Sawyer's Hope

by Shelby Lynn

  He was a grease monkey, through and through. Give him an engine and he could rebuild it completely, but when it came to the romantic stuff, he was so lost. When he watched the Alpha pair together, it did give him hope. If the Spirits saw fit for him to someday find his mate, he was determined to be the best mate he could be.

  He was still in awe of baby Jasmine. He had missed being around young ones on a daily basis. When his Alpha had kicked him out of his Pack for being gay, he had been no more than a cub himself in many ways.

  Unfortunately, he’d learned the hard way that prejudice was a large part of the shifter world. Why people didn’t understand that being gay wasn’t a choice, it was destined. It was the same as the choice of one's perfect mate; it was destined.

  When Haven had found him beaten by a bunch of hypocritical bullies for being in a gay club, he was trying to heal from the onslaught. Haven had taken one look at the younger Jasper and invited him to join his small Pack in Washington. He hadn’t regretted the decision once in all these years.

  There was just something so trusting about Haven that pulled people into his circle. Sure he was handsome, but he never once tried to take advantage of any of the guys. He was mentor to all of them, and anyone that was in need of help. It was people like his Alpha who really brought out the true joy of Christmastime. When they had received baby Jasmine from the Spirits, it was the ultimate gift for their Alphas.

  Jasper knew that Jasmine could never ask for better parents than the Alphas. As her honorary uncle, Jasmine would never want for anything, if he had anything to do with it.

  With the help of Haven’s business sense, the Pack was very stable financially. Each one of the wolves in the Pack had started up their own business with the help of their Alpha. They had chosen something they loved to do, and made it into a huge success.

  In no time they had paid back their Alpha, and were independently wealthy now with his help. The funny thing was Haven hadn’t expected a thing in return. He was just taking care of his Pack in his mind, and teaching them to become the strong wolves he knew was inside each of them…

  Chapter Six

  Haven was often away doing the Counsel’s business and that took up a huge part of his life. He had always had the ability to talk to the abused wolves, and pull them out of bad situations they couldn’t get out of themselves. It was his destiny to help anyone who was in trouble.

  The Counsel tried only to send Haven on the worst cases, now that he was mated. Garrett had agreed with Haven, his job was way too important to give up completely. If he was going to be gone for more than a week, then Garrett would come along, if possible.

  Now with baby Jasmine, they would seriously have to think how they would handle the time away from their daughter. They never wanted her to feel like she was left behind or forgotten about. Their lives were no longer just their own, and that was a blessing to them.

  With Christmas only a few days away, the likelihood of a mission coming up was minimal. Still it was something they would discuss as a family. It would affect everyone involved with their Pack, and all the other guys had businesses of their own to worry about.

  Haven planned an impromptu meeting after supper tonight. He needed to announce to all the Pack about Mandy accepting the position. Also, how their two newest family members would fit into their bachelor household.

  No more running around nude for one thing. Shifters thought nothing of the naked form, as they shifted forms so often. Haven didn’t want Mandy to have the shock of her life. She just might run off screaming if they kept to their normal behavior—that wouldn’t do at all.

  Haven knew it was going to be hard on the guys to change something that was so instinctive to them. He had no doubt they would adopt Mandy as a baby sister in no time…

  Mandy was finishing the last of her packing when her phone rang the next day. When she picked it up, the caller ID showed Teddy in the window. With a smile she answered, “Hi, handsome. How's the book tour?”

  “Well, it’s damn boring, my dear. I’m ready to come home and take my best friend out for a cup of her favorite coffee.”

  “Teddy, that sounds really good. I wish you were here, because I have some news for you, too.” Mandy said.

  “Hurry, the suspense is killing me,” Teddy laughed.

  “I got a great new job!” Mandy said excitedly.

  “That is awesome, girly. Tell me all about this new job,” Teddy told her with a smile in his voice.

  “I’m going to be a Nanny for this beautiful little girl. The couple is two men, and they are fantastic. We hit it off immediately when they came into the store. They asked me to come as a live in Nanny, and they are paying me a great salary each week,” Mandy excitedly told her friend.

  “I’m really glad, honey, but you know me, I need to meet these guys before I know that you are safe,” Teddy told her very seriously. He was all that Mandy had looking out for her best interest. He had found the soaked teenager in tears at the bus station. He felt immediately that this young girl would play an important part in his life. It was one of his talents, seeing so much more than the normal person ever would. He had brought her home and the rest was history.

  “They are very private men, and requested all friendships be conducted away from their house. I really can’t blame them with all the crazy people in this world. I’m sure they’d meet you away from the house sometime. They are very busy men,” she assured her friend.

  "Well, I’m going to check them out anyway, Mandy. What is his name?” Teddy had ways to checkout people and find out just what kind of person they were. If his friend was in a good situation was all he cared about.

  “His name is Haven Storm,” Mandy told him.

  “I know of the man, Mandy, and have heard nothing but good things about him. When I get back home, I would like to meet him, though, in person. I have a feeling that once we meet, he’ll change his mind about having me for a visitor.” Well, well, he wasn’t the only Weir then that felt just how special Mandy was.

  The Warrior Spirits were pleased with their people. Everything was falling in line just as they planned. Now they set their thoughts on Teddy. It would be after Christmas before his life truly began to change. They could hardly wait!

  “That would be great, Teddy. It might not be easy to get away with your busy schedule.” Mandy was glad the Storms’ rated highly with her friend. It would have been bad if her protective friend didn’t like her new employer. It could have been an awkward situation.

  “Well, that was one thing I was going to tell you when I got home this time. I’ve already told my agent I’m slowing down on all the traveling side of the business. It’s time to stay home for a while and actually get some writing done in my own place,” Teddy told his friend. He was really getting tired of all of the traveling. He never was able to be his true self in the cities they visited.

  “I’m so glad for you,” Mandy told her friend.

  “Well, Mandy, I had better let you go for the evening. It's starting to get late where you are. Sleep well,” Teddy told her.

  “I'll talk to you again soon,” Mandy told him as she hung up the phone.

  Mandy was so glad her friend was finally coming home to stay. It was the second best Christmas surprise she was given this year.

  She headed for her small bedroom, and quickly got ready for bed. Tomorrow would be the start of a new day and part of her life. She couldn’t wait, for the first time since meeting Teddy, she felt like she was finally heading in the right direction.

  When she lay down, with her head on her pillow, it was with a content feeling that she fell into a deep sleep.

  Chapter Seven

  It was the first rays of the morning sun that woke Mandy up out of that peaceful slumber. She realized she needed to get up and make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. It was only the sound of the phone ringing that pulled her away from her work.

  Haven had called this morning to let her know he was sending over a couple of h
is guys to get everything moved for Mandy.

  She decided to donate her couch and bed to charity after hearing her room was completely furnished.

  The guys were even dropping off the stuff at the store on their way out of town. She still could hardly believe her good fortune in finding this wonderful family.

  Haven had told her about the party they were having for their friend tonight. It sounded like the Grand Opening of the new bar was going to be a huge Christmas party itself. She’d never been to the restaurant before. It was a little pricier than she could’ve afforded at the time.

  They had invited her to come along with baby Jasmine. They wanted the whole family to be there to support Lucas on his special night.

  Just then, Mandy heard a knock on her front door. She headed into the front room to see who was there.

  “Hi, you must be Mandy? I’m Jasper and this is Razz. We are here to get your stuff moved out of here for you. Just let us know what items are for donation, and we’ll put it in the very back of the truck.”

  “Thank you, Jasper and Razz. I think the only thing for now is the couch and the bedroom set. Everything boxed up I’m taking with me, if that helps. I’m bringing my clothes in my car in a little while to the house myself.” Mandy told the men.

  “That sounds great, Mandy. We’ll just put all the boxes in your room, and you can come over whenever you're ready,” Razz told her.

  “Sounds like a plan to me. How about you, Mandy?” asked Jasper.

  “It would be great, you guys, thanks,” Mandy told them both.

  In no time, the guys had everything loaded up into the moving truck. They were so nice to Mandy, and exceptionally good looking. Although they didn’t act as if they were better than Mandy like many good-looking men did in her past.

  She thanked them and promised to call if she had any trouble finding the place. Mandy wanted to look her best, so she took a leisurely bath. Then she decided to wear her best dress for the evening. She wanted to make a good impression for the first event with the new family.

  When she arrived at the restaurant that evening, she couldn’t wait to get started in her new life. Wow, was exactly how she felt right this moment. This was the turning point to something so much bigger, Mandy thought, as she made her way to the front door.

  There was already a line waiting to be seated, but Haven had told her they had a room reserved for their party.

  “Welcome, my dear. Is it just a party of one tonight?” the server asked.

  “I’m with the Storm party,” Mandy told the server.

  “Oh, you must be Mandy. The guys told me you would be here soon. Follow me and I’ll show you to the party.”

  They headed to the back of the restaurant and the server stopped in front of a door, it had to lead into some type of dining area. He opened up the door and let Mandy into the already-full room.

  Wow, was all that Mandy could say as she walked into the large room full of handsome men. She should’ve been speechless, but the welcoming smiles made Mandy feel right at home.

  “Mandy, we are so glad you could come tonight. This way you’ll get to know the family before you move in tonight,” said Haven as he came over to take her arm.

  “Come on in and I’ll introduce you to all the guys. You remember Garrett, the love of my life, and little Jasmine. Next, there is Jasper and Razz, whom you met today. Then next to them are Wolfe, Knight, Ben, Lucky, Logan, Jarrett, and lastly is Lucas, the owner of this fantastic restaurant. The only one we are missing is Sawyer and he is gone right now.”

  “Thank you all for the warm welcome. I look forward to getting to know all of you.” She meant every word as she looked around at the kind faces of the men. “You have a beautiful restaurant, Lucas. Thank you for inviting me to your special day,” Mandy told Lucas.

  “You’re welcome, Mandy. You’re a part of our family now,” Lucas told the young woman.

  Mandy looked around until she saw her new charge with her daddy.

  Mandy went over to baby Jasmine where she was happily sucking on her fingers. She reached her arms up towards Mandy, wanting to be picked up.

  “Oh, she wants me to pick her up already,” said Mandy.

  “Jasmine is very smart for her young age, we believe,” said Garrett.

  “I think so too, Garrett. When will she need to eat again?” Mandy asked him.

  “Jasmine had a bottle about an hour ago. I checked the temperature against my wrist like you showed us yesterday.” Garrett was so happy for the instructions Mandy had given to them.

  “See, you are already getting all the basics down. You learn so much each and every day, I’ve found out. You are naturals with Jasmine, I saw that right away,” Mandy told her new employer.

  “Thanks, Mandy. We really couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas surprise. I didn’t think our lives could get any better after finding each other. Then in these last few days leading up to the holiday, we were given the greatest gift of all, our daughter. For me, nothing is more important than the love of family,” Garrett told his new family member.

  For only a moment, sadness entered Mandy’s eyes when she thought of her family, but she didn’t let that ruin her happiness now. Those days were far behind her.

  Just then baby Jasmine gurgled in happiness, and throwing up her arms once again for Mandy to pick her up.

  Mandy went over and picked up baby Jasmine. She was happily kicking her arms and legs. She was the most beautiful baby Mandy had ever seen. She was enjoying herself, and getting all the attention from everyone in the room.

  Jasmine was passed around to all of her ‘uncles’ as they described themselves. Each one of them looked more like a football linebacker, and handled the baby with such care and attention.

  It was enough to make a young girl’s heart swoon at the sight.

  Mandy was not one of those women though. As she looked down at the baby in her arms, all she could do was be thankful for the opportunities that had been given to her. This was the start of her new life…

  Chapter Eight

  So much laughter filled their private room that Christmas Eve. Only with Teddy had Mandy ever felt such complete acceptance. It truly was amazing how much better a person felt about themselves when they were accepted. Her stepfather had done a number on her pride. She promised herself right then, ‘no longer will I allow anyone to degrade and hurt me’. With her head a little higher and her back straighter, she went to enjoy the rest of the night.

  Haven watched the transformation happening in the young woman throughout the night. He knew his fellow Pack members would welcome her into their inner circle. She truly needed it more than any of them could ever know. Haven was determined this would be the best Christmas ever for all of them.

  After Haven and Garrett said goodnight to the last of the Pack, they asked Mandy to go ahead and take Jasmine home with Jasper. He would show her to her room and help take up any suitcases she still had in her car. They had a lot of last minute shopping to do. Their two new members of the family needed to be spoiled rotten this Christmas.

  Garrett had already bought a truckload of presents for little Timmy. Tyler and Shannon would be here before the sunrise. They had decided to fly in their second form. The ability to be invisible seemed to be something they both had in common in their second form. Since Dragons and Phoenixes would be a little shocking to the human world, it truly was a good thing.

  They hit all the toy stores in town and filled cart after cart with toys. Their first stop was the Toys R Us, and they truly went wild in there once again. Even without Mandy’s help this go around, they found the baby toy aisle. There were so many neat things in the Fisher Price section. They filled the cart with the little star stacker, baby’s first blocks, baby’s first doll, snap and lock beads, shapes, and so much more.

  Then they moved on to Timmy and the little boy aisle. They started with another cart, and filled it with remote-controlled trucks, Legos, an X-box 360 game system, all the superhero
games to match. Finally stopping off at the Transformer aisle and loading up on all the neat vehicles that would transform into all types of unique things. They hoped he would like all the things they picked out for him. Haven made sure to ask for a gift receipt as they checked out and headed for the truck.

  After getting everything loaded in their truck, they decided to head for Macy’s to shop for Mandy. She wasn’t as easy to buy for as Jasmine and Timmy. Starting at the jewelry department, they then headed to the health and beauty gift sets. They bought gift sets and all types of things they thought a woman would like—hoping she would like most of it. Instead of buying her many new clothes, they decided on a gift card to Macy’s would work as well. They had no idea about women’s fashion. It was truly a fun night for them, as they wanted nothing more than to spoil the girls and young Timmy. After several hours of shopping, they were finally ready to head home and start all of the wrapping.

  When they arrived back at the Pack house, they went straight to Haven’s office with their load of gifts. Some to hide until Christmas morning and the others left to wrap.

  By the time they were finished wrapping, it was after two in the morning.

  “Wow, I can’t believe how late it is, Haven. It was so much fun!” Garrett told his mate.

  “I know, Garrett. We are truly blessed by the Spirits,” Haven told him as he trailed his fingers down his mate’s chiseled jaw-line. Slowly moving until his fingertips traced the full lips. Garrett’s breath caught in a sigh from the feel of his mate’s touch. Haven’s mouth took the place of his fingers. His tongue traced his full lips before seeking entrance; it was one of the most erotic kisses they had shared.

  “Wow, you pack quiet a punch, Haven,” said Garrett. He looked deep into his mate’s eyes seeing the love shining back at him.