Page 17

Even though the werewolf community doesn’t celebrate holidays, some of them take part in our little parties and gift giving. The community has mentioned that it should be discussed at the January meeting to make it a yearly celebration, especially with the growing number of children. Until Louisa, Tara, Mandy, and I came along, no human has ever bothered with the holidays. They’ve been grateful enough just to have a home.

I ask Felix if he’d secretly take me into town to buy a gift for Larc. It takes some coaxing, and reinforcement from Shayna to finally get him to relent. Shayna and I have become good friends. In some ways, I could see her and Larc together, and sometimes, I think she’s saddened by it. Maybe down the road, we’ll be able to discuss their relationship and the Luna role, but for now, we’re concentrating on our friendship.

Larc isn’t one in need of anything, so I buy him a tan leather braided bracelet with a wolf charm attached to it. I give it to him, and can swear his eyes glisten, except he turns his head and thanks me, swiping a hand down his face. When he turns back there are no signs of tears. But I know he loves it, because he makes love to me, licking me from head to toe, and burying himself so deep inside me, I’m convinced I feel our love fusing our souls together. We fall asleep swaddling.

The holidays fly by and we’re in the new year. The man, Reed, who Larc saved on the last mission struggles to find a normalcy. With the disapproval of Larc, I reach out to him, and we’ve become friends. My sweet wolf-charmer has a possessive side, which I’ve learned is a character trait of mated werewolves. So as not to infuriate or cause any kind of uncomfortable situations, I promise Larc I won’t touch Reed.

Reed and I take walks to the cabins and back. And now that he knows of the werewolf community, we even venture onto the forest trails. I tell him my life story, hoping he can see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. He nods and thanks me for sharing, and swears it helps. Over the course of a couple of months, he’s gotten better, and hearing he has taken a liking to Tara, I introduce them. From a distance, I catch them talking, eating together, and venturing around the grounds. It takes Tara a little while to warm up to him, but when she sees how respectful and sweet he is with me, she relaxes. Plus, she knows he went through his own ordeal.

It's the end of March, and winter is yielding to spring. Our life together is one continuous blessing and bliss. Larc has gone on two more missions, returning with no one, which is a good sign. It means they all had families to go home to. He also leased one of the buildings in town so the pack can have their own store. Between his missions, the store, the rental cabins, and my work in the garden center, we’re busy all day. But my wolf-charmer finds me throughout the day to steal a kiss, have lunch, or help me for a short time with whatever I’m doing. Anything for us to see each other.

I spend a lot of time at the garden center, because I’ve been reading up on plants and herbs while growing vegetables. I dry herbs, filling little jars to sell as seasonings, along with creating perfumes from flowers. Larc has offered to buy me a laptop, but I prefer the library when learning how to make homemade perfume. Gathering whatever flowers are in bloom at the time, I make an abundance of perfumes. My Jasmine perfume has become a hit with the locals. A small area in the garden center is dedicated to Jasmine plants. Every month, I prepare a large batch, pouring it into small perfume bottles and charging ten dollars for each one. Shayna says I should up the price, but I don’t want to rob anyone out of money.

We’re packing a couple of SUVs, because we’re heading into town. Since we have a wonderful greenhouse, we have an abundance of tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs, which we plan to sell. Tara and Louisa created a sewing/knitting club, so they knit sweaters, scarves, blankets, and more. I can’t believe it’s only been six months since Larc drove us through these gates for the first time. Each one of us has fallen into our own, making friends, some of us finding romance, and all of us calling this place home. It’s been a saving grace from our nightmares.

I’m placing my bottles in a sectioned-off box as Larc hugs me from behind, kissing my neck.

“Have I told you how sexy you are?”

Laughing, I continue to put the bottles in when I respond.

“Not in the past, oh, I’d say three hours.”

He nibbles on my earlobe.

“Goddess, I love you, Ivy.”

I swivel in his arms, wrapping my hands around his neck, and say.

“Not nearly as much as I love you.”

Kyle comes over, clearing his throat so he can get in the back of the SUV. Larc gives me a sweet, innocent kiss, letting me finish packing. My heart aches for Larc. His and Kyle’s relationship is strained because of me. I’ve tried to get to know Kyle by inviting him over for dinner, except he uses some excuse not to come. Larc shrugs it off, yet I know it hurts him. They’ve been friends since childhood. On the other hand, his mother Maggie has warmed up to me a bit more. She’ll come by for tea and has offered to assist in making the perfumes, which I accepted. Our conversations are mostly small talk or about Larc, but at least it’s something.

Several community members pack into two SUVs, including Amanda, who I found out has history with Larc. This had caused tension between Amanda and I for a couple of months, but by now it has worn off.

When we arrive, both vehicles pull up to the back of the building so we can bring the items into our store. Maggie has been working the store alone this morning, but Amanda and Becky will finish out the day.

I place my seasonings on a shelf by the produce and stack the perfumes toward the back. The bell above the door rings, indicating someone came inside. It’s Mrs. Lehman and Miss Carlson, locals from town.

They head straight over to me, and Mrs. Lehman says.

“Thank goodness, Ivy. I’m all out of my Jasmine perfume.”

“Then I came just in time.”

Mrs. Lehman has a flare for the dramatics. Every subject is bigger than it is by her animations and the way she speaks as if the world is coming to an end. I laugh internally. Even so, I’m grateful they like my perfumes. For the first time, I’ve found my place in life…aside from my place next to Larc.

She takes half a shelf of bottles, and Miss Carlson takes four bottles. I hope they’re wearing the perfume and not drinking it.

Taking a step outside the front of the store, I close my eyes and inhale the fresh air. So far, it’s been a perfect day. Larc takes me in his arms, escorting me down the street. We toss gazes at each other like long lost lovers while we maneuver through the streets. Tom the baker walks out of his door when we pass, wiping his hands off on an apron.

Larc extends his hand.

“How are things going?”

Tom shakes it.

“Great! You two want to try my new pastry filled with apple and cinnamon?

I answer.

“No need to ask me twice.”

While Tom and Larc discuss what’s new, I scope out all the delicious baked goods he makes fresh every morning. I point to bread covered in seeds, asking Larc if we can buy it.

“Anything for you, love.”

Larc pays and Tom says.

“Oh, did you see that new fella campaigning in the park? Some up-and-coming hotshot running for governor.”

“No. We’ll head over there and see what’s up. Looking forward to those apple and cinnamon pastries.”

We have an arm wrapped around each other’s waist. It’s a good thing I found some three-inch chunky heels, so I don’t appear too small next to Larc. He’s carrying the baked goods, veering us over to the park. Larc stares down into my eyes, obliterating everything in sight. The way he gazes at me is like I’m the equivalent to every sunrise and sunset he’s seen. And I’m so caught up in those ice-blue eyes that I don’t even hear someone talking into a microphone until we’re by a tree near a platform.

My head turns toward the speaker and I stumble backwards. The air suddenly thins. I’m unable to breathe, grasping at my coat. My eyes widen from fear. Larc is talking to me, trying to unzip my coat, not understanding what’s wrong. We’re causing a commotion, so I pull away from him and move in the opposite direction. Next to me, Larc asks what happened and what he can do to help. But he can’t help because the devil himself is on that platform. The man I once loved sold me into the skin trade to a sick bidder because he got tired of me. Since Larc’s not getting an answer from me, he drops the bakery goods, hiking me into his arms and carrying me to a bench.

Crouched down in front of me, he asks.

“Ivy, love. What’s wrong?”

My head just shakes while the tears pour down my face, and my breaths are short. I can’t get enough air in between the sobs. Before I open my mouth, a shadow hangs over us, and I cower on the bench as Larc rises, towering over the man.

Ben looks at me with a sneer and says.

“Well, well. I never thought I’d see you again.”

Larc’s head turns from Ben to me and back.

“And you are?”

Ben cocks his head to the side, eyes on me when he answers.

“Ben Conway.”

Finally, he raises his head and smirks at Larc, handing him a card.

“Hopefully, your next elected governor.”

I can tell Larc is rolling the name around in his head, and when it dawns on him exactly who Ben is, a deep growl rumbles in his chest.

Ben says.

“Easy there, beast.”

Larc’s jaw tightens.

“Yeah, I’ve heard all about your kind. I have lots of government friends.”

Ben takes a step closer, scoping Larc out.

“I haven’t seen one of you up close. Wouldn’t mind seeing you turn into a beast.”

I’m worried Larc’s eyes will change, and his incisors will grow, which is what happens when he’s angry. I touch his hand, and he pulls me up into his side. With all my strength, I ignore Ben and concentrate on soothing Larc by rubbing his chest.

Ben won’t quit.

“Aw, that’s sweet. Beauty and the beast. Actually, I mean whore—”

Larc’s hand shoots out, squeezing Ben’s neck, gritting out his words.

“Listen, little dick. She’s never been a whore. But you’re a sick bastard.”

Ben’s face is turning red. Several of his security team come over, attempting to break Larc’s hold on him, yet he won’t budge. This forces them to draw their guns, and I intervene.

In front of Larc, I stroke his chest, and whisper.

“Hey, my wolf-charmer. Don’t do this. It will only hurt our community.”

His eyes shift to mine, and I continue massaging his chest.

“Good. Keep looking at me and let him go. Please, Larc. He’s not worth it.”

Larc releases his grip and Ben falls back, coughing, spitting to the side; trying to catch his breath. I step into Larc, wrapping my arms around his waist. We both soothe one another, except Ben’s presence has us on edge. Once Ben collects his composure, he bats his security away and steps closer, his front close to my backside.

His face is beet red, and he shoves his finger in Larc’s face.

“You’re a fucking animal.”

Larc’s deep whisper is chilling.

“Damn right, I am. What you did to Ivy is worse than what any animal would do, so yeah, I’m glad to be an animal.”

Ben steps back, brushing his hand down my back. Larc snatches it, squeezes, and lets it go, but not before I hear a crunch. Ben howls and his security appears while he hunches over his broken hand.

With his teeth clenched, he says to Larc.

“You motherfucker. I’m coming for you. You and your whole fucking pack. I’ll wipe you out like the beasts you are and then I’ll collect the three million I lost.”

He eyes me and adds.

“And my whore, too.”

Larc steps forward, carrying me with him while I coax him to stop. Ben’s team crowds around us and I can see our group behind them. Kyle pushes a couple of guys out of the way and sidles up to Larc.

Ben’s eyes flit between the two of them.

“Another animal.”

Kyle folds his arms over his chest, and with a sly smile says.

“What can I say, that’s what the women call us.”

Ben wraps his hand with a bandage one of his team brought him, and directs his message to Kyle.

“Tell your asshole friend this isn’t the end. Soon, he’ll feel my wrath.”

Kyle pretends to be scared.

Ben is turning paler, squeezing his eyes together from the pain. When he opens them, his eyes fall on me and he lowers his voice.

“I’m going to fuck you until you split in half.”

Larc is about to advance, but Kyle and I both hold him back, watching Ben disappear with his entourage. The rest of our group, including Maggie, huddle around us.

Kyle asks.

“Who the hell is that and what the hell happened?”

Larc is seething so I tell the group. Kyle shakes his head in disgust, except I’m not sure if it’s disgust at me or Ben. We walk back to the store, only to find Becky carrying a bucket to clean the sidewalk, which has the word savages spray-painted on it.