Legacy Awakened

by Tamar Sloan

  Except there are only two people standing in the broad room, and they’re both female.

  The younger one leans toward the older one. “Yep, that’s her. Looks just like the photos.”

  The older woman flaps her hands to shush her before striding forward. “Welcome, Ava. I’m Lauren Rendell. I’m sorry our Alpha couldn’t be here to meet you. He had…responsibilities that couldn’t be rescheduled.”

  I don’t let disappointment take root. I was being overly optimistic thinking he’d be here. He probably doesn’t even know I’m arriving. “Thank you for meeting me. This is my cousin, Joshua Channon.”

  There’s shaking of hands and I take in the two women. Dark haired and dark eyed, the older woman is smiling, but lines of tiredness frame her eyes and mouth. The younger girl looks about our age. Her pixie cut nearly-black hair frames a set of gorgeous amber eyes.

  They remind me of him…

  “This is my daughter, Riley,” Lauren smiles. “We’re honored to welcome you to Evelyn Island.”

  I smile right back. “It’s a privilege to be here.”

  “Now,” Lauren puts her hands on her hips. “I’ll go track down your luggage. They should have unloaded it by now.”

  “Oh, I can do—” But Lauren is already striding away, a woman on a mission.

  “You’re probably used to more of a welcoming committee.” Riley’s jammed her hands into her back pockets. It’s hard to tell if those words are an apology or a challenge.

  I open my mouth to say that I’ve never had a welcoming committee, but Josh steps forward. “I thought the whole town was here to greet us.”

  What? I spin to look at him—since when was he blatantly rude? He glances at me, a frown scrunching up his dark features, and I realize what just happened. I’ve traded my protective parents for a protective cousin. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mom and Dad had a word with him, asking him to look out for me.

  Riley’s hip juts out to the side as her chin tilts up. “Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it…they had to get on with their life.”

  I splutter as a laugh escapes my lips. Riley may have triggered Josh’s protective streak, but it looks like I might need to protect him from this girl’s sharp tongue. Josh’s mouth opens to reply and I’m about to jump in and referee when Lauren returns, pushing a trolley with our bags.

  “Got them. Let’s head to the car.”

  Wiping the scowl from his face, Josh insists on pushing the trolley. As we follow Lauren and Riley to the parking lot, I nudge him with my elbow. We can’t talk about what just happened, Were hearing is far too sensitive, but I don’t need to. We grew up together. He knows I’m going to give him grief about this for many moons to come.

  Outside, it feels like the mercury has dropped another couple of degrees, but when I see a tall, broad-shouldered guy climbing from the truck at the front, I almost forget to breathe. I’d walk through a snowstorm if that’s who I hope it is.

  Beanie covering half his head, the young man walks straight up to me and puts his hand out. “Hey, Ava. Great to meet you.”

  Hiding the disappointment is hard, but it’s not this guy’s fault he’s not him, so I yank up a smile. “You too.”

  The guy scratches at the grey wool on his head. “The name’s KJ. Welcome to Evelyn Island.”

  I like him instantly, and it doesn’t surprise me that the shimmering thread that links us is stronger and brighter than when I usually first meet someone. Maybe it’s because he’s a Were, but it doesn’t really matter. I know I’ve found a friend.

  Joshua has already unloaded the bags into the back of the truck, so KJ opens the rear door, a broad smile on his good-looking face. “Kept the car warm for you.”

  Feeling kind of spoilt and hoping this isn’t the way I’ll be treated the whole time I’m here, I smile back. “You rock.”

  Lauren climbs in the front as KJ climbs into the driver’s seat. That leaves Joshua, Riley, and me to sit in the back. Josh climbs in, obviously deciding he’s going to be in the middle. Riley and I take the two window seats.

  The interior of the truck is quite spacious but put one Were male in the back and it instantly shrinks. I don’t mind being pressed against Josh’s side, he’s practically like a brother to me, but I realize Riley would have to be experiencing the same on the other side.

  I glance over to find them both staring straight ahead and have to suck in my smile. These two are going to be interesting.

  Settling back, I take in the scenery moving past. Houses line the bay, parallel to the rocky beach. They stretch back in hodgepodge lines, a delightful mix of red and blue roofs. Surrounding everything is the arid, brown soil. I begin to wonder how many Weres live on Evelyn Island, and whether it’s going to be as easy to find my wolf as I’d hoped.

  Time to make some conversation. “There’s something beautiful about the isolation out here. How many of us are there?”

  KJ glances at me through the rear vision mirror. “We’re a small but tight bunch.”

  Lauren turns in her seat. “Our Alpha will take you for a tour when he’s back.”

  The Alpha. He’s probably a good person to learn about the members of the pack. “I’m looking forward to meeting him. Will he be away long?”

  “I’m hoping he’ll be home when we get there.”

  There’s a quiet snort from Riley. “Don’t bet on it,” she mutters.

  Lauren glares at her daughter before turning back to me. “He’s been out on patrol.” She beams a bright smile. “Protecting the arctic wolf population is our first priority.”

  Josh is looking out my window. “How often is your husband out on patrol?”

  So, Josh noticed that Lauren stated the Alpha lives at their home. It makes sense that the Alpha mate would be here to greet us considering he wasn’t able to himself.

  Riley turns to Josh, her amber eyes flashing. “Our dad is dead.”

  My eyes widen. It was an innocent enough question, but Riley just made it look like Josh jammed his foot in his mouth. Crimson creeps up his neck.

  KJ takes a moment to throw a glare over his shoulder. “A fair enough assumption, really. Declan was shot by poachers a couple of years back. Hunter, his son, has been Alpha ever since.”

  Lauren has turned back to the front, staring straight ahead. “A responsibility he shoulders very seriously.”

  KJ reaches out to squeeze Lauren’s hand. “He’s not alone. He has a wonderful family to support him.”

  “I’m so sorry.” I glance at both Lauren and Riley. “It sounds like you’ve made your father and husband proud.”

  Riley crosses her arms as she looks out the window. “Rendell means ‘wolf protector’. Hunter has always done what needs to be done.”

  Glancing at Josh, I wonder if he recognizes the same protectiveness that Riley’s earlier comment sparked in him. She’s obviously just as protective of her older brother. But Josh is staring straight ahead, practically pretending Riley isn’t there.

  Apparently not.

  Hunter would have to be a few years older than us to have shouldered the responsibility of Alpha two years ago. He’s obviously garnered the respect of those around him. “He sounds like someone I’m looking forward to meeting.”

  And like someone who would know who my wolf is.

  The houses thin the further we drive away from the bay. It doesn’t surprise me that the Rendells live on the outskirts. Most Weres do as it provides some measure of privacy.

  The Rendell house is a simple, weathered building with a red roof. There are no other cars in the driveway as we pull in, but I try not to take it as a bad sign. It seems that hard evidence doesn’t matter anyway, because anticipation bubbles up again. The Alpha is surely going to have the information I need.

  I can feel it. We’re coming closer together.

  Inside, the house is as simple as the outside. The front door opens into a lounge room, with a TV and worn, comfortable sofa. The house is noticeably quiet and I look at t
he Weres around me. They’ll hear or scent if there’s anyone in the house.

  Riley narrows her eyes. “He’d better be home…” She heads off down the hallway.

  Lauren makes a show of smiling, probably already realizing that Riley is going to come back empty handed. “I suppose this gives you guys time to unpack and settle in.”

  Another wave of disappointment hits me, and I have to wait for it to pass. I know I’m being impatient, but it seems my heart won’t listen to reason.

  Riley comes back, holding out her arms to show she’s empty handed.

  Lauren shakes her head. “I told him we’d be back at around this time.”

  Riley is nibbling on her nail. “I hope he didn’t go too far out.”

  KJ pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. “I’ll see if I can get hold of him.” Something in his voice says he’s not hopeful he’ll be successful.

  It’s then that I remember this family has already lost one Alpha to a poacher. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  That seems to bring a smile to KJ’s face. “Nah. Hunter likes to think he’s a lone wolf, but family is what recharges him. He’ll be back soon enough.”

  With that cryptic remark, KJ heads out the door.

  I look to Josh, who shrugs. Turning to our hosts, he grins. “Unpacking sounds like a great idea.”

  Lauren relaxes. “Wonderful. I’ll get us a warm drink. Riley, can you show these two their rooms?”

  Riley goes to grab my suitcase, but I beat her to it. “No need,” I smile. “Lead the way.”

  With a shrug, Riley turns and heads down the hall again. Glancing over my shoulder, I notice exactly where Josh’s eyes have strayed. It seems my cousin is intrigued by the sway in this girl’s hips. They certainly have a feminine sashay that holds just a hint of attitude.

  Following, I curb my smile. These two are definitely going to be interesting.

  My room consists of a double bed, a bureau and a wardrobe. A dark blue comforter is spread over the bed. There’s something about this room that has me breathing in deeply. I’m feeling closer to him by the minute.

  Flopping back on the bed I throw my arms out wide.

  I’m here.

  Now, it’s only a matter of time.

  And judging by how I’m feeling, time will only let the anticipation build.

  Hunter

  24 MONTHS BEFORE

  Heading out the following night, my muscles are wound tighter than they usually are. I accelerate the Ski-Doo, letting the wind slap at my face. It’s because Sakari is close to giving birth.

  It’s because you want to know if you’ll see her again…

  By now I’ve convinced myself I had some sort of brain-snap, probably brought on by lack of sleep. Or it was some sort of weird sleep-walking incident…probably brought on by lack of sleep. But all the rationalizing doesn’t stop my brain from reliving those minutes when she was with me. They were the most amazing moments, moments when I felt alive and vibrant and free.

  I shake my head. Alphas don’t feel free. They live up to their responsibilities. And for me, that’s making sure our arctic wolves are around for longer than this season of The Bachelor.

  As I near the area where Sakari has built her den, I cut the engine.

  I consider shifting, only to glance over my shoulder. We thought there’d been no poachers around the last time I was out with Dad…Taking off my jacket, I hang it over the handlebars. Not having to wear all the layers that humans need will have to be as close as I can be to acknowledging I’m Were. Besides, the walk will do me good. Unloading the dead weight from the quad, I head in their direction.

  As I drag my gift, I scan the horizon. Behind me, it seems to stretch as wide and flat as an ocean. The horizontal line where harsh earth meets muted sky is unbroken. In front it rises to the craggy, irregular hills and mountains. The furthest and highest peaks hold the snow that will be back before you’re ready.

  Next, I keep an eye out for where I can set up the camera for KJ. It needs to be close, but not too close. One of the others was knocked over and smashed when Zephyr decided he needed to remind one of the wolves who was Alpha. We can’t afford to replace them too often on our limited budget.

  As the base of the hill comes into view, I see the wolves go on high alert. Zephyr is instantly at the forefront, ears erect, eyes zeroed in on me. I stop and take a few steps back. Now isn’t the time to get them all agitated.

  Lifting the head of the roadkill I picked up, an unlucky caribou, I show Zephyr what I’ve brought. Dropping it, I walk to the left, moving away, but maintaining the distance between myself and the den. Once several yards are between me and the road kill, Zephyr starts to walk down, his head constantly alternating between me and his meal. I put my hands up to show they’re empty. Zephyr has lost family to humans just like I have.

  Once he’s there, it only takes one sniff for him to dive in. Once Sakari gives birth, it will be his and the pack’s job to supply her with meat. At least now he won’t have to leave her unprotected to do that.

  The other wolves follow closely behind and the growls and grumbles as everyone ensures the pecking order is maintained fills the air. In no time their jaws, far more powerful than those of a domesticated dog, have begun tearing open the carcass. I use the opportunity to get closer, eyes darting to the feeding wolves with each step. Judging the distance is tricky. The closer it is, the better we see what these guys are up to. The closer I get, the more I risk pissing these guys off. Too close, and we lose another camera.

  Hammering in the stake that will secure it is the most dangerous bit. It’s noisy, and right now, this pack is protecting their pregnant alpha mate. But I can’t be here twenty-four-seven, so we need this camera. The key is to put as much power behind each hit so the stake goes in with as few strikes as possible. Easier said than done when the soil around here is a token sprinkling from Mother Earth. Just beneath that shallow brown icing is solid rock.

  Zephyr looks up a split second after the first clang. I pause, waiting to see what he’s going to do. He’s never attacked me, and normally I wouldn’t think it was a possibility. I’ve spent a lot of time on the fringes of this pack in human form. But his mate is pregnant. And I’m making a lot of noise. Noises—sharp, loud noises—aren’t a good thing in Zephyr’s world.

  He stands beside the carcass, white body tense.

  You don’t want to come over here, friend.

  I slam the hammer down again and the stake buries another inch. I want this over and done with. Zephyr takes a step away from his dinner.

  Stay where you are.

  If Zephyr decides to get his angry pants on it won’t be me that loses the fight. One more hit and I decide that will have to do. These animals don’t need their world upset any more than it already is.

  Strapping on the camera, I connect all the parts just like KJ showed me, and then angle it toward the outcropping. A quick press of the little green button and I’m walking away, creating distance between me and the den. With each step Zephyr appears to relax and I breathe a little easier. Mission accomplished.

  As I walk away I realize I haven’t got a look at Sakari. Has she given birth yet? I hope KJ has the link up and running. It won’t be long and he could be zooming in and seeing what I can’t.

  I also realize she hasn’t appeared…

  I sit on the hard earth, feeling disappointment pulling me down as I tell myself I’m being stupid. Sure, if she were to appear again then last time wasn’t a figment of my lonely, tired brain. But if she were to appear, then I’d have to figure out what it all means. I have some soulmate who only exits in some weird-ass dimension? I’m crazy either way.

  Darkness folds around me as the wolves finish their meal. I watch as Zephyr drags a bloody chunk over to the den. I sure would love to see how Sakari is going…

  Glancing around, I confirm I’m alone as I always am. If I shift, I can get closer. I can make sure everything is okay. Poachers are even less likely t
o come out this late.

  Before I can think twice, I shift, breathing in the air that, all of a sudden, holds so much more. I can smell the dry earth, what’s left of the carcass, and something else. There’s the scent of a different kind of blood—more canine infused, more earthy…

  Holy crap, Sakari has given birth!

  I’m loping towards the den when she appears, almost like my being a wolf is golden wolf’s green light to appear. I stop, and I wish it was surprise that robs me of speed, but it feels a lot more like delight.

  This time we walk toward each other, like a thread reeling us in, until we’re face to face. Just like before, she’s shades of gossamer and glory. I couldn’t dream up something so beautiful if I tried. Her wintergreen eyes hold mine, and I haven’t known her long enough to be able to read them, but they hold something I’m looking forward to deciphering.

  I open my mouth to talk, then remember I’m in wolf form. Looks like we’re going to be getting to know each other in this wordless night-world. I step in closer and her eyes light up with delight.

  There’s nothing I’m looking forward to more.

  I angle my head at the rocky outcropping and take a step forward. She’s at my side in a breath. Why does it feel like this one will follow me anywhere?

  We walk towards the den and my heart starts hammering. Sakari holds the future of arctic wolves in her rocky little hollow. And I get to show my golden wolf.

  Zephyr moves forward as we approach, white ears erect, canine eyes sharp in the dark. Disappointment stabs me in the chest for the second time tonight. There’s no way this protective alpha is going to let me near his pups. And as annoying as that is, I respect him for it.

  Except it doesn’t stop my golden wolf. She walks another few steps forward, gentle eyes holding Zephyr’s. She waits there, not backing down, but also not crowding him. She’s asking him for permission in a, gentle, respectful way.