by T. F. Walsh
“Go to her and stop moping around.” Mom collected the plates and hobbled into the kitchen.
“It’s called relaxing. Guys don’t mope.” Though my insides were the complete opposite. My wolf and heart skipped a beat, demanding we pay Cacey a visit. What if Daan hadn’t kept his word? What if he returned? The idea irked me to no end, and while my first instinct had been to rip his head off, I’d toned it back for Tianna. No child should ever witness his or her father being harmed.
My place belonged alongside Cacey, to protect her and the daughter she loved. But my head disagreed. What could I offer a wulfkin like Cacey? Hungary was my home now. I’d trained my whole life to keep all wulfkin safe. Cacey had made her opinion about the Varlac crystal clear. Besides, she’d admitted to wanting a simple life. The life of a Varlac was anything but easy or straightforward.
If it hadn’t been for that magical hot chocolate, would we have ended up in each other’s arms? Stop fooling yourself. We found Tianna. That mattered. Not my emotions or any other brooding thoughts.
“Cacey is such a nice girl. You can’t be alone forever, Vin. Your fighting accolades won’t keep you company when you’re old. Why don’t you ask her over for dinner?”
I released a deep exhale and listened to the clanking of dishes from the kitchen. “With the whole family?”
Mom stuck her head around the corner. She wore a stern expression, but the loose bun on top of her head with the silver strands framing her face softened her expression. “What’s wrong with that?”
Mom never relinquished an argument until she got her way.
Dad reached across the table and patted my hand and signaled with a flick of his other hand that we should move outside to chat.
I climbed out of my seat and strolled to the door. “Be right back, Mom, getting fresh air.”
We headed to the back of the house. In the distance, the slanted wooden shed wore a pointy snow hat. Dad had spent many days and nights in there working on projects.
“What’s going on?” I stepped over a young fallen pine tree.
“Vin, a few things have changed at home.”
I stopped in my tracks and twisted around. “Like what?”
“Your mom’s been losing patches of her memory, reverting to her younger days.” He dusted the snow off his blue vest. “A few months ago, she wept when she couldn’t find you in the house. She insisted someone had kidnapped you.”
A chill wrapped around my heart. “Alzheimer’s?”
“Cacey’s been caring for her and suspects it might be the case. Definitely some form of dementia. She advised I spend more time with your mom; watch over her. But your visit is a good thing. She’s missed you. We both have.”
Every thought faded away except the vision of her fearing for my life. How could I focus on protecting the world when the most important person, my mom, faced such a demon? “Why didn’t you tell me?”
He shook his head, sending loose snow in every direction. “Didn’t want to bother you, and I kept telling myself it would go away.” His eyes glistened, rousing a prickle at the back of my throat. “But when she wandered out of the house at night to hunt in the middle of a storm, I realized I had a problem.”
Unable to take another breath, I pushed past the ache beneath my breastbone, beat back the tears, and shoved through the fog in my head. I should have come home sooner, should have kept in closer contact.
I cleared my throat.
Dad stared at me with the hopefulness he’d always used when facing life—the corners of his mouth lifted, his shoulders squared, and his chin high. Seeing him battle through this with his resilience crumbled my insides.
Something in my peripheral vision caught my attention. Mom waved at us. “Vin, Manu is here.”
The alpha must have finally heard I was in town.
Dad patted my back. “I’m looking into alternatives and making preparation to care for her, but don’t tell your mother I told you as she’ll worry.”
“Of course.” We both trekked back to the house. When I reached Mom, I embraced her and tucked her head under my chin. She used to do the same with me whenever I’d gotten scared as a child, or when I stubbed my toe, or when I had a nightmare. And it took every morsel of strength to not collapse into the heap of emotions bubbling up in the back of my throat.
“What’s that for?”
I broke our hug. “Because I forgot to tell you how thankful I am for everything you’ve done for me. Love you, Mom.”
• • •
“Vin.” Manu, the pack alpha of Susi, greeted me at the door. He took me into his arms, a hand thumping my back, his beard scratching my cheek. If a wulfkin were to ever resemble Santa Claus, Manu was the guy. Barrel-chested with a round belly. He’d play Santa Claus at this year’s Christmas party, guaranteed.
“Our own Varlac. Still can’t believe it.” He retreated toward the fireplace, rubbing his hands together. “Is Marcin here?” His gaze shot over my shoulder to the closed door behind me.
Straight to business. My alpha back in Hungary gave his blessing for me to handle the situation as I saw fit, and that was my intention. “Marcin sends his apologies. You’re stuck with me.”
“It’s best I speak to you anyway.”
I sat on the couch, waiting for him to spill.
When he turned to face me, tightness gripped his expression. Manu had been an alpha for more than fifty years. The biggest dangers he’d faced were wild animals attacking locals or log cabins buried under snow. So, the grim mask he wore concerned me.
“I hate to burden you, but I have no one else to turn to. My pack falls into two categories. Elderly or young.”
The hairs on the nape of my neck rose. “Okay.”
“And I’m getting old.” He slouched next to me, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening. “I plan to retire.”
“Fantastic. You’ve got every right.” Did he tell me this because he wanted me to weigh in on his choices for his replacement?
“Except with no children of my own to pass the ownership on to, I have limited options. I’ve been speaking with other alphas nearby for possible integration.”
“Fair enough. So, you’re seeking the Varlac’s consent to hand over your pack?” The Varlac often stepped in and helped assure the best fit. Relief coursed through me. I’d be able to have a say on behalf of Cacey and Tianna. Ensure that both of them would be safe even after I left. Still, the idea of not seeing Cacey’s bright eyes or hearing her voice brought a tightening vice to my chest.
With a great huff, Manu studied me for a long pause, his brow creased. “Here’s the issue. The Denmark alpha said he wants it. He—”
My muscles stiffened. Fuckin’ Daan. “He’s totally unsuitable. I’ve met him. Why did you approach him of all people?”
Manu held his hands up, palms facing me. “I didn’t. He must have found out from someone else.” Manu nodded thoughtfully. “Rumors paint him as uncaring and impatient. I heard he came and studied our pack from afar without even asking for my consent.”
Was that how he’d tracked down Cacey? “Yeah, well, I chatted with him two days ago and told him to keep his distance.”
Manu cut me a dark glare. “He called me this morning, saying he’s taking the pack, by force if needed. He’s coming here in three days.”
What the fuck? “On Christmas?” I should have ripped the bastard to pieces. I shifted in my seat as a volcano erupted through my veins. By Varlac law, Daan had every right to challenge an existing leader for their territories. Daan knew Manu was old, not a fighter. Most members of this pack weren’t. He’d sweep in, kill Manu, and take his spot. The bastard had only one intention—get to Cacey. My threat to remove him from alpha status back in Santa’s Village was a bluff. Per Wulfkin law, a Varlac couldn’t stand in his way if he intended to claim more territory. Not without him breaking our laws, and as far as I knew, he hadn’t. Being a dickwad wasn’t against the rules.
I rubbed my lips. “My pack and I will figh
t with you.” I’d put everything in order before I returned to Hungary, and if that included flattening Daan, then I’d gladly accept the job.
Manu grunted. “You know that goes against the law. Besides, I don’t want World War III on my doorstep or anyone getting hurt.” He dropped his head into his hands, accompanied by a deep sigh.
My mind spun with anxiety. If Daan took over this pack, it wasn’t just Manu’s life he’d be destroying. It was Cacey’s and Tianna’s, my parents’, and the whole Susi pack’s.
Anything I did to fix the situation would be temporary and leave Daan in power. And that just wouldn’t do. This wasn’t a quick fix. I had to address this to ensure the safety of everyone in Susi as well as protect the wulfkin in Denmark under Daan’s pack. To stop him meant I’d need to return to Hungary and speak with my alpha, the Varlac of all wulfkin in Europe. Of course it came with the risk of Marcin insisting I stayed in Hungary while he sent someone else to fix the problem, or that he didn’t see an issue. So it was up to me to do whatever it took to convince him Daan had to go. Even if it meant defying my alpha and friend.
Chapter Thirteen
CACEY
“Mommy, look at me.” Tianna’s voice streamed on the breeze outside the general store. Her body was swathed in red tinsel. Her two friends wore the same outfit. The three of them giggled, and I laughed watching as their costumes glinted in the streetlights.
I squinted and strolled toward them in a fake stumble. “Where are you?” The pines decorated in tiny lights were lovely, but I refocused on the wrought iron lanterns swinging from the porch railing at the store. Even the waning moon shining against a sky studded with sparkles caught my attention. “All I can see are three oddly shaped Christmas trees.”
In a sudden move, I swooped low and caught Tianna in an embrace, lifting her off the ground. “Gotcha, my little tinsel angel.”
Her laughter was contagious as she squirmed in my arms.
“Put me down.”
No, I could never let her go. The trauma of nearly losing her forever stabbed me each time I looked at her. Every smile, a blessing I cherished like a balm to my soul. I planted a quick kiss on Tianna’s brow. “If you get tired sweetie, we can go home.”
Her large blue eyes contrasted against the dark hair tucked beneath the beanie. “I’m staying up to midnight. Do you think Vincent will visit us tonight?”
I took her gloved hands into mine, unable to find my words, wading through the broken pieces of my heart. Vincent had left Susi two days ago without saying farewell, and that cut me at the very core, breaking me. Had I pushed Vincent away by telling him I didn’t trust him and by making it clear Varlac weren’t for me? Maybe I was too rash in my decision. For the past few days, my stomach had been a muddled mess each time I thought of him . . . every few minutes . . . to be precise.
In my mind, I retracted the words I’d said to Vincent, but like an unforgiving blizzard, they continued to haunt me all over. My next breath rattled on the way down my throat because there was no going back to rectify the mistake. Now guilt gnawed at me.
“I don’t know, sweetie. I’m sure he’ll be busy tonight. After all, it’s Father Christmas’s big night and maybe he’s going to be helping Santa as much as he can.” It was easier to explain Vincent’s absence to her using the fact she met him in an elf costume. An ill-fitting one at that. Just remembering brought sentimental feelings coursing through me. How was I going to live without him and pretend he hadn’t touched me . . . my wolf . . . my soul?
“He makes you smile. I like it when you’re happy.” She sprinted back to join her friends. The three girls made a beeline for the oversized sleigh Vincent’s father had built to seat at least six people.
If it wasn’t for Tianna, I’d have spent the night alone at home. Each of my smiles were strained, and it hurt to pretend everything was all right, when it wasn’t. Worst part was that I didn’t know why Vincent left. I’d never know how he felt about me. I returned to the long table outside the general store, thinking about how observant Tianna had been when she’d spent a brief time with Vincent.
A hearth made of pine needles and cones adorned the table. Anja and another wulfkin set out plates and cutlery. She decorated the center with ornaments and mistletoe. Most wulfkin used their hands to eat, but there was certainly nothing wrong with creating a mood. Tianna and I got to share Christmas night with the pack. The warm experience was the best gift ever.
“Cacey,” Anja said as she folded paper napkins onto each plate. “Can you bring out the cups and blood wine from inside the store?”
“Of course.” I was glad to help out, and keeping busy helped me not wallow in the mistakes I’d made with Vincent. By the time we’d finished preparing everything, the yard was brimming with wulfkin. Small groups scattered around the area chatted and laughed, enjoying the festive mood. The moon goddess had blessed us with a night free from winds and snowfall. Even the northern lights were on display. Green and yellow rays danced above the forest tops in a hypnotic wave.
Anja’s voice broke my thoughts. “I keep thinking about Tianna vanishing, and I get goose bumps each time. If Vin hadn’t been here . . . ” Her words trailed off as she lowered her head, her hand fiddling with an empty paper cup.
“But he was.” I stepped closer and took her into an embrace, rubbing her back. “It’s okay. Tianna is fine. It wasn’t your fault, you know that.”
She pulled back and nodded, wiping her eyes. “Thanks. I know; it just makes me teary each time I remember the incident. Anyway, it’s funny that Vin’s mom planned to set you and him on a blind date, and yet he somehow ended up meeting you first.”
My heart ached at the realization that I’d let him slip away. That I hadn’t even tried and had been too tangled up in my fears and my ex to take a gamble. “His mother is sweet, but I’m not sure Vin and I are matched.” A nonstop rumble in my chest reminded me of the missed chance. He was gone. And without a word or farewell. Despite my regret, it meant nothing if Vincent didn’t reciprocate my feelings.
“He’s Varlac, but I’ve known him since childhood. He’s got a huge heart. If he has a fault, it’s that he cares too much for others. Anyway, enough sadness. We need to set the food out. The pack’s getting restless.”
If he cared so much, why didn’t he at least visit me before leaving Susi? I pushed the thought away, not wanting to ruin everyone’s celebration with my melancholy thoughts.
Behind us, groups of wulfkin gravitated closer. I made a dash to the general store to collect the plates of steaks. And yet I wasn’t sure I could eat a single mouthful as my inner wolf left me feeling empty in a different way. Yep, the festive season had turned out perfect. Tianna got her Christmas. We were safe and got to stay in Susi. Then why did every molecule of my being miss Vincent?
A clanging sound rang somewhere behind me.
I jerked toward the general store, unsure what to expect. Manu stood there, dressed in a Santa costume, with a bronze bell in his hand, swinging the instrument. Tianna and the two other girls squealed and scrambled toward Manu. His scarlet suit was stretched tight across his girth, and he wore a fake white beard, concealing the bottom half of his face. He waved to the kids as he swung a sack over his shoulder.
“Ho, ho, ho.”
I laughed. The moment was perfect. Tianna gawked at Manu with wide eyes, and I wished she could always be this innocent and hopeful.
“Where’s the music at this party?” A deep voice carried on the wind behind me.
I spun around.
Vincent! My pulse was a thundering river, though my body shivered with unexpected excitement.
His mouth split into a grin, bringing back the memories of our night together. Other wulfkin headed toward the table and took their seats. Every inch of me homed in on Vincent, but my legs refused to move. When I opened my mouth, a gasp escaped.
“That shocked to see me?”
“You disappeared.” Had he forgotten something and returned to retrieve the obj
ect, then leave for good?
“Yeah, sorry. Something urgent came up. I’m here now.” He winked and took my hand in his, the touch sending a sizzling spark up my arm. Images of him taking me into his embrace consumed every thought. I drowned beneath the remembered kisses. But those were foolish dreams that only stretched out the inevitable agony when he would leave again.
Still, my wolf thumped within me as a reminder to take Vincent and stop playing this game. If only it were that easy.
He caught a glimpse of the excited kids behind me. “It took me years to figure out who played Santa.”
I twisted around to Tianna, who was ripping the wrapping paper on a present. She rushed over, hugging a wooden wolf. “Look what I got!” I crouched low and studied the figure she handed me, recognizing Vincent’s dad’s craftsmanship. “Wow. You’re lucky.”
She nodded, then lifted her gaze. “Hello, Mr. Elf. I told Mommy you would come tonight. She said you wouldn’t.”
I broke into a forced laugh and handed the wolf back to Tianna.
“Well, I’m here now.” Mirth lay behind his words.
“I’m glad. Mommy smiles a lot when you’re here.”
My breath caught in my throat. “Why don’t you show Anja your new toy?” I turned her away before she told him that I snorted when I laughed too much or that I wore her socks when I couldn’t find mine. She rushed over to Anja and the other girls.
Vincent cocked an eyebrow, unable to hold back the grin. “I make you smile?”
Despite fire claiming my cheeks, I faced Vincent with a serious expression. “Don’t listen to her. Anyway, thanks for helping me with Daan. It means the world to me that we can stay here in Susi.”
“So you no longer think I’m a monster Varlac?” His head tilted as he studied me with those sexy eyes. I watched his hands tuck into the pockets of his jeans.