Winter Fairy Tale

by Tl Reeve

  “Your mom came to Bobbi and me three weeks before she was due to give birth to your brother. My sister gave her evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea. Bobbi told her how to use it and she would know when the time was right.”

  The plan had been to run once his mother had the baby; hence why his dad had been hiding stuff and subsequently met the humans who would later return.

  “She arrived the day before Magnum had them snatched. The labor went quick and your brother was born.” She frowned. “The lie we told to protect Jordan from snooping wolves at the time seemed simple enough. We found him. A squalling bundle of little boy, with no parents. The truth? Your mom said she had a bad feeling. Like someone knew what they were doing and whoever watched your family went running to Magnum with it. She told Bobbi and me to keep him until she returned.”

  But she never had. He knew why. Both his parents were dead, he’d been left for dead, and if not for Henry and Fern, he wouldn’t be there today. “I didn’t see them again until….” He choked on the words. “They were already tied up.”

  Kizzy wrapped her arms around him, holding him. He wanted to howl in outrage at what had happened to him and to Jordan. He looked to his little brother, who sat staring back at him, not saying a word.

  No more anger. Instead, he allowed himself the chance to grieve. He held out his hand to the boy then gathered him in his arms.

  “Your mom named him. Jordan Riley Blackcrow.”

  She’d given him his father’s name. “It’s a good strong name.” He didn’t know how all of this would work out, and right now, he didn’t want to spoil this perfect gift on the one night they were supposed to be having fun. All he cared about was having his brother. The final piece to a new amazing family.

  “Bobbi is packing his things, and we can—”

  “No.” He shook his head. “You’ve raised him.” He looked to his mate, who nodded. “If you’d like, we could work out Jordan staying with us whenever he wants. Okay?”

  The kid didn’t say anything. For a second, he thought maybe Jordan wouldn’t want to be near him at all. “Whenever I want?”

  “Yes. Whenever you want.” He’d have to change the second bedroom up and maybe talk to Ross about adding on. Shit, he was getting ahead of himself. Right now, he had to take it a day at a time.

  “Then I want to stay with you tomorrow.”

  “Cool, we can watch movies and eat popcorn and get to know each other.” Kizzy jumped right in. In the beginning, he might not have been sure about what he’d do with her, but, now, he’d never be able to live without her.

  “Awesome.” He hugged Sayer tight then did the same with Kizzy. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  And, just like that, they were a family.

  “Two boys lived with their grandmother in a wigwam.” Gee’s voice cut through the chatter of the different conversations surrounding them, silencing them. Tinks and Jordan sat close while the old bear continued. “One day the boys went hunting and while they were gone, a stranger came then waited for their return. By the sunset, they returned with a large buck. The grandmother invited him to stay for dinner, and he accepted.”

  He had to admit, he enjoyed Gee’s stories. Never long, but full of meaning. He could sit for hours and listen to the man speak. He had a way about him, a natural-born storyteller, along with the ability and the uncanny knack of remembering every little detail of what pack members were like as children and adults. Later, while they drank his favorite hot chocolate, the kind their mother always made for him, he’d ask Gee to tell Jordan about their parents.

  “Now, after they ate, the man asked if he could stay for the winter. The grandmother agreed, and since he was a shaman, he would help the boys hunt. The man’s name was Winter Snow. When spring came, the man departed, with many thanks for her hospitality, taking with him her two grandsons who’d been turned into winter’s snow.”

  “Whoa,” Kizzy whispered.

  He grinned. “Gee tells amazing stories. Once we’re done with the run, he’ll tell more while we eat.”

  “Seriously?”

  “We’re here to party.”

  The last of the ornaments were hung, and a hush fell over the gathered wolves as all eyes turned to their alpha. A ripple of excitement filled the air. “My pack. My friends. Welcome to our annual celebration of the Solstice. The nights are long, the weather hard, and the moon rules the skies. This is our time. The wolf’s time. The hunter’s time. Run far and fast. Coat the land with our scent so any who dare to stray into our territory will know they face a united force, ready to protect all who call Los Lobos home.”

  Cheers erupted around them, several howling into the night. Sayer sang with them. After a few moments, Drew waved his hands for silence again. “Who wishes to join us? Who claims the right to call the Tao Pack their own?”

  Kizzy moved into the empty circle before Drew. Sayer’s breath stuttered. Did she know what she was doing, what it meant to stand before his pack and his alpha?

  “Can I join you?” She canted her head. “Is that possible? I won’t go furry or anything, but I’m kind of in the market for a new family. I like being here even if you’re a secret society of wolves and keep everything so hush-hush.” She made air quotes, and Drew chuckled. “My best friend and my mate are here, and there’s no place I would rather be. This is my home and you, if you’ll accept, are my family.”

  Pride filled him. She did understand.

  “And do you remember what I told you when we met?” Drew asked.

  She nodded. “I’m not leaving. I’ll help wherever I am needed, and your secret is my secret.”

  Sayer waited for the anxious knot of dread to fill him; it never materialized. This was his mate, standing before his alpha, pledging her loyalty. Fuck. He couldn’t explain the riot of emotions rushing through him. On one hand, he’d been content to stand back and allow her to shine in this moment. On the other, he wanted to consummate his mating with her, in front of everyone. His wolf growled in approval of the idea.

  “Give me your hand, then, Kizzy Rhapsody, and swear a blood oath to your alpha and pack.” Drew nicked her palm then his own with a small pocket knife, and they clasped hands. A shudder went through the pack bonds as they opened to accept the newest wolf into the Tao Pack.

  Kizzy gasped. Her free hand went to her chest as she glanced around the group gathered there. “Oh my.” A tremulous smile tugged at her lips. “I’ve never experienced anything like that before.” Amazement filled her soft voice. “It’s like every single one of you is right here.” She tapped the area over her heart. “And I’m right there with you.” She sucked in a breath. “Wow.”

  Drew let her hand go. “Welcome to the pack, Kizzy.”

  Sayer stepped forward, held out his hand to her. She readily came to him, and he caught her in midair as she launched herself at him. “I am so fucking proud of you.” He pulled her away from the crowd, not wanting to let her go while the others stepped forward to claim their spot within the pack. “You didn’t even cry when he cut your palm. God, Kizzy, the things you do to me. I want to strip you bare and claim you right here and now, in front of everyone. It’s all I can do to keep my control in check.”

  She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and stared up at him through her lashes. “I feel the same way. Like a spark of energy and excitement is flowing through me now. It’s weird, but a good weird. I like it.”

  “It’s us. It’s your family. Your pack, and you’ll always feel it. You’ll know we’re here for you.” He claimed her mouth in a searing kiss, unable to let her go without a taste. He stroked his tongue over hers, pouring as much emotion as he could into it, to show her how he felt. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” She cupped his cheek.

  He took her hand and led her to where he’d been standing with everyone. “It’s time to run.”

  “Now?” Shock registered on her face. “We’re going to do this now?”
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  “Yep. Ready to run, little brother?”

  “Can Jessie come with us?” Jordan looked to Sayer then to Tinks and Kizzy.

  “Only if her parents say it’s okay,” Tinks answered.

  The boy took off like a rocket to where Jessie stood with her family. His animated conversation made him chuckle. He remembered being Jordan’s age. His mom always telling him to slow down. Everything will be there when you arrive. Nothing will change in two minutes. Ah, Mom. He wished she could see her baby boy and meet Kizzy.

  When Jordan returned with the little girl in tow, they followed everyone toward the mouth of the trail. This would freak his little mate out, but not in a bad way. In fact, he knew she would get a kick out of it. He leaned in and kissed her. “Have fun tonight and when we get home….” He growled and nipped her bottom lip. “You’re all mine.”

  “I love it when you go all wolfie on me.” She smacked his ass.

  “I’ll show you wolfie later.” He pulled off his shirt. “For now, I want to chase you into the woods and make you mine all over again.”

  She shivered. “You’re insane.”

  “Shut up.” He bent his head and kissed her again. “Tell me you love me.”

  She laughed. “I love you, asshole.”

  “I love you, too, beautiful.”

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  A Wolf’s Deception by TL Reeve

  Chapter One

  “Ladies, it’s time.” Fern tapped her finger against the scarred wooden table situated near the bar in The Den. Today, they would pick a new set of victims…er, matches. She grinned to herself, quite chuffed at their impressive record. All those matches made. All those mates finally getting past the bullshit. About damn time, if you ask me.

  “Who’s on the docket for today?” Lonnie waved Paul over to them.

  Such a good boy. Her heart clenched. After the last alpha cut the boy’s tongue out, she’d worried about him. On more than one occasion, she’d wondered if he’d ever find his place within the pack. He spent so much of his life in silence and alone. Then, he met his mate, PG. It was like watching the boy be born again. He chatted in sign language nonstop now, and who was she to stop him?

  “I thought we would work on Jason,” Fern said. Since Claire’s son had come home, he’d been a little reluctant to get out and socialize. Cute as a button, he needed a firm hand, and she had the man for him.

  “That boy.” Claire tsked. “So shy. I have no idea where he gets it. Certainly not me or his father.”

  “Obviously,” Kathy piped up. “Didn’t we see you running through the woods last night?”

  Her friend blushed. “Joe had a wild hair.”

  “Your mate had a wild something,” Lonnie said. “Could hear him howling from our back porch.”

  They laughed.

  “Well….” Claire shrugged. “When you’ve got it. You’ve got it.”

  Another round of laughter ensued.

  When Paul stopped beside them, Fern ordered. “A beer and burger for each of us. We need brain fuel.”

  He gave a curt nod. Coming up.

  After he stepped away from them, Fern leaned in. “I have the man for Jason. I think he’ll piss kittens when he meets the guy, but they’ll be good for each other.”

  “Oh?” Her best friend’s brow rose. “Do tell.”

  “Hombre.” She’d only caught a glimpse of him a couple of times, working on a bike at the rundown shop near the edge of Hill City. Hombre had come to them after Gabby got herself in a good pickle. That boy would do anything to protect her, especially after she was kidnapped along with Fawn and Tinks. The man had a loyal streak a mile wide, and she had a feeling he’d fit right in. Though Gabby’s extended family lived off pack lands, they were gossiped about on a daily basis. Who wouldn’t talk about them? All were huge, burly men, covered in tattoos, and had surly dispositions to boot. Then there was Alicia. The beautician had worked wonders on Fern’s hair a time or two, of which Henry approved.

  “The big biker from Hill City?” Kathy sat forward, her hands clasped together.

  “Yes. Why not?”

  “He might chew Jason up and spit him out.” Skepticism filled her words as she sat back in her chair.

  “Well, that wouldn’t be so bad, would it?” She arched a brow. “He’s protective to a fault. Loyal. He’s got the qualities we’d look for in any of our matches.”

  When Paul returned with their meals, she paused the conversation so they could eat. She had no doubt Jason and Hombre would make a great pair. They just needed a chance…the right circumstances to bring them together.

  The bar door opened, a shaft of light glaring inside. Fern dragged her attention from her food to find Graham Truesdale striding toward them. She frowned.

  The last she’d heard, his little mate had passed away. “Poor thing.” She pitched her voice low to keep from drawing his attention. “Having his mate die so young.”

  Kathy nodded. “Such a tragedy.”

  He fist-bumped Paul when the man handed over a large paper bag. Graham had been on lunch duty for a couple of weeks now, getting Gabby and Fawn something to eat since both women were getting further along in their pregnancies. Seemed like every day, that boy was going from Los Lobos Café to Dottie’s, the diner, or The Den, grabbing something for either woman. She remembered being pregnant. Her cravings had been off the chart. The rawer and spicier, the better. She must have driven Henry crazy with the concoctions she hankered for.

  Bag in hand, he walked toward the door. He’ll have to go on the list, too.

  Claire shook her head and tsked. “I still can’t believe how much devesta—”

  “She’s not dead.” Gee’s deep voice resounded from behind the bar.

  “What?” Setting her burger down, she angled toward him. Everyone knew what happened. Had seen the aftermath of it. “What are you saying?”

  The bear shifter continued wiping down the bar top. “I said, she’s not dead.”

  Lonnie pushed away from the table. “Where is she? If I find out you’ve known all along, I’ll—”

  “Ask your nephew.” He gestured at Kathy with his rag. “He knows all about it.”

  Kathy narrowed her eyes. “Oh, he does, does he?”

  Fern struggled not to grin. With her friend on the warpath, the pack enforcer didn’t stand a chance. And Ryker has no clue his aunt’s coming for him. This is going to be good.

  After dabbing the corners of her mouth, Kathy tossed her napkin next to her plate, her barely contained fury palpable. Fern set her napkin down, too. Batten down the hatches. We’re at DEFCON three.

  “Ladies,” Kathy said in a clipped tone, “I believe a field trip is in order. Gee, keep our lunch warm.”

  He grunted. “He’s at the house with Saja. I don’t think he’ll want to be interrupted.”

  “What you think and what he’s going to explain are two different things.” She smacked her palm against the table and rose from her seat. “How dare he keep this important piece of information from us.”

  Fern and the other two pack matrons followed suit. DEFCON two, ladies.

  The bear sighed.

  Kathy, along with the other matrons, stormed Ryker’s house. Saja’s giggles and the thick scent of their mating hung in the air. She was happy for them. A new pup with enforcer genes, and more than likely a dominant streak a mile wide, warmed her heart. But when will the boy learn he has a duty to this pack? If he’s going to help someone get away from a brutal alpha, bringing them home is paramount. Angry at the si
tuation, she was of a mind to snatch him by his ear and bring him all the way to the Truesdale homestead to explain what happened. However, she refrained. No need in causing Saja any undue stress. Banging on the door, she stepped back.

  “Go the fuck away,” Ryker growled.

  She pounded on the door again. “Ryker Grey, get your ass out here, and don’t you dare cuss at me.”

  He cursed again, and the soft thuds of a scrambling wolf brought a smile to her face. When the door opened, his large frame filled the entryway, his hair tousled, his cheeks flushed. She’d laugh if the situation hadn’t been so serious. “What can I do for you?”

  “Elle St. Claire.”

  His features remained blank.

  “Don’t you dare block me out.” She waggled her finger at him. “Where is she?”

  He crossed his arms. “Safe.”

  She snorted. “Don’t pull that with me.”

  “She is. What is so important you need to know her whereabouts?”

  “Boy, you’re lucky I can’t reach your ear, or else I’d snatch you out of there.”

  “Hi, Kathy.” Saja stuck her head out of the doorway. “Everything okay?” Her hand went to her belly, rubbing it along the side.

  “Fine, dear.” Though she softened her reply, she kept her gaze locked with Ryker.

  He cracked a smile. “No, you won’t.”

  She lifted her chin. “I am not leaving you alone until you bring Elle home.” The girls have my back. They’ll stay with me, however long it takes my hardheaded nephew to come to his senses.

  He stared at her a moment more. After reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, he pushed a few buttons then held it to his ear. “Shawn. W