Page 66

Just keep calm, Chloe. If you are calm they will feel it. I reached out both hands in their direction. “Come on, guys.”

Slowly one pair of eyes came closer. I noticed the little paws come out from under the bed. He slowly dragged his body across the ground, until he was free and stood up on his little legs.

Cubs are adorable. I smiled gently at the little black wolf and gestured with both hands for him to come closer. I was relieved when he did.

I ran a hand across the top of his head and then I was on my back as he tackled me as if he were giving me a hug. I laughed as his little tongue ran along the side of my face.

Pushing his head away, I pulled myself up and crossed my legs. His little head fell on my lap and I ran a hand through his fur. I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. The other little cub was now slowly sliding across the ground in my direction. His fur was of a lighter black, with brown parts mixed in.

Gee, cubs are adorable, I gestured to him and he quickly made his way to me. He dropped his body next to mine and placed his head on my lap next to his brother’s, well more on it.

I ran my fingers through their fur and stayed relaxed.

“So you guys have had a busy day.” My fingers ran down their backs, getting lost in their fur. “I know this is scary.”

I stopped for a moment. I had to consider my words carefully.

“But you aren’t alone and it is really important you guys listen to me now.”

Sighing, I stopped touching both of them. Their little heads snapped up and their eyes homed in on my face.

“I need you guys to focus on a happy memory.” I repeated the words that my father said to me all those years ago. “And then I need you to close your eyes.”

“And I will close mine too. So that way you boys have your privacy.” I shut my eyes tightly. Please let them listen to me.

Nerves ripped through my blood. This was the most nerve-wracking thing I had ever done. I inhaled a deep intake of their scents. Something was mixed in their scent. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something else lingered with their scent. Something that shouldn’t be there. I couldn’t pin point what it was.

“Happy memory, guys. Just focus on it. Just think about how it made you feel.”

My eyes were closed and I placed my hands behind me, not touching them. I didn’t want to put them off.

Minutes passed. When I felt the fur lift from my lap, I smiled. They had listened. The cracking of bones, the disappearance of panting, I was so proud of them.

“YOU’RE NAKED!”

I smiled hearing Charlie’s voice, and the horror in it.

“SO ARE YOU!” Nathan shouted back. Then I heard them both running off in different directions. I couldn’t hide my smile, but kept my eyes closed. I heard them changing and their little feet stamping along the wooden floor as they did.

“Choc, are we freaks now?”

Opening my eyes, I saw Charlie and Nathan both standing in front of me, dressed and with sad expressions on their faces. The fear in their eyes sent shivers of protection through my blood. I didn’t want them to feel sad, unhappy or scared.

“No.” I engulfed both of them in a tight hug. “No, not at all.”

“Mom screamed at us.” Nathan whispered into my shoulder and I felt Charlie nod his head against my other shoulder.

“That’s only because she was scared. She isn’t like us.”

“She isn’t a freak.” Charlie’s voice was muffled as he spoke into my shoulder. My grip around them tightened.

“She is human. We’re not. But we aren’t freaks. Stop using that word.”

“Is Dad like us?” Charlie shifted his little hand and wrapped it around my back as he spoke.

“Xavier!” I called out, not loudly because I knew he would be listening. He needed to take control now. He needed to explain this to his children.

“You guys need to speak to your dad now.” I smiled and pulled away to look at both of them. “I will be downstairs if you need me.” They nodded their heads and I wiped a stray tear away from Nathan’s cheek. “Everything will be fine.”