by Vella Day
Meredith smiled. “Your detective shared a few things about you. The most important piece of information was that you have a Wendayan stamp on the back of your shoulder.”
Dalton knew Merry was her mom yet said nothing? Her gut clenched. “Why is my stamp so important?”
“Because Tommy was a Wendayan. Our daughter would have his stamp too. I know that’s not one hundred percent proof that you are my daughter, so I brought this.” She dug her hand into her purse, extracted a piece of paper, and handed it to her. “It’s my daughter’s birth certificate. I named her Anna.”
“I never knew.”
“I didn’t either until now. I’m so pleased your new parents kept the name.”
Anna gripped the edge of the counter and then pushed off. Excitement, anger, and confusion all bombarded her. Anna was overwhelmed with emotion at possibly finding her mother, but feeling a bit betrayed that Dalton knew Meredith was her mother but said nothing.
Anna straightened her shoulders. “I was told my mother’s name was Mary Carlyle.”
Meredith fumbled in her purse and withdrew her driver’s license. “That’s me. Meredith Carlyle Wilson, or Merry for short.”
Anna gazed down at the license then back at the woman in front of her. The two of them were about the same height, though Merry was an inch shorter, and they had the same color hair. There was a slight similarity in their facial features, but she wouldn’t say they looked alike. “I’m speechless.”
Merry swiped a finger under her eyes. “Me too. I never in a million years thought I’d find you.”
“You looked?”
“Of course, I looked. Giving you up was the worst day in my life. That and being arrested for something I didn’t do.” She blew out a breath. “And the day Tommy died.”
Anna had to hold onto the counter again, trying to regain her balance. She’d just learned that she already knew her mom. Learning her father was dead was another blow. Totally confused, she looked at Merry Carlyle Wilson, who seemed as overwhelmed as she was. “This is probably awkward, but can I hug you?” Anna asked, sniffling.
Merry, or rather Mom, opened her arms, and suddenly it was as if the whole world was smiling down on her. Anna stepped into her embrace and let her warmth surround her. Not used to being close to people, Anna moved back. “I have so many questions.”
“I imagine you do.”
“Tell me about my dad.”
“He was such a free spirit.” Merry ran a hand down over Anna’s bare arm. “I imagine you’re a lot like him.”
Her heart swelled. “I wish I’d met him.”
“Me too.”
“What were his talents?” She already had enough, but she didn’t need any more surprises.
“Tommy was unique. He could touch a person and see something about their past.”
Anna’s heart rate spiked. “I can too.”
Merry moved closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Do you see it as a curse? That’s what Tommy used to say.”
“For the most part.” She explained what she’d seen when she’d touched Merry at the store. Anna was rather surprised that the hug didn’t bring out more images. Then again, her mind was too busy spinning.
“That was me holding you. The people you saw were my parents. I think they came to make sure you were taken away.”
“I’m sorry.” She couldn’t imagine giving up a child. “Are you a Wendayan?”
“No. I only found out about Tommy’s talent when he’d touched my arm and had a strange reaction. He explained what he could about Wendayans.”
“I didn’t learn about them until I moved here.” Now wasn’t the time to get into the circumstances under which she learned about them.
“I always hoped you were adopted by a good family”
“Yes, I was but I just never felt really close to them.”
Her lips trembled again. “I’m sorry. I’ve regretted every day of my life that I had to give you up, but I couldn’t have taken care of you.”
“I understand.”
“Thank you.” Merry dug her hand into her purse, located a tissue, and blew her nose. “I’m not sure what’s supposed to happen next.”
How did one step into the person’s life and pretend the last twenty-five years had been different? “I don’t know either, but we need to learn more about each other. Catch up.”
“I already feel like I’ve found the missing piece to my soul,” Merry said.
Anna wanted to share more of her life with her newfound mom. “You’ll find out soon enough, but Officer Garner and I are dating.” She didn’t want to bring up the topic of shifters just yet.
Merry smiled. “I figured. As soon as he spoke your name, his eyes lit up.”
The man did have good eyes. “I heard your husband is ill.”
“Yes. George is having problems with his heart, and he’s only sixty-three. It’s very sad.”
Anna retrieved her phone from the counter. “Let me have your number.”
Merry pulled out her cell. “What’s yours? I’ll call you and then you’ll have mine.”
Once they swapped numbers, Merry said she needed to return to the store. “Stay in touch,” Anna said.
Merry chuckled. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll never lose touch with you again.”
Wow. All these years she’d been looking for her, and to think she’d met her two years ago. Life was just so strange. Anna walked her out and then stood by the window as she watched Merry climb into her Volkswagen. They were alike in more ways than she’d thought.
“What did she want?” Elana asked once Anna turned around.
“You’ll never guess.”
Chapter Twenty-One
‡
When Dalton returned to the station after dropping Merry off at her house, he wanted to tell Anna what he’d learned, but Merry had asked that she be the one to tell her. While Anna wouldn’t be happy with him, he needed to respect Merry’s request.
Kalan wasn’t at his desk, which meant he was most likely checking out Tom DeLuca. Dalton needed to get on the stick and see what Linda Darnell was up to. Meredith had told him that Linda didn’t work today or tomorrow, which meant she might be home. Merry had also scribbled down Tom’s and Ed’s schedule.
Wanting to be as inconspicuous as possible when he watched Linda, Dalton stepped into the locker rooms at the back of the station and changed into his civilian clothes. Using his own vehicle like he had before, he headed to Linda’s house. What he expected to learn from her off-work hours, he didn’t know, but often times when a person thought they’d gotten away with a crime, they became careless.
On his way to the stakeout, he called Jackson who answered right away. “Dalton, what’s up?”
“Just wondering if you’ve found any dirt on your fellow alumni?” Dalton asked.
“I’m just finishing up now. Turns out, Miss Dominick was having an affair with her married business professor, a Mr. Ralph Teasdale, but they broke up after his wife died of suspicious causes.”
Dalton whistled and his pulse spiked. “Did the police think she was responsible?”
“The case was never solved.”
“Interesting. That just shot her up to the front of the class.”
“She was questioned but never brought in,” Jackson said. “Other than that, her file looks clean.”
“I appreciate the info.” Dalton would have to revisit her just in case since he didn’t believe in coincidences.
“Do you need any other help?” Jackson asked. “Connor is looking for something for Sam to do. He’s in training, and the more work we can give him the better. Besides, if he works for free, the client won’t complain.” Jackson chuckled.
Dalton pulled into a convenience store so he could rethink his plan. “As a matter of fact I do.”
At the end of the conversation, they decided that Sam would watch Linda Darnell while Dalton kept tabs on Ed Santaria. Even though Sam had many talents with the beasts,
if those talents failed, they’d kill him. Dalton, however, could probably handle several wolves at a time.
Everyone, including Rye and Kalan, was convinced that Ed had been involved with the higher up Changelings in either the sale of the store or somehow in figuring out when their Clan had planned to dig up the sardonyx. It was the only logical explanation for the leak.
“I have one more thing to ask,” Dalton said.
“What’s that?” Jackson asked.
When Dalton finished explaining his need, he turned around and returned to town. Because Anna wouldn’t get off work for another hour, Dalton had time to do a bit more research into Ed’s dealing with his fellow wolves. Jackson said he’d dig too.
Before he saw Anna, Dalton had to figure out the best way to handle the dicey situation regarding her newfound mother. Knowing Anna, she’d be in quite an emotional state after realizing her dream. What she wouldn’t be pleased about was that he hadn’t called her right away and told her about Merry, but he had his reasons. One way to help smooth the way between them was to do something spontaneous. She’d like that.
Then the irony hit him. What was the definition of spontaneity anyway? If something took a bit of planning, did it count as being spur of the moment? Hell, if he knew. The fact he just thought of it and would execute his plan within a day was good enough for him.
After a futile attempt at learning more about Ed Santaria and his connection to the Changeling Council members, Dalton headed to the grocery store. When he arrived home with the goodies in hand, he placed them in the basket he’d had to buy. He figured a cooler didn’t say romance like a picnic basket.
Shortly after the Bloom’s of Hope closed, he called Anna, but she didn’t answer. Shit. His gut soured. His mate connection could sense she was pissed, so he left a voice message, but nothing short of a visit would do. He could have used telepathy, but if she was trying to avoid him, he wanted to give her some room to stew.
Disconnecting, he picked up his surprise and headed to her place. After their last lovemaking session, Anna had given him the code to the back door, but that didn’t mean she’d let him in her apartment. However, once she sensed him, her developing animal side wouldn’t be able to refuse him—or so he hoped.
With the picnic basket in hand, he strode up the back staircase and knocked. “Anna, please let me in. I can explain.”
As she neared the door from the inside, his tiger woke up. She eased it open a few seconds later. “Why didn’t you tell me about my mother?” she asked, her lips remaining firm.
He hadn’t wanted the conversation to go like this. “Because she asked me not to tell you. She wanted to be the one,” he telepathed, needing that connection with her.
“I guess that makes sense,” she said. Anna lowered her gaze to what he was carrying. “What’s that?”
He lifted up the basket. “I thought we could go on a picnic.”
She opened up the door. “Really?”
Excitement rushed through him at the thrill in her voice. That was easy—too easy. The moment her scent reached his tiger, he was tempted to toss the damn thing down the stairs and drag her into bed. Her hair might be in a neat ponytail and her plain white blouse and jeans covered most of her, but his body was thrumming with pleasure at being close to her. “Really.”
“Why?” she asked as she slipped the basket from his fingers.
“The truth?” She nodded. “It’s a peace offering.”
“Oh.”
Damn. Her mad state returned. “I need to explain. Two days ago I figured out that Meredith, or rather Merry Wilson, might be your mother after I spotted her maiden name.”
Anna planted a hand on her hip. “Why not tell me then?”
“At the time she was in jail, and if she had been guilty of murder, I didn’t want you to know what your mom had done. Besides, I wanted to ask her first about whether she could be your mom before I got your hopes up.”
Her shoulders relaxed a bit. “When did you know for sure?”
“This morning, but until you get a blood test, I’m not sure how you can be sure.”
“I’m sure. Merry had my birth certificate with my name on it.”
“That’s great.” He waited for her to say more, but she stood there gnawing on her lip, probably digesting the information. “So how did the meeting go?” he asked.
As if he’d said some magic word, Anna snapped out of her daze and smiled. “Wonderful. I think I was in shock for most of it though.”
“What did she say?”
Anna recounted the conversation about why her mom had to give her up. The death of Tommy seemed to shake Anna.
“How tragic. Did you believe her?”
“Yes, why wouldn’t I? My dad was a Wendayan, as am I.”
“If you’re sure that’s all that matters.”
“I am, but I will get the blood test just in case I’m wrong.”
He hugged her. “I’m very happy for you.”
“Me too.”
Even the skeptic in him had to admit Merry Carlyle Wilson seemed to be Anna’s birth mother. “Since I have a basket full of food, do you want to go on a picnic?”
“I’d love to, but the weather doesn’t look so good.” She stepped over to the window. “Thunder clouds are everywhere.”
Damn. He’d been so focused on Anna that he hadn’t notice. “Then how about we eat here?”
Good idea. It’s closer to the bed, his tiger said.
You’re a pig, she telepathed right back.
Dalton cracked up. He had no idea she could hear his tiger! “I can see I need to work on blocking my thoughts better—or rather my tiger’s thoughts.”
“No. I like knowing what you’re both thinking,” she said.
“You don’t need my tiger to tell you.” He nodded to the floor. “Do you want to put down a blanket or something? We can pretend we’re in a grassy field with the tinkling of a small stream whispering in the distance.”
“That’s perfect.” She smiled, and his heart cracked. He loved this woman. He really did.
Together they spread out a blanket she’d located from her linen closet and placed the basket on top. Dalton opened the wine and poured it into the plastic cups he’d brought. “I hope you like fried chicken,” he said, taking out the food.
“I do.”
At the store, he realized how little he knew about the woman who was becoming everything to him. “What else do you like?”
“Hmm, let me see.” Her eyes shone. She picked up a strawberry, bit off the end, and then slowly seduced the poor fruit.
Dalton might have been able to keep in control had she not moaned. “Stop it.”
“What? You asked what I liked, so I wanted to show you.”
“I meant, what else do you like to eat?”
She picked up the bag of potato chips and broke it open. “I like to lick salty things.”
She was so going down. “What else?” he asked, enjoying the game she was playing.
Running her fingers on the basket lid, she made tiny swirls with her forefinger. “I do like to eat, but I like to touch things more.”
Wait until after she shifted, then Anna wouldn’t be able to say those kinds of things without pouncing on him. “Me too. Maybe you’d like to touch something besides that basket.”
“You mean something hard? And throbbing? Or are you talking more about bumpy things?”
Bumpy things? Did she mean his pecs or possibly his abs? It didn’t matter.
Dalton set down his glass and stood. When he held out his arms, Anna grabbed his hands and stood up then practically disappeared into the bedroom. He followed her. “Why did you rush in here?”
Please say because you want me to ravish you.
“I do,” she responded. When she moved closer to him, his libido went crazy. “All that talk about touching has me too excited. Food held little interest once I thought about what we could be doing.”
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he nippe
d at her lips. “Oh, yeah, what’s that?”
Her fingers clutched his cock through his pants. “This.”
He laughed. “You got it.” Dalton ditched his shoes and stepped out of his pants. The shirt was easy to discard. All through his little strip tease, Anna hadn’t moved. Instead, she just stared at him. “Need help with your clothes?” he asked.
“I do.”
She ran her hands down her hips, and his tiger went wild. Starved for her, he undid the buttons on her shirt with great efficiency and then peeled her blouse down her shoulders. Once off, he bent down and kissed her neck before traveling lower. “I love your rose tattoos. They are so you.”
Dalton wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed his chest against her. Anna’s lips parted, and he dove down, devouring her offering. If he weren’t careful, his tiger would emerge just when he was ready to impale her. She was everything he wanted in a woman—self reliant, sassy, and best of all—his.
When her hands grabbed his butt, he slid his fingers along her spine, loving how the soft curve led to her delicious ass. “We need to get rid of these pants.”
She plopped down on the bed, kicked off her sandals, and then ditched her jeans. The moment he spotted her black panties, his mouth watered, and his blue orb vibrated, creating waves of color around him.
He slid his hands under her legs and moved her to the middle of the bed. Straddling her, he unhooked her bra and tossed it to the side. “Now for the pièce de résistance.”
Anna giggled. “You are a romantic. Don’t deny it.”
“You’ve made me one.” Sliding down between her legs, Dalton tugged on her panties and pulled them off.
He inhaled and growled, his tiger refusing to wait any longer. The first swipe of his tongue had him soaring, and her taste once more became imprinted on his brain. His tiger demanded a quick release, but Dalton wanted to wait. Anna deserved to feel loved.
She pressed her feet into the bed and lifted up. “More.”
He answered by flicking her tiny nub with his tongue while he reached up, cupped her breast, and kneaded it. Her glow grew with each twist of her nipple and swirl of his tongue, while her sex perfumed the air.
As Anna tugged on his shoulders, her nails dug into his skin as she panted out small gasps of air. Her eyes were shut. She was close, and he wanted to push her over the edge several times before he took his release. Lifting his head, he slipped a finger into her wet opening, and as soon as he pressed on her trigger point, she yelled and bucked. Sparks flew inside her blue orb, and then she dropped onto the bed, expelling a big sigh.