by T. L. Reeve
“Great, have a seat,” Keeley said. “And don’t let them get out of hand with you.”
Aurora laughed. “They’re fine. It is amazing, though, isn’t it?”
Keeley glanced over her shoulder at Aurora and grinned. “It’s the best part about being pack/pride. The miracle of life.”
“Yeah.” She nodded. Things hadn’t always been this way for Aurora. One minute she’d been a normal eighteen-year-old, working part-time while going to college full-time. She wanted to be a physical therapist, someone who could help those when they were at their lowest. She’d even contemplated trying to get in at Walter Reed, but as life always had a way of messing up things, she put her plans on hold the minute her sister died after giving birth to Abby.
“So, are you ready to start work?” Keeley joined Aurora at the table and placed one of the glasses in front of her.
She hadn’t seen herself as a dispatcher, per se, but when Abby got sick after they arrived, she realized a position with full benefits was a must. “Sure. I’m kind of nervous, though. I feel like I’m not ready.”
When she first responded to the ad for the data-entry position at Keeley’s security company, Vigilante, she received her first introduction to the Raferty clan and the woman sitting next to her. They hit it off pretty quickly. However, during the interview process, Aurora realized she didn’t have the skills to keep up with the job’s demands. She was a more hands-on type. When it came to muscles and bones and how the body moved, Aurora knew it all. Being a hacker who could dismantle and rebuild sites within minutes and hours, wasn’t something in her wheelhouse. She had very basic computer skills and could navigate the internet well enough to check her email and social media—which was limited.
Instead of laughing Aurora out, Keeley suggested the dispatch job. Of course, the running joke had been, Keeley knew the Sheriff. Wink-wink. Nudge-nudge. It hadn’t been more than two days from the time she walked into Vigilante that she had an interview with Sheriff Kalkin Raferty and had the job.
Kalkin or Sheriff Raferty, as he liked to be called when on duty, gave her the whole rundown of the job. She’d be working rotating twelve-hour shifts, three days a week. The time didn’t bother her so much, until he announced that she’d be working the night shift, once she passed all of the training required of every dispatcher. Since she’d moved there recently, she didn’t have any friends or family to take care of Abby. Nonetheless, she’d pushed it aside or had until Keeley offered up her services to watch Abby while Aurora worked. Which, technically, was why Aurora was at Keeley’s house.
“It’ll get easier,” Keeley promised. “Kalkin, for all his gruffness is a giant marshmallow.”
Aurora cocked a brow. “Are you sure we’re talking about the same man?”
Keeley laughed. The light-hearted tinkling sound cooled her tattered nerves. How the woman did that, she didn’t know. “I’m sure.”
She took a sip of her tea and tried to smile.
“You’re worried.” Keeley tilted her head. “Why?”
Why? Aurora snorted to herself. The biggest and technically only problem she had with her new job was the fact it had been the night shift—7 pm to 7 am. In the grand scheme of things, once she started getting paid regularly, she wouldn’t have to worry about daycare cost or overnight cost, but until then, she was shit out of luck.
But, for one major issue, she couldn’t complain, and come what may, she’d make the sacrifices necessary to keep them cared for. According to the Sheriff, they’d both be eligible for full health benefits on the first day of her job. Something she desperately needed with Abby’s health issues. It also meant she could start building a small nest egg for them, build up a 401k, and save for Abby’s college education. They were home and could now start to put down some roots. Something they both desperately craved.
Sure, she was going to accept Keeley’s offer to watch Abby until she could find a permanent babysitter. It would be smart of her to do so. It just wasn’t a long-term plan. Keeley had her own family and Abby’s health issues were complicated. “I guess you can say I am a bit overwhelmed.”
“Caring for Abby?”
For a split second, she wondered if Keeley could read her mind. “You could say that.”
“You need a day off,” Keeley replied. “You need to recharge.”
Aurora laughed. “If only that was possible.”
“It is.” Keeley grinned. “As a matter of fact, I’m having a little party tomorrow night for Halloween. Why don’t you come? It’ll be fun. You and Abby can finally meet the family.”
“I don’t know,” Aurora hedged.
“Oh, come on, what’s the worst that can happen?”
Aurora snorted. “So much could go wrong.” She shook her head. “You...you barely know us. We’ve only been friends a couple of weeks. I could be the...the Hillside Strangler or whatever.”
Keeley laughed again this time harder and longer. Tears tracked down her cheeks as she sighed. “I think we both know you’re not.”
“What is your deal? What... What are you?” She tilted her head to the side.
Keeley sat up a little straighter.
“I don’t mean that in a bad way. Seriously, no disrespect. You’re different. You trust me without hesitation. You’ve taken us in as though you’ve known us our whole lives. You’ve brought me...us into your family as though we’re supposed to be here. I-I don’t understand.”
Keeley placed her hand on Aurora’s. “Sometimes, kindred spirits know kindred spirits. I see myself in a young girl, desperate to call someplace home. Come to the party. Meet our blended families. Find your home.”
“Okay.” Aurora lifted her chin. “We’ll come.”
“Great.” Keeley beamed. “Just so you know, our parties manage to run late. Once the kids are down, things tend to get a little wild. If you’re not comfortable with that...”
Aurora swallowed hard. “O-okay.”
“Perfect, then we’ll see you tomorrow night.”
Mackenzie opened the door to the laundry room and stepped inside. He was exhausted. After laying out the flags for the floor plan to the apartments, he and Ulysses drove the stakes then tied off the area with orange construction line. By the time they were finished, they had the property mapped out and ready for the initial digs to lay the lines.
He kicked out of his boots then walked into the kitchen. Liam and Riley were in the living room watching one of their crazy shows, while Charisma stood at the stove making dinner for them. He frowned. Since they’d returned home, she’d taken it upon herself to watch the kids after school and make sure he ate. Usually, Royce would join them for dinner before Charisma packed up all the kids and took them home.
“You really should stop doing this,” he said. “I can cook for me and the pups.”
“You can, but Mikey loves Liam and Riley, and they really like the twins. It’s a full-circle thing.” She kissed his cheek. “Ooff, you smell.”
He grinned. “That’s what hard work gets you.”
“Well, go get a shower. Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes.” Charisma shooed him out of the kitchen.
When Mackenzie returned fresh from his shower, Royce was there. He sat at the table with the pups while waiting on Mackenzie. The conversation they had in Everett didn’t even scratch the surface of their issues, and he blamed himself for that as well. Royce had too many bad memories running through his brain. Mackenzie had caused the majority of them so, in turn, he had to fix them.
“Smells good,” he said, taking a seat.
“Thank you.” Charisma beamed. “It’s a family recipe.” She dug a spoonful of the casserole out of the dish and plopped it onto the plate in her hand. The creamy goodness smelled heavenly. “My mom called it poor man’s pot pie.”
There was nothing poor about the dish. The scent of chicken and vegetables had Mackenzie’s stomach rumbling in anticipation. Once everyone had their dinner in front of them, they dug in. He contemplated telling Charis
ma and Royce about the new agents imbedded within Window Rock, but he had a feeling his son already knew about them.
“So, Kalkin said you’re working with the new agents,” Royce said, as though reading his mind. “What do you think so far?”
Mackenzie shrugged. “He’s a hard worker. The guy’s name is Ulysses.”
“Why are new agents here?” Charisma placed her fork on her dish.
“Aislinn,” Royce said.
Charisma frowned. “No.”
“Yes. We had a feeling this day would come,” Royce replied.
“That poor girl,” Charisma said. “She’s only known a moment’s peace here. What’s the plan?”
Mackenzie chuckled. “Nothing yet. We’re in a holding pattern until someone makes a move. When they do, the St. Johns and the Makino families will have wished to God they hadn’t stepped foot in Window Rock.”
After dinner and once everyone had gone home, Mackenzie grabbed a beer out of the fridge and went outside. He sat in his rocker and stared out over the neighborhood. The days were shorter now. The friendly noise of the neighbors having barbecue cookouts were gone, replaced by crickets and the hum of the streetlights. Since he’d been busy with Ulysses, he hadn’t been able to head into town to see about putting the house up for sale.
Hell, he hadn’t even discussed it with the kids. They were old enough now. Fourteen and twelve, they should be able to make their feelings known and have some input into where they would go or if they would stay. Wasn’t like they hadn’t already completed one mission.
Mackenzie placed the bottle to his lips and took a drink. His kids were made of stern stuff. A part of him was proud of how they’d all turned out, even though he’d been a shit father to all of them, and he second guessed every decision he made.
However, those decisions had put him where he was, alone.
Again.
It didn’t say much about him, did it? He always took the paths that led to heartache for everyone, including innocent fucking children. His children. He glanced down the quiet street and shook his head. Why the fuck did he have to be this way? Why did he have to always do the wrong thing, hoping it was the right? Why didn’t he make the right decisions without waffling?
He muttered a curse under his breath and stood. Sitting outside contemplating his shit life for the umpteenth time wouldn’t do a damn thing to change it. He had to want to change it, and so far, his wants and what he actually did were two different things.
“Hey, dad?” Riley stood at the door.
“Yeah, pup?”
“Can I Facetime with Gretchen and Suzy from school?” she asked. “They wanted to show me all the pictures from this year’s Halloween party in Everett.”
“Sure,” he answered. “I’m glad you all stayed friends.”
Riley grinned. “So am I.” A pensive look came over her cherub face. “I never told them our real names.”
“You weren’t supposed to,” he answered.
“Does it ever get easier...lying?”
Mackenzie sighed. “No. Would you like to tell them the truth?”
She frowned. “Do you think they’d believe me if I told them?”
“Well, Charisma told Lizbeth the truth. She believed your sister,” Mackenzie answered. “Would you like me to be there when you told them?”
Riley bit her bottom lip. “They don’t know we’re wolves, either.”
Mackenzie laughed. “You don’t have to tell everyone about that if you don’t want to.”
“Good. It’s hard enough explaining why I left so soon.” She glanced up at him. “Would you really sit there with me while I tell them?”
“You’re my pup. I’d do anything for you.” He pulled her into a hug. “Come on, let’s get this over with, so you can see all those photographs.”
“Thanks, dad.”
“You don’t ever have to thank me, sweetheart,” he murmured, leading her back into the house and up to her room.
Mackenzie sat beside Riley and held her hand as she waited for her friends to answer the call, or whatever they did for Facetime. The two girls appeared on the screen, and both of them wore the biggest smiles. Their giggles were infectious, and Mackenzie understood why his daughter liked them. They were a breath of fresh air when his daughter needed it most.
“Harper!” they exclaimed then laughed. “We miss you.”
“I missed you, too,” Riley said. “It feels like forever.”
Both girls frowned.
“It does,” Gretchen said. “Hey, Mr. Rough. It’s good to see you, but what are you doing here?”
“Likewise, girls. I’m here for a good reason.” Mackenzie nudged his daughter. “Moral support.”
“Support?” Suzy frowned. “Why?”
Riley sighed. “I have something to tell you guys.”
“Oh, no... Are you sick?” Gretchen and Suzy gripped each other’s hands.
“No.” Riley shook her head. “Do you remember the big thing at the zoo last year?”
“Yeah,” Suzy said. “My parents have been talking about it. Why?”
“The woman the police and FBI caught, is my...” Riley swallowed hard. Her bottom lip began to tremble.
“Girls, this is hard for Riley,” Mackenzie said. “The woman who’d been arrested was her adoptive mother.”
“Who’s Riley?” Gretchen asked.
“I am.” Riley sat a little straighter and wiped away her tears. “My name is Riley Raferty. This is my father Mackenzie Raferty. My brothers are Royce and Liam. My sister is Charisma. We were all working undercover to take down Holly Geithner, leader of the Paranormal Bounty Hunters.”
Gretchen and Suzy sat there in silence.
Mackenzie’s daughter vibrated with sadness and anxious energy. “She wanted to be honest with the both of you. She hated lying, and since the trial is about to begin, she thought now was the right time to tell the truth.”
“I’m sorry,” Riley said. “Can you both forgive me?”
“Whoa,” Gretchen said. “It makes so much sense now. Why you left after only being here a few months. Why you were quiet...”
“When you met Riley, Holly had only been gone a few weeks,” Mackenzie said. “We were all still in a state of shock.”
“The Sheriff we see all over the news now, he’s your...” Suzy hedged.
“Uncle,” Riley answered.
“Whoa,” Gretchen whispered. “I have so many questions.”
Riley tilted her head. “You mean, you don’t hate me?”
The girls shook their heads. “Never. It sucks you had to lie, but we get it.”
Riley relaxed. “I think I can handle it from here, dad.”
Mackenzie grinned. “Yeah, I think so, too.” He stood. “If you need anything, I’ll be right down the hall.”
“Thanks, dad,” she said with a smile.
Mackenzie ambled out of Riley’s room with a grin on his face as he listened to part of their conversation. There’s something we’ve been meaning to tell you, too, Riley, your dad is so hot. His daughter groaned. Well, at least Riley had her friends back, and right now, Mackenzie would take it as a win.
Chapter Two
Aurora glanced at Abby as they drove toward Keeley’s house. The little girl beside her, stared out the passenger window. Her niece was different. Almost as though a piece of her mother, Aurora’s sister, lingered within Abigail. “Did you have a good day at school?”
Abby nodded. “I did, mumsy. We had a party.”
“You did? What kind?”
“A Halloween party,” Abby answered. “We read books and went around to all the classrooms to see their decorations, and we had a costume parade.”
“Wow, sounds amazing.”
“It was. I like Mikey, he dressed up as a pirate,” she said.
Aurora frowned. There’d been no way to pay for or make a costume for her niece. Since she’d begun the three-week mandatory training to be a dispatcher, she hadn’t been able to work in the grocer
y store. Thankfully, the instructional time had been a paid training. Downside, the Sheriff’s Department paid a per-diem rate of fifty dollars per day. She knew when she went to work full-time, her hours would make up the difference, but getting to that point...well, she worried.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t get you a costume this year,” Aurora said.
“It’s okay, mumsy. I’m already wearing my costume.” Abby smiled at her.
She narrowed her eyes. “You are?”
“Uh huh, only humans can’t see it.” Abby grinned.
“Oh? Can shifters see it?” Aurora prodded.
“Uh huh. Miss Keeley, too. Only, I don’t think she understands yet.” Abby shrugged.
Not weird at all. “Well, I think the shifters being able to see it, is pretty awesome and the best costume ever!” Aurora turned off the main road onto the lit-up dirt road. Twinkling orange and purple light strands were hung from small posts guiding them toward Keeley and Kalkin’s home. Already, there were multiple cars parked along the side of the house. People sat at picnic benches enjoying several bonfires, while others made their way inside. Light flickered and danced along the fence surrounding the backyard. As they crept closer, Halloween music drifted out and away from the house. Keeley really knew how to throw a party.
“That’s a lot of people, mumsy,” Abby said, licking her bottom lip.
“It is. We’re meeting everyone tonight.”
Abby’s eyes grew round. “Everyone?”
“Well, I guess all the important people of the pack/pride,” she answered.
“We are?”
Aurora parked in an empty spot near the stairs. “Yeah. It’s why we’ve been invited. I bet you’re going to make so many friends here tonight.”
“Do you think Mikey will be here?” Abby glanced up at her with round, anxious, blue eyes.