”
“Kalkin Raferty, you’re one crazy wolf.”
“You’ve not seen anything, sweet cheeks.” He placed a kiss to her lips. “I love you.”
“And I love you too, Kalkin.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “We’re going to fix all of this. Just you wait and see.”
Also available at TEP
from TL Reeve and Michele Ryan
Kalkin
Now includes the short story TWINS
Apache County Shifters, 1
Caden
Now includes the short story TEACHER
Apache County Shifters, Book 2
Unbreakable
Leaving the Past Behind, Book 1
Entrapped
Leaving the Past Behind, Book 2
COMING SOON
Lost
Secrets
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
TL Reeve, a multi-published author with Cobblestone Press, Decadent Publishing, Evernight Publishing, and Loose-Id, was born out of a love of family and a bond that became unbreakable. Living in Alabama, TL misses Los Angeles, and will one day return to the beaches of Southern California to ride the waves at Huntington Beach. When not writing something hot and sexy, TL can be found curled up with a good book, or working on homework with a cute little pixie.
You can sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bv07fn
*
Michele Ryan is an author with Decadent Publishing, After Glows Publishing, and now Twisted Erotica Publishing. Michele embraced her creative passion and co-authored several books with fellow author and best friend TL Reeve. Michele has also published two solo novellas.
Michele is a lifelong resident of the state of New Jersey, along with her husband and three children, whom she refers to as her hobbits. When Michele is not plotting or writing, she can be found either volunteering at her children’s school or reading.
Twisted E Publishing, LLC
www.twistedepublishing.com