AGThanksgiving_JCSmith

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  A sad smile crossed his face. “You’re smart like her. Kiera would have loved you.”

  “I wish I would have had the chance to know her. I’m sure she was an amazing woman.”

  Autumn watched as tears gathered in his eyes. What would it be like to love someone that much? They must have been so happy together. She stepped forward, wanting to lend him comfort, but unsure as to whether or not she should. They didn’t know one another, despite the freaky coincidence of her being related to his deceased mate. But if her cousin had been anything like Autumn, she knew the other Halfling would have approved.

  Autumn placed a hand on his arm and before she could utter a word, he gathered her into his arms and cried into her hair. It hadn’t occurred to her until that moment, but did she resemble his wife? If she did, she didn’t know what she would do. She didn’t want him to have a daily reminder of what he’d lost. Autumn wrapped her arms around his waist and just held him. There wasn’t a lot she could do for him, except offer comfort and support.

  When Gabriel had himself under control again, he eased away from her, his hands remaining on her waist. It broke her heart to see such a powerful man brought to his knees with grief. In that moment, she vowed to do whatever she could to make his life better. Her cousin would have wished it; she was certain. And if the pack didn’t like it? Well, she’d have to cross that bridge when she came to it.

  “There are two bedrooms on the second floor,” he said, his voice hoarse from crying. “You can pick whichever you want. If you don’t like the way it looks, change whatever you like. Kiera would have wanted you to make this your home.”

  “Thank you,” she said softly. “It will take me a few days to pack—”

  He was shaking his head. “You’ll pack enough things to stay here starting tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll properly introduce you to the rest of the family and the girls can help you pack. If you need anything heavy lifted, you let one of my brothers or me know.”

  “Gabriel, are you sure this is what you want?”

  There was a flash of pain in his eyes, but he nodded. “I’m sure.”

  “Then I’ll return soon.” She turned and pulled the door open. When she stepped out onto the porch, Gabriel followed her. He placed a hand on her arm.

  “Where’s your car?”

  “I don’t have one.” She shrugged off his hand and started down the steps, but he drew her to a stop again.

  “You can’t walk to the apartments and back, especially carrying a bag. Wait here.”

  He left the door open and she watched him walk inside and jog up the stairs. When he returned a few minutes later, he had on clean clothes, motorcycle boots, and had keys clenched in his hand. Her eyes widened. Did he actually plan to leave the house? As far as anyone knew, he hadn’t stepped foot outside of the Victorian since his mate died.

  Gabriel stepped out onto the porch and closed and locked the door. He reached out and took her hand, leading her down the porch steps and down the walkway. When they stepped around the corner of the house, she saw an SUV and a motorcycle sitting in the driveway. A thrill shot through her at the possibility of riding on the bike. She’d always wanted to go riding, but had never known anyone who wanted her clinging to their back while they zipped through the city streets.

  He stopped beside the bike and swung his leg over the seat. Autumn watched as he put the key in the ignition and turned it on. The bike roared to life and she happily climbed on behind Gabriel. He showed her where to put her feet and grabbed her hands, pulling them around his waist. Her palms rested over his tight abs and she had to wonder if it made him uncomfortable, riding with her so close to him.

  Gabriel turned the bike and eased down the driveway. The mechanics across the street filled the bay doors, all looking surprised to see their alpha out and about. Except one. Michael Andrews had the biggest grin on his face and waved to them. Autumn wasn’t about to let go long enough to wave back.

  As the bike picked up speed on the streets, Autumn found herself holding on tighter. Gabriel turned into the parking lot at the apartments and stopped in the middle of the lot. Autumn slid off the bike, her legs a little wobbly from the vibrations of the engine. Gabriel stood and placed a hand on her waist, steadying her.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Fine.” She smiled. “I’ve just never ridden on a motorcycle before.”

  A ghost of a smile crossed his lips.

  “I’m on the second floor,” she said, walking toward the far end of the building and the very last staircase. She could feel his presence behind her as she climbed the stairs. Some of her neighbors had gathered outside and were watching in curiosity.

  Autumn twisted her key in the lock and shoved the door open. After Gabriel stepped over the threshold, she shut the door in her nosy neighbors’ faces.

  “Have a seat,” she said, motioning to the small loveseat and chair in her living room. “It isn’t much, but I promise the furniture is comfy.”

  “You don’t need my help?”

  She shook her head. “I’ll just be a few minutes if I’m only grabbing a few changes of clothing.”

  In the bedroom, Autumn pulled a tote bag out of her closet and stuffed two pairs of jeans, two sweaters, and some bras and panties into it. She dug through her sock drawer and picked out a few pair before tossing them inside too, then snagged a pair of pajamas as an afterthought. She really wanted to take her laptop with her, but she didn’t think she could handle a tote bag and a laptop. With a sigh, she dumped the tote bag and snagged a large backpack out of the closet instead. She rolled her clothes so there would be enough space left for her precious computer and cord. As an afterthought, she shoved her e-reader and charger in the bag too.

  When she stepped out of the bedroom, Gabriel was flipping through the magazines on her coffee table. He stood when he saw her, dropping the magazine back onto the table. Coming around the loveseat, he held out his hand and took the bag from her.

  “This feels awfully heavy for a few changes of clothes,” he said.

  “I had to grab my laptop, too.”

  “You could have used mine.”

  She smiled. “Thank you, but I have special software on mine.”

  Gabriel shouldered the bag and opened the front door, motioning for Autumn to step outside. After he closed the door, she locked up and followed him down the stairs. She momentarily lost her balance on the last two steps and he reached out, gripping her waist, and lifting her off her feet. He set her down next to him on the walkway and took her hand, leading her back to his bike, oblivious to the looks they were receiving.

  Gabriel strapped the backpack to his bike, and then swung his leg over. He held his hand out to Autumn and she climbed on behind him. As the bike glided forward, she glances at the women gathered outside of the apartment. There was no doubt in her mind word would spread through the pack before nightfall. No telling what they would say. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Maybe the sooner he introduced her to everyone has his mate’s cousin, the better off they’d be.

  Chapter Three

  While Autumn settled into her room and put her things away, Gabriel went out front to sit on the steps. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed getting out in the sun until he’d taken her for a ride on his bike. The wind on his face had felt incredible, freeing. He wasn’t sure how he’d handle having someone live with him, but he knew he was doing the right thing. If Kiera had known her cousin was part of the pack, she’d have welcomed Autumn into their home. The least he could do was honor her memory by doing the same thing.

  Not to mention, Autumn was a beautiful woman. The shape of her eyes and nose reminded him of Kiera, but she was definitely her own person. No way would his mate have stayed with an abusive asshole just because she was mated to him. Autumn seemed to be more submissive than her cousin. He wondered if she’d always been that way or if her independence had been beaten out of her. If her mate weren’t dead, he’d have paid the bastard a visit and exp
lained things to him. With his fists.

  “Oh hell,” he muttered, as he saw Michael making his way across the street. You leave the house once and suddenly the family thinks you want company. Although, he supposed in a way he did have company, since he’d asked Autumn to move in with him.

  Michael stopped at the foot of the stairs, a smile on his face. “It’s good to see you out and about.”

  “Don’t get used to it.”

  “Why is Autumn here? I thought all pack issues were going to Connor right now.”

  “Autumn will be staying here.”

  Michael couldn’t hide his shock fast enough and Gabriel arched an eyebrow.

  “Do you have a problem with that?” he asked Michael.

  His brother shook his head. “It’s a little…unexpected. I didn’t realize you even knew Autumn. But if you’re ready to move on, you know I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

  Move on? Oh fuck. A little late, he realized the whole pack probably thought he was moving her into his house for personal reasons, and they would be partially right. Except in their thinking he was romantically interested in her. Not that there was anything wrong with Autumn, but his heart still belonged to Kiera. When Gabriel looked to the future, he saw himself puttering around this huge house all by himself. He doubted there would ever be another woman for him.

  “She’s Kiera’s cousin,” Gabriel said. “I brought her here so I could watch over her.”

  Michael’s eyebrows rose. “Cousin? How come she never said anything?”

  “She didn’t know. The fact that she’s in Ashton Grove is pure luck. Or fate, if you prefer. She didn’t even know Kiera existed until we talked earlier. Her father was Kiera’s uncle.”

  “I didn’t think she was a shifter.”

  “She’s not. They’re related on Kiera’s mother’s side.”

  It took a moment, but Gabriel knew the moment it dawned on Michael that Autumn was part fae. His brother lifted his gaze to the house, as if he could see Autumn through the wood structure.

  “Does her family know she’s here?” Michael asked.

  “From what I gathered, her mom was human and is gone and her father is gone too. It’s just her grandfather. She didn’t even know she had an aunt so I’m not sure where Kiera’s mother is, or if she even knows her daughter is gone.”

  “Did she say why she sought a wolf pack? If she’s human, shouldn’t she be off having more little human babies?”

  “She was mated to a wolf before. A real asshole. I don’t know if she’s just sticking with the familiar, or if her family ordered her to remain amongst shifters. Whatever the case, she’s here and I’m going to make sure she stays safe.”

  “Does she want a new mate?” Michael asked.

  “We haven’t discussed it, but if that’s what she wants, I’ll help her get settled. I don’t know the new wolves so I’m not sure who to trust with her. I don’t want her hooking up with just anyone. She’s family, Michael. If I’m not with her when she’s out and about, I fully expect you and the others to watch over her.”

  Michael studied him. “You know, you’re awfully protective of someone you just met. You aren’t getting that tingly feeling that tells you she’s supposed to mate with someone are you?”

  “She’s pack and she’s family. That’s enough reason.”

  “And she’s a tie to Kiera,” Michael said softly. “That’s what this is really about isn’t it?”

  Gabriel shrugged. “I couldn’t save my wife. The least I can do is watch over Autumn. Kiera would have wanted me to take care of her.”

  “Kiera would also want you to have a life. Do you think she would be happy knowing you’ve shut everyone out and just holed yourself up in this house? The only people you let near you are Kinley and Adriel.”

  “I won’t need them to stop by every day, not now that Autumn is here.”

  “You need to be the one to tell that squirrely sugar glider that you’re cutting her loose. Not only does she depend on the income you give her, I think she actually likes hanging out with your grumpy ass.”

  Gabriel rubbed his jaw. He knew Michael had a point, but it was time for Kinley to move on and find a real job. She’d been taking care of him for several months. He appreciated everything she’d done, but if Gabriel was going to start slowly easing his way back into life again, having Kinley around wouldn’t work. She was a like a crutch for him.

  “Any chance you’re coming back to work anytime soon? I could seriously use some help with the paperwork. I’m nowhere near as organized as you and the office is starting to look like a war zone.” Michael gave him a hopeful look.

  “One thing at a time. I have to admit, I enjoyed getting out of the house today, even if it was for such a short time. Riding the bike was great.”

  Autumn stepped out onto the porch, looking uncertain. “Am I interrupting?”

  “Not at all,” Michael said. “I was just discussing the garage with Gabriel. Are you all settled in?”

  Autumn nodded. “I’m still not sure this is a good idea though. People are going to talk.”

  “Let them.” Gabriel took her hand and pulled her down onto the step beside him. “It’s no one’s business why you’re here, but we’ll make sure word spreads that you’re part of the family.”

  “I’ll call Chloe when I get back to the garage,” Michael said. “She can pass it along to the other mates. Connor may call you to set up some sort of party, family only. We all need to get to know Autumn better.”

  “Let’s just take things one day at a time, Michael. Maybe the girls could take Autumn out to lunch this weekend. I don’t think a party is necessary right now.” Gabriel looked at her. “Unless you want one?”

  She shook her head.

  “All right,” Michael agreed. “No party. I’ll leave you two to work out your living arrangement. I’ll be at the garage until seven tonight if you need me.”

  Gabriel frowned. “Why so late?”

  “Payroll. I haven’t gotten the hang of it yet so I’m still slow. I want the checks ready in the morning when everyone comes in.”

  “Next time, bring it over here. I think I can handle sorting out the payroll. I’m just not ready to head into the office yet. If I’m at the garage, people will want to talk, and I’m not up for a lot of conversation at the moment.”

  “Thanks.” Michael smiled. “See you both later.”

  Autumn waved to him as he walked away and Gabriel realized he was still holding her hand. Oddly, he wasn’t ready to let go of it just yet. Maybe it was the lack of contact he’d had over the last several months, or maybe it was the fact that she was a tie to Kiera…he refused to acknowledge that it could be that he was mildly attracted to her, in spite of his grief and aching heart. But Michael’s words about moving on replayed in his mind. Would it be so terrible to take another mate? Maybe his brother was right. Kiera had been kind-hearted and had always wanted the best for Gabriel. Would she have wanted him to wander the earth alone after the loss of his family? Or would she want him to find love again?

  “If your kitchen is stocked,” Autumn said, “I could fix dinner for us. I know it’s early, but I missed lunch today. I’m afraid I was a little nervous about coming here and meeting you.”

  Gabriel frowned. “You shouldn’t be skipping meals.”

  She looked down at her stomach. “I think I can miss a few and be okay. It isn’t like I’m going to blow away in strong wind. I’m not even sure a tornado could lift me.”

  “Don’t. Don’t belittle yourself like that. You’re a beautiful woman and I’m sure once you start mingling with the pack more, you’ll have your choice of wolves to mate with.”

  For some reason, he wasn’t as comfortable with that idea as he’d been earlier. Any wolf that wanted to date Autumn would have to go through him first. He wouldn’t let her settle for just anyone, not after everything she’d been through. She deserved a happy life, and he intended to make sure she got one.

  “I
think the cupboards are a bit bare,” he said. “We can either order pizza or maybe grab a burger at the diner around the corner.”

  Her eyebrows lifted. “You’re willing to go out again? That’s twice in one day. Are you sure you’re up for it?”

  He sighed. “Getting out today was nice. I haven’t even sat on the front porch like this in the last few months. The fresh air is good for me and riding the bike was a freeing experience today. I’m not about to keep you locked away in the house, which means I’ll be getting out more. Maybe it’s time.”

  Autumn squeezed his hand. “If you’re sure you’re ready, I would love to go to the diner. Then maybe we should arrange to have my apartment packed and moved? The furniture can stay. I inherited it from the previous tenant. Amber something or other.”

  Gabriel nodded. “Another one of our fallen from the fight with the demons. Our pack has suffered greatly.”

  “It’s growing again though. I know many who have joined your ranks since the battle. Well, we aren’t friends, per se, but I’ve met them at least once. I’m afraid I’m something of a loner. I guess after my husband, I don’t trust as easily as I once did. Not that I think everyone is out to get me!”

  “Why did you leave your old pack? Your husband was gone; you had a fresh start.”

  “But I didn’t. Everyone believed Perry was this wonderful, caring man. He showed one face to the pack and another to me. He always kept me locked away if he bruised my face, so no one knew the real man behind the mask. He acted like a good neighbor, always helping out when needed, and was an active member of the pack. I tried to tell the alpha once what was happening, but he didn’t believe me and reported me to Perry. I nearly went to the hospital that time. I probably should have. If it weren’t for my fae heritage, I’m not sure I would have pulled through.”