Richie grinned, “I think we got a plan!”
“We do indeed,” Riley answered.
“But wait, you mentioned construction. What about that plan?” Richie asked.
“Maybe in time. I might take on some little jobs here and there, but I really don’t have enough people to make a whole crew at this point.”
“I’ll be part of your crew!” Scotty offered excitedly.
Riley looked at him, “Do you know construction, ever worked it?”
Scotty hung his head, “No, sir.” He looked up quickly, “But I’m a quick learner. And I’d be honored to help you. I want to be part of your Pride.”
Riley slid his eyes to Libby where she and Cristie were poking around the shelves on the store side of the building. “Scotty, man, the first thing you gotta learn is that we don’t advertise to humans what we are,” he said very quietly.
“You mean Libby? You ain’t gotta worry about Libby. She knows all about us. She was supposed to marry Travis before he went away to the army. You don’t have to hide from her. She knows.”
“I know what?” Libby asked, walking back over toward them, still holding Cristie on her hip.
“About us. Travis, and me and others like us,” Scotty pressed.
“Oh, that. Yeah. Don’t have to worry about me. You’re just people like me. Only a little stronger, a little faster. I’ve kept the secret since I was about ten years old. That won’t ever change.”
“How did you find out?” Riley asked.
Libby smiled sadly, “Travis. We were always close. After he found out that I liked him, he started hanging around more and more. He’s a couple years older than me, but he seemed to like me, too. When we were young, we were just friends, innocents. He trusted me with his secret. The older we got, the closer we got. We fell in love, talked about getting married. Then he went away. While he was gone, his parents died. I took Scotty in, took care of him best I could. Then Travis came back, but nothing’s been the same. He’s…” Libby hesitated, not sure what to say.
“He’s not the same,” Scotty finished for her. “Nothing is. It’s like he resents everything and everybody.”
“It seems he takes care of you. I’m sure he cares,” Riley offered.
“Taking care of somebody isn’t supposed to make that person feel like they aren’t wanted. Like they’re just in the way,” Scotty said.
“No, it’s not,” Richie agreed.
“Maybe he’s doing the best he can,” Riley said.
“Maybe,” Scotty said, feeling awkward and raw at having revealed too much about his brother.
“But, anyway, I’d like to help you. Work for you if nothing else. If that’d be okay?” Scotty said.
“Tell you what, we’ll see what we can work out, but it has to be approved by your brother,” Riley said.
“Yeah, okay,” Scotty answered, somewhat dejectedly.
Richie looked at Scotty, knowing full well he expected his brother to refuse to allow him to work with them or for them. “Maybe we can speak to him, see if he minds if you work with us getting the place in shape.”
“That’d be great. If I promise to keep my grades up and keep up with my chores at the farm, he might let me,” Scotty said.
Cristie started fidgeting, wanting down.
Riley walked over and took her from Libby, “Come on, little girl. You getting tired?”
She allowed her doddy to take her in his arms, and they all filed out. Richie pausing to lock the door behind them. It was dusk, just beginning to get dark. “We need to get that light pole fixed, too. Maybe I’ll call about that tomorrow, you think, Riley?”
“Yeah, please do,” Riley answered.
“Why don’t ya’ll come on in and let us at least feed you for your help. And Scotty, I’ll drive you home. I don’t want you on foot back to your house in the dark.”
“Oh, naw, that’s alright. You don’t need to do that. I can walk.”
“I don’t want you walking alone at night,” Riley answered.
“I can drive him, Riley,” Libby offered.
Riley considered as they walked over to the house, and all followed him inside. “You sure, Libby? You don’t mind?”
“Not at all. I was planning on offering anyway.”
“Alright, then. If you don’t mind.”
“How about some tacos. I didn’t have time to make dinner,” Richie offered.
“That’s fine. Or we can just make sandwiches,” Riley said. “You don’t have to cook for us all the time, Richie.”
“I enjoy it. It’s what I do. Now let me do it.”
“Okay, okay,” Riley laughed. “Do it. I’m going to bathe Cristie real quick; I’ll be right back. Everybody good?”
“I’m good!” Scotty announced happily.
“Me, too,” Libby answered, laughing at Scotty’s enthusiasm.
“And I’m putting them to work. So you go take care of Cristie and when you get back, we’ll have the tacos done.”
Riley headed upstairs calling out, “Make a lot, I’m hungry!”
Chapter 8
When Riley came back down, the tacos and all the fixings were just being laid out on the table. Cristie sat on his lap, and he helped her eat her tacos between bites of his own. It was a nice, relaxed dinner. Laughing, joking. Riley looked around the table and realized this was what he’d been hoping for. What he’d wanted all along. It was a good start. Even if the Pride was technically only he and Richie, they had good friends, and his house was becoming a home. His ears picked up the sound of a vehicle outside. So did Richie’s. They shared a look before Riley stood, sitting Cristie in his chair and going to the front room to look through the window to see who was outside.
“Looks like you won’t have to drive Scotty home, after all,” Riley called.
“Why’s that?” Libby answered from the other room.
“Travis is here.”
Scotty got up right away and hurried to the front room. “What is he doing here?”
“Couldn’t tell you. But I’m sure we’re about to find out. He know you’re here, Scotty?”
Scotty shuffled his feet, “Well, not exactly. But I didn’t lie to him. We had an argument, and I stormed off.”
“Unhuh. I see. Well, let’s see what he has to say.”
Riley went to the door, opened it and stood there trying to make sense of what he was seeing. “Travis. How’re you this evening?” he called.
Travis answered, as he struggled to make his way from the back of his truck to the foot of Riley’s porch — with a Christmas tree over his shoulder. “I’m alright. Thought more likely than not, I’d find Scotty here. And seeing as how he was planning to deliver this tree to you, since I was coming for him anyway, thought I’d drop it off.”
“He is here, you’re right. And I appreciate it, but you didn’t have to buy us a tree.”
“Didn’t exactly buy it. We grow ‘em. Or try to. My parents had a Christmas tree farm. Now it’s ours — if I could ever make the damn trees grow like they used to.”
“This one looks good.”
“It is. It’s one of the better ones, and I’d be honored if you’d accept it,” Travis said.
“Well, then, thank you. I appreciate it,” Riley said, going down the steps to take the tree from him. “Let me help you with that.”
“Thanks. Leg’s not what it once was,” Travis said.
“Come on in, you eat yet? We having tacos, got plenty,” Riley offered.
“Naw, already ate a bite. Appreciate it though. Just came to collect Scotty, and we’ll be on our way.”
Then a happy, melodic laugh poured from the house and out onto the porch. Followed immediately by a teasing male voice and masculine laugh.
Travis’ entire demeanor changed. “You got company, I see.”
“Just some friends. Richie’s my second. He’s in there along with Libby. She came over to watch my daughter for me while we got some work done,” Riley explained. He knew he didn’t o
we the male an explanation, but thought he’d throw it out there and see how he reacted.
Travis’ eyes didn’t land on Riley one single time while Riley explained what Libby was doing there. He peered straight through the house, trying his damnedest to see through the walls, so he could know what had Libby laughing like that. She laughed again, and he couldn’t take it. “Yeah. Yeah, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll take you up on that offer. Tacos sound pretty good.”
“Sure thing, come on in.” Riley stood back to allow Travis to enter his home. He motioned to Scotty, “Here, take this and lean it in the corner over there. We’ll decorate it tomorrow.”
“I got it, Alpha,” Scotty replied.
Travis was already headed toward the kitchen where he could hear Libby’s voice speaking animatedly with the Alpha’s second. At hearing his brother call Riley Alpha, his steps stuttered, but he kept going.
Riley headed up the hallway behind Travis calling out, “Hey, guys, get another plate. We got company!”
“Oh, yeah?” Richie asked. “Travis staying?”
“Yep,” he said, entering the kitchen.
“Welcome,” Richie said, smiling warmly. “Let me get you a plate.”
Riley sat down, placing Cristie in his lap again. “Scotty, bring that chair from the desk in the living room if you don’t mind.”
“No problem, Alpha,” Scotty called back.
A minute later he was shoving the chair at his brother. “Here, have a seat. Food’s really good.”
“Thanks, Scotty,” Travis answered. “I’m sorry about this afternoon.”
“It’s alright. Thanks for bringing the tree.”
Travis nodded, but didn’t answer. Now that he was in the same room with Libby and two single men, he wasn’t sure exactly what he should do. Since he had done everything possible to hold her at arm’s length since he got back, he didn’t exactly have the right to tell her who she could and couldn’t spend time with. But damned if he could find the strength to leave this house and her in it.
Luckily, Riley took over the conversation since he and Libby did little more than glare at each other.
“So, Scotty says he’d like to help out around here from time to time. We’re thinking of reopening the store, more of a tourist stop, though. Maybe open a restaurant in the other half after we expand the building a bit.”
“He’s got school and already has a job,” Travis answered.
“Yeah, I know. I did tell him that it would be solely up to you. And that his grades would have to come first. If they started slipping, he wouldn’t be allowed to come by here anymore. Grades come first.”
“My grades are fine. And me and Alan have to share one job ‘cause there aren’t enough to go around. This way, I could have my own job after school and make a little more money to help out at home.”
“I have it covered,” Travis said tightly.
“I know, but…” Scotty started, but Riley cut him off.
“Scotty, if your brother thinks you need to hold where you are for a while, there’s a reason for it. Don’t defy him. You can still come visit when you’re not in school, and your chores are done.”
“Fine,” Scotty answered, defeatedly.
Riley started another line of questions, “Are we the only ones here about?”
Travis knew what he asked, were they the only shifters. “No, there are a few left around. Mostly loners, though. I come across them once in a while. Most left when I was away. Why?”
“Well, I was in construction before. I have the backing of the Alpha I used to work with. He’s offered to extend his licensing here, allow me to start up a sister company to his back in Louisiana. But I don’t have a crew. Was wondering if anyone would be interested in starting a crew.”
“Could be. I’ll put the word out. Town’s pretty small, but people are beginning to drift back. And long as you got houses and buildings, things are going to need fixing. Maybe be worth getting one started, but it may be slow going.”
“That’s alright, we got the store and the restaurant to keep us busy in the meantime,” Riley answered.
“Okay. I’ll let a few know. Tell them to come by if they’re interested,” Travis said.
“Appreciate it. That offer is open to you, too. Just saying,” Riley said, looking pointedly at Travis.
Travis didn’t say anything at first, then, “I don’t have much free time, all I can do to keep the tree farm from crumbling to the ground. But I appreciate the offer just the same.”
“If anything changes, it stands,” Riley said. “Here, have some more tacos,” he moved the plate closer to Travis’.
“Appreciate it, thank you.”
After all the food was eaten, the tea drunk, and Cristie put in bed for the night, there was no more excuse to stick around. But Libby still wasn’t leaving. It was driving Travis nuts, “Libby, why don’t we all head out? Me and Scotty will follow you back to town to make sure you get there safely.”
“I’m just fine, Travis. I get home on my own every night.”
“I know. I just figured since we were all heading the same way…”
“I’m fine,” she snapped.
“Well, surely, Riley and his people are ready to go to bed. Baby’s already asleep,” Travis added.
Libby hadn’t thought of that. She looked at Riley, then Richie. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was getting so late. I’ll be going now. Thank you so much for dinner, and the day, and the company. I really enjoyed myself and spending time with Cristie.”
“Thanks for coming, Libby. You being here allowed us to get some much needed repairs done. Couldn’t have done it without you,” Riley answered.
“I’m off tomorrow. I mean, if you need me. I can come back and play with Cristie if ya’ll have some more to do.”
“You know what? Sounds like a plan. We need to get the store cleaned up and functional again. Figure out all we’ll need to buy. So, no particular time, but whenever you happen to get up and head on over is fine. I’d appreciate the help.”
“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“What do we owe you?” Riley asked.
“Nothing, as long as Richie cooks for me again, I’m happy to come,” Libby answered.
“Done!” Richie answered, “we’re having steaks. I’ll thaw one for you, too.”
Travis stood by watching all this. Knowing his place only too well — he’d put himself into it. “Can we go now? I’d like to make sure you get home okay.”
Libby shot Travis a warning look, then walked into the living room, followed by Richie, Riley, Travis and Scotty. She picked up her purse and her keys and walked over to the door. She pulled it open, but just before she walked out of it, she turned and looked at Travis, “Why?”
Travis was surprised, “Why what?”
“Why do you suddenly care if I get home safely or not?”
“Libby, I’ve always cared that you were safe,” Travis said huskily.
“Hmpf, could have fooled me. Most days you don’t even acknowledge I breathe.” Libby shot him a check yourself kind of glare and flounced out of the door.
“Thanks for letting me help today, Alpha. I appreciate it more than you know,” Scotty said, holding out his large, lanky hand to shake.
Riley smiled at him warmly, “You’re welcome anytime, Scotty. But make sure it’s okay with Travis first. Okay?”
“Yeah, okay,” Scotty said. “See you later, Rich! Thanks for the tacos.”
“See ya later, Scotty,” Richie answered.
Travis shook both their hands, “Thanks for dinner and for being nice to Scotty. He’s struggling, looking for his place.”
“Yeah, he is. It’s hard to fit in when you feel like you’re different from everyone else. And the only person that is like you doesn’t have time for you,” Riley said, intentionally baiting him.
“He’s not like me. Or you. He can’t shift. His mother was human. My dad married her after my mother died. She was a good woma
n, but unfortunately, he got more of her than of my dad.”
Riley shook his head, thinking of Goldy. Goldy couldn’t shift either, but he was still a strong, intelligent, proud, capable male — a valuable member of Kaid’s clan. “Must make it harder for him then. Feeling like he’s caught between. Not really fitting into either world.”
Travis met Riley’s look without flinching, but it was clear that Riley’s words had hit home.
“Well, I’ll be going, then. He’s waiting on me.”
“Sure thing. Thanks again for the tree. Please tell Scotty how much we appreciate it. We’ll be decorating it tomorrow if he wants to come by and help. If it’s okay with you,” Riley added.
“Depends on his studies. He gets everything done, I’ll let him know. Maybe I’ll drive him out. Again, thanks for dinner.” Travis left, and Riley and Richie stood on the porch ‘til both vehicles drove out of sight. The sound of a ringing cell phone calling them back in the house.
“It’s yours, Riley,” Richie called.
Riley hurried over to it, hoping against hope it would be Maia, but it wasn’t. It was, however, Kaid. “Kaid! How goes it? How is everybody?”
Chapter 9
Kaid was sitting at his kitchen table, having a late lunch with Delilah. Making last minute plans for the Christmas Festival they were all going to the next night.
He picked up his phone when it pinged and swiped the security screen to see who was sending him a picture. He looked at it, squinted, then enlarged the picture before busting out laughing.
“What is funny, my Mate?” Delilah asked. She was extremely uncomfortable, the baby so big now she could hardly move without getting out of breath. But still she refused to slow down. She refused to stay home and be treated as a weak female. She was not weak, would never be weak. No matter how tired she was.
“It’s Riley. He sent a picture of his and Cristie’s Christmas decorations. Look,” he held up his phone for her to see.
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