“Oh Levi!” I fell onto his chest and hugged his neck tighter than I ever had before as the relief finally set in.
“Owww!!” he groaned, coming to a sitting position and grabbing his chest. “Why does my chest feel like I’ve been in a fight with a werewolf named Bruno?”
Everybody wiped their tears as they laughed. “Because you have,” Eli said. “Only this Bruno is a cross dresser.”
The pack burst into shrilling laughter, but all I could do was cry. I had come so close to losing the most important person in my life, and yet once again I was shown grace and mercy and he was returned to me. At that very moment, my heart was filled with so much love and thankfulness. I just knew I would never take Levi for granted ever again.
Levi stroked my tear stained cheek. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
I shrugged and wiped my nose with my sleeve, just like I often told the boys not to do. “It wasn’t me, it was Bruno,” I teased with a playful wink and stood to help him to his feet, but the pack was there, pulling him up with little effort. Once he was standing on his own, he snatched Deacon and me into a smothering embrace and kept us there.
After a brief discussion with the others, Levi took my hand and pulled me and Deacon toward the car. “We need to go.”
“What happened here?” I asked, looking around at all the mayhem left behind. “What happened to all the humans?”
“Well,” Levi began, “the explosion took out most of the humans since they can’t heal like us. And the rest of them, the ones that didn’t run away, threw themselves in the traps they set for us when they saw us running toward them. The stakes impaled them. I guess we are pretty scary when we’re all furry, like you say. Some got off some shots though. Josh and a few others were hit.”
“Josh!” I squealed. “Is he okay?!”
“Settle down, Charity. He’s okay. All of them are. Some will take longer to heal, but they all will.”
“What about Jason Franco?! Is he dead?!” I asked, nervous about the answer.
“We’re not sure. With all the burnt flesh, it’s hard to tell who is who. I’m sorry baby, but we’ve gotta get out of here. The fire department is on the way.”
He was still having a little trouble walking, so Deacon and I helped him to Hector’s car where he found, and put on, a fresh t-shirt. Once Deacon and I were inside, Levi crawled slowly into the driver’s seat and started the engine. Hector, Eli, and Josh stepped up to the driver’s window for instructions. Josh was still clutching his bloody side.
“Take another quick look over the place to make sure we got anything that would cause suspicion, and then take off,” Levi instructed them.
“Oh, Levi,” I said. “Check for the cameras. There were at least six cameras mounted inside that cabin. You have to get them.”
He turned back to the guys. “Make sure to retrieve all that’s left of those cameras. We’ll rendezvous back at the Drake house.” They nodded, and then Levi drove us away from that dreadful place. For a moment, I was saddened for the men that lost their lives because they were sucked into Jason Franco’s crazy scheme. At the same time, I was proud that my pack hadn’t had to take any of the humans’ lives and that the deaths were of their own making.
Once the fiery scene was at our backs, I pulled Deacon against me and cradled him. “I am so proud of you, Deacon. You saved Mommy. Did you know that?”
He shook his head. “No, Momma, Daddy saved both of us. I just hope I’m as strong a werewolf as he is when I’m all grown up.”
Levi glanced back at us through the rear-view mirror and his eyes welled with tears of pride and pure joy. Our eyes locked and we shared the moment, glad to have our family safe again…all of them.
I peered back down at my son. “Yes, it was Daddy that pulled both of us out, but you could’ve left Mommy there, but you didn’t. You came through those flames without any thought of yourself to save me. I think you’re gonna grow up to be a fine man…just like your Daddy.”
He beamed. “You really think so, Momma?”
I laughed. “Absolutely—with my whole heart.”
He thought about that for a moment and then added, “Can you make sure to tell that to Darrow.”
Levi and I burst into laughter.
Deacon scratched his head. “What?”
We continued to laugh until Deacon said, “Momma, you would be proud of me. When I was in that cabin, that ugly man asked me to tell him about my daddy, and I heard your words in my head saying not to tell our secret.”
“Really?” I replied in surprise, thrilled that something I said finally soaked in. “I’m so glad you heard what I said. It’s very important to keep our secret.”
“Umm, Momma?”
“Yes, baby?”
“How did you do that anyway?”
“Do what?”
“Make those words pop into my head like that? Uncle Eli says you have special powers. Is that true?”
I laughed. “You know what? Uncle Eli watches too much T.V.”
My eyes trailed lazily to my palm and the symbol that saved the most precious thing to me…Levi. I sprung up in my seat at what I saw there. “Levi!” I held my palm in the air toward him. His eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately glared down to his own palm. He held it up to me. We gazed at each other in awe as we studied the change. Our palms no longer had what resembled vine-like symbols, but both had been transformed by what now appeared to be identical, brilliant blue lightning bolts. It was beautiful. What did it mean? We had no idea.
I was still pondering this new revelation when Deacon suddenly asked, “Umm, Mommy, can I get my shoe back now?”
Chapter Twenty-0ne
Three hours into our trip back home, Levi received a phone call. His face was glum as he ended the call and tucked the phone away in his shirt pocket.
“Levi, what’s wrong?”
“Grandmammy has worsened. Doc says she doesn’t have much longer.”
I threw my hand over my mouth to keep from crying out and alarming Deacon who was sound asleep and leaning against me. Werewolves didn’t usually die from diseases like humans, but they could and did die of old age, and with Grandmammy approaching ninety, her body was slowly shutting down.
For the rest of the ride home I was heavy hearted. Although Grandmammy had been a total pain at times, I had grown to love her very much, and I knew the entire pack felt the same—especially my boys. They had spent countless nights in her room asking her all sorts of questions about how things were when she was a little girl. She pretended to be annoyed, but the peaceful smile in her eyes told me the truth. She loved all of us very much. She was part of our family, and things would not be the same without her.
We finally arrived home. And after a quick reunion with the boys, Levi and I rushed to Grandmammy’s quarters to see her. When we entered, the room was full of people and everyone was weepy as they said their goodbyes, especially Hector and his wife, Tosha. But within minutes the room had cleared, giving Levi and I time alone with her. We knelt by her bed, I on one side and Levi on the other, and cradled her hands. She smiled, and we both knew the energy that simple act must’ve taken her.
“Leroy,” she said, squeezing Levi’s hand. Then she turned to me. “And Charlie, my angel. I’s so glad I’s able to see you two before I left dis ol’ world. God and His angels are waitin’ for me.” She took in a deep, slow breath and continued. “I’s kept telling ‘em that I needed to wait for you and the boys to come. Thank you for makin’ it.”
I couldn’t help it, but I put my face on the bed and cried. “I’m going to miss you, Grandmammy,” I said, looking up and into her dark brown eyes.
“Oh child, don’t you go sayin’ that. I’s lived a full life. I’s ready to go home to see my King.”
And as I looked into her eyes, a peace flooded my soul at the pure joy that her eyes held in that statement. She was indeed ready.
I squeezed her hand as Levi stepped out of the room, returning with all thre
e of the boys moments later.
She sighed. “Come here, babies,” she said, her voice growing weaker with each exertion.
They ran to her and gently climbed onto her bed and cuddled against her. She wrapped her arms around them and whispered some things to them. I’m sure Levi could hear her, but I couldn’t quite make it out. When she finished, the boys all began to cry. I came around the bed and made my way to her and took her hand in mine. I wanted to be there when she left. I just felt like I needed to. Hector and the rest of his family snuck back in quietly, and we were all present when she finally took her last breath and left us—with a sweet smile on her face.
At dinner that night, the mood was somber to say the least. Our hearts were broken. It was an incredibly sad day. It was just that simple.
Deacon and I stayed in bed most of that night and into the next, sleeping off our ordeal. Of course, Levi had fully healed from his. I guess me and Bruno needed more help.
Later, I learned that the pack had only recovered parts for five cameras. But I decided not to worry about it. If trouble found us again we would handle it just like we always did. And we’ve seemed to manage just fine. I would try to enjoy and be thankful for each day. I knew, as a result of the kidnapping, that I would hold my boys a little closer until someday I was forced to let them go.
Two days later, we had Grandmammy’s funeral. It was a beautiful service and many people said great and sweet things about her. But when it was my turn to speak, I decided, instead of sharing one of the many funny stories we’ve experienced through our years together, I decided to share what she had whispered to my boys in her final moments on this earth. Levi had remembered it completely, minus her accent, and had written it down for me. And I wept as I read it out loud:
My sweet boys, you have brought this old woman great joy to my heart these last years. Thank you for that. I know I’ve been hard on you at times, but I just want you to grow up to be great men who love your family more than anything. Remember to listen to your momma. She loves you very much and tries really hard to teach you the important things in life. Charity and Levi are very special, and I want you to always respect them. They’ve been through things most of us couldn’t even imagine. And I want all three of you to promise me you’ll stay close to God. That way we can see each other again someday. I love you.
As I finished reading what she had said, my voice quivered as the tears drenched my cheeks. “She was an amazing woman who, at the end, took the time to plant valuable seeds in my children. The thing that kills me is…” I was weeping heavily now, “…with my boys she made a point to call me Charity. She never called me Charity!”
Levi stepped onto the stage and helped me down and out of the room to collect myself.
I turned to Levi once we were out of the room and fell into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me, and his scent enveloped me and brought me a great comfort. “Why can’t my life be easy? Everything has to be so hard. There’s kidnappings, explosions, fights, and death? Why all the ripples?” I asked against his chest as frustrated tears stung my eyes.
He pulled back to study me. His bluish-purple eyes were full of such love and compassion. “Charity, I’m sorry, but I’m a werewolf and with that comes enemies and drama…and yes even ripples. But anything worth having is hard and worth fighting for. Don’t you know that?”
I looked up lovingly into his eyes that were now wet with tears, and sighed. “Yes, I know.” Then I wiped my nose with my hand. “And when did you become so wise anyway?”
He laughed softly. “When I married you.”
We began to walk back down the hall toward the others. I bumped my shoulder against him and managed a slight laugh. “Dang right.”
Chapter Twenty-two
It was April third, and the boys’ sixth birthday. It was a beautiful day so we had decided to have the party at the Windrake Mountain Park, the boys’ favorite place on earth. We had invited all the children of the pack, along with Wesley’s son, A.J. There were at least fifteen or more children present. We had hired a man who made balloon hats of all kinds and rented a cotton candy machine that Eli was currently trying to operate.
Levi was in the process of passing out the ice cream cones Irena was making, when he suddenly froze, his hand in mid-flight.
“Levi, are you okay?” I asked, taking the cone from his hand and passing it to the impatiently waiting kid in front of him.
“Umm, yeah. I just thought I heard something. I’ll be right back.” Then he was gone.
“Werewolves,” I huffed. “How ‘bout I just take over!” I yelled sarcastically at his back.
Moments later, Levi snatched me up without warning and carried me over to the woods outlining the park.
“Levi!” I squealed in surprise. “Put me down! We can’t do this now! I have a party to host!”
He laughed at my comment, and I was just beginning to feel nauseous when he finally sat me down on my feet. His expression was mischievous as he then took hold of my shoulders and spun me around to face the opposite direction.
I screamed, this time really loud, when I recognized the man standing in front of me with the biggest smile I hadn’t even known he was capable of making.
“Raven!” my voice quivered as I fought back heavy tears. I jumped into his arms, hugging him as hard as I could. “Oh, Raven! I’m so glad to see you!”
He hugged me back with equal fervor, bringing my feet off of the ground. After a long moment, he finally sat me down on my feet and grinned down at me. “I have to say that it is great to see you too, Charity! Rose and I have missed you all very much.”
I spun around. “Rose! Is she here too?!”
“Yes. She is over there talking to Ashley. She thought you might want to see me first.”
I turned back to him and hugged him again. “Are you here to stay?” I couldn’t suppress the joy from my voice, and it irritated me. I always tried to be grumpy at Raven. It was kinda our thing, just like with Eli…and Hector…and Wesley. Hmmm. But it was harder to muster up the sarcasm and grumpiness these days. I just had too many things to be happy and grateful for. And now I had another one. Raven was back! And then he answered my question.
“No, we are not back for good. We thought after five years that maybe it was time to try a visit. And since the boys were having a birthday, we thought now was perfect timing. I am not sure it is safe enough to come back for good just yet. Levi agrees with me.”
I turned to give Levi a scowled look. He just shrugged.
Then I smiled and shrugged too. “Oh well, at least you’re here now.” I hugged him tight once again.
This time he didn’t hug me back but pulled back to stare down at me. “Levi, what have you done to Charity? Is she okay? She has hugged me three times. What have you done with the Grinch?”
I scowled and slapped him in the chest.
“Never mind.” Then he and Levi burst into laughter.
As we casually walked back to join the party, I couldn’t help but notice a breathtaking little girl playing with the other girls, including Glory and Journey. She had long, jet-black hair and very pale skin that set in deep contrast to the tanned skin of the werewolf children. I recognized her from the pictures Rose had been sending me. This lovely girl was Rain, Raven and Rose’s little girl.
I watched in amazement as all three of my boys fought to give her their ice cream cones. It was Dixon’s that she finally accepted. The other two looked like they were about to pummel him. All of us grown-ups watched in amusement at the scene before us.
I smacked Levi on the arm. “This is all your fault. I was never boy crazy, especially not at this age.”
He arched his eyebrows. “Excuse me. But I remember a tale you told me once where you mentioned something about a Kevin Hayes from health class. And if I recall correctly, he smelled like peppermint and honeysuckle.”
I frowned. “Dang! I forgot about that,” I said under my breath.
His expression turned cocky as he g
rinned and wiggled his eyebrows in a creepy way. “Yeah, I thought so. Wanna try again?”
I slapped him in the arm again and mimicked his creepy expression. “You wanna get lucky tonight?”
He grimaced.
“Yeah, I thought so,” I said with a grin. “Don’t mess with the Grinch.”
But I knew I was no longer the Grinch. Now, don’t get me wrong, the girl who didn’t give a rip roaring rapid what people thought of her was still there. And yeah, sure it was fun to play around, but I was growing up and in doing so, I was learning that there was too much to be thankful for. And life was too short to spend it being grumpy and busting people’s chops all the time—though I had no intentions of giving that up completely. Like Levi said, my life would always have ripples, but I had many things to look forward to—like raising my children. And in watching my three love-struck puppies fighting over a girl, something told me that was gonna be harder than I had originally thought.
A sudden burst of joy coursed through my veins as I gazed adoringly around at the most wacky and awesome group of people—my family. My eyes finally stopped on Levi. Oh Levi, I thought in a swoon and then gasped when I caught myself subconsciously rubbing my belly and the secret that lay there. I would share it with him in our private chambers tonight. I hoped this time it was a girl. I hated to wait to find out. Hmm. Suddenly, an idea hit me. It would make Levi mad, but I couldn’t suppress the mischievous grin as I snuck off in search of Raven. After all, it was only one little bite. Right?
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