by Elle Boon
Arynn reached over, covering her hands with one of his. “What happened?”
She looked at his blue eyes, seeing only concern and curiosity, she decided trust was something she could give this man. “Romie and Rebel were competing in a softball league. They were in sixth grade and had been on a traveling team. We’d just returned from winning nationals. That’s a huge achievement, especially since the girls were the youngest on the team, but each of them was star players, not just Rebel but Romie too. A news station from Texas had followed us home, wanting to interview me and the girls. It was exciting at first, but then, the entire news crew went missing after they left our town.” She closed her eyes, remembering the horrific scene she’d stumbled upon.
“Go on,” he encouraged.
A glance into the back showed both girls had their earbuds in, with their eyes closed, their chests rising and falling slowly. Neither of them had ever been able to stay awake long in a vehicle. Gizmo lifted his head from the third row to peer at her, sensing he was being watched. He huffed a breath, and then he too lay back down. “I found their van; it had run off the road and rolled several times, coming to land on the roof in the middle of a field. They’d been there for a couple of days, and from the looks of it, none of the passengers had been buckled up. Wild animals must’ve been lured in due to...to the accident. Anyway, I called the highway patrol and reported the accident and had to wait for them to show up. It took hours, darkness had fallen by the time they arrived, and I swear, we all heard cries from animals we’d never heard before. I’ve heard wolves, dogs, and even a coyote, but that wasn’t what we’d heard yowling that night.”
The steering wheel creaked under Arynn’s tight grip. “I’m assuming you were told it was an accident, and that was that, nothing else came of it?”
Sheila nodded. “Yeah, and then, there was a visit from my mother. She informed me the girls were to quit the team and stay with their own people. The order was clear. At that moment, I started making plans for our escape.”
Once she told Arynn the truth, she expected him to scoff or tell her they were too much for him to take on. Instead, he released the wheel with his right hand and squeezed both of hers. “You’re not alone anymore. If you’d have called me—no, I’m not going to go there. I understand why you didn’t, but dammit, I wish I’d been there. Not just for Rebel, but for you and Romie. From here on out, Sheila, it’s not you and those girls against the world. You’ve got me and the Iron Wolves. I may have been a bad dad for the past twelve years, but I can guarantee you that ended with one phone call.”
She shook her head. “You weren’t a bad dad. You were what I, we, allowed you to be.”
His chest puffed out on a deep inhale. “Yeah, well, you can say that all you want, but the reality is I left my child alone, without a father. That makes me the shittiest dad in all the world.”
Looking at the stubborn set to his jaw, she knew nothing she said or did would change his mind. Only time and patience and maybe a little input about her family would do it. Heck, she wasn’t sure how he was going to take all the revelations she had to give him and prayed he wouldn’t kick her out as soon as he heard them all.
“Why don’t you get some rest? We’ve got at least another two hours before we get home,” he offered.
The thought of sleep sounded heavenly, but she didn’t think she’d be able to rest, not when her mother was probably planning her demise as she sat next to the sexiest man alive. No, Sheila wanted to be alert in case Susan tried to tap into her mind while she slept. Even though the woman named Jenna had said she’d done something to unlock some mysterious powers, Sheila didn’t feel any different. “Nah, I’ll stay up and keep you company.”
Arynn nodded. “I got some snacks in a cooler behind you.”
She’d seen the small Yeti container and wondered if he’d brought his own refreshments out of fear he’d not get any from her. With a shake of her head, she thrust that worry aside. Arynn didn’t seem the type to care much about other people’s assumptions of him. “Is there any water in there?”
“Yep, plus some pop. And, before you say anything, it’s caffeine free root beer. I like the sweet stuff occasionally, but my—but don’t like the way caffeine makes me feel, unless it’s from coffee,” he said.
She noticed he stopped himself from saying something and wondered what he was holding back. Did he think she would freak if he said his wolf? Heck, she wanted to see him in his shifted form. “You realize I know about your other half, right?”
The warmth of his hand left hers as he grabbed the wheel with both hands. “What you think you know and what you do know are two different things, stellina,” he murmured.
“Who’s Stellina?” Jealousy was an ugly thing but hearing him call her another woman’s name had the green-eyed monster coming out with all its claws bared.
Arynn chuckled, reaching for her fisted hands. “It means star, Sheila. Your beauty is brighter than any star in the sky on the clearest night.”
Instantly, she felt her body relax, and wanted to smack him for being so smug as he seemed aware she’d been jealous. Damn, how did this man have her so twisted up inside? “I think I might rest my eyes for a bit.” She wouldn’t sleep, but at least she could get a respite from further humiliation of her own making.
“I’ll keep watch over you three,” he promised.
Rebel waited until her mother’s breathing became heavy. She’d pretended to sleep while she’d listened to the man, who was clearly her father, spoke with such ease to her mom. She could see and feel the power he had within him. Why had he not claimed her before today? Was it because her wolf hadn’t come forward? Was he ashamed to have a child who couldn’t shift? She felt the power within her gathering, looking for an outlet, but she pushed it back, used to pushing the dark need away. She’d always known there was something different about her that Romie and her mom didn’t have. Something she couldn’t share with them. If they knew she was like their grandmother, they’d hate her just the same as they hated Susan Barnes. A sob welled in her throat, but she swallowed it. Gizmo’s big head nudged the seat, shaking her and Romie, but her sister slept, blissfully unaware she was sleeping next to a monster.
“I know you’re awake back there. You thirsty?”
She blinked, unable to believe he’d caught her unaware when nobody had been able to do so. “I’m fine,” she said then reached to pet Gizmo.
Arynn grunted. “Well, if you change your mind, there’s water and some root beer in the cooler by your feet. There’s also some snacks in there, if you’re hungry.”
“Do you hate me?” The question came out without her realizing she needed the answer.
He adjusted the mirror, eyes as blue as hers met and held Rebel’s. “I would never hate you. I’ve loved you since I found out you were in your mother’s womb. Every day, since the day you were born, I’ve done nothing but think of you, wondering what you were doing, how you were doing, missing you like crazy.”
“Then why?” she cried.
He looked over to Sheila then back toward her through the mirror. “Rebel, I was given a choice twelve years ago, a choice that I felt was really not a choice. For over twelve years, I’ve regretted so much, but that decision, I can’t say I do. When we get home, I’ll tell you what that choice was if your mother agrees.”
Rebel glared at the man staring back at her. “Why can’t you just tell me now? What’s going to change, and why do you need my mom’s permission? She didn’t make the choice for you.” Each word was gritted out and the dark presence inside her grew.
“Easy, Rebel. I’m not wanting to make you angry, just the opposite.” Arynn sounded worried.
“What’s going on?” her mother asked, sitting up and glancing backward. Her face showed worry and fear.
Rebel hated that she’d caused her mom to be upset. Romie sat up, her hand immediately reached for hers. “Calm down, sis. Whatever it is, you’ve got us. We’re family.”
She
took a few calming breaths, hating the fact she’d allowed the other part of her to influence her, hated that it had scared her mom and sister. God, she hated herself and what she was and the fact she was different.
“You’re not so different, gioia.” Arynn kept his eyes locked on her face.
Oh, she wanted to believe him, but he didn’t know. He didn’t know her and what she truly was, what was deep inside her. She was just like her biological mother, Sarah. Evil resided in her, waiting to come out and hurt those she loved. “How much longer?” she asked, instead of agreeing.
Chapter Five
Arynn could see his daughter shutting down and wanted to punch his fist through the roof of the vehicle. He wanted to reach back and pull her into his arms and hold her tightly. He did neither. The only thing he could do was continue driving and get them beneath the protection of the Iron Wolves. Once there, he’d explain to all of them the truth of his world. His daughter was part of that world; therefore, so was Sheila and Romie. The little blonde girl held Rebel’s hand, her brown eyes more knowledgeable than she let on. Yeah, he had a lot of explaining and a whole lot of females to protect. His wolf rumbled, ready to fight for what was theirs.
He opened the link to Kellen, giving him an eta of their arrival and shared with him all that had transpired, not surprised to find Jenna had already paid them a visit.
“Rest assured, your females are welcome here, Arynn. I know your first thought is to take them to your home, but if what Jenna said is true, I suggest you bring them here. We have plenty of space with the apartments no longer being used for—extracurricular activities of the club members.” Kellen sounded more amused than upset. Of course, he had a mate and children, so he was no longer needing a place to take a female or two for a quickie.
“Thank you, Alpha, I appreciate that. We’ll be there within the hour.” He listened for a few more minutes as Kellen told him who was on duty. As the Omega, he was the one who took on the pain of others when it was too unbearable for them. Now that he had his own family, sort of, he was going to have to figure out how to balance what he did for the pack and his own personal life.
“We’ll be there shortly. Anyone hungry?” He’d noticed the sound of a few stomach rumbles coming from the backseat and it wasn’t just Gizmo, although the big beast was most assuredly letting them know he needed a stop, too.
Romie raised her hand. “I’m starving.”
Rebel snorted. “You’re always hungry. I don’t know where she puts it. I think she’s got a hollow leg or something.”
“What’s gioia mean?” Romie asked, bumping Rebel’s shoulder with her own.
He’d wondered if the girls had picked up on the fact he’d called Rebel a name other than her given one. “It means joy.”
Romie snorted. “You so don’t know her.” She swatted Rebel’s hands as they both started slapping each other in what was clearly a play fight.
After he got them all some burgers and fries, even allowing them to eat in his precious vehicle, not blinking an eye as they asked if Gizmo could have his own burger, he aimed the vehicle toward the clubhouse. Arynn knew he wouldn’t breathe easily until he was back with the pack and had his little family under the protection of the Iron Wolves. The fact the darkness back at Sheila’s home had felt like the evil they’d fought in recent battles worried him.
“Wow, is that where we’re going?” Rebel leaned forward as he pulled up to the huge iron gates that were now kept closed more often than not.
“Yep, welcome to the Iron Wolves, ladies.” Pride welled in him.
Sheila tensed next to him, but he couldn’t do anything to reassure her other than hold her hand, which to him was a hell of a lot. However, she wouldn’t know he avoided contact with others for the most part, except when he was using his Omega powers, or if he was with a woman for—he shut down thoughts of other females, knowing there would be no other as his wolf snarled at the thought. For whatever fucked up reason, fates had given him a second chance at mating, and it was with none other than the twin sister of the woman he’d had a child with. Goddess, he wasn’t sure what to do with the new knowledge or if he was confused, again. He could still remember the way his wolf had pushed at him to claim Sarah all those years ago. The beast had shut down directly after they’d released in her, not wanting a repeat performance. When he’d found out she was pregnant with his young, his wolf had raked at him to claim the child, but even then, the animal hadn’t wanted the woman. Since he’d first heard Sheila’s voice, there’d always been a recognition, yet he’d put it down to the fact she was his line of information to Rebel. Now, he couldn’t deny there was more. Hell, his wolf wanted him to strip her naked and claim her, young girls be damned, randy fucking wolf.
“Did you call ahead and tell them you were bringing us with you?” Sheila’s question interrupted his thoughts.
He looked around at the line of motorcycles and vehicles, telling him Kellen had called a meeting with the pack. “I let my alpha know.”
“What’s that mean, your alpha? Is he like the Grand Puba or something?” Romie asked, scooting forward.
Arynn wanted to explain, but he noticed Kellen and Xan along with Turo were standing near Kellen’s office entrance. Each of them wore black T-shirts which stretched across their chests, but there was no hiding the tattoos covering all three men, or the fact they were on high alert. As the Omega, and a member of the pack, he had to share every detail of what had gone down, sharing his memories with Kellen like it was as common as breathing. If there was a chance he was bringing a war to the club, he wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page. No way in hell would he endanger any of the females or the young who’d recently been born. Not that he didn’t think the women of the Iron Wolves couldn’t handle themselves. Lyric and Syn were two of the fiercest women he knew. Add in their newest member, Jocelyn and her connection to the dragons, he’d gladly have them at his back.
“The alpha’s like the boss, only his title is alpha. He’s one man you don’t want to piss off.” He smiled, hoping the girls wouldn’t be afraid of Kellen. Well, no more than the average newcomer would be.
Rebel sat back. “The bigger they are, the harder they fall, I always heard.”
Sheila turned in the seat. “Rebel, that man is not someone we’re going to test. Let’s all of us be on our best behavior.”
His daughter rolled her eyes. “I’m always on my best behavior. It’s others who are the ones who make me not be on my best—behavior. Is it my fault that boys tend to be total douchecadoos?” She made air quotes around the last word.
Arynn chuckled. “I’m assuming a douchecadoo is what that boy you put the hurt on was?” At her nod, he tapped the wheel before turning the Escalade off. “Well, then you’ll be fine since nobody here is a douchecadoo,” he assured her.
“Lord, please let there be no asshats or douchecadoos in residence. And, if there is, please let Rebel not rearrange their balls,” Romie joked, her hands held in front of her as if in prayer. She then finished by making the sign of the cross.
Sheila groaned. “Girls, please try to behave. Oh, and let’s not allow Gizmo to leave lawnmines for unsuspecting people. If he poos, you pick it up right away. That means you take a trash bag with you and do your jobs.”
Rebel gagged while Romie shuddered, both girls saying mom in unison.
“It’ll be warm and gross. Can’t we wait ‘til it at least cools off or something?” Romie pleaded.
His daughter nodded. “We promise to go back and pick up on the next outing with him. I mean, that’s cruel and unusual punishment, mom. Have you smelled his shit—I mean number two?”
“If you’re mom is okay with you waiting until the crap cools and has a chance to let the stink clear, I’m fine with that. There’s Lake, she’s the alpha’s mate. Come on, I’ll introduce you to her before I go see Kellen.”
She tried not to notice the relief in his voice but wondered if he was happy to see the other woman or just happy to ge
t away from them. When she went to open her door, he stopped her with a hand on her thigh. “Wait here for a second.”
Fear was a sensation she hated. They’d left her vehicle at her house, and although she knew it was the smart thing to do, especially as her mother had more than likely put a tracker on it. However, she still hated not having a way to leave. “We’ve got each other, and we’re safe,” she muttered after he closed the door.
“Mom, are you okay?” Rebel’s fingers combed through her hair, a nervous habit she’d done since she was little.
“Yeah, baby, we’re going to be fine. I’m just nervous is all. Does Gizmo need to go to the bathroom?” Getting the girls thoughts off of her and onto their beloved pet was a sneaky move, and one she could see Romie was aware of, but Rebel dug out the leash and held it up.
“You gotta go potty, big guy?” Rebel nuzzled her head against Gizmo.
Sheila met Romie’s far too intelligent stare, seeing worry and fear in her brown eyes. Whatever the woman named Jenna had done to all of them was making them more aware, a sensation she wasn’t sure she was happy about. Not that she hadn’t been happy to have the heavy weight lifted off her. If she was honest, she hadn’t known there was any such thing in her psyche until it was gone. Now, like Rebel had described, things were clearer, amplified to where she felt as if things were—more. Sarah had teased her that she’d been suppressed, that glasses were on her like a pair of shades, keeping the real world hidden. “Oh, I see the real world now, Sarah,” she whispered.
Her door opened, making her jump. “Shoot, you scared me, Arynn.”
He held his hand out, offering his support. “Sorry about that, stellina. You okay?”
Instead of answering, she placed her hand in his, taking that first step into his world. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay again, but I’m ready.”