Page 14

I’m down by the cabins, preparing the large one for my FBI friend, Declan Hawkins, who will arrive tomorrow. From the moment I brought his wife to the hospital after her assault, we became instant friends, and it grew from there. Outside of my community, Declan is one of the few humans I like. I’m cordial to the other agents we work with, but as far as human friendships go, Declan is the only one. I check the fireplace and heat, give orders for clean linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans, and anything else they need. He gets a discount on the cabin, along with other activities they do. The whole family is nice. His children are well-mannered, and his wife is forever trying to pay me back for rescuing her, no matter how many times I tell her it isn’t necessary.

From Declan to Ivy, my mind drifts back to the evening she met my wolf. It was liberating. To have my mate ride into the forest with me, clinging to my back, running through the brush and stream. Fucking her against the trees. Damn, that was the best part, the bath being a close second. Vanilla suds filled the whirlpool bath as I placed her in it and slid in behind. She had minor cuts I tended to, along with washing her hair and body. Because this was the first time someone pampered her, she moaned and thanked me the whole time, which only made me horny again. Another round of fucking in the tub, water flooding the floor, and then I tucked my mate into bed. With the fire burning, the bath and sex, she was fast asleep in no time.

These memories of Ivy make my dick hard, so I’m repositioning the bulge and think of other things for it to soften. The door opens, and over my shoulder I see my mother. Goddess! I remain facing away from the door until my hard-on disappears. Her arms are full of linens and towels. She disappears into the bedroom, returning with a couple of dish towels.

My mother and I haven’t spoken much since I told her Ivy was my mate. And she especially disliked me announcing it to the community, still hoping I’d choose Shayna. Her behavior toward Ivy upsets me. Ivy will get there. She needs people to believe in her, and my mother and Kyle aren’t the ones Ivy can count on. Or I can count on. I expected more from both. Yes, the Luna is supposed to be a strong leader, normally a werewolf. Our relationship is anything but normal. The pack is supposed to come first, except I refuse to give up my mate. If it was anything else, pack first, but me passing on my chosen mate isn’t up for negotiations.

She clears her throat and asks.

“Are you going to ignore your mother forever?”

Even though my erection is gone, I continue cleaning out the fireplace.

“Are you going to be rude to Ivy forever?”

“Larc!”

I shift my head toward her.

“I have not been rude to Ivy.”

Turning my attention back to the fireplace, I respond.

“Oh, you’re right. You just treat her like she has the plague.”

I’ve inherited my mother’s temper, so it’s no surprise for her to stalk toward me, jabbing a finger in my direction.

“Don’t you dare speak to me that way! You might be Alpha, but I’m your mother.”

With my hands on my hips, I bite my tongue before saying something I’ll regret.

“When it comes to the women you save, I’m courteous to all of them, including Ivy.”

I’m about to crouch down to continue cleaning the fireplace, but my mother has never learned how to stand down.

“Hear me out.”

I toss my ass on the couch, arms stretched over the back, and nod for her to continue.

“Ivy is a very sweet woman.”

Here it comes.

“But she’s not Luna material. Now Shayna…that’s Luna material. If or when you get sick, the Luna must rise to the occasion to give orders to the pack. Everyone loves Shayna. She’s physically strong to fight, the pack respects her, she can care for you, and on top of it all, she controls the monies of the pack. With all the government funds we receive, the crops, the artsy things the pack creates and sells, it’s imperative to have a partner who can stand in your place. A strong and intelligent one.”

My mother allows for a dramatic pause, and adds.

“A werewolf partner. There, I said it. The Luna should be a werewolf who understands our ways and how we can continue to thrive physically, mentally, and financially. Our funds keep growing along with our pack. We have five births coming this year, not to mention the women and men you’ve saved who may also become pregnant. Shayna can provide lots of pups, and a future Alpha for you. You need to stop thinking with the wrong head.”

She folds her arms, leaning against the fireplace. “Well?”

I take my time standing, walk around the couch to give us room, and start.

“I’m not giving up on my mate, and this isn’t me thinking with my dick.”

My mother gasps. “Larc!”

“This is me understanding what Ivy’s been through, yet she has survived. A woman who lost her mother as she gave her life while her father wished she were the one who died. Ivy joined clubs, participated in activities, and made friends to avoid drowning in despair. Then the man she thought she loved turned out to be a monster, so she did what was necessary to survive.”

“I’m not saying—”

“I’m not done, Mother. I’ve talked to Sybil about Ivy, and she praises her work ethics and knowledge about plants, flowers, and trees that are for medicinal purposes. Ivy is well-read and consumes knowledge.”

I finally pause to breathe.

“So, if Ivy can rise above the shit she’s been dealt, educate herself, and has the will to get better, I sure as hell am not going to abandon her.”

“Apparently, you haven’t listened to a word I said.”

My steps bring me two feet in front of my mother.

“Oh, I heard you. You and the pack want me to choose Shayna, who isn’t the mate our Moon Goddess chose. Everyone wants me to sacrifice my happiness for their wants, ignoring the simple fact the Moon Goddess matched Ivy and I for a reason.”

She’s about to talk, but I hold my hand up.

“I know full well my responsibilities to the pack, and I’m going with our Goddess’ choice and my heart on this one. Ivy is stronger than most believe, and her heart is where mine is. She doesn’t need to be a damn werewolf to have the pack’s best interest at heart, because what’s important to me is important to her.”

I purse my lips before saying.

“So, if you’re done lecturing me about my pack responsibilities, I’d like to finish up so I can spend time with my mate.”

Crouching back down, I clear out the fireplace as my mother remains standing to the side.

“Larc, I’m not trying to hurt you. It’s not my intention. You’re my son. Of course I want you to be happy.”

I glance at her, raising my eyebrow.

“But I also wanted to get it off my chest.”

My attention returns to the fireplace. She sighs and adds.

“I love you, Larc. Ivy is lucky to have you as her mate.”

“As I am to have her.”

“Just know, even if you’re not in love with someone, you can always grow to love them.”

My elbows rest on my knees.

“Are you telling me you and Dad grew to love each other?”

She shakes her head and drifts off somewhere in the past. “No.”

A smile appears on her face.

“We fell in love the moment we saw each other.”

My mother blinks, returning to the present, and glances at me.

“All I’m saying is think about it.”

“I love you, Mom, but there’s nothing more to think about. Ivy switched a light on inside me. I’m stronger, happier, and more content when she’s close. Before finding her, I experienced droughts of joy, and now, my face hurts from smiling so much. No one has ever had such an effect on me as Ivy. She’ll do fine taking care of me and the pack. I have no doubt Ivy will prove you, Kyle, and anyone else who isn’t rooting for her, wrong.”

“I hope you’re right, son.”

When she’s about to close the door, I say.

“Have a good night, Mom.”

She smiles, nods, and closes the door.

I spend the evening inside Ivy and with her in my arms. My mother’s words swirl around in my head, yet it hasn’t changed a thing. My mate will show the world what strength truly is.

The next morning, Ivy escorts me down to the rentals to put some last-minute touches on the cabin. For the campgrounds, there’s a separate entrance for guests and visitors, and our community is far enough away from the cabins where they can’t see or interfere in our daily lives. Ivy’s glancing out the window every five minutes, fluffing the plump pillows, straightening the already straight pictures, anything to keep her busy. She’s anxious to meet a good friend of mine, especially since Kyle hasn’t taken to her. A car crunches over the snowplowed parking lot, which has four guest cars parked in the twenty-car lot.

I cup her face and whisper against her lips.

“They’re going to love you.”

She kisses me.

“I’m so lucky to have you.”

I tell her the same.

“Please go over their names again?”

“Declan is my friend. His wife is Tasha, son, Darrell, and daughter, Jada.”

My hand clasps hers, guiding her out of the cabin to meet them. She reaches for her coat before we’re out the door. Like always, Declan is giving orders to his children while he takes out the suitcases.

“Hey! Quit bossing them around.”

They all turn and smile, and Declan comes over for a handshake.

“Who do you think you are telling me what to do?”

We bump shoulders and shake hands as his wife comes over.

“Tasha, how do you stay so beautiful being married to a bum like him?”

I hug her as she laughs.

“It isn’t easy, Larc.”

Now, we’re all laughing at Declan’s expense. He ushers over his children, who seem to have grown several feet since the summer.

My hand rests on top of Darrell’s shoulder.

“If you keep growing as fast as you are, you’ll be taller than your dad in no time.”

Declan cuts in.

“Yeah, but I’ll still be stronger.”

Darrell shakes my hand.

“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Larc.”

“Drop the mister. Larc is fine.”

Jada comes over, eyes wide, staring at me like she normally does.

Darrell laughs at her, bumps her side, and says to me.

“She’s got a crush on you, Larc.”

This snaps Jada out of it, smacking her brother, and turning back with a shy smile.

“It’s nice to see you again, Larc.”

“You get prettier and prettier. You definitely have your mother’s genes.”

Declan throws in a couple of jabs, and I call over Ivy.

“I’d like you all to meet my fiancée, Ivy.”

Declan and his wife are all over her, hugging and shaking her hand, congratulating us. Prior to their arrival, I had contacted Declan to let him know about Ivy being one of the women from the last mission. His wife and children aren’t aware of our werewolf community, which is why I refer to Ivy as my fiancée instead of my mate.

Tasha hurries back to the car, searching for something, and pulls out a huge plastic container.

I head over to help her, and she says.

“I had no idea you got engaged, so you’ll have to share. I baked all your favorites.”

Ivy joins us and I place my hand over my heart.

“Tasha, this is so wonderful. I’m going to get fat with all the goodies you bring me.”

“Hah! A little fat wouldn’t hurt you.”

She turns to Ivy.

“I’m sure you’re aware of Larc’s sweet tooth, so every year, I bake his favorites. I hope you find something in this sweets container to enjoy.”

I open the cover and Ivy licks her lips, saying.

“Oh my God, Tasha, these look delicious.”

“I should have made a card listing all the baked goods.”

She watches Ivy scan the inside of the container.

“Help yourself.”

Tasha points at each one.

“Chocolate chip cookies, cranberry cookies, raspberry bars—”

Ivy hurries to say.

“I’ll try one of those.”

After we remove their belongings from the car, I let them know where everything is at, and if they need anything to call me personally. They’ll be vacationing for a couple of weeks, and I make sure their time here is perfect.

Declan and I step outside the cabin, and he says.

“So, Ivy’s your mate?”

I nod.

“How did that happen?”

He laughs.

“I mean, you being—”

“Yeah, yeah. It isn’t the norm, but it happens.”

“She’s sweet. Tasha loves her, and Jada is in awe of her purple eyes.”

“Your family has been welcoming to Ivy. She’s still working out some of her issues.”

“I hear ya. It took Tasha a while, but she’s doing great now.”

We talk a little more about upcoming missions, collect some more firewood, and bring it inside. After a couple more rounds of jokes, Ivy and I let them get comfortable and head to the mess hall for lunch.