by Tl Reeve
“She won’t on one condition.”
“What’s the condition,” Lily asked.
“I let her help me.”
“Shit.” Graham grabbed a mug then poured himself a cup of coffee. “So, what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to let her help. She’s taking Fawn to town for me tomorrow,” Kalum said. “Which is why I also need to talk to both of you. I need your help executing the next step in my plan.”
“Okay,” Graham answered. “What do you need?”
“Follow me,” he said, waving them to his office. “So, I thought a lot about this.” He sat down then opened his laptop. The Pinterest page he’d been looking at popped up, as well as the page of decorations. “This.”
“You want to do that?” Graham grabbed the computer and scrolled through it. “All of it?”
“Yes.”
“It’ll be beautiful,” Lily said, laying her hand on Kalum’s arm. “She’s going to love it.”
Chapter Five
“Are you going to tell me why we’re going to Rapid City, Tinks?” Fawn glanced over at her friend. After three days of snow, the clouds had parted, giving them a glimpse of the sun. Not that it mattered. By tonight, another system would arrive, bringing several more inches to the area.
“I told you; today is all about being girlie.” Her friend winked as she maneuvered her truck down the highway.
“To Rapid City, though? We could get stuck.” The sun glinted off the snow, making it twinkle in the sunlight. “Girlie days should be relegated to spring and summer.”
“We both know it can snow here at any time during the year,” Tinks said. “Whether it’s today or tomorrow or three months from now, it doesn’t mean we should be cooped up. Don’t you feel cooped up?”
“You’re weird,” Fawn replied then laughed. “I’d be lying though if I didn’t say yes. This week has been kooky, to say the least.”
“Tell me about it,” Tinks mumbled.
“What did you say?”
“I said, why don’t you tell me about it?” she answered. “Have you gotten any more presents?” Her best friend glanced over at her.
“Yeah, I did actually,” she said with a nod then turned slightly in her seat. “I got a jar of hot chocolate and a spa basket.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, everything in the basket is honeysuckle. It smells so good, too.” Fawn grinned.
“Wow, there’s something you don’t see every day.”
“What?” she asked, glancing out the windshield then the passenger window. “What did I miss?”
“Your eyes twinkled,” Tinks answered. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen any life in your gaze. You’re falling for your anonymous suitor, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t call it, falling for him, but I am open to knowing who he is.” She shrugged. “His little notes are inspirational.”
Tinks motioned for her to continue. “What did it say?”
“This last one?”
Tinks nodded.
“It said something like, It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings,” she said. “Then it asked if I was ready.”
“I love it, but what if it’s a woman?”
Fawn laughed. “I think I’d say the same thing. However, I don’t think it is.”
“Interesting.” Tinks took the exit for the outlet mall in Rapid City and came to a stop at the light. “So, are you going to the Winter Solstice festivities? I heard there is supposed to be a Christmas tree. Gee’s going to tell campfire stories. There’s a run, too.”
“I don’t know. It sounds like fun, but....” The idea did appeal to her. It had been a while since she actually got out and did anything worthwhile. The idea of being rejected also made her hesitant. Grab your dream with both hands. A spark of resolve filled her. “You know, maybe I’d like to go after all.”
“Atta girl,” Tinks said. “Luc and Ero will be there; maybe we can hang out with them.”
She liked the tracker and his brother. When they came home after being gone for so long, they’d changed, hardened. Although she did see a glimpse of their old selves every so often. “Maybe,” she hedged.
“I wonder if Lily will be there.” The light changed and her friend headed into the mall parking lot. “We could stick together and form the single-wolves group.”
“Girls only?” Fawn grinned.
“Something like that.” Tinks nodded. “We could fend off all the unwanted attention and watch each other’s backs.”
“What about the single guys who are like us? Would we let them in, too?”
“Sure. We’ll call ourselves the She-man man haters club or something.” Her friend giggled.
“Drew would have our hides.” Fawn snickered as she got out of the truck. “He’d remind us we’re turning over a new leaf in the pack and forgiveness is the first step to healing. Or something along those lines.”
“He’d be right, too,” Tinks said, linking her arm through Fawn’s. “Have you forgiven yourself yet?”
Fawn gasped. “What do I have to forgive myself for?”
“For not being strong enough or courageous or whatever you blame yourself for.”
“I don’t feel responsible for what happened to me.” Mostly. Of course, in the very beginning she had blamed herself. It’s normal. It’s healthy. Everyone was guilty for what happened to her in the beginning. However, she hated herself the most. She called herself weak. Stupid. Ignorant. She should have tried to find Kru. She should have escaped and never come back.
“Sure you don’t,” Tinks admonished while stepping into the boutique. “If you didn’t feel some kind of guilt about it, you’d be out and about in town.”
“What if I’m too busy?” Fawn asked. “You know my job doesn’t have normal hours.”
“Because you don’t want them that way.”
“I think I want to go home,” Fawn mumbled. “All this self-analysis is making my head hurt.”
“Don’t be silly,” Tinks said, waving her off. “We’re here to make sure we have everything we need for the festivities.”
“Like what?”
“Clothes! The perfect outfit makes the whole night perfect.” Tinks tugged her toward the women’s department. “The first thing we should find is lingerie. We’re going to knock all of those Wolves dead.”
“Why? It’s not like they’re going to be seeing my lingerie.” Tinks gave her a look then rolled her eyes. “What? It’s true. I can shift with or without removing my clothes.”
“Jeez. Killjoy much?”
“No?” she replied. “At least I don’t think so. I’m trying to be practical.”
“I’m trying to make you sexy for your coming out,” Tinks said. “Go with it, Fawn. For once in your life, live a little. Throw caution to the wind and embrace your dream.”
“What if my dream is a foot-long sundae with extra chocolate and whipped cream?” She eyed the undergarments suspiciously. “Or a farm where puppies run free and give kisses when they swarm you.”
Tinks gave her a droll stare. “Don’t even try it.”
She shrugged. “I’m just saying.” She stepped away from the silky bits of material and moved on to the lace. She couldn’t help but wonder what Kalum liked. Stop it. You don’t care, remember? You’re working on yourself. Today’s treat is waiting for you. Today, she’d promised to make herself a devil’s food cake with chocolate pudding filling and whipped-cream frosting. “So who are you hoping to see at the festivities?” Fawn tried to take the focus off herself.
“I’m not sure.” Her friend shrugged then pushed a couple of hangers out of the way. “I believe if I’m meant to find my mate, the goddess will show me.”
“Well you keep the goddess away from me. I don’t need a mate.”
“Fawn, everyone needs a mate. It’ll happen when it’s supposed to. Never before you’re ready though. I do know that for su
re.” She winked at Fawn.
“Oh, I feel so much better now,” she snorted.
“You should.” Tinks pulled a purple nightie off the rack. “What do you think?”
“No way.”
“Too flashy?” Her friend made a face that made Fawn laugh even more. After returning the garment to its rack, they continued on. “Well if you ask me, you need to find something flashy to wear. Something that says, ‘Here I am, now bone me.’”
“I say, I stick with something practical. Something like, ‘I decided to step out of my house tonight. Be grateful I wore pants.’”
“Easy access.” Tinks nodded. “I like where you’re going with this.”
“Oh my God. Would you stop already. I am not going to this festival to grab anyone’s attention. I’m going because it’s a pack thing, and I’m part of it.” Whether my membership is a good thing or not, I’m not so sure anymore.
“Okay, fine. We’ll get you granny panties and a muumuu.” She laughed.
“Great. At least no one will know it’s me.” Fawn rolled her eyes.
“You’ll be the hit. Everyone will be talking about the Wolf wearing a muumuu.”
“Right, so I guess I don’t need anything to wear.” She stepped away out of the women’s department, only to be stopped by Tinks.
“Wrong. You’re not getting out of this so easily, Fawn. This is my treat so you’ll get prettied up and knock Kalum’s socks off.” Tinks huffed. “If you fight me, I will tie you to a chair somewhere and buy your clothes myself.”
“Wow, when did you get to be so pushy?” Fawn asked, arching a brow. “Better yet, who said I want to impress Kalum. Maybe I want to impress Luc or Ero?”
“You’re lying.”
“Says who?”
“Me. You have a tell. Your eye twitches when you lie.” She pointed to Fawn’s left eye. “Lie again and I’ll show you in a mirror.”
“Whatever,” she said, stepping around her friend. “For all you know, I’m tired and the twitch is from staring at numbers all day.”
“Sure,” Tinks agreed. “We’ll go with staring at numbers all day.”
“Are you patronizing me?”
“No, never. Why would I do that?” Her friend batted her lashes. “So, have you decided what you’re wearing?”
“It’s not formal or anything, so why should I worry about it?” Fawn searched through a rack of sweaters, trying to find the perfect one to wear. She wanted something soft yet supple. She had no desire to stand out in a crowd, but if she could look pretty, it’d go a long way with her progress of reintegration.
“Duh, you’re impressing men tomorrow night. Remember?” Tinks grabbed a hanger from the rack where she stood and showed it to Fawn. “What about this?”
Fawn sucked in a breath. Perfect. The crimson cowl-neck mid-length sweater dress gave the impression of sex appeal but also comfortable flexibility. “It’s beautiful.” She spun in a small circle and glanced back at the lingerie. “I need leggings and a pair of boots.” She allowed the bit of excitement crawling through her veins to shoot through her and giggled.
“Now you’re getting into the swing of things.” Tinks laughed. “I know the perfect place to get boots. Let’s go.” She took Fawn’s hand and pulled her through the store. “When I’m done with you, you’re going to knock all the boys’ socks off.”
***
“Ow. Son of a bitch!” Graham hollered from his perch on the ladder. “Are you sure all these lights need to be hung the hell up?”
Kalum appeared under him. “Baby. Stop fucking around and get those tacks placed, we’ve got an hour at most to finish this up and get you two gone.” He placed the last paper lantern near the back door while his sister hung another small jar with a candle inside from the low-hanging branch of the tree. It gave the area a mystical quality. Or so Lily claimed.
“You’re a fucking task master,” his brother grumbled while hammering another nail. “There, done. Hand me the rest of the strand of lights.”
Kalum passed him the last few inches of the strand then took a step back and surveyed his handiwork. Ornaments were hung in strategic places while the lights would give the area a soft glow and glint off the snow. A winter fairy tale. He smiled. She’d never be able to tell him no now. “Looks like we’re ready to light everything.” He threw a lighter at his brother, who climbed off the ladder, and one to his sister who’d put the finishing touches on the small decorations she’d made late the night before. “When everything is done, beat it.”
“Damn.” Graham snorted. “Nothing like being dismissed.”
“It’s for a good reason,” Lily said. “Not like you wanted to stick around for the sappy mate shit anyway.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But, I also don’t want this asshole taking credit for everything.” That made Kalum laugh. “You were going to, weren’t you?”
“Nope. I find it extremely funny you’re only worried about me taking credit for your work.” Kalum shook his head. “So, have you decided who you’ll run with if this backfires?”
“No,” Lily answered first. “I’ll probably stick close to both of you.”
“I haven’t said I’d go on the run. I said I’d go with you to these festivities. Anything else is a ‘see what happens.’” Graham turned away from his siblings. “I don’t understand why this has to be a big deal.”
Kalum sighed. He already explained this. Already told his brother and sister why this was important to him and to the pack. If Graham didn’t want to be there, then he might as well stay away. “I’m not going to force you to come or to run. I will ask you to do it for me, if nothing else.”
“Fine, for you.” Graham began lighting the candles inside the paper lanterns.
Lily followed suit while Kalum plugged the strands into the power strip artfully concealed behind one of the trees. By the time they finished, he had about fifteen minutes to get into position and be ready for when Fawn arrived. “Thank you, little sis,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. “I appreciate the help.” Graham was already sitting in his truck, waiting for their sister to join him. “Don’t let him wallow too long.”
“I won’t.” She grinned. “You know it’s too bad Elle isn’t around anymore. I’m sure she’d pick him right up.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Elle had been a little stray Wolf who’d taken to Graham like a fish to water. They had been inseparable. The little girl had looked at their brother like Lily looked at Chris and Mom looked at Dad. “I’ve not seen hide nor hair of her since we’ve come home.”
“I hope nothing’s happened to her. I bet Graham would hate himself if something has.” Lily kissed Kalum’s cheek. “Fawn’s going to love it, big brother. There’s no way she will say no.”
“I hope you are right. Go on, watch over him. Make sure our brother doesn’t do something stupid tonight.”
“Unlike every other night?” she teased.
“Brat.” He tugged on a lock of her curly hair.
Lily waved one last time before Graham pulled away. Taking his position behind the tree, Kalum heard the rumble of an engine approaching the house and slipped into the shadows of the tree line to watch. Showtime. It’s now or never. He held tight to the card in his hand, waiting for Fawn to step out of the truck.
“What is going on?” she asked. “Did you do this? Plan this?”
“No,” Tinks answered. “How could I have known anything about this? I was with you all day.”
“Wouldn’t have stopped you.”
Her eyes were wide, her mouth opened slightly. The lights twinkled around them, giving the area an ethereal appearance. She touched everything from the paper lanterns to the ornamental lights, the small wooden ornaments his sister made the night before to the strands of lights strung from tree to tree. Yes, he could safely say he’d done the right thing. The look on her face was thanks enough and the best gift he’d ever received.
As she drew near,
the snow began to fall again. At first it was small flakes gliding to the ground but soon they grew, becoming large, fat slivers falling faster to the ground. “Oh I’ve got to hear this one.”
Their voice grew closer and Kalum stepped out of the shadows. “Good evening, Fawn.”
Chapter Six
Kalum nodded in Tinks’s direction as a silent thank you for helping him. He’d felt caught and between a rock and a hard place when Tinks found him outside Fawn’s house. Now, he was plain grateful. It had taken almost all day to get everything put together to give Fawn’s house a winter wonderland feel. It had been worth it to see the look on her face the minute he stepped out of the tree line. Surprise and wonderment filled her features, and he knew he’d done the right thing. She blinked up at him a few times then stepped forward, only to stop mid-step. “Kalum?” The light haloed around her, giving her an angelic glow.
“Yes,” he said, closing the distance between them. The roar of an engine pulling away let him know Tinks had left them to their own devices. He pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled down at her. She was his mate. His one and only, and he’d meant it when he’d said he’d prove it to her.
“You did all this? The whole week?” Awe filled her tone.
“I did.” He lifted his hand holding the card. “This is for you.” He’d made her another card. This time, however, it didn’t have any fancy sayings in it. It was simple and to the point.
She hesitated momentarily, nibbling on her bottom lip as he patiently waited for her to take it from him. “Why?”
“Why not?” he replied. “Open it.”
Fawn narrowed her eyes but took the envelope out of his grasp. He waited as she opened it. There were only two words on the parchment. Say yes. “To what?” she whispered as she glanced up at him.
“To going to the Winter Solstice festivities. Be my date.” Be my mate.
“I-I don’t know. W-what if someone…you see it’s not…I don’t.” She blew out a breath of frustration. “There are things—”
“Say yes,” he crooned, laying his hand on her hip. She shuddered under his touch and the barest hint of her arousal wrapped around him. “Come with me and let me prove I am the one who is meant to care for you and protect you.”