by Bethany Shaw
Gene inhaled, savoring the smell of pot roast and fresh vegetables as he walked into the room. “It smells good in here, Ramona.”
“Thank you,” she smiled. “Dinner’s done, it just needs to be served. I imagine after traveling all day, you want to eat a hot meal and unwind. Come fix yourselves a plate.”
Gene’s stomach gurgled. They hadn’t really eaten since they’d left the ranch earlier this morning. After the trip to the airport, the flight, and then the drive to Binghamton, he was famished. Gene followed Natalia into the kitchen while Ramona busied herself, setting out plates and silverware.
“Help yourselves.” Ramona motioned toward the plates on the counter.
“Thank you,” Gene said, picking up a plate and handing it to Natalia. She set Adrian’s carrier on the floor by the table, quietly accepting the plate.
Gene motioned for Natalia to serve her food first. She smiled slightly at the alpha male, feeling his eyes on the back of her neck as she picked up the serving fork, scooping some beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery onto her plate. The moment she placed the serving utensil back in the pot Adrian snorted, a cry gurgling from his lips as he stretched in his carrier.
“I’ll get him, if you don’t mind,” Ramona offered, looking at Natalia.
“It is okay. I do not want to put you out,” she said, setting the plate down on the grey and white checkered tiles. Stooping down, she went to unhook Adrian’s buckles.
“Oh nonsense. It is no bother. I remember how it was when I was a new mother. No sooner had I sat down to eat, than they started screaming their little heads off. Eat! I’ll keep him happy until you are done,” Ramona offered, bending to pick Adrian up.
“It’s okay,” Gene assured Natalia.
Natalia opened her mouth to protest, but closed it as soon as Adrian’s wails stopped. “Thank you,” she murmured, sitting at the table.
“The baby’s here for less than five minutes, and you already have your hands on him,” Clive said as he entered the room.
Gene met the other alpha’s eyes, standing up taller. He’d seen the man a thousand times, but never as an alpha before. He needed to prove himself worthy of the title.
“Clive,” Gene said, extending his hand.
“It’s good to see you, Gene. I am sorry to hear about your father,” Clive said, gripping Gene’s hand firmly. “He was a good man.”
“Thanks,” Gene said. Regardless of how many condolences he got, it didn’t change the fact that his father was gone.
“Ramona and I thought we could have a nice little dinner this evening, just the four…five us,” Clive said, smiling as Ramona patted Adrian’s back. “I also set up a meeting with some of the other packs in the area for the day after tomorrow. That is the soonest I could get everyone here.”
“Thanks,” Gene said.
“Rick was my best friend, Gene. He and Beatrice both were like family to me. Your father told me a little about the Gulf Packs last time I saw him. I want to do whatever I can to help bring his death to justice,” Clive said. “But enough with politics, for now. You’ve had a long day. Let’s eat and relax. Tomorrow we’ll talk strategy before we meet with the other alphas.”
***
“Hey, did Gene and Talia land okay?” Lark asked Devon as he emerged from her office at The Cookie Jar. She opened one of the cases, and did a quick inventory, before preparing to pack up for the night.
“Yeah, he said that they’re all settled in, and are going to talk more in depth in the morning,” Devon said. He walked around the counter to grab some boxes from the top shelf, opening them up for her. “I heard from Vincent earlier too. We’ve got four more men heading our way in the morning.”
“Good.” Lark let out a long breath. “It sounds like things are falling into place.”
They both looked up as the door chimed. Daniel walked in, his eyes flitting from Devon to Lark. Devon growled low in his throat, and Lark jabbed her elbow back, hitting him in the side. Until Daniel proved otherwise, Lark considered him a friend.
“Hi, I wasn’t expecting you,” Lark said, adjusting the sides on one of the boxes.
Daniel cleared his throat, turning to Devon. “Mom asked me to swing by, so you wouldn’t have to come all the way out to the ranch tonight.”
“Why the hell would she send you?” Devon questioned irritably.
“We were just finishing up,” Lark said, before either of them could respond. She smiled, stacking muffins in the boxes. “It was nice of you to stop by. I’m glad we can go straight home, because I’m tired. Did you want anything specific before I close it up?”
“Save the blueberry for me,” Devon murmured in her ear.
“Um,” Daniel started, but paused when his cell phone started to ring in his pocket. He drew the phone out, looking at the caller ID, before silencing it.
“Don’t stop on our account,” Devon said, glaring as he stacked the boxes atop each other.
“It’s not important.”
“So how are things at the ranch?” Lark questioned, closing the lid on the final box. She handed the small box of blueberry muffins to Devon, and walked around the counter to hand Daniel the remaining boxes.
“Good. I don’t know much about horses, but I’m finding my way,” Daniel said.
“Can’t be any worse than Vincent,” Devon said. He placed a hand on the small of Lark’s back as he joined them in front of the counter. “You ready to head home?”
“Yeah,” Lark smiled, stifling a yawn. “We’ll see you tomorrow,” she said as they walked out of the shop. Digging her keys out, she locked up, and followed Devon to his Civic.
“I see you’re still holding a grudge,” Lark said once they were both situated inside.
“I’m trying not to. I still can’t shake the feeling that he’s somehow involved with Juarez,” Devon said as he started the car, and pulled out onto the main road.
“Hmmm, I still think you need to look somewhere else.”
“Why are you so confident about him?” Devon questioned, glancing at her.
Lark shrugged, meeting his gaze as they stopped at a red light. “He played a fundamental role in helping us escape, Devon. Did it ever occur to you that maybe Emmett hurt him just as much as he hurt you?”
Devon frowned, and shook his head.
“Maybe not physically,” Lark amended. “But emotionally. Forcing him to be an alpha, to do what he said. Think of all the horrible things that Emmett did that Daniel was forced to be a part of. Defying your parents is never easy.”
“I hope you’re right for my mother’s sake.” Devon squeezed her hand lightly as he accelerated, taking them onto the highway. “I’ll feel better once we’ve caught the culprit.”
“Me too,” Lark sighed.
***
Natalia lifted the suitcase onto the bed, pausing as the floorboards outside her door creaked. She turned to see Gene standing in the partially-opened doorway.
“How’s your room?” he asked as he jammed his hands into his rear pockets. The action opened his broad chest, showing off the sculpted upper body beneath his fitted tee.
Natalia smiled, averting her eyes to the ivory-colored walls, and dark, mahogany furniture.
“It is very nice.” She ran her fingers over the quilted, cherry-colored comforter. The house had a homey feel to it, making her feel a little more at ease.
“Are you settled?” Gene walked into the room, and leaned back against the wall.
“Getting there. I was not sure what to bring for Adrian—perhaps I brought too much. He does not seem to mind, though,” she said, pointing to her son, who was playing contently in his portable pack and play crib.
Gene shrugged. “Better to be over prepared. I was going to go into the woods, if you’d like to join me?”
“I um…” she trailed off, heat scorching her face, realizing what a venture together would entail. Being a lone wolf, she usually did not have a running partner. “I am not sure that would be…”
&nb
sp; “In human form,” Gene replied. “Ramona offered to look after Adrian. We won’t be gone long. Ten, fifteen minutes max.”
“I don’t think—”
“Nothing’s going to happen to him. You can’t avoid shifting all week. At some point, you will have to leave him, and I can’t think of anyone more capable than Ramona.”
The elder woman had seemed genuinely nice; it had only taken her a few minutes to feel at ease with the alpha female. In fact, the outgoing, lovable personality reminded her of her own mother. She smiled as her mother’s cinnamon hair and brown eyes flickered into her mind.
“Surely you want to get out and explore a little. The countryside is breathtaking,” Gene coaxed as he took his hand out of his pocket and extended it to her. “Come on.”
Her bones ached; the pull to shift gnawed at her. After their walk, she would need to shift. Denying her nature would only hurt her.
“Okay,” she relented. “Ten minutes.”
Natalia stared down at his open hand for a long moment. It called out to her. She imagined that it was warm and calloused, and wanted to touch it—to touch him. The mere thought sent tingles through her body. Clearing her throat, she balled her clammy hands, and strode past him. She accidentally brushed her shoulder against his, and her breath caught at the momentary contact. Gritting her teeth, she headed towards the stairs.
***
“Wow,” Natalia breathed as they reached the top of the peak. She closed her eyes as the cool breeze caressed her face. The fragrance of pine and oak imbued the air, causing a smile to slide across her face. Opening her eyes, she surveyed the landscape.
Trees spread out for as far as the eye could see. The sun hung low, filling the sky with an orange-pink hue. She spun around, relishing in the fresh scent and complete seclusion that the trees offered. Crickets chirped, and she could hear wildlife scuttling about.
“This is amazing,” she said, focusing her gaze on Gene.
“My father worked hard on the landscape back home, but I don’t think it will ever be this secluded.”
“It is nice at your ranch,” Natalia commented. “I grew up in the city; anything outside the city limits is rustic to me.”
“And you weren’t around any other wolves?” Gene questioned.
“No. My mother taught me what she knew. Which was not much. Her only experience was with my father, Luis.”
“I meant what I told you. I want to help you—teach you our ways.”
Natalia moved to the edge of the hill, and stared down over the side. Taking the chance of trusting him was about as appealing as jumping to the jagged rocks below. Still, she wanted to believe him.
“How do you do it?” Swallowing, she held her breath.
Gene came to stand next to her. “What?”
“The partial shift. How do you do it?”
Natalia turned, quirking her brow up as he came to stand in front of her. His heels touched the edge of the cliff. She blinked, surprised at how vulnerable he was allowing himself to be.
Her breath caught as he placed his hands on her shoulders, his chocolate eyes meeting hers. At this, her pulse spiked, a shiver running up her spine in anticipation.
“Close your eyes,” he said quietly.
Her eyes widened, and heart accelerated. She fought the urge to lean into him. She knew the touch was innocent, but, to her, it felt like anything but.
“You need to focus—close your eyes,” he urged, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort and arousal.
Natalia cleared her throat, closing her eyes before she did anything stupid.
“Now, think about your wolf. Your sight, specifically. Imagine running. The wildlife and trees are whirling by as you survey your surroundings. Everything is clearer, sharper. Inhale the pine and oak, the dirt and leaves.”
Natalia forced her breathing to even out, letting Gene’s voice act as a guide; she imagined exactly what he was saying. Warm puffs of air hit her face as he spoke. His voice soothed her until she found herself lost in his words.
“Open your eyes, Talia,” Gene whispered.
Fingers grazed her cheeks, and gently cupped her face. Startled, she opened her eyes, gasping at their close proximity. Blinking, she stepped back, taking him in. His face appeared clearer, she could see the individual hairs of his stubbled jaw as if they were under a magnifying glass. She looked up into his gaze, and could see the reflection of her golden wolf eyes. Turning away, she inspected the leaves of a nearby tree, noticing their tiny fragile veins. When she finished marveling up at the foliage, she turned her eyes downward, watching tiny insects gather on the tree trunk.
“All you have to do is focus. How do you feel?” Gene asked.
“Good,” Natalia beamed. In fact, she felt better than she had in weeks. The partial transition had been effortless—painless.
“If you follow the same mindset when you transition, I think it will help. The important thing to remember, is that you are still in control, even if you are the wolf. Embrace who you are, don’t fear it.”
“I’m not afraid of—”
“Yes, you are. You’re afraid of what we are because you don’t want to be like Juarez. You can be the wolf, and still be yourself,” Gene said. He took a step to the side. “The wolf doesn’t make us do anything we wouldn’t already do. A person’s essence doesn’t change, and neither does a wolf’s. A good wolf is good, whether or not he or she is in wolf form. It’s what we do that defines us, not what we are.”
Gene sighed as he looked over the edge of the cliff. “I’m heading back. The house is a quarter of a mile that way,” Gene said, pointing as he turned in the direction they’d come. “You should try shifting.”
Natalia nodded, waiting until she heard the gravel crunching beneath his feet to turn around. He’d helped her. Swallowing, she watched as he disappeared into the trees. Satisfied that she was alone, she undressed and prepared to transition.
***
Gene leaned on the doorjamb of his guest room as soft feminine steps padded up the carpeted stairs. He’d heard Natalia come in moments ago, but she had stopped to talk to Ramona as she had collected Adrian. Natalia tucked a brown strand of hair behind her ear as she cradled Adrian to her.
“How was your run?”
A smile slipped across her lips. “Good. Thank you.”
“I’m glad I could help. I think Ramona enjoyed looking after him,” he said. “He seems like a good baby.”
“He is,” she replied, kissing Adrian’s forehead.
Natalia twisted the doorknob, and opened the door to her room across the hall from his. She carefully laid the sleeping child in the pack-and-play before leaning against her own doorframe.
“I do appreciate your help.”
“My father taught Preston, Devon, and myself how to shift. I couldn’t imagine going at it alone. I’m sure your mom did a great job, but there are some things that you have to experience to be able to instruct. I’d be happy to help you, if you have any questions,” he told her honestly.
“Are there packs in Mexico? Near Cabo San Lucas?” Natalia questioned as she trailed her foot across the carpeted entry to her room.
“I don’t know. I’m sure there are packs in Mexico, but if they were close to your home, you would’ve known it. They would have most definitely picked up on your alpha scent,” Gene explained.
“Oh.”
“It’s something we can look into when we return home, though. We are pack animals, and I think you and Adrian would thrive in a pack setting.”
“You really think we will defeat Juarez?” Natalia asked, eyes glued to her moving foot.
Gene stepped out of his room, and moved to stand in front of her. “Yes,” he replied sincerely.
Her brown eyes flicked up to meet his, a tight-lipped smile on her face. “I hope that you are right. I cannot bear the thought of my son growing up like them.”
“You’ll see tomorrow. Clive and Ramona will help us. Things are going to work out,” Gene said, p
lacing a hand on her shoulder. Her floral and sea salt scent intoxicated him. Gene blocked out all of his other senses; he was only aware of Natalia’s pink lips.
She inhaled sharply as she inched closer to him. Closing the gap between them, Gene captured her mouth with his. Her soft lips grazed against his, tasting like honey. Gene sighed as her warm slender fingers came to rest on his chest. Parting his lips, Gene gave her access to his mouth, his tongue darting out to meet hers.
Natalia leaned in to him, and he wrapped his arms around her, bringing her chest flush against his. He swirled his tongue with hers, and sucked her bottom lip between his, eliciting a groan from the she-wolf. Her warm hands curled into his hair, tugging him closer.
Adrian coughed, and then let out a loud wail, sending Natalia reeling back. She collided with the wall as Adrian began to cry in his bed. Her cheeks flushed red, and she glanced around the hall, avoiding Gene’s gaze.
“Excuse me,” she said, shuffling backwards as she yanked the bedroom door shut.
Chapter Eight
Gene squished his phone between his ear and shoulder as he bent down to finish tying his shoes.
“Hello,” he answered, turning his attention to his shoelaces.
“It’s me. How are you?” Preston greeted.
“Good. Everything going well?”
“Yeah, we’re at the Smith’s pack now. He’s agreed to help, and will be asking for a few volunteers when he has his next meeting. He can only spare four men, but that’s better than nothing,” Preston said.
“Yes it is.” Gene set his foot on the floor, and stood up. He ran a hand through his tousled hair before grabbing his wallet off the end table.
“He, uh, he mentioned something about a few packs in the Bayous of Louisiana that were having some problems with Juarez. I don’t have many details, but from what he said, things are heated down there.”
“I imagine anything with Juarez is heated,” Gene commented.
“Regardless, I’ll look into it some more, if you want me to.”