by Deanna Hall
Christine said, “Mia came back to put Snake away, and you guys saved us from living in hell. I don’t know what will happen to us now, but nothing could be worse than the past five years. Your secret is safe with us.”
CJ spoke up, “You’ll come back to Pagosa Springs with us. Mia is our family. She told us you were her family, so we’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you ever again.”
Denise threw herself into CJ’s arms. “Really?” I was surprised when I saw CJ’s arms tighten around her. He looked down into her face with a surprised look, then smiled. “Yeah, really.”
I could tell Christine was the protector of this family. She asked suspiciously, “What do you want in return?”
Instead of answering her question, I asked, “Do you trust Mia.”
“Yes, even at twelve, she got us out of the game for a while and took care of us. Why?”
“Mia trusts us. We’re the ones she called when she was in trouble. You can trust us too. We just want you safe.”
Christine gave me a skeptical look. “Time will tell. For now, I’ll take you at your word for it.”
I smiled at her. To my amazement, when she smiled back, I felt my wolf rise up. He liked this girl a lot.
We managed to get Mia past the reporters without even waking her up. Dakota didn’t say much the whole ride home, other than to thank us for coming to the rescue.
He looked exhausted. CJ told him, “You look beat, man. Go get some sleep. We’ll manage on the couches.
“Thanks again for everything,” Dakota replied before carrying Mia into the bedroom. We didn’t hear from them for the rest of the night.
One of the girls, Makala, looked real sick. I thought she was about ready to pass out by the time we reached the motel. I carried her inside and got her settled on the couch, while CJ went out to get some pizzas.
Denise, who had been staying very close to CJ, went with him. I quietly went into the bedroom to get blankets and pillows. Dakota and Mia were curled up together, sound asleep. I came back out using the pillows to make Makala comfortable. She smiled up at me, “Thanks.” Makala was drifting off to sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
When I turned around, Christine was watching me. “Are you really this nice a guy, or are you putting on a show for our benefit?”
I frowned. “Why would I put on a show?” She shrugged. “I guess with the life you’ve had; you’re pretty skeptical. The truth is I try to be a nice guy. Mia always found my company pleasant.”
Now Christine frowned. “How pleasant?”
“Well, she almost married me until I blew it. CJ and I couldn’t stop fighting over her. It’s a long story. The short version is she married Dakota last Sunday. But I’m her best friend.”
“Wow. Did you do her?”
“Do her? Really? No, I didn’t do her. Mia isn’t like that. We spent one perfect, unforgettable night together, that’s it.”
“So you’re sure she is over you?’
“Well, she still loves me. She just loves Dakota more. Which is what I wanted because I want her happy.”
“Good,” Christine stated firmly.
I frowned. “Why is that good?”
“I don’t want my little sister pissed when I do you.”
I was dumbfounded. “I told you we aren’t looking for anything in return for our help. Why would you think I’m going to do you?”
Christine walked over to stand in front of me. Grabbing my shirt, she pulled me to her. “Because I’ve wanted to do this since the first time I laid eyes on you.” Then she kissed me.
I went up in flames just like when I’d kissed Mia in Denver. When we broke apart, breathless, Christine said, “Holy crap, what just happened? I’ve never had a kiss feel like that. And I’ve been kissed a lot.”
I grinned at her, “Did you know when a werewolf finds it’s mate they bond for life.”
Christine looked confused. “So?”
“Ever wonder what it would be like to be mated to a werewolf? Or better yet become one?” I asked before I kissed Christine again. After I explained that I thought she was my mate, she didn’t waste any time. She dragged me into the bathroom, and we bonded in the shower: bite and all. I felt whole for the first time since Mia had disappeared.
When CJ and Denise got back, we announced we were getting married. The amazing part is, rather than tell me I was insane, CJ informed me he had realized Denise was his mate, too. Who would have ever thought fate would bring us all together in this way. We told Mia and Dakota over breakfast the next day. Mia was ecstatic. Dakota was also very pleased. Mostly, I think, because he no longer saw us as a threat to his happiness.
The girls told us how, after Mia had left the hospital that night; they had been put in foster care, only to be pimped out by their foster parents who worked for Snake. Before he had his appeal, Snake had them “kidnapped,” which was them being delivered to his whorehouse and kept too drugged to put up much resistance.
Although CJ and I were both appalled at the lives the girls had been forced to endure, it didn’t change how we felt about them. We vowed we’d help them get healthy and take care of them.
After CJ explained the situation with Penny to Dense, who took it in stride, we decided we’d have a double wedding in two months. I never thought I see the day someone took Mia’s place in our lives. I knew I would always love Mia, but Christine had already filled the empty hole Mia had left in my heart.
From the way CJ couldn’t stop smiling, I could tell Denise had done the same for him. The best part was we wouldn’t be fighting over the same mate anymore.
Dakota had been acting off ever since we’d saved Mia and the girls. I figured it was because he’d had to shoot Snake. When I tried to talk to him about it, he said he was fine, so I dropped it.
After breakfast, we went to the police station and gave our statements. The Police said it was a clear case of self-defense and told Dakota he could return home with the understanding that they would contact him when the investigation was finished. He might have to return to appear in court though they were confident he was home free. We were all very relieved.
All the girls were very grateful for our intervention. Denise, Christine, and Makala rode back to the Circle C with us. Dakota and Mia followed us home. Once the girls were settled at CJ’s, promises were made to get together with Mia on Saturday night.
Life Goes On
Dakota
We hadn’t talked much on the ride home. Mia had cuddled against me with her head on my shoulder. She’d dozed off for most of the ride. Despite healing her wounds when she’d shifted, the blood loss had taken its toll on her.
By the time we pulled up to the house. I was a storm of emotions: relief, anger, fear, guilt, mostly anger. I was trying to wrap my head around the events of the last 48 hours. I’d gotten the crap beat out of me, almost got Mia killed, and killed a man. The only good thing to come out of it was saving Mia and her family.
I knew I should just let it all go and be grateful we’d found Mia in time, except I couldn’t get past the anger. Why had Mia done something so incredibly stupid? If she had just stayed away like I told her, she would have been safe. I wrapped my arms around the steering wheel, resting my head against it.
Mia’s soft voice drew me from my thoughts. “Kotah, I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t leave you to die. I’m sorry I ever brought you to Amarillo. I’m even more sorry you had to kill Snake, but I’ll never be sorry I came after you.”
I sighed. “Snake was pure evil, Mia. I don’t regret killing him. I just came too close to losing you again. You can’t go putting yourself in danger for other people all the time. When he shot at me, you jumped in front of the bullet. If he’d shot me, I would have healed, so why do something so incredibly stupid? Damnit, Mia, I thought you were dead when you hit the floor.”
Mia rubbed my back. “I’m not dead, Dakota. I’m right here next to you. I did what I had to do. I would do it again. You would have done the same fo
r me. For that matter, you were willing to die for me in the first place. If you died, I would die anyway because I know in my heart, I can’t live without you. Let’s go inside and celebrate being alive.”
I felt Mia’s spirit wash through me, filling me with the depths of her love. I got out of the truck, pulled her into my arms, and carried her into the house. We barely made it to the bed.
We made love fiercely. I was rough and desperate. I couldn’t help it. Knowing how close I’d come to losing her, well suffice it to say Mia was just as desperate. We both had come too close to losing what we loved most in the world.
The next day things went back too normal if you call making love at least six times a day normal. I figured we’d get past that stage in our relationship sooner or later. Until then, I was going to take advantage of Mia’s eagerness. In-between we went riding and had a picnic. After we went skinny dipping, I cooked steaks on the grill, we played on the XBOX and then watched Star Wars on the big screen TV.
Saturday, the whole gang was coming for a cookout, so we only had time to make love four times. Mia was actually pouting when we were interrupted by Charlie’s truck pulling in early.
When Charlie came to the door, he spun Mia around. I was starting to feel a little jealous when Makala step up from behind him to take his hand. Charlie lit up like a Christmas tree. As I watched their spirits dance around each other, I knew they were bonded.
Beth had taken the girls to the doctor and found out none of them were in very good shape. They had been very abused both physically and emotionally. Each of them had multiple healed over broken bones as well as being kept on drugs to control them.
They all had STD’s. Christine and Denise, who had the curable kind, had been put on medication. Makala had aids. You could tell just to look at her; she was a very sick girl.
Mia hugged her while grinning from ear to ear. “You and Charlie, really?”
Makala blushed. “Yes, he’s amazing. The big lug dots on me every minute.”
“He is pretty great, isn’t he.”
Charlie grinned. “Hey Mia, I know Dan talked to you about being a pack and all. I know you told him we were in it together, but there are some protocols that require an alpha’s approval, so I’m asking you. Makala and I are going to get married, she knows our whole deal, and well, I want permission to turn her.”
Mia looked at him in confusion. “Turn her? What do you mean?”
I spoke up, “He means he wants to make her one of us.”
Mia looked at me with wide eyes. “He can do that?”
“We all can. One bite while in wolf form is all it takes. Only not all humans live through the change. Like any of us, there is a risk. The only difference is pure werewolves don’t get a choice. Our law requires willing participants only and only with the approval of an alpha.”
Mia thought this through for a moment. “Is this what you want, Makala?”
“With all my heart. Not only because it might cure me but because I want to be a part of this world. Yours and Charlie’s world completely.”
“It can cure you?” Mia asked in surprise.
“Wolves don’t get aides; once she shifts, she’ll be cured,” Charlie explained.
Mia hugged Makala. “I don’t know why the choice would be mine; nevertheless, if this can help you and it’s what you want, of course, you have my permission.”
Everyone started arriving. It was strange to see CJ and Peter with girls on their arms and their spirits so happy. I admit I was more than a little relieved. After we ate, we built another bonfire.
As usual, Chase and Paul played music for us. Charlie and Makala spent most of their time cuddled together. I noticed the bandage on her arm. When I asked if it was what I thought, they confirmed Charlie had given her the bite.
That’s when Charlie asked to speak to me alone. I could feel Mia’s eyes on me without even looking. She apologized to Dan, who she’d been dancing with, and went to sit with Makala as we walked away from the group.
I could sense Charlie was nervous, which was very unusual for this Devil make care guy. “What’s up?” I asked.
“Dakota, the change will take place in a few more nights. Makala’s scared and wants Mia to be there. Could we stay out here with you guys? I can help you with the place. I know they are bringing out the horses tomorrow. I can help with them. We’ll earn our keep, I promise. I just don’t know what I’ll do if she doesn’t survive this.”
I saw tears in Charlie's eyes. He was actually shaking. “Of course, man. I was getting nervous about leaving Mia alone when I start working and going to school. She can’t start classes until next semester because she signed up so late. We all know she has a knack for getting into trouble when she left on her own.”
“Man, your preachin to the choir. Scrappy is a handful. I’m kinda glad we never had more than a couple of dates and a few kisses. I never managed to get Mia out of the friend zone.”
I groaned. “You dated Mia too? Are there any of you guys that weren’t involved with my wife?” I asked in frustration.
“Look at her, man. Who wouldn’t make a play for her? Dan never did, though. He was already with Claire when Mia showed up.”
I looked at Mia. Even surrounded by beautiful women, she outshined them all. He had a point. “You guys will be good company for her. Mia and I will be here for you both, I promise.”
Charlie put his hand on my shoulder. In a relieved voice, he said, “Mia choose well. You’re the best, man, thanks.”
Mia and Makala joined us. Makala pulled Charlie into her arms. “I’ll make it Charlie. For the first time in a long time, I have something worth living for. I won’t give you up.” She told him.
I slipped an arm around Mia. “I told them they could stay out here with us. I know I should have asked, Nuttah, but…”
“You never have to ask my permission to care for our family, Kotah.” We ended up in a group hug. Denise and Christine joined us. Then CJ, Penny, Wan, who had also moved to Pagosa Springs, Pete, Dan, Sara, and Claire. We ended up dancing in one big group until Peter tripped us.
We fell in a big pile of arms and legs, laughing hysterically. Beth, Big Chase, and Paul laughed at us as well. I wished my family was here to get to know these people. They would have loved them as much as I was beginning to.
“Your right, Kotah, they would. We should invite them for the weekend. I miss them.” Mia was getting better and better at reading me or my thoughts, maybe both.
“I’ll call them in the morning,” I assured her.
Around midnight everyone went home. Charlie and Makala were busy putting their stuff away in the guest room. Mia was picking up paper cups when I came in from making sure the fire was out.
I snuck up behind her, nipping her ear. Mia turned, tackling me as she did. Taking me to the floor, she kissed me thoroughly. “I hope this place has good walls because you are a very enthusiastic lover, and I don’t plan on letting our house guests cramp our style,” I told her.
“Good, because I wasn’t planning on letting you,” Mia answered.
Charlie and Makala walked in while we made out on the floor. “Couldn’t help overhearing. We’ll ignore your noise if you ignore ours.” Charlie said. We all laughed. “Hey, I brought us a bottle of wine, want a glass?” He added.
Makala spoke up, “I’d love one.” Mia got up, sitting on the couch. I took Charlie to the hutch to get glasses. Makala wasn’t aware of our enhanced hearing when she sat down, taking Mia's hand.
Makala’s voice lowered to almost a whisper. “Mia, I can never thank you for all you’ve done for me. Not only did you save my life, but you changed it. I never knew I could be this happy.”
“I know what you mean. I still have a hard time excepting it.”
Makala laughed. “The kind of people we’re used to weren’t interested in our happiness. But these are good people. I never finished school, I have no skills, well except, you know. Charlie is pretty happy with that skill set. Just knowing
he loves me is the most incredible feeling in the world.”
“Charlie has changed overnight because of you, Makala. I’ve never seen him so happy.” Mia assured Makala.
Makala smiled. “Thanks for that and everything, but I need a favor. I’m not scared mind you, I fully intend to survive this change thing, only I know the risk. If I don’t make it, I need you to promise you’ll help Charlie survive losing me.”
“You know I will, Makala. I know you are going to make it through. I believe the Great Spirit brought us all together because we were meant to be one, big, happy family. He wouldn’t be cruel and take you from us after saving you.”
I cleared my throat as we came out of the dining area, handing everyone a glass of wine. “To my new family,” I said. We toasted and took a sip of our drinks.
“You better not let her have too many of those, Dakota. That girl is hell on wheels when she’s drunk.” Mia gave Charlie the evil eye making him laugh like crazy.
“Sounds like a story I haven’t heard yet.”
“You’re not going to either,” Mia stated.
Charlie laughed harder. “I’ll tell you all about it sometime.”
“You better not,” Mia warned.
“I definitely want to hear this story.”
After a little more visiting, we went to bed. We found the house had excellent soundproofing. Nothing was heard from either room. Or who knows, maybe we were so caught up in our own delights we didn’t notice.
The next morning came way too fast. By the time Mia and I got out of the shower, Charlie and Makala had breakfast ready. I was sipping on my second cup of coffee and eating French toast when Mia said, “This not knowing how to cook has some real advantages, don’t you think, Makala?”
“Mm, sure does. We never got food like at the whorehouse.” I saw Charlie flinch. Makala leaned over, kissing him. “It’s okay to talk about it, Charlie. It was a part of my life for a long time.
Mia and I never had normal lives. She lived in the wilderness with wild animals, and I lived with the human kind. That fact is never going to change.