First Shift (The Wolves of Rock Falls Book 1)

by AJ Skelly

  I took a breath before opening the door. I wasn’t sure what kind of terms Dad and I were on at the moment. I knew he still wasn’t happy about the possibility of Meg not staying a wolf, especially since I refused to keep her a wolf myself. Not that I wouldn’t love to. My ears heated at the thought. But this was pack business. He was always more rational when it came to my acting as his Beta, rather than his son. Some emotion I couldn’t quite identify twinged in my middle, but I shoved the uncomfortable sensation away and opened the door.

  “Dad?”

  “I’m over here, Samuel,” Dad called, his head stuck underneath a beat-up piece of machinery that was once probably a nice car. “Hand me that Phillips?”

  I squatted down and passed over the screwdriver. A minute more and my dad slid out and sat up.

  “What brings you here?”

  “A few things, actually. I meant to mention this earlier, but things were, uh, progressing with Meg, and I got distracted.”

  Dad’s mouth tightened, even as his eyes brightened. He nodded for me to continue.

  “Progressing well?”

  “Um, better than they were?”

  Dad grunted.

  “I scented a wolf at the theater on Saturday—not one of ours, and not one I’ve scented before. And then, today at school, I caught the same scent.” Dad’s brows darkened. “I assume no one has told you they’re passing through?”

  “No. They haven’t.” His lips thinned into a tighter line.

  “Today, after school, another wolf tried to run Megan down in a black sedan.” My chest hurt just saying it aloud. I could still feel the rattle of my heart as I ran out and saw the car racing away.

  My dad paused a beat too long, and it sent concern tripping up my spine. He squinted. “You sure about that?”

  “Yes. I’m sure.” Why would he question me about that? Didn’t he think I knew when my own mate was in mortal danger?

  “An odd coincidence.” He frowned. “Why Megan? You know, if you’d go ahead and get the job done, she’d be better able to protect herself.”

  I tried not to squirm under his baleful gaze.

  “I will not take that choice from Megan. Although, she does know what staying wolf entails now.”

  Dad harrumphed. “I’ll look into things.” He scratched his chin, his dark eyes thoughtful. “Anything else on the sedan? Driver?”

  “Not much. I’ll send you what Jake caught. Speaking of, there is one other thing.”

  “You’re full of information today!”

  I wasn’t sure if it was a compliment or not. “There’s another new wolf in town. A half-breed.”

  “A half-breed?” Dad spluttered, shock and interest lacing his voice.

  I nodded. “Jake met him today. Apparently, the half-breed approached him, scenting him in one of his classes. He’d like to meet with us. I don’t have many details. I didn’t even catch his name. Jake only started telling me before Megan was nearly run down.”

  Dad ran his hand down his face, leaving a line of grease on his cheek. His face looked older than it had a few minutes before.

  “All right, son. I will look into things. Meantime, check if Jake can give you any more details about this half-breed. Very unusual.”

  “I will.”

  “Go ahead and pass along that scent of the rogue wolf.”

  I passed him the scent memory. Dad nodded once. “I’m glad you stopped by. I needed to tell you a few things myself. Friday night, the Thornehill Alpha and some of his pack will be at HarvestFest.” He paused and heaved a weary sigh. “His daughter will be there. I—we—had hoped that you and she would be potential mates.” His face soured, and my belly dropped. “An alliance with their pack and our two bloodlines would ensure an Alpha stronger than we’ve had in generations.”

  My gut flipped, and a stone of emotion lodged in my throat. “Dad, I didn’t intentionally bite Megan, and I can’t help that she’s my mate.”

  “I know that, son,” Dad replied gruffly. “I can explain that Megan is your mate, but only if she stays a wolf and truly becomes your mate. I’m not sure how to excuse our sudden non-interest in Sarah Thornehill, because you accidentally bit a girl who may not stay a wolf beyond the next full moon.”

  Guilt wracked me. My mistake was already having long-term effects for the pack.

  Dad continued in a gentler voice, “If Megan does not stay a wolf, Sarah would be among the top contenders for your mate,” Dad said carefully. “I want you to meet her and seriously evaluate things from as objective a point as you can. It is vitally important that your blood be carried on for the benefit of the whole pack. Someday, you must sire the next Alpha.”

  I felt my face heat as unease slithered like a snake in the grass into my veins. I had no idea what to say to that.

  “If Megan leaves you at the end of the month—”

  My breath hitched painfully in my chest at Dad’s words.

  “—you will have to choose a new mate.” Dad’s voice was hard, with no trace of sympathy for the pain that would cause me if it came to that. “It will be like Megan has died. There will be no going back.”

  I swallowed. The mere thought was painful. “I’ll meet her. But—”

  “No,” Dad interrupted. “No buts. You meet her, and you seriously consider it. Or you make sure Megan stays a wolf. There is nothing else at this point.” He stopped, an unreadable emotion flittering across his face. “Best get on back now. Think about what I’ve said.” He patted me once on the shoulder and popped his head back under the car.

  His meaning was clear. I was dismissed.

  ****

  I decided to go for a quick walk to give Megan a few more minutes with Rachel and give myself a chance to calm down some, even though I had the strong urge to check on her. Dad’s words had rattled me. As had his questioning of Megan’s near miss. There had been something in his tone that felt wrong. I mulled it over as I set off on the sidewalk that ran around the edge of the subdivision and ended where the woods started.

  Sarah Thornehill. I knew her name but had never met her. The Thornehills held a powerful pack in upstate New York. She was the daughter of parents who were both children of Alpha parents, same as me. If the two of us had kids together, our children would have incredibly powerful bloodlines—their Alpha powers would be magnified.

  I shuddered at the thought of it. Wolf whined inside me. I wanted only Megan. But if my toxins weren’t enough and she chose to leave, I’d be forced to choose another mate. And for the betterment of the future pack, it would most likely have to be Sarah Thornehill.

  ****

  Walking until my brain numbed itself to the pain of too many heavy thoughts, I jogged back up to the cabin. Not surprisingly, Rachel’s car was still parked in the gravel, but Raven’s car next to it was unexpected. The lights cast a cheerful glow from the curtained windows and were like a beacon to me as dusk began to fall.

  Laughter bubbled up inside as I opened the screen and hesitated to open the door. I was saved from my indecision as Megan pulled the door open, smiling at me.

  “I could have been anyone, you know,” I said softly, unable to help my grin from answering hers.

  “Wolf knew it was you,” she replied, eyes going wider. “Raven’s here.” She whispered as she leaned in and kissed my cheek, explaining her actions even as my stomach flipped at the contact.

  “Wow. That’s a lot of dessert!” The kitchen table was piled high with cookies, and there were boxes lined up along the back wall. Raven sat at the extra table, frosting coating her fingers and the impressively decorated cookies on cooling racks.

  Megan beamed. “Raven helped speed up production, and we’re almost back on track. We should be able to get everything done in time.” Her body had lost its tense posture from earlier in the afternoon. Baking really was her ultimate stress relief.

  “All right. I’m going to finish up this last bit of dough and pop it in the oven. I think I’ll head out after that if you don’t mind tak
ing them out, Meg? I’ve got to get home and get on the research project for English. I’ll take these”—Rachel pointed at a collection of full boxes—“and make sure they get into the freezer at home.”

  “No problem. Wolf is going to want out soon, anyway. She’s getting antsy.” She turned to me, her eyes questioning.

  “First month of shifts. Always fun,” Raven quipped as she stood. “Is there anything else you’d like me to decorate tonight? I’d be happy to do more tomorrow?”

  Raven glanced at me, and I knew she could tell I was off kilter. I appreciated her bowing out along with Rachel, though I was slightly perturbed that she could read me so easily.

  “You’ve been so much help, Raven. I’ll finish up and put everything away once it all dries,” Megan replied.

  It took a few more minutes, but the girls and half the baked goods were finally out the door, and I was alone with Megan.

  “Sam, you look like you ate one of Mrs. Crumb’s prawn sandwiches,” Megan said dryly. “What’s wrong?”

  Wolf nudged me, luxuriating in her concern, but needing her close. She moved over to me and easily melted against me as I wrapped my arms around her, my face buried in her hair.

  “Exhausting talk with Dad.” She squeezed my waist. I took a breath. “And images of you in the parking lot stuck on repeat. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so scared in all my life.”

  “Sam,” she said pulling back, her hands coming up and resting on either side of my face. “I’m all right. I’m right here. Perfectly safe and sound.” She looked over my face once more, then carefully put her lips to mine, kissing me softly. She broke away far too soon, and I followed her lips and kissed her back. Harder, wanting more, guilt and desire fueling me. She pulled back again, breaking the kiss and leaving me feeling hollow. I sighed.

  “There’s one more thing you should probably know.” Her eyebrow rose. I cleared my throat and began explaining the Thornehill Alpha’s presence and the plans for his daughter.

  ****

  Introductions moved quickly with the half-breed, whose name I discovered was Alexander Kypson. Jake connected us the next day at school, and on Wednesday evening, while Meg, Rachel, and Raven baked and decorated to their hearts’ content, and Rev, Cade, Steve and Amalie Rivers ran border patrols, I found myself sitting in my parents’ living room as Mom ushered in a tense guy about my own age and his young-looking mother.

  I stood and held out my hand. “Alexander, Ms. Kypson.”

  “Please, just Kyp,” he answered.

  I nodded. “Glad you could come on short notice.” I wasn’t sure what else to say other than the normal niceties. It was a strange situation. There were stories of half-breeds, but I’d never actually met one until now. The legends had them as malformed beasts who were either too far gone to the wolf, or so human that they couldn’t shift. Kyp looked perfectly normal. He wasn’t overly large, but he was wiry and though he cleared just under six feet and wasn’t heavily muscled, I’d bet he was pretty handy in a fight. I didn’t know of any other half-breeds actually in existence, though I certainly didn’t know all the wolves in America.

  “And I’m Jennifer. No need for the Ms. And it’s our pleasure,” his mom answered with a nervous twist of her lips. Mom smiled in return and motioned toward the couch opposite.

  “Can I get either of you anything to drink? Soda, tea, coffee?”

  “No, thank you,” Jennifer answered.

  “I’m fine, thanks,” Kyp echoed.

  “Jennifer, what do you do?” Mom asked politely.

  “I was an RN in Kentucky, but I also have my EMT certification and am working on a crew here in Rock Falls. It’s been good so far. Do you work outside the home?”

  Mom beamed. “I used to be an accountant, actually. When Sam was born, we decided it was best for me to stay home full time. Once he was big enough, he didn’t really need me. I took over the pack accounts and a host of other pack-related things, and it’s been rewarding and fulfilling, so I’ve stuck with it.”

  “It’s wonderful to find something you enjoy,” Jennifer replied.

  “And do you enjoy nursing?”

  “I do. It kind of fell into my lap.” She looked anxiously at Kyp, who gave her a nearly imperceptible nod. Jennifer cleared her throat. “When we found the Kentucky pack, Kyp and I were really struggling. I was young and working two jobs trying to keep a roof over our heads. The pack took us in. They offered to put me through college to earn my RN degree if I’d agree to act as their personal pack nurse. I accepted. It’s been quite a ride, learning both human and wolf anatomy and reactions.”

  Dad walked in through the kitchen door, and I could smell the anxiety rocket off our two guests. They’d been nervous enough to meet me, but Dad brought all the Alpha with him whether he meant to or not.

  He gave them a quick once-over and nodded.

  “Welcome. I’m Dominic Wolfe. I trust you’ve met my wife, Mary, and my son and Beta, Sam.” They bobbed their heads as we all took a seat. “I have to confess my curiosity,” Dad said as he crossed his leg and rested his hands in his lap. “And if you’ll forgive the bluntness, I’ve never met someone in your position, Alexander.”

  “Just Kyp, sir,” he said quietly. Dad nodded.

  “Why have you come here?” Dad asked, addressing Kyp.

  He swallowed before speaking. “I was a part of a pack in Kentucky. They were not…what I wanted for the rest of my life.”

  Jennifer broke in. “I didn’t know about werewolves until Kyp changed. Had no idea his father was one, had no idea they existed at all. I did the best I could when he was younger and, through sheer luck, found a pack.”

  “You can shift then?” I had to ask.

  “I can.”

  “Fully?” Dad chimed in.

  “Yes, sir. All fur, claws, and teeth.”

  Dad nodded for them to continue. Mother and son shared a quick glance before Jennifer continued. “The Kentucky pack was cruel. Now that Kyp is of an age, I was not convinced it was safe for him to remain with them.”

  “Did you leave the pack?”

  Kyp sighed. “I did. I am currently a Rogue wolf.”

  I lifted my eyebrows. It was dangerous to be alone without a pack for support. It made it hard on the wolf—could even drive them feral. We were not made to be solitary creatures.

  “We heard rumors of a large pack here in Delaware, did some research, and here I am,” Kyp finished, not producing any details to speak of.

  “You want to join our pack?” Dad said.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “How do you know we will be any less prejudiced than your last pack?” Dad asked Kyp, reading between the lines of his story.

  “I’m taking a gamble that you’re cut from the same cloth your father was. If the rumors are true, then his was one of the first mixed-race packs in the country. He admitted blacks to your pack long before anyone else thought about mixing races among the family group packs.”

  Dad’s eyebrows quirked, and Mom smiled at Jennifer, conveying some motherly sentiment that I didn’t entirely follow. Dad tapped his chin and glanced at me. I liked Kyp. There was something about him that struck me as genuine, if guarded. He’d been hurt by his pack. That was obvious by the stiff way he carried himself and the haunted depths of his eyes. I nodded back at Dad.

  “We don’t allow just anyone into our pack. But neither will we turn our backs to someone who is potentially in danger or who is looking for something better. We will have a trial period and several tests that you will complete. After that, we will make a final judgement. Until then, you may consider yourself under the Wolfes’ protection.”

  Kyp’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and Jennifer sighed, some of her anxiety bleeding away.

  “Sam will show you the ropes over the next few days. You don’t need to move to the neighborhood, but you may need to come here quickly at times.”

  “Yes, sir,” Kyp answered with more excitement.

  “You two go on and star
t getting acquainted. Mary, would you like to show Jennifer around some? I need to make a call.”

  “Of course. Jennifer, are you sure I can’t get you a cup of coffee?”

  “Coffee would be wonderful, thank you.”

  Chapter 36

  Megan

  The rest of the week went by in a blur. Evenings and nights were consumed with baking, packing, shifting, and running. I was anxious and excited for HarvestFest tonight!

  Friday’s last hour of the day before early release at one fifteen was an assembly. Cade, Raven, Rachel, several of her friends from the drama club, Kyp, and Sam all sat around me, and it was weird to have the two worlds I belonged to melding together.

  After the assembly, Sam and I raced back to the cabin so we could load up everything while Rachel sped to her own house and her deep freezer packed with extras of everything that could be frozen.

  Wolf’s ears perked up as Cade and Raven pulled in behind Sam’s car in the driveway.

  “We thought you might be able to use a little help packing up,” Cade called. I grinned.

  “I figured I’d better come along, too,” Raven piped up. “I would hate for Cade to accidentally smash all those pretty leaf cookies I decorated.” Cade shoved her shoulder playfully, and she punched him back, scowling at him in mock irritation.

  With the extra hands, we made light work of carefully loading our vehicles with enough baked goods to sustain a small country. We were crammed full. I was hopeful that this would be our best year yet. We’d done well the past three, and now that we had some notoriety as regulars at the festival, we were hoping for good things.

  ****

  I was pleasantly surprised again when we pulled into the fairgrounds and found Jake, Cindy, Tammy, and Kyp waiting by the long building where we’d be setting up. Jake had some tables stacked in the bed of his truck, and Wolf wiggled in excitement. She was sharing my enjoyment of the HarvestFest.