Alphas for the Holidays

by Mandy M. Roth

  Entering the bathroom, she stopped short in the doorway. It looked like a little piece of heaven on Earth—in a masculine sort of way. Slate tile covered the heated floor and every wall in soothing shades of blue, grey and tan.

  The shower itself was gigantic. It had a slate bench running along one side with ledges placed at strategic heights for soap and shampoo. It fit in one corner of the big bathroom, the walls tiled in matching slabs of natural slate placed in a lovely, almost mosaic pattern. Gleaming silver faucets and showerheads stuck out every now and then from the walls and ceiling. The other two sides of the six foot enclosure were made of glass, artfully frosted with a mural of bears in the woods, interwoven with knot work symbols that spoke to her artistic side.

  The entire effect made her feel safe and protected. It also made her covetous. She loved this bathroom and wished she could build one exactly like it for herself.

  While she’d been admiring the décor, Rocky had stepped up to a control panel cleverly hidden behind a decorative tile. She watched in fascination as he punched buttons, turning the water jets inside the enclosure on and off until he had it arranged to his satisfaction. She stepped closer, watching over his shoulder, noting that he was able to set both the angle and direction of each of the many water nozzles as well as the water temperature and pressure.

  “You weren’t kidding when you said you had to program this thing.”

  Rocky looked at her over his shoulder and grinned. “It’s computer controlled and completely customized to my specifications. I spent a lot of time with the manufacturer going over plans to get it just right.”

  “Wow.” She was impressed. Rocky had always liked gadgets and computers when they were growing up. It didn’t surprise her that the trait had followed him into adulthood. “This is fantastic. I think I could spend hours relaxing in here.”

  “Glad you like it.” He seemed uncomfortable with her praise, but she could tell he was pleased.

  “This is a work of art, Rocky,” Betina said quietly, admiring the glass mural. “Protective, healing magic is worked within these designs.”

  “I know. I consulted with a friend before I made the panels.” He looked almost bashful as he answered the older lady.

  “Your work?” Betina seemed surprised, making Maggie want to rise to his defense.

  “Rocky was always artistic. He used to sculpt and whittle a lot when we were kids. I have the carvings you gave me and Tony over the years packed in my bags.” She turned to him, touching his arm.

  A moment of silent communication passed between them, but she wasn’t sure what it meant. She wanted him to know how much he’d always meant to her, and hoped the fact that she’d saved his gifts—out of all the things she’d had to leave behind—would mean as much to him as it did to her.

  Rocky cleared his throat as the moment ended. He moved toward the door to the giant bathroom. “I’ll bring in your bags from the car and park the SUV in the shed where it can’t be seen.”

  “Thanks.” He always thought of everything. She would be safe now. She knew it in her heart.

  With Betina’s help, she got in the shower and was able to control the jets somewhat with the waterproof controls set into the wall near the bench. She was glad of the slate ledge. Her legs were still a little rubbery, but as she washed the sweat and grime from her body, she started to feel much better.

  Betina left her, promising to come at once if Maggie needed help, but she was glad of the few moments alone with the just the warm water and the feeling of security—of Rocky’s protection, here in his home—wrapping around her. Maggie wept, knowing her life had changed irrevocably. A new Chapter was just starting, and though she feared what might come, she also looked forward to it.

  The past had to be put away. Not forgotten, but dealt with so she and her babies could move forward.

  She wept for the husband she’d loved so much and lost so unfairly. For the babies who would never meet their father. But her tears were balanced by the hope that they would know him through Rocky. She sensed he would teach them all they needed to know about being little bears.

  That thought should have jarred her, but it was becoming more and more familiar to her. More right. Her babies would be able to turn into grizzly bears.

  Rubbing soap lather over her sore limbs, she took a moment to really study the glass mural encasing her in its nurturing, protective embrace. The scene was just like the woods she had traveled through to get to Rocky’s cabin. Bears were walking along behind and through the dominating trees. She could see one giant adult bear leading three little ones of differing sizes while two others climbed and played in the trees overhead.

  Her gaze tracked the mural around the corner of the enclosure, enchanted by the scene. She could see glimpses of the bears at first, but as she studied the patterns through the leaves and branches, they came clearer. The mural almost seemed alive, and the level of artistry impressed her.

  Turning to follow the mural to its end, she gasped and dropped the soap. There, just at the edge of the scene behind a tree, if she looked carefully, was the outline of a woman. A human woman.

  It almost looked like…her. Was this a depiction of her family? Rocky’s idea of what she could’ve had with Tony, had he lived? Or was it some prophetic vision of the future?

  “How is it going? Do you need any help?” Betina knocked on the door, dragging her from her troubling thoughts.

  “I’m fine,” she called out over the shushing of the water. “Just finishing up.”

  Maggie rinsed off and felt even stronger than before. The shower had definitely helped. She shut off the jets and left the steamy enclosure.

  A big, fluffy towel was hanging on a warming rack nearby. She luxuriated in its softness and warmth. Rocky really knew how to live, she’d grant him that. He’d spared no expense on his inner sanctum from the quality of the towels, to the computer wizardry of the shower, to the artwork and soothing, natural tile. This room was a haven, no doubt about it.

  Allie had laid out a robe for her. It looked like some kind of ornate ceremonial robe, made of thick, warm fabric—a blend of soft wool and cotton, if she wasn’t mistaken. It had knot work designs woven into the dark fabric that were pleasing to the eye, complex, yet beautiful in their simplicity.

  Maggie’s body still ached a little, but her energy level was surprisingly high. She didn’t want to face up to her own more complicated clothing, so the robe was just the ticket. She put it on and was immediately surrounded by its warmth. It felt good.

  When she stepped out of the bathroom, Rocky moved immediately to her side, offering an arm for support. She took it, glad for his steadying presence.

  “You’re looking better already.” Betina smiled at her and ushered her to the freshly cleaned bed.

  Rocky’s low dresser was next to it, now topped by a large, emptied drawer filled with a wad of blankets. It was clear what they’d done. Someone—Rocky, most likely—had taken out the top drawer and emptied it. He’d put the wide drawer on top of the dresser and filled it, covering all the hard edges with soft blankets.

  Her babies were nestled inside the cushy nest, sleeping. She paused in front of it to touch each little face, count each set of fingers and toes again. These were her sons, and they were perfect.

  “Will they be safe up here?” There were no rails, except the sides of the drawer, and it was a long way down.

  “Newborns don’t move around much,” Betina said. “But one of us will be here watching them while you rest. You have time for a short nap and then we’ll see about getting you to the ceremony, if you’re still up for it.”

  She turned to Rocky, who stood beside her. “Do you think it’d be all right? I mean, it’s cold out and the babies—”

  “Are grizzly shifters. The cold isn’t as bad for them as it would be for a purely human baby. Besides, it’s not really that cold for this time of year. I bet they’ll like it.” He winked at her and grinned. “And Betina wouldn’t ask you to tak
e part in the ceremony if it wasn’t important. These babies…” He seemed to be having a hard time articulating his thoughts. “They’re special. Bear shifters are rare. Grizzlies even more so. And twin boys are important to all were, not just bear shifters.”

  She thought about his words and realized it all came down to trust. She trusted Rocky with her life. More importantly, she trusted him with the lives of her babies. If he thought it was okay then she’d do it, if she was able.

  “All right. I’ll try that nap first and then we’ll see.”

  “Perfect.” Betina helped her into the clean bed and tucked her under warm covers while Rocky watched over them both from his imposing height. As he turned to look at the babies, the expression on his face was so tender it almost broke her heart. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. Like she was finally home.

  Chapter 4

  When Maggie woke a short while later, she felt a lot better. The progress she’d made in the hours since the twins’ birth was remarkable. Night had fallen in earnest and the babies were just waking up as she did.

  Betina was there, helping her by lifting each child and bringing them to her one at a time so she could feed them. They stopped fussing after their little bellies were full and promptly fell back asleep.

  Maggie ate a light meal Rocky brought in a little while later. He sat with her as she ate, making small talk about the babies and life in general, but they didn’t touch on any subject that was too difficult. They didn’t talk about the danger she and her children had brought to his door, but she was never unaware of it. This idle time could end in disaster. For nothing short of disaster had been dogging her tracks for months now.

  “So do you want to make an appearance at the Samhain ceremony?” Rocky’s tone was encouraging as he sat in the chair next to his bed, keeping her company and watching the babies.

  “Is it far?” She wanted to go, but she was also very aware of the ordeal she and the boys had just been through. She didn’t want to do anything that might be too much for any of them.

  “Not far. I can get you there without much fuss.”

  She agreed to go, trusting his judgment. She shouldn’t have been surprised when he scooped her into his strong arms and carried her all the way. The man was strong as an ox…or a grizzly.

  Allie and Betina each carried one of the babies, who behaved beautifully for the women as Rocky led them to the sacred grove. Hidden at the top of the hill in the forest behind his cabin was a circle of stones—like a miniature version of Stonehenge. Maggie never would have believed it if she hadn’t seen it for herself. The place was beautiful in a woodsy way. It was overgrown with moss and vines that seemed to part to let the people through.

  Maggie saw animals of all kinds surrounding them, both within the circle and without. Betina and Allie walked to the very center of the circle where a slab of stone sat like an altar. That gave Maggie pause, but deep in her heart she knew Rocky would never put her or her babies in any kind of danger.

  “Do all these people turn into bears?” she whispered to Rocky as he put her down and they walked the last few steps together. Betina and Allie handed the babies back to her and Rocky while they went about some sort of preparations near the altar. Maggie and Rocky stood back, a few feet behind them.

  He chuckled at her words, the deep rumble sending warmth through her. “No, Maggie. Only me.” He paused to stroke one large finger over the baby’s chubby cheek. “And the cubs.”

  The night was chilly, but inside the circle of stones it was comfortable enough. It seemed as if the energy of the place kept things warm and comfy, while a soft dusting of snow fell to earth outside in the forest. A snow owl hooted and all within and without the circle quieted while Betina began to sing in the loveliest voice Maggie had ever heard. Allie joined in and the thrum of power amplified through the stones so that even Maggie could feel it.

  She knew she was surrounded by magic, but she had no fear. For one thing, Rocky was standing firmly by her side. For another, she didn’t feel the same fear, the same warning in her bones that she’d felt for the past months whenever the Venifucus drew too close. The savage killer who’d been following her was evil. These people, by contrast, had none of that taint.

  Betina motioned her to stand in front of the altar-like stone and she moved forward, glad of Rocky’s solid presence beside her. The ceremony was beautiful, the song ringing through the stones and echoing back into the circle. Allie stood behind Betina, flanked by two identical men, both handsome as sin and both quite obviously protective of her. She wondered, looking at those twins, if someday her sons would have the same proud bearing, the same quiet strength.

  Betina’s song stopped and she spoke a few words about the earth, air, water and fire, then a few other things Maggie didn’t quite follow. She caught the part about giving thanks to the Lady, just before her babies decided to wake up and claim all her attention. Squirming, they began to fidget and wiggle so much she almost dropped the one she held. Jumping forward, she used the stone slab for support, mortified when the baby climbed right out of her arms and his swaddling to tumble naked onto the stone. She reached for him, but Rocky’s gentle grip held her back as he deposited the other twin next to his brother.

  She looked up, blushing heatedly to see a beatific smile on Betina’s face. When she looked down again, her babies were no longer human. They were two tiny bear cubs, barely able to stand on their own…paws.

  She nearly fainted.

  Her children had paws.

  Rocky caught her shoulders, offering her his immense strength. She needed every bit of it at that moment.

  Betina was speaking again and the twin men stepped forward. Each reached out one hand to one of her babies—cubs—touching them gently. Almost immediately a hum of energy pulsed through the clearing and bright swirls of rainbow light moved like a benign whirlwind through the circle, spreading out into the woods all around, lighting up the faces of many animals and people. Many more than she would have imagined. The woods were teeming with creatures and people, all of whom had come to celebrate this event, and were now smiling at the spectacle that seemed to originate from the two sets of twins by the stone altar.

  When the men stepped back, the rainbows remained, ambient light over the clearing. The babies weren’t bears any longer, she was relieved to see. They were back to human form, kicking their little feet in the air as they wiggled near each other.

  “We welcome the next generation.” Betina captured her attention once more. “The next set of twin Alphas born of one of the most powerful Clans. More special than any in many years, these two will be Grizzly Clan shaman. May they grow straight and strong with the loving guidance of their parents.”

  Rocky stepped forward, keeping one arm around Maggie’s shoulders for support. “I claim these boys in place of their blood father, my Clan brother, who is gone from this realm. As is my Clan right, and as I know Tony would have wanted, I claim these boys as my own.”

  A cheer went up and questions crowded Maggie’s mind, but there was no time to ask them now. She wasn’t sure what he meant by those ritualistic words, but they certainly sounded serious to her. She sent Rocky a questioning glance, but he redirected her attention to Betina, who was looking at her expectantly.

  “What are their names?”

  “Antonio and James,” she said quickly, surprised by the question. She’d decided in the first weeks of her pregnancy to name them for their father, using his first and middle names. She felt Rocky squeeze her shoulder in approval as Betina smiled, making swirling patterns in the air over where her babies now rested quietly, almost asleep once more. They’d had an exciting night for newborns.

  Of course, they acted like no newborns she’d ever seen, but she guessed that was to be expected with so much magic in their tiny little bodies. They’d healed her to the point she felt able to attend this gathering, and her energy level was higher than it had any right to be after what she’d been through. Then there was
the shifting-into-bears thing that alternately frightened and amazed her. It was such a strange idea, even after having nine months to get used to it.

  The rest of the ceremony passed quickly, and then Rocky was helping her wrap up the babies in the little warm blankets Allie had brought. She kept James while Rocky cradled Antonio in one large hand. She could already tell them apart, though to others she supposed they were identical in every way. Still, she knew her babies—and they knew her.

  Rocky bundled his new family back to his home, intercepting the congratulatory nods from the other shifters they passed along the way. Maggie was so tired she probably didn’t even notice the reverent stares following their path or the way the other people and animals made way and guarded their steps. All babies were precious among the weretribes, but these special twin babies especially so. Their magic and the way it had manifested tonight proved to all that these were indeed the Alpha pair that would rule over the next generation.

  He couldn’t be any prouder had he fathered them himself. Tony had been his Clan brother, but he’d also been his best friend. They were closer than blood brothers, closer than regular Clan brothers, and they both shared a love for the woman now walking quietly at his side. Tony was gone and Rocky had to stand in his place with the babies. He also hoped their mother would find a place for him in her heart—after it had healed from her loss.

  Perhaps he’d have a second chance to woo this special woman. No other had ever touched his heart like her, and frankly, he’d given up looking. No other woman was Maggie. No other woman could tame him and make him want to be a better man. Not the way Maggie could.

  He’d loved her for a long time, but when she’d chosen Tony, he’d bowed out with as much grace as he could muster. Now, however, all bets were off. Maggie would have to stay with him. Not only was she still in danger, but the babies needed him. She would realize that soon enough. He would protect her and help raise the cubs, and if the Goddess had any mercy at all, he’d win Maggie’s heart in the process.