by T. F. Walsh
“You bet. You didn’t need to help me with Daan, but you did. Everyone knows Varlac are supposed to protect wulfkin, but I’d never seen it until you came along.” Of course, I’d seen much more of Vincent. His raw animal attraction, his wolf responding to mine. We’d connected on a primal level. But Vincent was more than a sex machine. He showed compassion with Tianna after confronting Daan. Everyone in the pack had spoken highly of Vincent, and I’d been the only one who had misjudged him.
“Thanks. I appreciate you saying that.”
The voices behind grew into white noise because my concentration locked on Vincent. No matter which way I examined our situation, I always came back to the same stumbling block. “When do you return to Hungary?”
“Ready to get rid of me already?” He arched an eyebrow and the corner of his mouth lifted in a teasing appeal, but his flat, monotone voice revealed the despair he felt at believing I wanted him to leave.
“Damn, no.” I hadn’t meant for my response to snap out that quick. “It . . . It’s just that”—I glanced over my shoulder—“everyone in town will miss you.”
“Including you?”
“Depends.” I shrugged. My stomach whirred, and my fingertips tingled with the desire to reach out and grab him. To kiss him until he spoke straight. But would I be willing to play this game until he left for Hungary again? Joining him had played on my mind, but I kept forgetting that it might not be what Vincent wanted. No denying our attraction, but was he a settling down type of guy?
“And what does that depend on?” He ran a hand through his hair, his attentiveness never faltering.
The high-pitched peal of the bell sounded again, stealing my words.
Manu sat on the porch, no longer in his Santa costume. He studied the pack that shared blood wine and talked nonstop.
“Everyone, please take a seat. A quick announcement before the festivities. Vin, if you will.” He waved in our direction.
Vincent brushed past me as he strolled toward Manu. My gaze lingered on his tight butt in jeans. Why would Manu call Vincent?
“For a few months, our pack’s predicament has grown critical, but I haven’t told anyone about it until now.” Manu’s voice was sharp and direct. “But I don’t want anyone to worry.”
Murmurs from the crowd filled the air with anticipation, and my breath caught in my lungs. What was Manu saying? Tianna ran to me, snapping her arms around my waist. I hugged her back.
“Several times recently, I’ve mentioned my plan to retire. So, I discussed this with neighboring packs for a suitable alpha replacement. And we received an offer.” He coughed and cleared his throat. “From the Denmark alpha.”
An icy chill sent a shiver throughout my body. I pressed Tianna closer. Daan! My eyes scanned the forest, expecting him to emerge from the shadows any second, wearing an evil smirk. The other wulfkin were standing there, waiting on Manu’s next words. No one ran away in panic. I scanned the area again, holding Tianna tighter. Was Daan really taking over the pack? My lungs ceased working, and my instinct screamed to bolt. Tianna and I were catching the next plane out of here to Australia, or anywhere that put a world of distance between us.
“That’s the bad news.” Manu’s sharp voice had me flinching. “But the moon goddess has blessed us because our very own Vin, a Varlac, has come to the rescue.” Manu patted Vincent on the back, nudging him forward. “I’ll let him tell you the rest.”
Not a whisper was uttered. Even the wind and snow silenced as if waiting for Vincent to speak. I held my breath, curiosity burning a hole in my chest. How was the Varlac going to help? He’d be all the way over in Hungary after this.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back home. While it’s been long overdue, fate intended for me to visit.” He looked in my direction, then to the pack, and stopped on his parents. “While I’ve only returned to Susi for a few days, it was long enough for me to readjust my priorities, to realize how much I’d missed my family. Someone wise reminded me that life’s happiness isn’t about collecting accolades.”
I chewed on my lower lip. Where was Vincent going with this? Every hair on my arms rose in anticipation of what he’d say next.
“When Manu confided in me about the pack’s imminent problem and his plans to retire, I had one choice.” He ran a hand through his hair and glimpsed at me quick enough that most would miss the gesture. “I’ve spent the last two days in Hungary, requesting a few changes from my Varlac alpha, and with his approval, I made a short stop in Denmark. Effective immediately, Denmark and every country north fall under my jurisdiction.”
The crowd exploded in cheers and claps. Manu took Vincent into a bear hug.
My mind was on overload. The Varlac emperor ruled across all Europe, and the decision to give so much territory was unprecedented. Especially to a non-royal. Goddess, for the Varlac emperor to bestow Vincent with such a position, he trusted him with his life. And I’d threatened Vincent the first night with a knife, but he never hesitated to help me when the time came.
“And,” Vincent’s voice streamed across the voices. “The Varlac council has given its blessing and approval for me to take over Susi as my own. Within the month, my pack of wulfkin warriors will join this family.”
I gasped as the news rocked through me. Vincent was my new alpha. The same wulfkin I couldn’t stop dreaming about, the one who my wolf had claimed. I had difficulty containing my excitement. He would be here, with me, with Tianna. Thank you, moon goddess, for giving us a second chance. My daughter and I didn’t have to run anymore. We could stay here forever and know that we’d be protected . . . safe . . . maybe even loved. For the first time in my life since Daan, giddiness and excitement about the future poured through me.
“Mommy, I think you’ll be smiling a lot now.”
My laughter burst free. “Sure seems that way.”
Vincent hopped down onto the main road, inundated by a crowd of wulfkin. Less than a week ago, I had met him on this store’s porch. If I had left work a few minutes earlier, I might have missed him. If the storm that guided Vincent to my house had arrived days later, he could’ve gone in another direction in the forest. And the fox forced him to seek the closest shelter . . . mine. Had fate determined how the events played out?
“Can we go eat now?” Tianna dragged me by a hand toward the table where Anja and her girls sat. I settled down next to them with my daughter, and Anja looked at me, a sly smirk covering her face.
“Girl, sometimes things happen for a reason. I see the way Vincent stares at you, the way he helped find Tianna. You know he wants you.”
“Maybe.” My gaze sailed over at him, still chatting with pack members who hovered nearby to congratulate the new alpha. Daan could definitely challenge him to the position, but I somehow doubted Vincent lost many fights. As second-in-command to the great emperor, he’d possess expertise in battle.
“His mother just told me that part of the reason he took over the pack was because of someone special,” Anja said as she stuffed a piece of meat into her mouth, her eyebrows waggling.
“He told her that?” Reclining in my seat, I couldn’t stop the warmth radiating within me. Was this happening? For years, I’d sworn bad luck trailed after me. But if none of those events had happened, would I have ended up in Susi or met Vincent?
She nodded. With most of the pack seated, Vincent and Manu remained in deep discussions close to the store. I joined everyone else and served up some food for Tianna and me.
Near the store, lanterns swung in the trees, casting a rainbow of colors across the street. Anja stole a kiss from her husband and shared secret whispers. Tianna joined Anja’s girls and slipped away from the table, huddling near the decorated pine tree.
My heart was filled with giddiness. If a strong wind came along, I’d likely float away. I checked on Tianna and noticed Vincent stood nearby, rolling snowballs with the children. Tianna darted toward me, her cheeks rosy, her words on fast-forward. “Mommy, we need tea candles and mat
ches. We’re making lanterns.” Without waiting for a response, she bolted back to Vincent. They built a small igloo-shaped dome made from snowballs.
Anja handed me candles and matches. “It’s tradition to build the lanterns each year. Better hurry up.”
I approached the children and knelt next to Vincent. He lit a candle, then placed it inside before enclosing the lantern with more snowballs. A golden blaze illuminated the tiny gaps, creating a spectacular effect against the night.
Tianna squealed. “When I grow up, I want to bring Christmas to all wulfkin. Now let’s build more lanterns.”
“Come. I’ll show you how to make them bigger.” Vincent’s father approached. The young ones joined him as we stood and watched.
“So, Varlac leader, hey?” I tucked my hands into my pockets, unsure of what to do with them. “That’s huge.”
Vincent pushed a loose curl behind my ear. “Yep.”
His gentle touch sent a sizzling charge through me, and his hand landed lightly on my shoulder.
“And now you’re my alpha. Didn’t see that one coming.”
“Are you all right with the decision?” He squeezed my shoulder as if reassuring me, though the sincerity behind his gaze did the job.
“Hell yeah. I mean, yes. Look, we didn’t start out the best way, but—”
“Shhh. It’s okay.” His fingers skimmed down my arm, and he slid his hand into mine, then guided me into the shadows behind the Christmas tree. Overhead, the northern lights shimmered across the sky in a kaleidoscope of blues and greens.
“Gorgeous.” I strolled alongside Vincent. “Can’t get enough of staring at them.” The luminous curtain flickered in various hues.
“Vikings believed they were the gates to Asgard.”
When I lowered my gaze, a flash of white caught in my peripheral vision. I shifted sideways, past Vincent, and spotted it. A few feet away sat an Arctic fox with black outlines around its ears, like the one Vincent had brought into my house. Was the fox following us?
“Is that the fox from your place?” Vincent’s arm brushed against me.
No doubt about it. Since the night of the storm, I hadn’t seen or heard from the fox and had almost completely forgotten about him.
The fox made a yawning sort of howl sound, then trotted into the woods without a glance back.
I stared at Vincent. “That was strange. Right?”
“Maybe he’s our spirit guide.”
I embraced spirit animals with a healthy dose of skepticism, but the events surrounding the situation with the fox were fluky. With all the strange events that the fox lore foretold, should I believe animal guides existed?
“Cacey.” Vincent’s hand combed through my hair to behind my head. I leaned into his touch. “You’ve only known me for a short time, but I intend to take you out on a proper date. If you’ll have me. I am a Varlac after all.”
I smacked his shoulder. “Fine. You proved your point. I judged you too quickly.” And I’d eat humble pie daily for months to make up for it.
“So, is that a yes?” He drew me toward him.
My mind drifted on his fresh musky scent, and my wolf nudged my insides to claim him. Yet, I couldn’t resist the urge to tease him. I fiddled with the collar of his jacket, smoothing it down his chest. “If you take this long to kiss a girl, I might reconsider.”
Without hesitation, his mouth crushed against mine. His arm wrapped around my waist, and he pressed me closer. I nibbled on his lips and accepted his tongue, suckling on it, and adoring his moans.
He broke our kiss, his forehead against mine, our breathing as one. “I’m taking that as a yes.”
“You bet.” Life at that moment seemed beyond perfect, beyond ecstasy, beyond my wildest expectations. Tianna was safe. We had a permanent home with no need to run away. And I might have finally met my soul mate.
Chapter Fourteen
VINCENT
Three Months Later
Snow cascaded around us, feather-soft against my cheeks. A squeal drew our attention to the edge of the mountain slope. Cacey and I stood in silence, watching.
“Come on, I’m ready.” Tianna waved us over, her nose bright red. She sat in the sleigh she’d claimed. “It’s me and Vin against Mommy.”
Tianna had embraced me into her family without hesitation, and if that meant she and I were on the same race team against her mom, then I said, “Bring it on.”
“I see.” Cacey dragged her sleigh closer to the edge, and I pushed it with my foot from behind. “Well, you two better watch out.” She climbed on. “I’m the champion in town for a reason.”
“Did you hear her, Tianna? She’s challenging us.”
Tianna broke into a fake evil laugh and rubbed her palms together. “Challenge accepted.”
I sat down behind Tianna, my legs encasing the young moonwulf to protect her from falling. “I’m ready.”
Cacey smiled brighter than the sunlight peeking out from behind the clouds. The hat with a pom-pom she wore gave her an air of innocence. It was one of several traits endearing me to Cacey. Her honesty and passion for life, while keeping those closest to her safe, made her my kind of mate. The past few months, since I had moved in with Cacey, had been more rewarding than my entire time in Hungary. When my alpha, Marcin, had suggested I take charge of the northern territory, I knew I couldn’t turn down that offer. Here, I’d control Daan, spend time with my mom, and keep Cacey and Tianna safe and by my side.
In this short time, I had gained an additional family. Every day, Tianna reminded me of my childhood. If someone had told me a few months ago I would be a dad, I’d have laughed. No way in hell did I believe I’d get the chance to be a father.
Cacey’s rosy lips called to me as they always did. “One final kiss for good luck.”
“Oh, yuck.” Tianna turned away.
Cacey winked and leaned close, her mouth grazing mine. If Tianna weren’t present, Cacey would be in my lap by now. Her honeysuckle scent caressed me. When she broke our bond, she whispered, “Remember how you said you wanted a big family?”
Cacey’s gaze dipped to her hand rubbing her stomach.
Excitement exploded through my veins. I climbed off my sleigh and crawled over to Cacey, taking her into my arms, my hand resting on her tiny belly. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, and her eyes glistened with happiness. My throat choked. I kissed her brow and her nose, and captured her mouth. “I love you so much. A perfect family. Now, only four kiddies to go.”
“Three.” She cocked an eyebrow.
“Twins?”
She nodded.
I embraced her tighter, showering her with kisses. Two pups. “I’m the luckiest wulfkin in the world.”
“I love you so much.” She buried her head into my chest. When a ball of snow shattered against my back, I turned and laughed at our daughter.
“Are we racing, or do you two plan on smooching forever?”
I reached over and dragged Tianna into my arms. “You just want a hug.”
She shoved her hands against my chest and giggled. “Come on, I want us to win.”
“Okay, let’s do this.” With another kiss on Cacey’s chin, I climbed on the sleigh behind Tianna. Cacey sat in hers several feet away. “Are you ready to start?”
“Yes, let’s start our new life.” With a cheeky smirk, Cacey pushed against the snowy ground on either side of her and propelled the sleigh forward.
“Come on.” Tianna pouted.
Quickly, I drove us forward, and the nose of our sleigh nudged over the ridge. We sailed down rapidly, gaining momentum. I grabbed the reins, Tianna pinned in front of me. The cold air rushed against me, tugging on my hair and clothes. “No way are we going to lose. Get those secret snowballs ready for attack.”
Tianna chuckled as we careened down the path clear of trees and caught up to Cacey, howling with delight.
I’d found my true mate, and nothing in this world would take her away from me. Cacey had gifted me with he
r heart, her life, and a family. Everything I cherished.
But first things first. Tianna and I had a sledding race to win.
Copyright © 2016 by T.F. Walsh
All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.
Published by
Crimson Romance™
an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
57 Littlefield Street
Avon, MA 02322
www.crimsonromance.com
ISBN 10: 1-5072-0223-7
ISBN 13: 978-1-5072-0223-4
eISBN 10: 1-5072-0224-5
eISBN 13: 978-1-5072-0224-1
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organizations, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author's imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.
Cover art © Andrey Kiselev/123RF, © Ivan Kmit/123RF, © Sergei Levashov/123RF.
Wynter’s Journey
A Scallop Shores Novel
Jennifer DeCuir
Avon, Massachusetts
Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Copyright
I dedicate this book to my husband, John. A beautiful journal given to me on our first Christmas together showed his support and dedication to my writing. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Couldn’t have done it without you—I love you!