by Bethany Shaw
“How are you going to break the news to Becky you aren’t in Guymon anymore?”
Vincent sighed as his head fell back against the headrest. “Becky and I broke up on Monday, Dev. It’s Jessica now.”
Devon chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing as they passed into the next county.
***
They didn’t reach the ranch until mid-afternoon. With the air conditioner not working, the heat in the car was suffocating. All four windows were down but did little to alleviate the heat. After a long day in the sweltering car, they were all eager to get out.
As they exited the car, his Uncle Rick and his two cousins, Gene and Preston greeted them. Now came the hard part, getting them to help. An act against another alpha might be considered a sign of aggression, depending on the alpha. What he was asking of his uncle would put everyone here at risk.
Devon’s heart thundered violently against his ribcage. Refusing to let his fear show, he squared his shoulders. Devon could not look weak. They needed Rick’s help.
“Devon?” Rick asked as he walked toward them, a smile spreading across his face. Rick reached toward Devon and pulled him into a hug, clapping him on the back. He’d spent every summer on the ranch until he turned eighteen, and even then, he had visited occasionally. This was home. “It’s good to see you again, Son.”
“Can we go inside and talk?” Devon skipped straight to the point. If his uncle couldn’t help them, he and his family would need to distance themselves so Rick’s pack wouldn’t be implicated by their actions. Should any harm come against Rick or his pack, because of them, he would never forgive himself.
“Sure, Dev, come on in,” Rick said. He motioned for all of them to follow him inside the large mansion.
Sweat beaded on Devon’s brow and his mouth went dry; the apprehension churned in his stomach. Devon waited until they were seated with drinks before clearing his parched throat.
“I respect you, Uncle Rick, you have been like a father to me, and I would never ask anything of you if it wasn’t important,” he paused. Devon hated to ask for help, or involve others in a fight that wasn’t their own. Concern of being turned away flared inside him and he rubbed his hands on his pant legs.
Rick gave him a slight nod and Devon continued, “Over the past few years Emmett has made some questionable choices. He has asked us to make aggressive moves against our neighboring packs that we have long since been allies with. He has severed ties with all of our old friends. Most recently though, he formed an alliance with some of the Gulf Packs, and though Emily and Marcus have made intentions to marry.” Devon stopped and looked at Emily. “Emmett promised Emily to one of the other pack’s to mate with the alpha’s older sons. The rules and the way Emmett has begun to treat members of his own pack, and our allies, are unacceptable. We can no longer live under his tyranny.”
Devon leaned back into the couch relieved to have gotten that off his chest. His uncle’s expression remained unreadable. Devon sipped nervously at his soda, waiting for Rick to say something.
He swallowed the nervous lump building in his throat. One hand fisted in his lap, the other gripped the soda can tightly.
If it were only him, he wouldn’t care, but his siblings needed the extra protection.
For a wolf, living in isolation would be one of the cruelest punishments to their kind. They craved companionship. Wolves were pack animals and that also extended to werewolves. There was an inherent need to protect their families and loved ones.
“I knew things had deteriorated, but I didn’t realize it had gotten so bad,” Rick said after a long pause. He rubbed his graying beard as his brown eyes met Devon’s. “Over the past few years, there has been unrest amongst some of the packs. Allegiances are being formed. Some packs are resorting to the old ways in response. It would appear Emmett is going that route as well. I do not wish a war. We live in harmony with our human neighbors, and I fear many lives could be lost.”
Rick sighed, taking a long sip of his coffee. “However, you’re my brother’s only son, and I value family and the values of modern society. I could never sit around knowingly letting others suffer. It would only be a matter of time before we joined the fray anyway. You four are welcome here, but I do have a few small conditions. We can discuss those once you have settled. It will be nice to have someone with medical experience again. We have been without a physician since my good friend, Edward Davies passed.”
“I’m only a paramedic, but I will do what I can,” Devon said, relief washing over him. Being part of a pack and the added safety helped settle the unease that had filled him. “We will gladly pledge our allegiances to you and follow any rules you set.”
***
Lark finished lining the takeout box with cookies, donuts, and muffins. The morning rush had been extra brutal today. Thank goodness she always baked a little extra. It had been a long and grueling afternoon too. The day wouldn’t be over until she’d picked up her sister and delivered the little bit of leftovers to the Harris Ranch. Thankfully it would be one stop. Her sister was dating the youngest Harris boy and spent most evenings at their home.
After Lark and Sarah’s parents died in a tragic accident on New Year’s Eve three years ago, it had been up to Lark to take on the parental role of her younger sister, Sarah. It had always been her dream to own a bakery, and with the assistance of Rick Harris and her inheritance, it had become a reality. The Cookie Jar was her bakery.
Lark used the glass case as a makeshift mirror, tucking her unruly blonde locks back into a ponytail. Satisfied, she grabbed the three boxes of leftovers and walked to her car.
The ten-minute drive to the Harris ranch was short and peaceful. Listening to Lana Del Rey and enjoying the quiet night air made it the most relaxing ten minutes of the entire day.
Owning her business had its rewards and downfalls. She’d gone over this quarter’s profits last night with Rick, and felt comfortable enough to hire a few extra workers. Hopefully her days would be calmer soon.
She turned down the large gravel driveway with a sigh, perhaps one day she would be able to own an estate like this. It truly was spectacular. Acres of trees lined the property, and a large pond sat behind the main house. Horses roamed in the pasture to her right. She smiled as she saw one of her favorite mares. It had been a long time since she’d been out riding. There wouldn’t be time for that tonight.
Lark parked in front of the manor and got out. She grabbed the three boxes of leftovers and headed to the door. She stopped in her tracks as the door opened and an unfamiliar guy stepped out.
“Hi,” Lark said, biting her lower lip, taking in the man before her. He was beyond handsome with thick, sandy blonde hair, and the perfect amount of scruff adorning his set jaw. The way his shirt clung to his chest had her imagination roaming.
“Hey,” he said, after a long moment. His hazel eyes lingered on her face, causing her to squirm uneasily. Most guys gave her the onceover. Once they noticed her other assets their eyes never made it back to her face. But his eyes had yet to stray.
“Um, I’m looking for Rick, and my sister, Sarah? You must be new here?” She snapped out of her daze and offered her hand to him. “I’m Lark Davies.” As she held out her hand she wondered if they’d met before. He seemed familiar. Surely she would have remembered meeting him.
He looked at her hand for a moment before extending his hand to her. “Devon Harris,” he said, his eyes flicking up to meet hers.
Lark stifled a gasp as his warm hand took hers, and a volt of heat swept through her. Her heart beat rapidly, drumming in her ears.
“It’s nice to meet you. I own the bakery in town. Rick and my father were close friends. He’s done a lot for Sarah and I since my parents passed. I know how much you guys eat, which is why I bring all the leftovers here for you guys,” she rushed, even though he hadn’t asked. He had caught her off guard; this place had become a second home to her the past few years. She usually kept her nervous rambling tendencies unde
r wraps, but now she was blubbering like a fool in front of this stranger.
There was a dangerous aura about him, yet, instead of being threatening, it added intrigue. Something about him turned her on in a way she hadn’t ever been before.
Knowing what the Harris family was, it would be safe to assume Devon was a werewolf too. It would explain the way he carried himself. Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they’d met before. There was something about his eyes.
“Rick’s inside,” Devon said, taking a step forward. The bright white of the porch light illuminated him better as he stood under it. His eyes met hers. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans, shifting on his feet. The heat of his gaze seared her to the core.
“Right, well, it was nice to meet you.” She chewed on her lower lip, and forced even breaths in. Why did he have such an effect on her? Why did she have the feeling they’d met before?
“Have a good night,” Devon said, stepping off the porch and walking toward the horse barn.
Blinking, she forced her feet to move forward towards the house, while chastising herself for acting like a silly schoolgirl.
The last thing she needed was a relationship. With a business and a little sister to care for, there was already enough on her plate. Willing herself not to look back, Lark strode to the front door and let herself in.
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About the Author
Bethany Shaw lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Writing has always been her passion and she loves sharing her stories with readers. When she isn't writing, she is spending time with her family enjoying bike rides, bowling, and board games.
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Also by Bethany Shaw
A Hunted Novel
Purr-fect Match
Sanctuary
Off Limits
A Times Journey Novel
Vanished
Lost
Homecoming
Rainier Pack
Shimmers in the Dark
Wayward Wolves
In the Arms of an Enemy
On the Run
Bitten
Midnight Run
Healing Christmas
Werewolf Wars
Out of the Shadows
Into the Unknown
Finding Our Way
Lost and Found
Forbidden Hope
The Werewolf Wars Complete Series
Standalone
The Best Mistake
Rescued by the Bear
Watch for more at Bethany Shaw’s site.