Tales of the Were 004 - Rocky

by Bianca D'Arc

  Time passed quickly with everything remaining carefully obscure between Rocky and Maggie. A status quo of sorts had been reached, though he was insinuating himself more and more into her life. He was her helper at all hours with the boys and always seemed to be there when she needed him.

  One memorable night, Rocky again helped her with the middle of the night feeding. He soothed one twin while the other nursed. He changed them and talked to them in a rumbly whisper that seemed to set them both at ease. They fell asleep again with little fuss.

  “Thanks, Rock,” Maggie whispered, standing next to him as they gazed down at the sleeping babies.

  She and Rocky had learned to work as a team over the past weeks. Maggie wasn’t getting enough sleep, but Rocky was there even when she felt most like a zombie. He didn’t talk much, moving silently around the room to make her life so much easier. He cared for the boys as if they were his own flesh and blood, and she watched him wistfully at times, wondering if Tony would have been half as attentive to his sons as Rocky was.

  Tony had been less hands-on than Rocky in many ways, though he’d done his share of the chores in their home. Tony had been sort of half in this world and half in the next most of the time, his head in the clouds, thinking profound thoughts. He didn’t seem to know exactly where clean laundry came from, except to occasionally show his appreciation.

  Not that Tony had taken her for granted. Far from it. But he’d had important work to do that she hadn’t always understood…or known about, for that matter. He’d traveled a lot, and sometimes had clients visit his office, but she’d never really understood that many of those so-called clients were shifters in need of his unique abilities and counsel.

  Tony guided many shifters in esoteric matters that she’d known nothing about until the very end. She’d seen some of the few records he’d kept before she torched the lot. She’d burned everything according to his wishes, keeping only a small portable hard drive that held the work of his lifetime and some videos he’d made for his sons. Several terabytes of irreplaceable data that was her burden and her gift to their children and his people.

  She didn’t know why she hadn’t given it to Rocky yet, but the burden felt heavier every day. Maybe now was the time to release it.

  “Rocky, there’s something you should look at. Something I’ve been carrying with me since Tony died.” She turned away from his questioning gaze and went to the pocketbook that still held her most prized possessions.

  She dug through it to the hard part on the bottom where she’d secreted the drive inside the lining of the bottom support piece to protect it. It was wrapped tightly in plastic and she was glad to see it had come through its ordeal in good shape as she handed it over to Rocky.

  “What’s on it?” He seemed to hesitate as his hand touched the casing she held out to him.

  “All of Tony’s records, plus some videos he made for the boys. I’ll want those backed up to something I can carry in my bag. Along with the folder labeled Private. Everything else is yours to disseminate where you think it should go. There’s probably some stuff on there relating to other shifters Tony was helping that might be best in the hands of Allie or the Alphas, but you should decide. You know more about this world than I do.” She kept her voice low so as not to disturb the sleeping babies, but they showed no signs of waking.

  “Why are you giving this to me now?” Rocky’s hand closed over the drive still in her hand, engulfing both in his gentle grip.

  “It seemed the right time. I’m sorry I didn’t do it before now, but it just never came up, and to be honest, for a while there I’d pretty much forgotten about it. So much was happening and there was so much to get used to. I’m sorry, Rocky. I didn’t mean to hide anything from you. It’s been my burden for almost a year now. I guess I wasn’t quite ready to share it yet.” Her own words took her by surprise and made her pause.

  Had she been holding on to the past, even unconsciously? Was this last link with the life she’d had with Tony more symbolic than even she had realized?

  “But you’re able to share it with me now?” He stepped closer, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

  A feeling of freedom caught her off guard. She lifted her head so she could meet his gaze. She’d been staring at their hands while she spoke, but she felt lighter now somehow. Braver.

  “Yes, I think so. Maybe.”

  She tilted her head and smiled at him, not really sure of her own feelings. But she was certain of one thing. Something more momentous was happening here. A sea change of some kind was just beginning. It was a slow start, but it was definitely a start. Where it would lead, she didn’t really know, but she was willing now to at least try to find out.

  Rocky smiled in return, just a little, and it touched her heart. He was so serious all the time, making plans at all hours with the other shifters regarding security and the ongoing construction. All that in addition to his regular duties for the Lords and his engineering work. She’d caused a huge disruption in his life, but he never complained. She would take some of the burden from him if she could.

  “I like it when you smile, Maggie mine. You don’t smile often enough these days.”

  “I smile all the time at the boys,” she protested as he took possession of the hard drive and placed it in his pocket. He didn’t let go of her hand, using it to draw her closer.

  Her breath caught as he tugged her nearer. A new excitement was in the air. A brand of electricity that she’d felt from time to time when Rocky touched her or looked at her in a certain way, but he hadn’t pressed her response, and for that she’d been grateful.

  No more, though. Now, she was willing to at least try to see where this shivery feeling might lead. Maybe.

  Still uncertain, she allowed him to pull her into his arms.

  “You smile at the boys,” he said softly near her ear as he tucked her into his embrace. “But you don’t smile at me.”

  “I’m smiling now,” she teased, trying to lighten the serious mood as she rested her cheek against his chest. She loved the way he felt against her, so strong and sure.

  “Really?” He drew back so he could look at her face. She kept the smile on her lips even as he lowered his head and reached tentatively for her mouth with his.

  Oh, yes. This is what she wanted. The taste of him. The feel of his arms around her, his warmth wrapping her in his strength.

  When she wanted more, he gently set her back. “Not too much, my heart,” he warned her in a whisper. “I don’t want to ruin this by asking for too much, too soon.”

  He rested his forehead against hers, rocking her in his arms from side to side in a slow, soothing motion.

  “Thank you for trusting me,” he went on a few minutes later. They’d been holding each other in silence, just enjoying the moment.

  “I trust you with everything that’s most precious to me, Rock. My life. My boys.”

  “Everything but your heart,” he said in a soft whisper that made her want to deny the truth of his words, but she knew she was still holding back.

  Her heart had been broken by Tony’s death. It would take time to heal. Time before she could trust it to Rocky’s care. If she dared take that big a risk again. At this point, she still didn’t know if she was brave enough.

  “If I were to give my heart to anyone again, it would be to you,” she admitted, knowing the truth of her words deep in her soul.

  “Thank heaven for that, at least,” Rocky replied with a small grin. “Don’t worry. I’m not rushing this. I’ll take what you can give, when you’re ready to give it.”

  “You’re a special man, Rocky.” She kissed his stubbly cheek, loving the masculine feel of it against her lips.

  He let her go and left the room on silent feet, leaving her standing and watching him disappear back into the other room. She felt something monumental had just happened but she couldn’t put it into words.

  She stood watching the doorway for a long moment. Finally, she turned to
her bed and settled down to sleep with a soft smile on her lips and the warmth of Rocky’s arms a pleasant memory.

  Chapter Nine

  One afternoon, Allie showed up with what seemed like a truck full of groceries to help replenish the larder. Thanksgiving was only a few days away and Marissa was already planning a feast.

  Different wolves from the surrounding Pack had been helping keep the cabin stocked with supplies, but this was the first time Allie had been back since those first days. Marissa invited her in and the three women spent some time putting things away and then chatted over coffee.

  Maggie enjoyed getting to know Allie better. She was a lively woman with a surprising background. Maggie learned that Allie had been raised in the human world, with no knowledge of shifters, though she was related by blood to a bunch of werecougars. She’d been just as shocked as Maggie when she’d first learned about the whole society that was hidden from the rest of the world.

  Allie stayed and helped them cook dinner since her mates would be joining them to discuss the expanded building plans. When the babies started fussing, Allie and Marissa shooed Maggie out of the kitchen and suggested she take them outside for a little fresh air.

  Maggie liked the idea. She’d been cooped up in the cabin for a while and wanted to see how the building was progressing. Each day she heard the sound of saws and hammers, but she hadn’t seen much of what the men had been doing since that first outing.

  She stepped out the front door, lugging the dual baby carrier someone had donated—most likely Tim and Rafe. The boys waved their tiny hands and feet happily as they felt the fresh air on their faces. They loved the outdoors, just like their father had. Like Rocky did.

  Thinking of him, she wasn’t surprised to see him hefting a giant log into position on the side of the house. They’d had to clear a bit of snow the past week to get to the construction area, but the men were making judicious use of tarps and plywood to keep the snow out of the newly constructed areas. Eventually they’d break through the kitchen wall to join the new section on to the existing structure. It looked like that would be much sooner than she thought. These shifters moved fast.

  Maggie walked nearer the work zone, careful to stay a safe distance, but Rocky saw her almost immediately and came over.

  “How’s my favorite girl?” He leaned down to buss her cheek, making her feel all tingly. He smelled good. Like man, hard work, pine needles and fresh air. It was a heady combination.

  “Your mom and Allie talked me into taking the boys for a little walk.” She looked down at the carrier and Rocky bent to take the heavy burden from her. He lifted it like it weighed nothing at all, while she knew firsthand that it had to weigh a good twenty to thirty pounds with the boys in it.

  “A brilliant idea,” he agreed. “Want to see the progress we’re making on the addition? We’ll be ready to break through into the kitchen any day now. Maybe even tomorrow.”

  “Really? I had no idea you were that far along.” She walked with him as he strolled toward the work area. She noted he was careful to keep clear of any place there were people actively working, instead taking them through a side entrance where it looked like things were mostly finished for the day.

  “We move fast on tasks like this. A lot of our people work in the construction industry. Some of the best building companies in the country are owned and manned by shifters of various Clans and Packs.”

  “Really? I guess that makes sense, since you’re naturally so strong and agile.”

  “Plus we really like to work outdoors and build things in harmony with nature.”

  “You’ve done that here. This addition really blends with its surroundings. And it’s huge. I didn’t realize you’d intended to build quite so much on to your house.”

  “Well, it isn’t just me anymore. I’ve got two boys, who will grow into big fellas, and you to consider. A small cabin was fine for a bachelor, but I always wanted a big house if and when I had kids to worry about. Grizzlies need space to roam, even inside their dens.”

  “So then you really want us to stay with you? I mean permanently.” She was nervous about his answer.

  “I told you before, darlin’, I intend to raise these cubs. I want them with me. I want you with me, but it’s your choice. You can live here. You’ve seen the plans. You can have your own suite if you want it. I won’t force you into anything more intimate.” He placed the carrier down on the floor next to him as he strode forward to face her. “Not unless you want it too. I can be patient.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gave her a lopsided grin. “At least I can try to be patient.”

  Her breath caught as he took her in his arms. She saw his kiss coming a mile away but didn’t try to duck. She wanted his lips on hers, wanted his warmth, his strength. The future was still uncertain, but for now she needed his caring, to know that he was here for her, willing to put up with her indecision and hesitancy…and fear.

  The kiss went from comforting to blazing hot in two seconds flat. Rocky’s big arms contracted, drawing her into his strong body. She felt buffeted by his heat, his maleness. Safe and protected. She was also turned on. Rocky could kiss like no one had ever kissed her before—with a desperation and desire that answered something equally needy inside herself.

  Sex with Tony had always had a dreamlike quality. Something soft, gauzy and sensuous. She’d loved that about him. But Rocky’s raw, primal energy was something new and thrilling. Just kissing him made her feel womanly and almost…wicked. Like a temptress.

  She felt powerful. Like she was in charge, and yet not. Like she held the key to his pleasure and it was up to her whether or not she allowed him any. Maggie had always been more like the girl next door than the femme fatale, but Rocky made her feel like Mata Hari and Helen of Troy, with a little Lara Croft thrown in, all rolled into one.

  The bang of a car door somewhere outside drew them apart. They were both breathing hard as Rocky looked deep into her eyes. He released her by slow degrees, visibly struggling to get himself under control. She felt the same.

  “I’d better see the work crew out. They put in a big day today.” Still his gaze held hers as if reluctant to leave.

  One of the babies hiccupped and broke the spell. Rocky moved back and released her arms.

  “Will you three be okay here for a minute? It’s safe. We’ve beefed up the perimeter defense so nothing should be able to get to you as long as you stay near the house.”

  She nodded, unable to speak for the moment. She was still recovering from that killer kiss.

  He walked off and Maggie took the time to really look around at the interior of the building. It was going to be gorgeous when they finished it, and it was well on its way to completion. Even though the insides of the walls were still exposed, showing where they were in the midst of putting in plumbing and wiring, she could see the skeleton of what promised to be a beautifully airy but functional structure.

  She liked what she was seeing. In one corner on top of a stack of wood was a rough drawing of the plans she’d seen a few weeks back. So much had happened since then that she didn’t remember much of the detail and found herself intrigued by the handwritten notations that looked like they’d been added over the past couple of weeks. Things were changing as they went along—for the better, it looked like.

  The architectural details that were being added were lovely and the handwriting was familiar. Most of the notes were in Rocky’s bold hand. A few others were in his father’s handwriting. All were slight improvements on the original rough design and made the place even better, in her opinion.

  She studied the drawings for a while, getting lost in daydreams of how it would be when it was finished.

  “I see you found the plans,” Rocky spoke, breaking the silence, derailing her reverie. He looked lovingly uncertain as he approached her. “So do you want the grand tour? Everything’s been secured for the night so it’s safe for you and the boys.”

  “I’d love to see what you’ve
done so far.” Touring the newly constructed addition was a safe activity. Safer than picking up where they’d left off with that tempestuous kiss.

  Rocky lifted the carrier with the boys in it and led her outside again so they could begin with an overview. He pointed out the way the yard would form an L-shape with the new addition and the rest of the house.

  “You can see the yard from the kitchen window this way and from the windows on this side of the addition, so we can keep watch on the boys later when they play outside. And my folks are going to build on the other side, so we can all keep watch over them. I’m going to move my den to that room on the end there. Dad suggested we put in a bay window and skylights on that end because he knows how I like the natural light. This time I’m building the office to suit me, rather than making do, but we’ll leave finishing that ’til last since the other parts of the house are in more immediate need.” He moved them toward the addition once again, escorting her in through one of the openings covered by a tarp where a door had been framed but not yet put in. He pointed to the far wall. “We got the windows on that side done today. Tomorrow we’ll do these.”

  As she went into a different room this time, she realized the work had progressed to an amazing degree. This part was closer to the existing house and was nearing completion. The walls had been put up, electrical outlets and fixtures had been put in and windows and doors had been fitted. Paint was up on the walls and gleaming hardwood floors peeked out from under protective drop cloths.

  “My folks can move out here after Thanksgiving. We’ll have heat in here by then and we’ll have broken through from the kitchen so they can easily access the rest of the house. We wanted to finish a room for them so they wouldn’t have to be cramped into that front bedroom anymore. It’s really too small for two adults. Eventually, this space can be converted into a formal dining room, if you decide that’s what you want.”