Emerald Eyes

by Rebekah Shelton

Chapter 21 - Forever

  The day of the wedding rehearsal had arrived. The house was abuzz with the decorating. The staircases were draped with yards and yards of tulle and giant satin bows. The arch had been delivered as well as the flowers. The kitchen cooler was filled with box upon box of white and lavender roses. Gracey’s bouquet was ready and stored with the boutonnieres.

  The staff had prepared a massive dinner and would be allowed to stay for the rehearsal and join the family for the rehearsal dinner since they would not be allowed to attend the actual ceremony. Everyone was smiling and crying. It was a monumental day for everyone. The staff loved Gracey, and the ladies acted as if it was their own daughter getting married. They would ensure everything was perfect.

  Haley joined the family for the rehearsal and brought the tiramisu and the Italian Wedding Soup as promised. She personally inspected every rose to ensure perfection. Of course, Haley would not be attending the ceremony the next day. Charles would take photos for Gracey’s album.

  The wedding rehearsal was perfect. Jim presided over the ceremony having received a license to perform marriages off the internet. Gracey and Stone recited their vows as if they were for real and went through every step of the ceremony so they would be relaxed the next day. Their wedding would be flawless.

  After the wedding rehearsal and dinner, Gracey and Stone retired to their respective suites at the insistence of Abby. Of course, after everyone was asleep Gracey snuck into Stone’s suite.

  The next morning Stone and Gracey noticed the wedding arch and decorations had been moved outdoors. Abby assured everyone there was nothing to fear. It was a beautiful day, and an outdoor wedding would be glorious. Gracey and Stone peered into the garden and agreed.

  Abby helped Gracey dress with the help of Celia, the honorary mother of the bride and the only human living at the mansion who knew about the wolves. The rest of the staff were given the day off and would not be in attendance, in case of another kidnapping attempt.

  Gracey looked stunning in Abby’s dress. Gracey would carry a bouquet of lavender roses; not just because they were Stone’s favorite, but also because they represented the freedom of choice; her freedom to choose her own destiny.

  Abby handed Gracey a gift. “It’s from Rudy and me,” she explained with a big smile. “It’s your something new.” Gracey opened the box and inside were a pair of emerald stud earrings.

  Abby wore an emerald green gown. Both Rudy and Stone were dressed in black tuxedos. The men wore black suits. Celia was wearing a lavender colored cocktail dress. Everyone looked picture perfect. Charles would preserve the day by taking photos.

  With everyone in their places, Rudy and Gracey started their descent down the staircase and out to the arch. As Stone saw Gracey in her wedding dress, a tear ran down his cheek, and he never looked happier. Gracey was radiant as she looked at Stone the entire way.

  Rudy and Gracey arrived at the arch adorned with white and lavender roses, and Rudy placed Gracey’s hand into Stone’s hand and took his place next to his own bride.

  Gracey and Stone had requested traditional vows, and Jim accommodated. While there were only eight people in the garden, including him, Jim still asked, “If anyone knows of any reason these two should not be wed, speak now…”

  Before Jim could finish, Rafer Henrikson stepped out and declared, “I do!”

  The wedding party turned to the voice coming from behind them. Elmer and Charles jumped in front of Gracey and Stone, to shield them from Rafer. Gracey stared at the man. He was tall, nearly six foot five with thick wavy yellow blonde hair much like Gracey's. His eyes were emerald green, and his glare was menacing.

  Charles and Elmer were already removing their suit jackets and ties as they saw the six additional pack members behind Rafer. Celia stood beside Jim resolute, not moving.

  Jim, who was still standing behind Gracey, whispered into her ear. “Gracey meet your biological father, Rafer Henrikson.”

  Gracey and Stone were holding hands, pulling themselves closer to each other. Rudy and Abby stepped forward towards Rafer. “We don’t want any trouble,” Abby told her cousin.

  “Then give me my daughter,” Rafer commanded.

  “She does not want to go with you,” Rudy answered for Gracey. “She is marrying my son.”

  “Since she is not twenty-five years old and not mated, I can still take her. She is a pretty one. Looks a bit like you, Abby. She is undeniably a Henrikson.”

  “I will be bonded to Stone tomorrow!” Gracey told Rafer defiantly.

  “That’s tomorrow,” Rafer snickered. “This is today.”

  Rafer took his first step towards Gracey, and when he looked up, he saw a group of wolves in human form walking towards the garden. It was the Wyoming pack leader Rafer had territorial disputes with on the Wyoming-Colorado border.

  “Looks like my backup is here,” Rafer bragged, feeling confident.

  “Wrong again, Henrikson,” Darrell called out amused. “We are here to help Gracey, not you.”

  Darrell and his mate Annie walked to Abby, and each gave Abby a kiss on the cheek. Seven additional wolves stood behind them.

  “I guess you did not know it was Abby who introduced me to my mate Annie, a wolf originally from a pack in the Montana territory. So when I heard, it was her future daughter-in-law you were trying to claim and mate with my Beta I called Abby and offered her my protection. I would also like to introduce you to Annie’s brother Jeremiah, also from the Montana pack. His Alpha, Zachariah Miller, has pledged Abby and her family protection as well.

  “Now it seems we have a few things to clear up today. I could take Gracey as a mate bribe for my Beta and settle our territorial disputes, but even if you gave her to me, I would simply kiss her on the cheek and hand her back to her husband. And we would still have a territorial dispute.”

  “Her husband?” Abby exclaimed, looking towards Stone and Gracey, who were smiling.

  “Yes, Mom, Gracey and I got married last night. After the rehearsal, we convinced Jim to sign the papers with yesterday’s date, and we consummated our union. We had a premonition Rafer would show up today,” Stone explained.

  “Then I took them down to the meadow where the pack was camping out to meet Darrell. Darrell accepted them as honorary members of their pack and performed the knotting ceremony,” Jim explained. “Tomorrow they will turn wolf; mate and bond.”

  “She is still mine!” Rafe called out. “She has not bonded.”

  “Well, then we have a problem. Your claim as Gracey's father is no longer valid since she is married. Your only claim to her would be as a pack leader, to give her to someone as a bride bond after she turns and after you challenge her mate or Alpha for her. And I don’t want her; neither does my Beta,” Darrell explained and winked at Gracey. "Sorry, but your daughter is no longer a virgin."

  After watching Stone place a gentle kiss on Gracey's cheek, Darrell looked back to Rafer. “Better yet, if you are no longer the Alpha, then you have no claim at all.”

  Darrell called out to the remaining wolves. “Is there anyone here who wants to challenge Rafer Henrikson for the position of Alpha?”

  Jim looked at the group of ruffians Rafer had brought with him and knew it was not a job for them. No one in Rafer’s pack was smart enough for the job, and none of them wanted to challenge their leader.

  Jeremiah stepped forward and volunteered. “It seems we have a challenge,” Darrell announced with a smirk. “This could tie the packs from Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado together. This could be a good thing.”

  “But first, let’s finish the wedding ceremony for my dear friend Abby,” Darrell told Jim and winked. Darrell's group encircled the wedding party; placing themselves between the wedding party and Rafer’s pack.

  Jim finished the vows, rings were exchanged, and Stone and Gracey were introduced as husband and wife.

  “Time to change for the challenge,” Elmer announced a
nd led the pack to the stables.

  Jim walked alongside Celia to the stable. “When did you become so hot?” Jim asked, staring at her.

  “It was the herbs,” Celia replied with a smug grin. Even the other men had taken notice of Celia. Jim was a bit uncomfortable at the leering and took her hand to let them know Celia was off-limits.

  “You have changing rooms?” Rafer asked, shaking his head. "What a bunch of wussies."

  “We are a civilized pack,” Abby advised her cousin as she led Annie to the female changing room. Celia followed them in. Abby kept extra clothes in the changing room, and she, along with Celia and Annie, helped Gracey out of her wedding dress and into some casual clothing.

  “This is nice,” Annie told Abby admiring the changing facilities. “And thanks for dinner last night. I get so tired of wild game, and the beef was excellent; grass fed.”

  “Normally, humans are not welcome spectators at challenges, but since you are honorary members of our pack, you will be allowed to watch,” Annie explained to Gracey and Celia.

  “Celia is joining us too?” Abby asked.

  Annie looked at Celia, and then Abby knowing Abby did not know Celia would be turning the next night. “Celia is with Jim. She can come.”

  Abby was uncertain what Annie meant by with Jim. While curious, Abby knew now was not the time to ask.

  “Challenges are to the death, Gracey, are you sure you want to go with us?” Abby asked.

  “Yes,” Gracey replied resolutely and callously. “If Rafer loses the challenge, I need to see it for myself. I need closure to this nightmare. He raped my mother and was responsible for her death. I need to see him dead.”

  “Gracey, there will be over twenty wolves in the meadow. Stay close to Stone, and both of you stay with Rudy and me. The boys will stay with us. Each pack stays together. But sometimes when it looks grim for one of the opponents, another wolf may try to step in to help or distract. It is against the wolf laws, but it happens,” Abby advised.

  “Do you have any questions before we turn wolf?” Annie asked.

  “Yes,” Gracey answered. “Once Rafer and Jeremiah turn, how will I know who is who?”

  “Jeremiah is black and cream; cream chest and belly,” Annie answered. “The last time I saw Rafer in wolf form he was a solid blue merle; gray with white undertones. Don’t worry; you will be able to tell them apart just by looking at their eyes.”

  Abby and Annie turned, and each took Gracey’s flank and escorted her out of the stable and to Stone’s side. The Rudolph pack surrounded the newlyweds and Celia.

  Annie joined her mate, still in human form, and his pack and the pack placed themselves as a buffer between the Rudolph family and Rafer’s pack. Twenty wolves and three humans entered the meadow. At least one wolf would not leave.

  “What happens if Rafer does not lose?” Gracey whispered to Stone, worried about the outcome of the challenge.

  “Rafer is older than Jeremiah, which should give Rafer a disadvantage. And I am sure Darrell brought Jeremiah because he knew Jeremiah could win,” Stone answered. “And I can guarantee you, win or lose, your brothers would lay down their lives for you. They love you almost as much as I do, Mrs. Rudolph.” Stone put his arm around Gracey's waist and kissed her.

  “I love you too,” Gracey replied trying to smile. This was not how she imagined her wedding day. Gracey wanted to be cutting the cake Celia had made for her. She wanted to be sipping champagne. Instead, Gracey was about to watch a battle in which someone was going to die. She could not believe she wanted someone to die. As unconscionable as it was, Gracey wanted her father to die.

  Darrell stayed human to explain the rules of the challenge mainly for the humans. The wolves knew the rules. The traditions had been the same for centuries. “This is a fight to the death for the position of Alpha for the pack currently led by Rafer Henrikson. There is to be no interference from any wolf from any of the packs present. At the end of the challenge, the survivor will be Alpha of the Colorado pack. If anyone wants to challenge the victor for the position of Alpha or to claim Gracey as a mate, we will initiate the second challenge after a one-hour break.”

  Darrell stripped, turned wolf and joined his pack. The wolves were lying in a circle around the combatants. Gracey and Stone sat on the ground between to Stone's parents. Gracey nestled close to Rudy and Stone against his mother. Celia sat between Jim and Elmer with her arm across Jim; the same way Celia snuggled against Jim while they slept together.

  Jeremiah and Rafer circled each other growling and snarling. Rafer took the first lunge. Jeremiah was a bit quicker and dodged the attack. Rafer missed entirely. Rafer turned and leaped again, mouth open and ready to tear into Jeremiah’s flesh. Jeremiah misjudged Rafer’s abilities, and Rafer was able to bite Jeremiah’s thigh. Jeremiah limped slightly but turned and lunged directly at Rafer’s neck and connected.

  Unfortunately, Jeremiah's teeth had not landed deep enough. Everyone could see Rafer was wounded with blood trickling from the wound and down his chest and leg, but the bite was not mortal.

  Rafer growled loudly but continued to go for the kill. Jeremiah continued to shake Rafer off, bleeding from each bite. Jeremiah decided to change his strategy and wound Rafer until he could go for the jugular. Jeremiah bit Rafer over and over, chomping down hard on every part of Rafer's body; and removing hunks of fur and flesh.

  Jeremiah knew how Gracey's mother Mayra was killed. Jeremiah decided to kill Rafer the same way Gracey’s mother died; torn into pieces as she bled to death. Jeremiah's strategy worked, and soon Rafer was stumbling; weakened by his injuries and bleeding faster than he could heal himself.

  The continuous attack was weakening Jeremiah. But he knew he could not stop. He had to kill Rafer before Rafer killed him. Jeremiah needed to catch his breath. Although his injuries were not as severe, he was limping and bleeding. The pain was excruciating; Rafer's bite to his thigh was debilitating. Jeremiah widened the distance between him and Rafer.

  As Jeremiah circled, he glanced as Gracey. Gracey was beautiful. But she was not the one Jeremiah wanted as his mate. This was an Alpha challenge, nothing more. Jeremiah knew he had to either finish the task he had been commanded to perform or die. Jeremiah circled Rafer again. He was not sure he had the strength to finish. Just as he felt his resolve waver, a voice in his head whispered, "Kill him."

  Jeremiah saw Rafer’s forelegs give out, and as Rafer’s body fell forward, Jeremiah went for the final blow. Jeremiah clamped his jaw onto Rafer’s neck and throat and applied pressure until Rafer’s neck snapped.

  As Jeremiah felt Rafer’s body go limp, he released and let the dead wolf fall to the ground. Jeremiah sat on his haunches and howled. Rafer’s corpse lay on the grass, in human form, dead. The Colorado pack immediately bowed to Jeremiah in tribute to their new leader.

  Gracey and Stone sat in shock of what they had just witnessed. Distressed they had seen a death challenge, but happy Gracey was no longer in danger from Rafer. Gracey and Stone looked around fearfully. They barely breathed while waiting to see if there would be another challenge for Alpha or for Gracey. When no one moved into the center of the battlefield, they finally exhaled. No one challenged the victor for the position of Alpha or for Gracey. It was over. The happy ending to their journey was coming closer.

  The wolves returned to the stables to turn human and work out the new hierarchy and the subsequent politics between the packs. There would be lots to talk about. With the next day being a full moon, the packs would need to leave quickly to return to their territories to hunt. Emerald Knoll was not large enough for twenty-two wolves including Gracey and Stone, who would be turning for the first time.

  Rudy instructed Elmer to remove the corpse from the meadow and dispose of it for the family’s protection. Then he called the airport to charter a plane. Jeremiah would leave with his six new pack members for Colorado. Darrell informed Jeremiah
he would put in a call to Jeremiah’s Alpha, Zack, to advise him of the outcome of the challenge. Darrell would also ask Zack to have a couple of his champions meet them in Colorado, to help organize the new pack.

  Darrell’s six would continue to Wyoming. Annie and Darrell would be staying a day or two to visit with Abby and her family. Darrell had performed the knotting ceremony and wanted to stay for the turn and to validate the mating for Gracey and Stone.

  Rudy asked Darrell also validate the mating and bonding for him and Abby although they bonded soon after Rudy turned. “We may not be a pack, but we may as well make everything official,” Rudy decided.

  Jim and Celia approached the group and announced their desire to be mated, as well. “But you are human,” Abby proclaimed.

  “Not after tomorrow night,” Celia broadcasted proudly. “I love this man, and he loves me.”

  “And we are going to make it official tomorrow. Please be happy for us,” Jim added.

  “I knew it. I knew it,” Elmer exclaimed joyfully. “You bit her! I thought I saw a bandage on her arm. I knew it.” Elmer slapped Jim on the back and hugged Celia. The rest of the family joined in and congratulated them.

  After dinner, Gracey and Stone went upstairs and were discussing how they were going to redecorate Stone’s suite adding a women’s touch and consummated their second wedding. The boys were out back reliving the events of the day. Abby, Rudy, Annie and Darrell retired to the great room to talk about pack politics.

  “After tomorrow night, there will be eight wolves living at Emerald Knoll,” Darrell announced. “You have done a superb job living together and not as a pack. But I am not sure how long you will be able to continue not being a declared pack since there are several other packs aware of your existence. I admire how you have been able to lead semi-normal human lives amongst the humans for so long.

  “There are other packs in the area, but since you are only hunting on your own land, there haven't been any territorial issues. But as the family grows, you will need a larger region for hunting. You have two unmated males who may want to mate some day, and you have two newlyweds upstairs about to start a family,” Darrell continued.

  “I will send you a copy of the pack laws. They are recognized by all North American packs in the US and Canada. You will need to decide whether to be recognized as an established pack, for your added protection or to remain as rogue wolves. Both have advantages and disadvantages. But for the time being, you will need to decide who is you unofficial pack leader for contact purposes,” Darrell concluded.

  Rudy called the family and the boys together and explained what Darrell had told him and Abby. A vote would be taken to determine an unofficial leader until the pack laws arrived and they discussed and decided if an official pack would be formed. Since Celia was turning the next night, she was allowed to vote, as well.

  Every member of the family wrote their choice on a piece of paper and handed it to Darrell. Seven votes were for Rudy and one for Jim. Of course, Rudy did not vote for himself. This is going to be tricky, Rudy thought. How do I run a corporation and a pack?

  The three couples gathered for breakfast the next morning. Rudy had explained the night before the only human in the house who knew about the pack was Celia since she had been present for both kidnapping attempts. But the rest of the staff did not know. It was getting tougher to hide their double identity since the pack had grown from three to five and soon eight.

  The Emerald Knoll wolves had read all Abby’s books and knew the dangers of having humans nearby. They would go about their normal routine tonight, dismissing the staff early and would start making the hard decisions the next day; after the full moon.

  After breakfast, Abby and Annie spent the morning catching up on events. It had been three decades since they had seen each other. Darrell continued to talk options with Rudy. It was all too much for Gracey and Stone. They returned to their suite for some much-needed privacy.

  “When Rafer died, I thought our worries would be over,” Gracey announced. “But now all this pack stuff is getting in the way. What are we going to do?”

  “My love, let’s not worry about it today. Tonight we turn wolf. Tonight we will mate and maybe bond. This will be the second happiest day of my life. Saturday was my first.” Stone took her in his arms and led her to the bed.

  Slowly Stone removed Gracey's clothing and admired her beauty. “I know this is new for both of us but can it really get better after we bond?” Stone wondered aloud. Stone lowered her onto the bed and made love to her, his wife, his soulmate.

  Stone and Gracey were absent for lunch. Nobody disturbed them. When they showed up for dinner, everyone just smiled. The staff had prepared food for everyone before they left. Celia, Jim, Elmer, and Charles would join the family for dinner as they did every full moon.

  The wolves waited for the sun to go down, and the moon to be visible in the cloudless sky and the group headed for the stables. Charles and Elmer turned first and headed to the meadow. Kincaid had restocked the meadow that morning with cattle and a few bison. Charles had asked for the bison as he found the cows a bit too fatty for him.

  Jim would be coaching Celia. She was ready mentally, and the herbs had made Celia’s body ready for the change. Rudy and Darrell would coach Stone. Abby and Annie would coach Gracey.

  Abby and Annie turned into their wolf forms in the stable while Gracey and Celia undressed. Gracey donned a robe while Celia opted for her favorite quilt.

  Celia walked towards Jim. “Ready, old man?” Celia asked, holding the quilt around her. Jim turned, and before he could blink Celia was on all fours and shaking off the quilt. The turn was seamless. Jim sauntered over and licked his mate to be. He was in awe of Celia’s tan fur a bit lighter than her own light brown hair. Celia licked him in return, and they loped off to the meadow. Everyone was amazed while Celia was petite compared to the rest of the family in her human form but as a wolf, she was almost as large as Jim.

  Gracey would turn next with the help of the women. Rudy and Darrell would be there with their backs to Gracey as added support. Gracey was determined to do this as pure as possible, naked. And, of course, Stone did not want anyone seeing his beautify bride in all her glory and glorious she was.

  Gracey walked straight to Stone, kissed him passionately and whispered, “Don’t be long, I will be waiting.” Then she backed up and let her robe drop to the ground.

  Darrell was already in wolf form and had not fully turned away before the robe hit the ground. As he saw Gracey, Darrell understood why everyone was fighting for her. Gracey would be the perfect wolf. Her lean, muscular legs were designed for running, and the rest of her; she was built to carry on the wolf legacy. Annie and Abby heard his thoughts, and Annie growled a warning.

  Gracey knew just what to do. She had been coached and trained for this moment. She looked to Stone, and with a wink and smile she raised her head to the full moon; the moon which would let her bond with the man she loved, forever. Gracey felt the pull, the strength of her wolf and she surrendered to it. With one deep breath, she relaxed and closed her eyes and landed on all fours.

  Stone stared at his beautiful wolf bride. Rudy turned and looked at her. “It looks as if we have something truly special in our midst. Would you look at her?” Gracey was stunning; pure white, with emerald green eyes. Rudy had heard some of the legends. Pure white wolves were rare, alleged to be magical.

  Stone was now ready to turn, and he could feel his wolf wanting to emerge. It too knew how lucky they both were. Stone was excited and anxious. It took him a moment to relax after seeing his mate. “Relax son, you will have a couple of lifetimes with Gracey,” Rudy told Stone.

  Stone finally collected himself. He pried his eyes off Gracey’s beauty and looked to the moon for strength. It took him a moment to concentrate, and he then heard her wolf, I love you, Stone. And Stone turned.

  Rudy gasped. Sta
nding before him was another pure white wolf, but Stone’s eyes were pale blue. The group stood in amazement. Two, there are two of them, Darrell exclaimed. I wonder… Darrell started to say but stopped.

  Wonder what? Rudy asked telepathically since he had just finished turning.

  I will explain tomorrow. But for now, we need to teach these two how to hunt.

  Race you to the meadow, Gracey called to Stone, and off they ran with the other four behind them.

  Gracey and Stone landed in the meadow first. The boys and Celia were just finishing a bison when they saw the glow of the white fur. Looking at the two, they knew immediately from their eye color who was who. Evening boys, Gracey called out smugly.

  Omigod, Jim called out. They are…white, pure white. I could not have imagined.

  Abby quickly interjected as she knew Jim had heard the legends. I am hungry, how about you, kids?

  Starving, Gracey and Stone answered in unison.

  Beef or Bison? Abby asked.

  Beef, they answered together.

  Okay then, you will each need to bring down your own kill since this is your first hunt. You know the rules.

  Gracey and Stone circled around until they both had a cow lined up. 3 – 2 – 1, they counted down and as if they were one; they leaped and landed their jaws perfectly.

  The next morning the four couples along with the boys met for a late breakfast. Celia had the staff fix twice the normal food as she knew they would be hungry from being up late.

  After privacy had been ensured, Darrell started. “It seems we have two pure white wolves in our midst. I need to try something later.”

  Abby, Rudy, Annie and Jim knew the legends and were curious, as well. “Pure white wolves are magical, or at least they are in our legends.” Abby began. “My grandparents called them Snow Wolves. They heard the legends from their grandparents.”

  “The Snow Wolves originated in the Scandinavian countries. For the protection from the cold, they could turn while clothed, and their clothes would disappear and not shred. Then their clothes would reappear when they returned to their human form. Of course, this is just legend, but we have to try,” Darrell explained.

  “There were other legends surrounding the Snow Wolves, but it has been so long since I have heard the tales and, of course, the legends have become muddled. I will have to do some research,” Abby added.

  After breakfast, Stone and Gracey changed into some disposable clothing and removed their wedding rings just in case. The wolves headed for the stable for privacy. They divided into two groups, to guard either entrance while Stone and Gracey stood towards the middle a few feet apart.

  “Are you ready to try this?” Stone asked Gracey.

  “Remember to think your clothes away while you turn. I know you are new at this. Just concentrate,” Abby reminded the two.

  Stone and Gracey stared into each other’s eyes and reached out to each other’s inner wolf. The wolves would make the change. They just needed to concentrate on the clothing. The wolves connected, and a large aura of light surrounded them, and they turned.

  “Did you see it?” Elmer said elbowing Charles. “I swear for a moment there, the two wolves became one! Did you feel the energy? Hell, it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up!”

  Everyone else could not talk, they were amazed.

  That was awesome Stone. Are you ready to turn back? Gracey asked.

  But what if the clothes do not return? Stone asked sheepishly. It's bad enough everyone saw you naked last night.

  It is just a few steps to the changing room plus the men know to turn away, Gracey answered with confidence.

  Stone hesitated. Let’s just do it! Gracey said excitedly. 3 – 2 – 1, Gracey and Stone counted together and changed back. They quickly looked down and at each other, and they were fully dressed.

  “Omigod, that was amazing,” Stone and Gracey said simultaneously and were soon in each other’s arms.

  “It seems we have more to talk about,” Darrell confided to Rudy. “These two really are magical.” And the Alphas and their mates headed back to the house.

  Daniel retrieved his camera to commemorate the day, and Darrell performed the official knotting ceremony for Jim and Celia. The newest couple disappeared into Celia’s room to consummate their mating. Elmer had set up Celia room with candles and champagne. Jim had already set up the music. “Dance with me,” Jim said sexily and pulled Celia into his arms lovingly while Ella Fitzgerald sang ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me.'

  After reliving the successful turn while fully dressed with the Elmer and Charles, Stone and Gracey looked at each other. Their thoughts were in tune even in human form. The turn the night before and now this had them perfectly in synch. “Time for a nap?” Gracey suggested. The boys snickered and winked at Stone. “Boys, behave yourselves, or I will whip you, myself,” Gracey scolded.

  “Yes ma’am,” they replied with a smirk and walked away.

  Stone and Gracey spent another afternoon in their suite. Again, no one disturbed them.

  The other two couples convened in the study for extra privacy. Not only did they need to talk about pack business but about what they had just seen. Legends were one thing, but this was real. They all agreed until they knew more about the legends and exactly what Stone and Gracey were capable of, nothing would be said to the two of them.

  “We need to get back to Wyoming,” Darrell announced. “We have to reach out to Jeremiah and see how we can help him with his new pack and talk to his previous Alpha, as well. Jeremiah is going to have his hands full taming that nomadic bunch. They have been using an abandoned mining camp in the mountains during the winter months. They need to establish a permanent community for the younger wolves and establish schools and other necessities. The hunting in the area is superb.”

  “We can set up a trust fund for the young ones, and I am sure between the four packs we can turn this around,” Rudy offered. "I would like the children to be educated and set down roots."

  “We will need your help with one of the wolves in Jeremiah’s new pack. He is responsible for the murder of Gracey’s mother and another man, along with two kidnapping attempts on Gracey. We killed his partner, but this one got away,” Abby requested. Abby knew many of the laws of the wolves. She knew she was within her right to ask for the surviving wolf to be killed.

  “Consider it done. Just give us a description, and we will take care of it,” Darrell proclaimed.

  “I will have Charles drive you to the airport. He can give you a full description,” Abby replied.

  The group enjoyed an early dinner and then Charles drove Darrell and Annie to the airport where a chartered jet awaited.

  Later that evening, as the sun was setting, “Let’s go to the creek,” Stone suggested. “It has been months since we have been there and I have a little surprise for you.”

  Gracey ran to the kitchen and quickly put some water and snacks into a picnic basket while Stone grabbed the picnic blanket and the golf cart. Soon they were on their way to their favorite place.

  Stone slowed down as they approached the last turn before reaching their spot by the creek. Gracey saw the lights first. Hundreds of miniature lights hung in the trees surrounding their special place. “Stone, omigod, it is so beautiful,” Gracey exclaimed.

  “It is my wedding present to you,” Stone answered.

  Gracey jumped out of the cart and looked around. There was now a small bridge over the creek strung with the same miniature lights. Stone had added a couple of planting beds with bulbs and perennials which would keep the beds in bloom from early spring until the first frost. He pointed to the other side of the bridge and explained he would plant wildflower seeds next spring to add to the natural beauty of the area.

  Gracey was so happy. “You did this all for me?”

  “I wanted you to have your own serenity garden. A place you could relax and meditate. I did not add a f
ountain since we have a creek, but here is a penny. Make your first wish.”

  Gracey took the penny and closed her eyes. She did not have to think what her wish would be, she knew already. She tossed the penny into the creek and returned to Stone’s awaiting arms.

  Stone and Gracey lowered themselves onto the blanket and soon were making love to their soulmates. Just as the perfect moment arrived, they bit into each other’s shoulders. The pain added to the ecstasy, and they now understood why bonding was so crucial. While their humans were already in sync, now their wolves were, as well.

  Let the new journey begin, Stone said telepathically.

  Forever, Gracey replied.

  ###

  Emerald Knoll

  (The Legend of the Snow Wolves - Book 2)

  Gracey’s father has been released from prison, but there are scores to be settled with those who have tortured and betrayed them both. While revenging the wrongs, there is love, more betrayal, marriage, resurrection, and death. Can they keep their existence a secret and their family safe from those who already know the truth?

  Can they find their ‘happily ever after’?

  More about the Author

  Rebekah Shelton is an empty-nester, originally from Northeastern Ohio, now residing in Middle Tennessee with her husband. It was her love of reading which catapulted her to start writing. Her first book was Emerald Eyes. It began as a tragic romance but morphed into a paranormal romance. Falling in love with the characters, Rebekah continued the series, the Legend of the Snow Wolves. The Red Wolf Chronicles is a spin-off series with a mythological twist. Her addiction to sci-fi movies led her to her third series, The Battle for Zarcon. Rebekah has also co-authored a book with her husband, Jeff, Operation De-ICE - The Battle for Earth.

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  Other Books by Rebekah Shelton

  The Legend of the Snow Wolves Series:

  Emerald Eyes [Free]

  Emerald Knoll

  Emerald Cove

  Emerald Garden

  Emerald Aura

  Emerald Haven

  Emerald City - The Return

  Emerald Nation - Divided

  Emerald Reign

  Emerald Anarchy (coming soon)

  Emerald Resurgence (planned)

  Book 12 (planned)

  The Red Wolf Chronicles:

  Red Wolf [Free]

  Red Palace

  Red Widow

  The Battle for Zarcon Saga:

  Raising Avon [Free]

  Shielding Avon

  Battling Avon

  Co-Authored with Jeffery Shelton:

  Operation De-ICE [The Battle for Earth]