Haven’s Wolves Christmas Surprise

Haven’s Wolves Series

Book Two ½

Author: Shelby Lynn

Editor: Caroline Kirby

Artwork by JK Publishing INC

Published by JK Publishing INC

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Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and

incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or
are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual
persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales are
entirely coincidental.

© Copyright December 2012 JK Publishing INC as part

of grouping “A Very Male Shifter Christmas”

Reissued March 2013 as a single
All cover art and logo © Copyright 2013 by JK

Publishing INC

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the
written permission of the author.

JK Publishing website:

www.jkpublishingbooks.com

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Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to my family. They

stand by me every day and I love you so much. To my kids
for the understanding they show for saying ‘Mom’ for the
second time before I hear them. To my husband and best
friend that encourages me every day.

Thank you, Hon. I love you.

To my sisters for their encouragement and willingness to

read my books no matter what they are.

To Mom, I wish you were still here. I miss you every

day, even though I know you are in a much better place, pain
free.

Last, but definitely not least, thank you to JK Publishing

for taking a chance on me. To my editor Caroline, thank you
for your patience. I’m already learning so much from you
already. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Shelby Lynn

I would love to hear from you.

Website:

www.shelbylynnauthor.com

Email:

[e-mail]

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/shelby.lynn.313924

Table of Contents

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Prologue

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Chapter One

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Chapter Two

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Chapter Three

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Chapter Four

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Chapter Five

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Chapter Six

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Chapter Seven

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Chapter Eight

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Chapter Nine

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Chapter Ten

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Chapter Eleven

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Chapter Twelve

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Chapter Thirteen

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Excerpt

from

Sawyer’s

Hope

~

Excerpt

from

Held

Tight

~

Books

Available

by

Shelby

Lynn

Prologue

They are the Warrior Spirits. They have been around

since the beginning of time. They look out for all the Shifters
of this world, as well as all the other Realms. There are
many other names for each of the shifters in this world. It is
their job to watch out for the safety and well-being of all
their people. There are many out there unknown to the human
world. If the humans knew of all the many groups moving
back and forth between the Realms, they would be scared to
go outside of their homes.

There are just as many bad groups as good ones out

there. It’s their job to watch out for the safety and well-being
of all their people.

For too long, the views of finding true mates have been

obscured by the shifters' inability to wait for their true mates.
Making the wrong choices that affect not only themselves but
also everyone else they’ve involved in the pursuit of sexual
gratification.

It was the Warrior Spirits duty to watch over all of the

Realms as well. During one of their long absences, the
Dream Weavers were driven from their true home. The
survivors fled to the Earth Realm to escape sure death, and
bad luck had followed them here as well. Their offspring
paid the price of that misfortune by losing their birth parents
early in life.

Others would grow up with only one parent, and bad

luck just seemed to follow in their wake. By the time the
Spirits were made aware of these misfortunes, many years
had passed and many wolves had been affected.

The Warrior Spirits decided they needed to step in and

help with a very special group of hybrid wolves. Each one
of these very special wolves was given special powers from
their ancestors who came to this earth from another Realm.
All were destined to grow up without their loving families
from their original Realm. Their destinies on this earth were
paved by the hardships that each one faced almost daily.

These hybrids have suffered from many types of abuse

over the years, most of them hiding their gifts for their own
protection. With the forming of the Dream Weaver Network,
the ones in trouble would soon find a safe Haven. The first
Dream Weavers started this safe Haven when they
discovered their mates and shifted to their second Weir
form.

This holiday season, the Spirits decided that it was time

to bring a little holiday cheer to their first Dream Weaver
couple.

Young Timmy played his part in bringing forth the next

Dream Weaver couple. The Warrior Spirits were pleased
with his sacrifice. Years from now, he would be a very
strong Dream Weaver in his life. For one so young, he acted
bravely and without thought to himself. The Spirits did not

tell the young one how to heal the downed man. Instinct had
taken over, and he did the first of many duties to his people.

This young man would be very important to his people.

The Warrior Spirits knew his life would not always be easy.
His adolescent years already showed the proof of it. As they
watched the mates in each other’s arms after the single tear
had healed him, they knew this would be a bittersweet
moment for them both…

The Dragon and the Phoenixes flew back to the Cedarhill

Pack under cloaks of invisibility waiting in the Pack meeting
room until everyone else drove back from the warehouse that
ni ght. The things they had seen were remarkable and
definitely something they needed to discuss. Within thirty
minutes, the others drove into the Pack House driveway.

“Tyler, please tell the others that I will be there in a few

minutes. I'm going to put this tired little man to bed,”
Shannon told his mate as they waited for the others to knock
on the door.

“Sure, my mate,” Tyler told him as he kissed the

forehead of his little one. Young Timmy was already asleep
in his arms.

He watched his mate carry their son up the stairs to his

r o o m. Tyler answered the door for Sawyer, Johnny,
Blackwood, and Travis.

“Come on in, gentlemen. Haven and Garrett are already

in our meeting room waiting on everyone to arrive,” he told
his friends as they followed him into the meeting room.

“Good to see everyone made it back here safe,” Haven

told the other Alphas as they sat down at the table to discuss
the things that were happening to all of them. Just then,
Shannon walked in and took his place by his mate.

“Gentlemen, I think we have seen in the last few days

just how deadly these Demons are to our world. We need to
call Counselor Jackson and tell him everything that has
happened. Does anyone have anything before I place that
call?” Tyler asked the other Alphas in the room.

No one else had anything to add at that moment, all of

them shaking their heads in the negative. Tyler placed the
video conference call to Counselor Jackson.

“Hello, Alpha Tyler,” Jackson answered. “Wow, looks

like you have the whole neighborhood with you and friends.
Has something else happened?” He waited to hear what had
happened.

“We were attacked again by a Demon. He actually killed

two people tonight by draining them. If it wasn’t for the
healing abilities of the Dream Weaver’s transformation,
young Timmy wouldn’t have been brought back to life.
Young Timmy is now a Next Generation Dream Weaver, and
he brought Johnny back to life tonight. My mate and I
transformed as well into a second form,” Tyler told him.

“Wow, well congratulations are in order to you and your

son. I assume Johnny is well now?” he asked.

“Yes, sir. He actually found his mate tonight. Sawyer is

his mate,” Tyler told him.

“Congratulations are in order, gentleman. Man, I hate to

do this, Sawyer, at a time like this, but I have no choice. A
young one’s life is in danger, and I am beginning to think it
may be your old Pack mate Jarrod, who’s behind it. A young
boy was abducted tonight, and I have to pull Sawyer out of
there to find him. Your mating is going to have to wait, I'm
afraid, gentleman. There is no other tracker who can do what
you do, Sawyer,” Councilman Jackson told him.

“I understand, Councilman. I would like a few minutes

alone with my mate since I have no idea when I’ll return. Is
it radio silence on this mission as well, sir?” Sawyer asked
his superior.

“Yes it is, Sawyer. We can’t risk the Demons finding out

about this. We are sure this little one is a Dream Weaver as
well. If Jarrod is behind it, then he is out to exploit the young
one in some way,” Jackson told them.

“We do have one other very important thing to tell you,

sir. The Warrior Spirits spoke to Timmy in a dream. They
instructed him to let us know Garrett and Shannon are the
Co-Leaders of the Dream Weavers, and they are to set up a
Network to track down and help anyone who is in trouble.
They spoke of many Dream Weavers who are in need of
help,” Tyler told Councilman Jackson.

“Wow, that will be a lot of work. The Councilmen are

tied up until after the first of the year, but anything I can do to
help just let me know. Sawyer, call me as soon as you leave.
If you have any more attacks or run-ins with the Demons, call
me immediately,” he told them before signing off the video
call.

“Damn, Sawyer, I am truly sorry you have to go out on

such an important mission right now,” Tyler told his friend.

Everyone in the room agreed. They all quietly left the

room to give the two men a few minutes alone.

“Johnny, I am so sorry to do this to you. I am blessed to

have finally found you,” Sawyer told his newly found mate.

“I understand duty, Sawyer. I'm a doctor, as you found

out earlier. So I do understand. It doesn’t mean I have to like
the situation,” Johnny told his mate.

Sawyer took him into his arms holding him close. He

didn’t know how long it would be before he could feel his
mate against him again. Johnny leaned forward and
whispered in his ear, “Please stay safe, my mate.”

“I will, Johnny. I will be back just as soon as possible. I

will not be able to call while I am gone. Please know you
will be in my thoughts the whole time.” He pulled him close
and kissed his lips for the first time. Saying a quiet good-bye
before walking out of the room, Sawyer looked back with so
much emotion in his eyes…

Haven and Garrett made plans to travel back to their

Pack with the holidays fast approaching. While Johnny
decided to stay with his Pack until Sawyer returned for him.
This thing would play through Johnny’s mind as each day
passed.

Chapter One

Haven was enjoying the holiday season. Everywhere he

looked the house was bright and cheerful from his own
mate’s hands. Garrett had really opened up over the last
couple of months, and he was finally coming into his own
after everything he had been though.

It was so fantastic to see his mate become the strong and

independent person he was always supposed to be. He was
excelling in his studies of architecture at the online school.
Garrett loved creating things, and he would do anything to
make his mate happy. Everyday Haven thanked the Spirits
for his mate.

It was so good finally to have a little quiet time to go

along with the holiday spirit. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be the
last throughout the holiday season. If we are all lucky
anyway, thought Haven. Garrett was busy doing all the
decorating with the help of his new friend and partner in
crime, Lucas.

When the two of them got together, no one knew just

what might happen next.

Haven was having fun watching his mate hang Christmas

wreaths and garland throughout the Pack house. He watched
his mate realize just how strong he really was. Haven had
been more cautious after almost losing his mate such a short
time ago.

From the moment Haven had brought his mate home to

Washington where their small Pack was located, Garrett had
immediately gained all of the Pack’s respect. There wasn’t
anything their members wouldn’t do for their Alpha’s mate.

Haven wasn’t surprised because Garrett had done the

very same thing to him without even trying. There was just
something so caring about his amazing mate. He was always
trying to help everyone around him. Now he’d even pulled
Lucas into his antics around the Pack house. It was a
pleasure just to watch the smile on Garrett’s face as he took
in their handy work.

The Christmas tree everyone had played a part in

decorating this morning was amazing. No usual tree for his
man, thought Haven. It was gigantic, standing at eight feet
tall. This was the only way to express the monster of a tree.
It was one of those trees everyone else would’ve walked
right by. To Garrett though, it was the perfect tree.

Garrett decided they were going to have homemade

decorations on their very first tree. Everyone was helping for
days just to make his first Christmas with the Pack great.
There were some of the most pitiful decorations imaginable,
but Garrett beamed at every single one.

Happiness filled the Pack house with the coming

Christmas season. Unfortunately, they couldn’t totally forget
the dangers that seemed to follow their Dream Weaver
Wolves. The Pack needed to be on guard against any kind of
trouble that might come upon them, Haven thought.

Garrett and Shannon also set up the Dream Weaver

Hotline and Rescue for any of their kindred brothers or

sisters to get help when needed. It had been a very busy
couple of months if you considered the danger that seemed to
surround their lives. Haven was always on guard.

Dream Weaver was a unique type of wolf with the

ability to turn into another animal form linked back to their
ancestors from another Realm. They were forced from their
homes by the evil in that time of their lives, that’s when they
started to find their mates in this world, and began to create
the new generation of shifters with incredible powers.

With each new Dream Weaver revealed, the Spirits’

plans for them came further into the light. There was so much
evil in the world that no normal person could face it alone.
Destiny brought the couples together creating a force that
was unstoppable against evil.

It was times like these that made all the wolves

appreciative of the gifts they were given. One person could
make the difference in bringing peace to their world. Garrett
was the nucleus of the Pack. He was the heart and soul of the
Dream Weavers.

Between Garrett and Shannon, they were the beginning of

something so much bigger than they were. The Spirits had so
many plans for these very special men. This holiday season
was just the beginning of the many exciting things to come in
their lives…

He watched his mate from the doorway—he never could

resist that handsome smile. He made his way across the
room to stand in front of Haven.

“Wow, Haven, can you believe it’s only twelve days

until Christmas?” Garrett told his mate as he kissed his lips

under the mistletoe a Pack member had hung just for them.

“I’ve got my very special present right here,” said

Haven, as pulled his mate to him and took his mouth in a
scorching kiss. He wrapped his arms around his mate and
pulled him closer. Their arousals pressing against each other
to the point of pain.

“I’ll be your present any day of the year, my mate. Do

you want to come and unwrap me?” Garrett teased his mate.

“I want to slowly unwrap each layer and enjoy the

presents I find along the way.” He kissed Garrett slowly
down his neck until he got to the spot of his possession. He
slowly licked the mark on his mate. The mark that showed
the entire world this incredible man was his.

Haven took Garrett’s hand, and he made his way up to

their master suite. Garrett took great pleasure in decorating
when they’d first arrived. When he opened the door to their
room, the first object he could see was the huge bed that took
up a good portion of the room.

They slowly made their way to the bed. Haven was in

control of the kiss as he slowly pushed his mate onto the
sheets. Haven followed him down onto the other side of the
bed.

He stared over at his mate as he ran his fingers through

the silky strands. Garrett truly was his gift in every way
imaginable. Haven couldn’t wait to unwrap him very slowly
and worship every inch of skin he uncovered.

His dragon counterpart was demanding his mate, in no

uncertain terms. He was never shy about his needs and wants
to Haven. Garrett’s dragon was much the same way in

needing to connect to his mate in the most sensual way.

“Haven…I need you so badly, my mate,” groaned Haven.
“I know just what you need, Garrett,” Haven whispered

into his mate’s ear. He was slowly undressing him from the
clothing that had suddenly become way too tight on Garrett.

With each inch that he uncovered, Haven worshiped the

area with his mouth. Haven brought out the loving side of
himself that he had never felt before. Haven waited until
Garrett was moaning for the relief only he could bring him.

Haven lowered his jeans in a quick motion, causing his

cock to spring forward in an invitation to his already
salivating tongue. He captured the drops of pre-cum right
before they slid down Garrett’s massive cock. With each
swipe of his tongue across the top of Garrett’s cock, he
jerked in pleasurable reaction.

“Oh Haven, that feels so fucking great when you lick my

cock,” Garrett told his mate.

Haven loved to drive his mate wild as he sucked his

cock deep into his throat. He was so close to losing it as
Haven pulled slightly on his sack and rubbed gently right
between the sensitive areas. It almost made Garrett’s eyes
roll back in his head at the intense pleasure.

Slowly, Haven stretched his mate’s star with the lube

they kept on the dresser beside the bed. Garrett knew his
pre-cum now had the ability to relax his mate’s muscles. It
was an aphrodisiac that was gifted from their dragons.
Touching his mate was the most pleasurable experience for
Haven, and he wasn’t about to miss out on the pleasure.

Haven stared into his mate’s eyes, ‘Are you ready my

mate,’ he said through their link.

“Fuck me already, Haven. I need you deep in my ass

right now!”

Never one to deny his mate of anything he desired.

Especially not myself, thought Haven.

Flipping Garrett over so he was on his hands and knees,

Haven lined up behind him. He ran his hands from his
shoulders, that he’d pushed to the bed, down his muscular
back to his tight ass, where he spread his cheeks. He eased
his cock into his mate’s passage giving the fluids time to
work their dragon magic. He looked down at his mate’s head
and grabbed his hair, tilting his head to the side so he could
see part of his face to look at his mate’s pleasure as he
entered him. He then knew he could start the movement that
brought him deep into his mate’s tight channel. With each
thrust of his cock hitting that very special spot that brought
him pleasure.

Garrett looked up at his mate as he arched his back with

each downward slide of Haven’s thick cock. He was about
to go insane over the combination of the aphrodisiac in his
mate’s fluid, and him sliding his cock across the sweet spot
on every stroke.

Haven needed to bite his mate once again, and his dragon

was demanding he do it immediately. He pulled Garrett so
his was leaning back against his chest. He lightly licked the
mating mark, causing a groan to escape from Garrett. Then he
gently bit into it, once again reconfirming Garrett was his
alone. When he felt the tingling of his approaching climax, he
reached around and grabbed Garrett’s cock, pumping him in

rhythm to his thrusts.

In a matter of moments, both men were finding their

releases. Haven’s knot released and attached onto the sweet
spot causing Garrett to cum once again. Their breathing was
haggard as they came back down to earth from the place that
was just a part of them.

They held each other tight until the knot released, and

Haven got up to get a towel to wash his mate clean. After
Haven took care cleaning his mate, then he returned to the
bathroom to clean-up himself and then turned towards the
bed.

He watched his mate for a moment. Haven enjoyed the

strong, naked body lying in all its glory for him.

Making his way over to the bed, laying down beside his

mate and wrapping his arm around him, he closed his eyes as
he pulled him close.

It was a not-to-gentle knocking that brought them awake

from their nap. Haven went over to answer the door to see
what the commotion was all about. Haven knew they
wouldn’t bother the Alpha pair unless something had
happened.

“Jasper, what can we help you with?” Haven asked his

fellow Pack member when he opened the door.

“Alpha, can you come down to the front entrance? There

is something we need to show you. I’m afraid you aren’t
going to believe me if I just told you,” Jasper told them. He
was still in shock by what he found.

“We will be right down, Jasper.” Haven closed the door,

and turned to find his mate was already getting dressed.

Well, so much for a little time with his mate.

“I wonder what that’s all about,” asked Garrett. It wasn’t

like Jasper to act so secretive.

“There is no telling with the guys around here.

Sometimes they tend to play jokes on each other. So you
never quite know what to expect. Although, they’ve been on
their best behavior since you came, my mate.”

“Well, I guess we’ll just have to go see for ourselves

then.” Garrett walked out of the bedroom door with his mate
bringing up the rear.

Haven didn’t like Garrett to take any undue risks, and

walking straight into an unknown situation was just that. No
matter how strong he was, the protective instincts were
kicking in. They walked through the Pack House on the way
to the foyer. It seemed that every one of the men in the house
was there.

“What the hell is going on?” said Haven to his Pack

mates.

Slowly they started parting the way as they moved.

Garrett and Haven could see a basket on the floor. It was the
sounds coming from the basket that held the men in shock. No
one really knew what to do in that moment.

“Oh my goodness, Haven, that is a baby!” Garrett

exclaimed to his mate.

Chapter Two

When Jasper had answered the doorbell a few minutes

earlier, the very last thing he expected to find on the front
porch was a baby. What the hell is a baby doing on the
porch all alone? Jasper thought.

He quickly brought the baby into the Pack house, and

alerted his Pack mates to watch over it. Everyone stood in
shock not quite knowing what to do in that moment. All of the
huge men looked down in shock and awe at the precious
baby. No one came close to the little one that smiled up at
them from her pumpkin seat.

He went to get the Alphas to see what to do about the

adorable little one. Tracking them down in their room—not
an unusual place to find his Alphas— Jasper quickly told
them the situation.

They all headed down the hallway into the front

entryway coming to a stop in front of the basket.

Garrett reached down and picked the baby up out of the

basket. It couldn’t be more than a few days old. However,
when he looked deep into the startling familiar eyes of the
baby, Garrett was surprised at the intelligence staring back
at him. It was the cute smile though that reached up and
grabbed hold of his heart.

Haven came up to his mate holding the baby. It was his

deepest, secret wish come to life. He touched his mate’s
arm, and ran a finger down the soft face of the baby. The

moment Haven touched the baby, they were enfolded in the
same glittering lights that changed them to dragon form. This
time the light enfolded them all in its brilliance.

Right in front of their eyes, the baby started shifting from

a baby to a wolf. Then it changed to a baby dragon and back
to a baby. The baby’s laughter could be heard with each
change, so they knew she wasn’t in pain.

It was the most amazing thing imaginable to the Alpha

pair. They knew in their hearts that the baby was meant to be
theirs. The grand performance a few moments ago just
cinched those feelings. This was one gift for the holiday
season they hadn’t planned for, but they were delighted, even
so.

“Haven, this baby is meant to be ours!”
“The Spirits have blessed us this Christmas a little early

with this wonderful gift. The baby even has your incredible
eyes,” Haven said to Garrett.

Garrett was filled with so much happiness as he held the

baby close to his chest. The Spirits heard his truest wish this
holiday season. This adorable baby was the completion of
their family circle.

Was it a girl or a boy? Garrett thought. It truly was a

wish coming true. Something he thought would never happen
to him.

Haven heard his mate’s inner thoughts. He couldn’t wait

to find out himself if they had a son or a daughter.

“Well, Garrett, you’ll have to check. I don’t think the

baby is old enough to tell us itself.” Haven couldn’t help
teasing his mate. He was the one person that brought more

happiness into his life than he ever thought possible.

When seconds later they heard in their mind, ‘I can talk

Daddy Haven, and I’m very happy to meet you both. My
name is Jasmine, and the Spirits sent me as a loving gift to
their first Dream Weaver Couple. I’m getting tired though,
now, daddies. I need to sleep.’ The Alphas watched Jasmine
close her eyes in amazement.

“Wow,” was all that Garrett could say in that moment. It

seemed they had a very special little one to take care of
indeed. He was more than ready for the responsibility that
came with such a special gift. “We need to go into town
now, Garrett. It looks like we have some major shopping to
do for our baby, Jasmine. We don’t have anything that we
need to take care of her. She’ll be getting hungry very soon,
and we don’t have a thing to feed her.”

Haven picked up the basket and noticed the papers in the

bottom of the blanket. There was a birth certificate and
everything else they need to make Jasmine legally their
daughter. The Spirits thought of everything–down to the extra
diaper and bottle tucked into the side of the basket.

“Thank goodness, we have at least one bottle and a

diaper if we need it right away. It won’t take long to make it
into town, Garrett,” Haven told his mate.

When they got out to their truck, there was a baby safety

seat already buckled in the backseat. The Spirits had thought
of everything. In no time, Garrett had her fastened into the
new seat from the Spirits. Garrett was thankful they had
thought of her safety in every way.

“There's a baby store in town that should have everything

we need for Jasmine,” Haven told his mate. He hadn’t taken
his eyes off the little one since he’d put her into the car seat.

“It’s a good thing we have a big truck,” Garrett teased

his mate.

“So true. We may buy out the whole store,” Haven teased

back.

“Haven, I can’t believe the Spirits knew how badly I

wanted a baby. Being a parent was something that I’d given
up hope of ever being,” Garrett told his mate.

“I know, Garrett. I felt the exact same way myself. We

will be the best of parents and shower our little Christmas
gift with love. We will prove to be worthy fathers, of that I
have no doubt,” Haven told his mate.

“All the Pack members are going to be wrapped around

her little finger in no time,” Haven added.

“With one smile she already had me,” Garrett told him.

She had to be the most beautiful little girl in the world,
Garrett thought to himself.

They pulled into the huge Babies R Us store, parking

near the door for easy access. Haven opened up the back
door to get Jasmine out, and after a few moments, he figured
out how to release the car seat into a carry along.

Garrett placed the blanket around Jasmine to keep her out

of the sun. She was sleeping away, and didn’t even know
what her daddies were doing.

They headed into the big store. When they entered, it

even smelled like baby powder and products.

“What should we look at first?” Garrett asked his mate.
“How about we get the furniture all picked out for

Jasmine’s bedroom first. Which reminds me, Jasmine needs
to be close to us at night and the room next door would be
perfect. I’ll call the guys and have them move stuff out and
we can set up the nursery when we get home,” said Haven.

“Sounds perfect.” Garrett listened as Haven called the

Pack house quietly telling them to empty out the room for
Jasmine’s things.

“Jasper, have the men clean out the bedroom opposite of

ours for Jasmine. We should be back in a couple of hours, I
would say,” Haven told his Pack member.

“Sure thing, Alpha. I will get them on it immediately!”

Jasper told him.

They quickly went through the store, and headed for the

back of the store where the baby furniture was all set up.

“I never realized there were so many different kinds of

baby beds. How are we ever going to pick one, Haven?”
Garrett asked his mate.

“Well, I think we should look into safety first and

foremost in all the baby items,” Haven told his mate. To him,
the safety of all his Pack was first in his mind.

They looked around and soon found a sales person that

knew all the information they were looking for.

The sales lady introduced herself as Mandy.
She showed them all the cribs with the highest safety

rating. Garrett had soon picked out a beautiful white one
with a matching changing table. Then she took them around to
all the bedding and accessories. They both loved the little
teddy bear collection, so they decided to get all the matching
items.

“Wow, that wasn’t so hard after we picked a collection,

Haven. I never thought about all the things a baby would
need. I’m so glad we found you to help us, Mandy,” said
Garrett.

“Your very welcome, sir. Your baby is adorable,”

Mandy told him.

“Thank you, Mandy. We are new dads, if you couldn’t

already tell,” Haven told the very helpful girl. There was
just something about her that made a person feel comfortable
in her presence.

She helped them pick out all the everyday necessities.

Then they headed towards the clothing area for little girls.
The men listened carefully as she explained about only
buying a minimal amount of the smaller sizes. With babies
growing so fast, they outgrew everything very quickly.

In less than thirty minutes, the men learned more about

babies than they had ever thought possible. If it were up to
them on what to pick out, Jasmine would’ve been very
displeased with her daddies. They had no idea what little
girls would like to wear.

Jasmine woke up and was giving her new daddies her

thoughts on the outfits. In no time, they had all the clothes and
accessories picked out. Their cart was almost full already
from the clothing, diapers, and formula. All the necessities
she would need for bottle feeding as well.

Mandy went to get them a new cart and make sure all

their furniture, swing, highchair, and bedding accessories
were at the front waiting on them.

“We may have to make two trips to get this all home,”

Garrett teased his mate.

“We have to leave room for our little Christmas

surprise,” Haven said as he listened to the Jasmine gurgling
for them. He couldn’t help but smile as he looked at the dark
curls and bright blue eyes. In his eyes, she was the most
beautiful baby in the world.

‘Thank you, Daddy. I think you are beautiful, too,’

Jasmine said in his mind with a giggle.

Mandy returned to help them, and they headed over to the

must-have section: the toys. Jasmine was partial to the little
stuffed dragon, of course. Although they did pick out several
other ones that seemed to be Jasmine’s favorite in her mind.

“Well, Garrett, I think that will be enough to get us

started in the daddies department.” They made their way to
the front of the store to round up all of their items to
purchase. They tried to tip Mandy for her excellent service,
but she wouldn’t allow it.

Soon they made their way through to the checkout and

were amazed at all the bags and boxes they had accumulated.
Mandy helped them out of the store with all the bags while a
couple of the guys loaded up the big items into the back of
the truck.

“Thank you, gentlemen for shopping with us today, and

anytime you need anything, just let me know,” Mandy told the
nice men. She really enjoyed getting to know this small
family. They were so proud of their new, little daughter.

“Well, if you were a nanny, Mandy, we would take you

home with us, too,” Garrett told her with a smile. Mandy had
proved very knowledgeable about babies.

“Well, I do babysit all the time. So if you ever need

anyone to watch your little angel, I am available,” Mandy
said to the men. She would’ve liked nothing more than to
take care of their little one.

Mandy could’ve sworn there was silent communication

going on between the men. Then the tallest one turned to her
with a smile, and asked for her information to call her for
babysitting.

“Mandy, you really impressed us with your knowledge,

but as responsible dads, we need references from anyone
who takes care of our Christmas angel. I’ll give you my
number, and you can call me with the reference information
later, if you want.”

Mandy took their information, and she wondered what

had gotten into her. She’d never been so forward to offer
herself for a job before. There was just something about
these nice people that called to the lonely place in her soul.

“We will wait for your call then, Mandy. I think you

would be a perfect fit with our little girl.”

Chapter Three

Mandy couldn’t believe how fast the day went by. The

closer they got to Christmas, the busier they became. Don’t
take that wrong though, she was very glad to have the job. It
was the only thing keeping her from living on the streets.

She ran away from her bastard of a stepfather because

he’d tried to force himself on her, and told her ‘he was doing
her a favor with her fat body.’

Her own mother had taken his side when she ran to her

for protection from the creep. Instead of protecting her as
mother should have, she told her to leave and never come
back.

That was over three years ago, and if it hadn’t been for a

very nice man that had taken in the drenched, young girl that
night, Mandy didn’t know where she would be right now.
She refused to be a moocher from her best friend,Teddy.
They both knew right away they would be the best of friends.

Teddy became her best friend almost immediately. He

was a writer and spent most of his time alone, except for the
book promotions he often went on. They were both quiet
people and would spend hours together, sometimes without
even saying a word.

Teddy told her almost from the start that he was gay, and

she had no worries he was after her virtue. In all the time she
had known him, there was never a partner.

She stayed long enough to get a job and a small place to

live. Mandy worked so hard to keep a roof over her head.
She absolutely loved children and she babysat almost
weekly. So she knew she had good references for Haven
Storm and his partner Garrett.

She decided she was going to take a chance and call

them tonight with her references. What could it hurt? Mandy
thought. Her life was an unending circle of boring. The only
time she felt truly happy was with the children she watched,
and when her best friend hung out with her.

Teddy was a very famous author though, she soon found

out after meeting him. He was on the road a lot of the time
doing promotions for his mysteries written in the gay genre.
Therefore, Mandy didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him.
They had become a family in the short time they had known
each other. She truly missed him when he was gone.

With it less than two weeks to Christmas, he would be

home any day. For the last few years, they spent Christmas
day together. They shared a single, homemade gift that they
had agreed upon earlier in the first year. Mandy knew the
real reason was the money issue, and Teddy would never
make her feel bad.

They had a lot of fun making each other gifts that truly

showed the friendship which quickly blossomed from the
start between the two. This year, she’d made Teddy a
special lap quilt for his writing desk. He was always getting
cold, and he hated stopping his thought process to get a
jacket.

Mandy learned to crochet just to make him the very

special Christmas surprise. She hoped he would really like

i t . Mandy wanted Teddy to know just how much of a
difference he’d made in her life.

When she got home, the first thing she did was write

down all the information for Mr. Storm. She wanted to call
him before they had a chance to hire someone else. Mandy
wanted to have everything they needed before making the
call. Finally feeling confident that she had everything they
might ask about, she pulled her phone out to call.

She listened to the phone ring, and on the second ring,

she heard someone pick up. “Hello, Storm residence, this is
Jasper speaking.”

“Hello, Jasper. I’m trying to get hold of Haven Storm.

This is Mandy Laye. I’m calling about the nanny job for their
baby. I met the gentlemen this afternoon.”

“Hi Mandy, we’ve already heard about your saving the

men today. Let me go and get one of them for you.”

Mandy waited patiently for one of them to come back to

the phone.

“Mandy, I’m so glad you called. We were hoping that

you would consider the nanny job. Do you have the
information for us?” Haven asked her.

“I have it all here to give you. Just let me know when

you’re ready, and I’ll tell it to you,” Mandy told Mr. Storm.

Haven listened to all the information and made notes.

Truly, he really didn’t need to though. On the way home,
Garrett and Haven had decided Mandy was perfect. There
was just something about her they knew was trustworthy...

In time, they knew they would tell her about themselves

and Jasmine. For now though, they would just have to keep

the shifting out of the Pack house. They had already
explained to baby Jasmine that she couldn’t change in
Mandy’s presence.

“Mandy, I’ll give these references a call, and hopefully

get back to you very soon. Do you have a problem living in
our house? We can give you a room next to Jasmine’s
nursery. I do have to warn you though, we have several other
family members that live in our home. Will that be a
problem? They are all really nice, gay men. So you have
nothing to worry about on that account.”

“I'm fine with that, Mr. Storm. My best friend is gay as

well.”

“Great Mandy, I’ll give you a call very soon then.

Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”
Wow, Mandy couldn’t believe how well that had gone.

She really hoped she got the job. Only time would tell…

Haven walked back to the bedroom where everyone was

working on Jasmine’s furniture. It still amazed him how
these huge men, himself included, turned into mush over a
little, bitty girl. Jasmine had half of the men down on the
floor playing peek a boo. Jasper and Lucas were working on
putting together the furniture.

His mate was directing the men on where to put the

finished pieces, while hanging up the soft wall hangings that

matched all the bedding and things. Haven couldn’t help the
smile that spread across his face as he took in his family.

This was truly the best Christmas season he’d ever had.

He knew that bringing a human into the middle of ten wolves
wasn’t going to be easy. In his heart, he knew this was truly
the right thing to do. He needed to talk to his mate and make
some decisions before announcing it to the Pack.

Haven came up behind his mate and wrapped his arms

around him. Instantly, his mate relaxed into his chest and
leaned back so his mate could kiss him.

“Hi,” Haven said to Garrett.
“Hi yourself, who was on the phone?” Garrett asked.
“That

was

Mandy. She was calling with her

information,” Haven told him.

“That is fantastic, Haven. I was really hoping that it was

her calling. Did you offer her the job?” Garrett was really
hoping he would offer her the job.

“I wanted to talk it over with the guys first. It will be a

change for them as well. Having a human here will be very
different than what they are used to. I plan on telling Mandy,
but I think she needs to get to know everyone first,” Haven
told his mate.

“I think that is a very wise decision. Are you going to tell

the guys about it tonight?” Garrett asked.

Haven thought about it for a moment, “I think it would be

best to get it out of the way. We really could use the help
with Jasmine with all that goes on in our lives. I would like
to have her under the roof before Christmas day.” Haven
didn’t think there would be any issues. He had known these

men for many years, and he trusted each one with his life.

“I agree, Haven,” Garrett told his mate.
“Gentlemen, with our new addition to the Pack, my mate

and I have come to the decision to hire a nanny. We met the
perfect woman today, and Jasmine took an instant liking to
her. Therefore, we would like her to come and live here in
the Pack house. We know this will affect all of you by having
a human here,” Alpha Haven told his Pack members.

“Do you plan on telling her about us?” Lucas asked his

Alphas.

“We do plan to tell her. When you have a chance to meet

her, I think you’ll know why we feel we can trust her. We
would like your approval though before we ask Mandy to
come and live here,” Haven told all the Pack.

“Alphas, I know you wouldn’t put a human in danger by

bringing her into our world unless you were certain of the
outcome. So if Mandy is the best person for the job, then I
give my approval for her to move in with us,” Jasper told his
Alphas.

“I only have one question, Alphas. What about her

bringing friends around or boyfriends, for that matter?” Razz
asked.

“That is a great question, Razz. What would you

suggest?” Garrett asked.

“Well, I would say to treat this as any other job. She

should meet any friends away from the Pack house. Once she
knows about us, then it shouldn’t be a problem,” Razz told
his Alpha’s mate.

“Does that sound acceptable to rest of you?” Haven

asked all the Pack members.

All the other wolves nodded in agreement to Razz’s

suggestion. So it was decided in that moment to bring a
human into their home. Jasmine took that moment to make
herself known as she giggled and seemed to clap her very
small hands in joy. Garrett went over and picked her up out
of the bouncy seat.

“My Christmas angel, are you happy that Mandy is

joining the family?” Garrett asked the little girl.

‘Mandy is mine,’ she giggled in her mind. Nothing was

simpler than that. Mandy was officially another member of
the Pack, even if she didn’t know it yet.

Haven dutifully called all the references Mandy had

given him that evening. He wasn’t surprised by any of the
answers the people gave him. They all loved Mandy and
praised her every virtue. He did learn one thing though in the
conversations. Mandy was almost completely alone in this
world. She had one good friend who was a writer, but he
was always out of town.

It sounded like Mandy could use a family, and they could

be that for her. Was this another blessing the Spirits were
sending their way?

Haven guessed that only time would tell…

Chapter Four

The Spirits were watching their Dream Weaver’s first

couple very closely. They had taken to baby Jasmine just as
they knew the couple would. The love was instant, as she
became a part of their legacy as they both had secretly
wished.

Just as they hoped, the men had gone shopping almost

immediately for the items their new daughter needed. It just
happened to be during the time the young lady was working.
She was the key to another couple finding each other in the
near future.

The young lady had a very happy future waiting for

herself. They had done all they could, for now. It was up to
the people involved to find their way from this point. The
Dream Weavers were already proving themselves way
beyond their expectations…

Haven listened to the ringing as he waited for Mandy to

pick up.

“Hello.”
“Hi Mandy, this is Haven Storm. Did I call too late?”
“It’s not too late, Mr. Storm.”
“Well, I’ll get right to the point then, Mandy. We would

love for you to be our Nanny for Jasmine. It will be a live-in

position here in our home. It will be long hours some days,
but we will make sure that you get two days off a week. The
salary will be $1,200.00 a week for all the long hours.”
Haven told the young lady, as he went on to say.

“We wanted you to know that we will be active parents,

though. We don’t expect you to watch her twenty-four hours
a day. We only have one request, Mandy. We are a very
private family, so any socializing on your part will have to
be outside of the house. Will that be a problem?” Haven
asked her.

Mandy’s mind had almost quit functioning at the amount

of the salary. She soon came back to earth and listened to
what Mr. Storm was saying.

“It will not be a problem, Mr. Storm. I’m honored you

picked me to take care of Jasmine. When would you like me
to start, sir?” Mandy asked her soon-to-be boss.

“First thing, please call me Haven. Do you need to give

your work a notice with it being the holidays?” Haven asked.

“My boss is really nice, and he would be fine with me

leaving for the right reasons,” Mandy told him. She really
had been lucky in the bosses she had. As long as you worked
hard, they were always happy.

“Welcome to the family then, Mandy. Take a day to get

your stuff together and we will see you then. The address is
on the card I gave you earlier.” Haven told the young
woman. Things were falling into place just like clockwork.

“Thank you, Haven,” as she said good-bye. Mandy could

hardly wait to call her best friend.

She sat there trying to think of the time difference where

he was this week. Finally she decided that it was probably
too late to call him tonight. She knew how little he would
sleep when he was caught up in the book he was writing.

First thing in the morning she would call him and give

him the good news. Teddy was always worrying about her
being alone. At least now he would know she wasn’t alone.
Maybe he would slow down himself soon and find a nice
man. At least that is what she hoped for her best friend.

Mandy looked around her apartment to see what she

would bring with her. She really didn’t have all that much
anyway. It wouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to pack
up her things. She only rented her place month by month so
she could easily turn in her notice tomorrow.

She had the apartment paid for until the end of

December. That was enough time to decide what to do with
the furniture if she didn’t need it in her new room. Mandy
decided to call it a night and get a start first thing in the
morning. Her life was finally looking up…

Haven hung up the phone with a smile on his face. He

couldn’t wait to tell Garrett that Mandy had agreed to come
and work for them. Another wonderful surprise this holiday
season, Haven thought to himself. His handsome mate had
brought peace into his crazy world. They had dealt with
many things since then, but it was worth coming home to his
amazing mate.

He headed back into the main part of the Pack house

looking for his mate. Haven couldn’t wait to tell him the
good news about Mandy. He found everyone in the living
room hanging out. His mate had transformed it into more of
an entertainment center for the Pack.

There were now game systems for everyone to enjoy, as

well as a complete array of games for them to pick from too.
The room looked so festive with the little Christmas tree in
the corner and the scented candles that burned on the tables.
He had truly made these four walls into a home.

Everywhere Haven looked, the men were enjoying the

things his mate had contributed to the Pack house. It was no
longer just a place to watch television when they had nothing
else going on. It truly was a family room meant to make
everyone enjoy their time together.

“Hi, handsome. Can I sit beside you?” Haven asked his

mate, as he slid into the seat beside him. Taking in
everything about his handsome mate, from his white hair
down to boot covered feet. Every inch of this muscular man
was his.

“Anytime, my mate,” Garrett answered back.
“Mandy accepted the Nanny position just as we hoped

she would. I just got off the phone with her, and she’ll be
here in two days,” Haven told his mate.

“That's awesome. Jasmine is going to be so happy.”

Garrett couldn’t wait to tell his little girl the great news.

“Is our baby girl sleeping?” Haven asked.
“I put her down about thirty minutes ago. These baby

monitors are amazing, but I’ve already checked on her twice.

It’s really hard to leave her, Haven.”

“I can understand that, Garrett. We’ll go check in one

more time before we call it a night. This room looks
amazing, Garrett. You’ve outdone yourself once again.”

“Thank you. I just wanted the guys to know how much I

appreciate their acceptance. It really means the world to
me,” said Garrett.

“Well, Garrett, the guys are pretty fond of you already so

have no worries on that account,” Haven teased his mate.

When he’d first brought Garrett home, the guys were a

little on the shy side. It lasted all of twenty seconds as
Garrett’s personality pulled them all into his world. He soon
had earned all of their respect. Garrett was always helping
them out with the little things and making the Pack house into
a home.

Lucas was the first one that really pulled Garrett into the

circle and made him feel completely part of the group. Lucas
was the resident chef and he owned a very popular restaurant
in town called Simplicity.

The first night, Garrett complemented Lucas on the

excellent meal, something he guessed no one had done in a
long while. In turn, earning his gratitude and the friendship
blossomed from there. Something that Haven knew they had
taken for granted.

Garrett was helping Lucas with a special project and

doing a classroom assignment at the same time. His
assignment was to design a project, which could be added to
an existing property. Lucas helped him take it one-step
further by actually having the bar built in his restaurant. It

was such an honor for Garrett.

In fact, tomorrow would be the day the project would be

complete, if all went well. The whole Pack was coming to
the restaurant in celebration for the grand opening tomorrow
evening. They were all looking forward to the evening.

Now that Mandy was coming, they felt more at peace

knowing Jasmine had another caring caregiver. With the
grand opening centered on the holiday season, it was a busy
time of year. They were expecting a sold out evening, with
lines waiting to be seated.

Garrett was so proud of his Pack mate. He wished he

would find his mate, and take away that loneliness that
shined bright in his eyes. Garrett would often catch him
watching the closeness between himself and Haven. There
was always longing in his eyes for a mate of his own. He
would do everything within his power to help his Pack find
their mates.

It was every shifter’s dream to find the one person who

completes them in every way. Their mate brings out the best
in them. Finding that person that completed them in every
way was every shifter's dream. Unfortunately, a lot of them
were too impatient to wait for their mate. It often caused
sadness and sometimes bitterness to those left behind, when
their true mate finally came along.

Lucas swore after the terrible childhood he had endured,

he would wait no matter how long it took. The family that
took him in was not a mated pair. They were at each other’s
throats for every waking moment of the day. Drowning in
alcohol was their way of life, and no one seemed to care as

long as they didn’t have to deal with the pair.

There wasn’t a day in his life he wasn’t used as punching

bag to the egotistical bastard who was his adopted father. He
found pleasure in hurting anyone that was weaker in his eyes.

It wasn’t until Haven came to check out the abuse

charges which were sent anonymously and privately that he
was torn away from the hell.

In all those years growing up, Lucas had learned to cook;

otherwise, he would have died of hunger. He found he really
liked it. When he had a variety to pick from, the chef in him
was born.

Chapter Five

Jasper couldn’t believe the difference one man could

make in their lives. He had never seen his Alpha so happy,
and it spread out to all that was in their presence. As Jasper
walked through the Pack house, he couldn’t help but admire
all the hard work that Garrett and Lucas had gone to.

He needed them to come by his shop and add a few

holiday touches. He was a great mechanic, but when it came
to decorating or designing, he was lost. All he knew was
there wasn’t a creative bone in his body.

He was a grease monkey, through and through. Give him

an engine and he could rebuild it completely, but when it
came to the romantic stuff, he was so lost. When he watched
the Alpha pair together, it did give him hope. If the Spirits
saw fit for him to someday find his mate, he was determined
to be the best mate he could be.

He was still in awe of baby Jasmine. He had missed

being around young ones on a daily basis. When his Alpha
had kicked him out of his Pack for being gay, he had been no
more than a cub himself in many ways.

Unfortunately, he’d learned the hard way that prejudice

was a large part of the shifter world. Why people didn’t
understand that being gay wasn’t a choice, it was destined. It
was the same as the choice of one's perfect mate; it was
destined.

When Haven had found him beaten by a bunch of

hypocritical bullies for being in a gay club, he was trying to
heal from the onslaught. Haven had taken one look at the
younger Jasper and invited him to join his small Pack in
Washington. He hadn’t regretted the decision once in all
these years.

There was just something so trusting about Haven that

pulled people into his circle. Sure he was handsome, but he
never once tried to take advantage of any of the guys. He was
mentor to all of them, and anyone that was in need of help. It
was people like his Alpha who really brought out the true
joy of Christmastime. When they had received baby Jasmine
from the Spirits, it was the ultimate gift for their Alphas.

Jasper knew that Jasmine could never ask for better

parents than the Alphas. As her honorary uncle, Jasmine
would never want for anything, if he had anything to do with
it.

With the help of Haven’s business sense, the Pack was

very stable financially. Each one of the wolves in the Pack
had started up their own business with the help of their

Alpha. They had chosen something they loved to do, and
made it into a huge success.

In no time they had paid back their Alpha, and were

independently wealthy now with his help. The funny thing
was Haven hadn’t expected a thing in return. He was just
taking care of his Pack in his mind, and teaching them to
become the strong wolves he knew was inside each of
them…

Chapter Six

Haven was often away doing the Counsel’s business and

that took up a huge part of his life. He had always had the
ability to talk to the abused wolves, and pull them out of bad
situations they couldn’t get out of themselves. It was his
destiny to help anyone who was in trouble.

The Counsel tried only to send Haven on the worst cases,

now that he was mated. Garrett had agreed with Haven, his
job was way too important to give up completely. If he was
going to be gone for more than a week, then Garrett would
come along, if possible.

Now with baby Jasmine, they would seriously have to

think how they would handle the time away from their
daughter. They never wanted her to feel like she was left
behind or forgotten about. Their lives were no longer just
their own, and that was a blessing to them.

With Christmas only a few days away, the likelihood of a

mission coming up was minimal. Still it was something they
would discuss as a family. It would affect everyone involved
with their Pack, and all the other guys had businesses of their
own to worry about.

Haven planned an impromptu meeting after supper

tonight. He needed to announce to all the Pack about Mandy
accepting the position. Also, how their two newest family
members would fit into their bachelor household.

No more running around nude for one thing. Shifters

thought nothing of the naked form, as they shifted forms so
often. Haven didn’t want Mandy to have the shock of her life.
She just might run off screaming if they kept to their normal
behavior—that wouldn’t do at all.

Haven knew it was going to be hard on the guys to

change something that was so instinctive to them. He had no
doubt they would adopt Mandy as a baby sister in no time…

Mandy was finishing the last of her packing when her

phone rang the next day. When she picked it up, the caller ID
showed Teddy in the window. With a smile she answered,
“Hi, handsome. How's the book tour?”

“Well, it’s damn boring, my dear. I’m ready to come

home and take my best friend out for a cup of her favorite
coffee.”

“Teddy, that sounds really good. I wish you were here,

because I have some news for you, too.” Mandy said.

“Hurry, the suspense is killing me,” Teddy laughed.
“I got a great new job!” Mandy said excitedly.
“That is awesome, girly. Tell me all about this new job,”

Teddy told her with a smile in his voice.

“I’m going to be a Nanny for this beautiful little girl. The

couple is two men, and they are fantastic. We hit it off
immediately when they came into the store. They asked me to
come as a live in Nanny, and they are paying me a great
salary each week,” Mandy excitedly told her friend.

“I’m really glad, honey, but you know me, I need to meet

these guys before I know that you are safe,” Teddy told her
very seriously. He was all that Mandy had looking out for
her best interest. He had found the soaked teenager in tears at
the bus station. He felt immediately that this young girl
would play an important part in his life. It was one of his
talents, seeing so much more than the normal person ever
would. He had brought her home and the rest was history.

“They are very private men, and requested all

friendships be conducted away from their house. I really
can’t blame them with all the crazy people in this world. I’m
sure they’d meet you away from the house sometime. They
are very busy men,” she assured her friend.

"Well, I’m going to check them out anyway, Mandy.

What is his name?” Teddy had ways to checkout people and
find out just what kind of person they were. If his friend was
in a good situation was all he cared about.

“His name is Haven Storm,” Mandy told him.
“I know of the man, Mandy, and have heard nothing but

good things about him. When I get back home, I would like to
meet him, though, in person. I have a feeling that once we
meet, he’ll change his mind about having me for a visitor.”
Well, well, he wasn’t the only Weir then that felt just how
special Mandy was.

The Warrior Spirits were pleased with their people.

Everything was falling in line just as they planned. Now they
set their thoughts on Teddy. It would be after Christmas
before his life truly began to change. They could hardly wait!

“That would be great, Teddy. It might not be easy to get

away with your busy schedule.” Mandy was glad the Storms’
rated highly with her friend. It would have been bad if her
protective friend didn’t like her new employer. It could have
been an awkward situation.

“Well, that was one thing I was going to tell you when I

got home this time. I’ve already told my agent I’m slowing
down on all the traveling side of the business. It’s time to
stay home for a while and actually get some writing done in
my own place,” Teddy told his friend. He was really getting
tired of all of the traveling. He never was able to be his true
self in the cities they visited.

“I’m so glad for you,” Mandy told her friend.
“Well, Mandy, I had better let you go for the evening. It's

starting to get late where you are. Sleep well,” Teddy told
her.

“I'll talk to you again soon,” Mandy told him as she hung

up the phone.

Mandy was so glad her friend was finally coming home

to stay. It was the second best Christmas surprise she was
given this year.

She headed for her small bedroom, and quickly got ready

for bed. Tomorrow would be the start of a new day and part
of her life. She couldn’t wait, for the first time since meeting
Teddy, she felt like she was finally heading in the right
direction.

When she lay down, with her head on her pillow, it was

with a content feeling that she fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter Seven

It was the first rays of the morning sun that woke Mandy

up out of that peaceful slumber. She realized she needed to
get up and make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. It was
only the sound of the phone ringing that pulled her away from
her work.

Haven had called this morning to let her know he was

sending over a couple of his guys to get everything moved
for Mandy.

She decided to donate her couch and bed to charity after

hearing her room was completely furnished.

The guys were even dropping off the stuff at the store on

their way out of town. She still could hardly believe her
good fortune in finding this wonderful family.

Haven had told her about the party they were having for

their friend tonight. It sounded like the Grand Opening of the
new bar was going to be a huge Christmas party itself. She’d
never been to the restaurant before. It was a little pricier than
she could’ve afforded at the time.

They had invited her to come along with baby Jasmine.

They wanted the whole family to be there to support Lucas
on his special night.

Just then, Mandy heard a knock on her front door. She

headed into the front room to see who was there.

“Hi, you must be Mandy? I’m Jasper and this is Razz.

We are here to get your stuff moved out of here for you. Just

let us know what items are for donation, and we’ll put it in
the very back of the truck.”

“Thank you, Jasper and Razz. I think the only thing for

now is the couch and the bedroom set. Everything boxed up
I’m taking with me, if that helps. I’m bringing my clothes in
my car in a little while to the house myself.” Mandy told the
men.

“That sounds great, Mandy. We’ll just put all the boxes

in your room, and you can come over whenever you're
ready,” Razz told her.

“Sounds like a plan to me. How about you, Mandy?”

asked Jasper.

“It would be great, you guys, thanks,” Mandy told them

both.

In no time, the guys had everything loaded up into the

moving

truck. They were so nice to Mandy, and

exceptionally good looking. Although they didn’t act as if
they were better than Mandy like many good-looking men did
in her past.

She thanked them and promised to call if she had any

trouble finding the place. Mandy wanted to look her best, so
she took a leisurely bath. Then she decided to wear her best
dress for the evening. She wanted to make a good impression
for the first event with the new family.

When she arrived at the restaurant that evening, she

couldn’t wait to get started in her new life. Wow, was
exactly how she felt right this moment. This was the turning
point to something so much bigger, Mandy thought, as she
made her way to the front door.

There was already a line waiting to be seated, but Haven

had told her they had a room reserved for their party.

“Welcome, my dear. Is it just a party of one tonight?” the

server asked.

“I’m with the Storm party,” Mandy told the server.
“Oh, you must be Mandy. The guys told me you would be

here soon. Follow me and I’ll show you to the party.”

They headed to the back of the restaurant and the server

stopped in front of a door, it had to lead into some type of
dining area. He opened up the door and let Mandy into the
already-full room.

Wow, was all that Mandy could say as she walked into

the large room full of handsome men. She should’ve been
speechless, but the welcoming smiles made Mandy feel right
at home.

“Mandy, we are so glad you could come tonight. This

way you’ll get to know the family before you move in
tonight,” said Haven as he came over to take her arm.

“Come on in and I’ll introduce you to all the guys. You

remember Garrett, the love of my life, and little Jasmine.
Next, there is Jasper and Razz, whom you met today. Then
next to them are Wolfe, Knight, Ben, Lucky, Logan, Jarrett,
and lastly is Lucas, the owner of this fantastic restaurant. The
only one we are missing is Sawyer and he is gone right
now.”

“Thank you all for the warm welcome. I look forward to

getting to know all of you.” She meant every word as she
looked around at the kind faces of the men. “You have a
beautiful restaurant, Lucas. Thank you for inviting me to your

special day,” Mandy told Lucas.

“You’re welcome, Mandy. You’re a part of our family

now,” Lucas told the young woman.

Mandy looked around until she saw her new charge with

her daddy.

Mandy went over to baby Jasmine where she was

happily sucking on her fingers. She reached her arms up
towards Mandy, wanting to be picked up.

“Oh, she wants me to pick her up already,” said Mandy.
“Jasmine is very smart for her young age, we believe,”

said Garrett.

“I think so too, Garrett. When will she need to eat

again?” Mandy asked him.

“Jasmine had a bottle about an hour ago. I checked the

temperature against my wrist like you showed us yesterday.”
Garrett was so happy for the instructions Mandy had given to
them.

“See, you are already getting all the basics down. You

learn so much each and every day, I’ve found out. You are
naturals with Jasmine, I saw that right away,” Mandy told
her new employer.

“Thanks, Mandy. We really couldn’t have asked for a

better Christmas surprise. I didn’t think our lives could get
any better after finding each other. Then in these last few
days leading up to the holiday, we were given the greatest
gift of all, our daughter. For me, nothing is more important
than the love of family,” Garrett told his new family member.

For only a moment, sadness entered Mandy’s eyes when

she thought of her family, but she didn’t let that ruin her

happiness now. Those days were far behind her.

Just then baby Jasmine gurgled in happiness, and

throwing up her arms once again for Mandy to pick her up.

Mandy went over and picked up baby Jasmine. She was

happily kicking her arms and legs. She was the most
beautiful baby Mandy had ever seen. She was enjoying
herself, and getting all the attention from everyone in the
room.

Jasmine was passed around to all of her ‘uncles’ as they

described themselves. Each one of them looked more like a
football linebacker, and handled the baby with such care and
attention.

It was enough to make a young girl’s heart swoon at the

sight.

Mandy was not one of those women though. As she

looked down at the baby in her arms, all she could do was
be thankful for the opportunities that had been given to her.
This was the start of her new life…

Chapter Eight

So much laughter filled their private room that Christmas

Eve. Only with Teddy had Mandy ever felt such complete
acceptance. It truly was amazing how much better a person
felt about themselves when they were accepted. Her
stepfather had done a number on her pride. She promised
herself right then, ‘no longer will I allow anyone to degrade
and hurt me’. With her head a little higher and her back
straighter, she went to enjoy the rest of the night.

Haven watched the transformation happening in the

young woman throughout the night. He knew his fellow Pack
members would welcome her into their inner circle. She
truly needed it more than any of them could ever know.
Haven was determined this would be the best Christmas ever
for all of them.

After Haven and Garrett said goodnight to the last of the

Pack, they asked Mandy to go ahead and take Jasmine home
with Jasper. He would show her to her room and help take
up any suitcases she still had in her car. They had a lot of
last minute shopping to do. Their two new members of the
family needed to be spoiled rotten this Christmas.

Garrett had already bought a truckload of presents for

little Timmy. Tyler and Shannon would be here before the
sunrise. They had decided to fly in their second form. The
ability to be invisible seemed to be something they both had
in common in their second form. Since Dragons and

Phoenixes would be a little shocking to the human world, it
truly was a good thing.

They hit all the toy stores in town and filled cart after

cart with toys. Their first stop was the Toys R Us, and they
truly went wild in there once again. Even without Mandy’s
help this go around, they found the baby toy aisle. There
were so many neat things in the Fisher Price section. They
filled the cart with the little star stacker, baby’s first blocks,
baby’s first doll, snap and lock beads, shapes, and so much
more.

Then they moved on to Timmy and the little boy aisle.

They started with another cart, and filled it with remote-
controlled trucks, Legos, an X-box 360 game system, all the
superhero games to match. Finally stopping off at the
Transformer aisle and loading up on all the neat vehicles that
would transform into all types of unique things. They hoped
he would like all the things they picked out for him. Haven
made sure to ask for a gift receipt as they checked out and
headed for the truck.

After getting everything loaded in their truck, they

decided to head for Macy’s to shop for Mandy. She wasn’t
as easy to buy for as Jasmine and Timmy. Starting at the
jewelry department, they then headed to the health and beauty
gift sets. They bought gift sets and all types of things they
thought a woman would like—hoping she would like most of
it. Instead of buying her many new clothes, they decided on a
gift card to Macy’s would work as well. They had no idea
about women’s fashion. It was truly a fun night for them, as
they wanted nothing more than to spoil the girls and young

Timmy. After several hours of shopping, they were finally
ready to head home and start all of the wrapping.

When they arrived back at the Pack house, they went

straight to Haven’s office with their load of gifts. Some to
hide until Christmas morning and the others left to wrap.

By the time they were finished wrapping, it was after

two in the morning.

“Wow, I can’t believe how late it is, Haven. It was so

much fun!” Garrett told his mate.

“I know, Garrett. We are truly blessed by the Spirits,”

Haven told him as he trailed his fingers down his mate’s
chiseled jaw-line. Slowly moving until his fingertips traced
the full lips. Garrett’s breath caught in a sigh from the feel of
his mate’s touch. Haven’s mouth took the place of his
fingers. His tongue traced his full lips before seeking
entrance; it was one of the most erotic kisses they had
shared.

“Wow, you pack quiet a punch, Haven,” said Garrett. He

looked deep into his mate’s eyes seeing the love shining
back at him.

“I love you, Garrett. You have made my life full and

happier than I ever thought imaginable,” he told him. Haven
took his hand, and they made their way to their room.

“I love you, Haven. Make me yours once more,” Garrett

said.

“My pleasure, Garrett,” replied Haven.
Haven gently closed their bedroom door behind them. He

pushed Garrett against the door, and leaning forward to kiss
his mate’s neck. Tracing the defined line of his throat and

gently nipping his way down to his mating mark. He felt such
overwhelming satisfaction knowing this man was forever his
alone.

He inched his shirt up inch by inch, slowly. Haven

uncovered his muscular six-pack to his eyes delight as he
pulled the shirt over his head. He kissed his way down the
muscular chest. Slowly he dropped to his knees in front of
Garrett, looking up into the passion-filled eyes of his mate.

Garrett’s voice was strained as he hissed out, “Please…I

need you.”

“I know just what you need. You will stand there and not

move a single muscle while I am pleasuring you, my mate. If
you move, then I will stop giving you pleasure. Do you
understand?” Haven asked.

In one quick motion, Haven’s claws ripped the material

of his mate’s jeans down both sides. They literally just fell
to the floor.

Garrett stood there motionless. He didn’t once move a

muscle, and his cock thrust forward as the material fell from
his legs. It was so fucking hot. He swore his cock hardened
even more if that was even possible. It was the anticipation
of what was to come that almost put him over the edge.

Haven leaned back on his knees to look at his mate in all

of his naked glory. Garrett was a chiseled god to him. The
most handsome man in the world. Garrett was doing just as
he asked and not moving. He couldn’t help the pleasure that
filled him at this little bit of dominance his mate was giving
to him. His cock was jutted out just begging to be sucked.
There was already a bead of his delicious pre-cum just

waiting for his tongue to swipe it away.

‘How could he deny his mate the pleasure,’ Haven

thought to himself before leaning forward and swirling his
tongue out just on the tip of the slit. He slowly took in the
essence of his mate. It was the most delicious taste; it was so
earthy, like the forest on a dewy morning. Slowly he tested
his mate’s reaction as he swirled his tongue around the tip of
the extremely hard cock.

It was groans coming from deep in his mate’s chest that

caused him finally to take the engorged member into his
mouth. He took him all the way to the back of his throat, and
sucking with abandon delight until Garrett came with a shout.
Haven eased the cock out of his mouth. Using Garrett’s own
cum as lube, his fingers massaged the perfect star. Dipping
inside and scissoring until he found that slightly raised,
pleasure spot, driving his mate wild with each finger
inserted to bring him pleasure. Only when he was sure his
mate was ready did he look up into his passion-filled eyes.

“Garrett, I will allow you to move to the bed and

position yourself on your hands and knees.” His mate was
shaking in reaction to the pleasure he had just given him.

Garrett did as Haven asked. All he wanted was his

mate’s huge cock so deep in his ass they would be one. He
wanted it more than he could even say. There was something
so kinky about his mate’s domination. This was definitely
something he wanted to do over and over again.

Haven watched his mate walk over to the bed, and then

crawl up into the middle of the bed on his knees. His ass was
pushed up in the air with his legs spread wide apart. His star

would peak out with each movement. It was all he could do
to not bury himself in the tight sheath. Haven wouldn’t ruin
this for either of them.

Haven walked slowly over to the bed, and eased up

behind his mate. His hand reached out and gently massaged
his mate’s firm ass. Then he slapped it playfully and got a
passion filled groan from his mate. Haven pushed his mate
down face first on the bed for even better access to the
perfect ass. He leaned down and traced the tight hole with
his tongue. It caused his mate’s asshole to quiver in reaction.
‘Shit, it's intoxicating,’ Haven thought.

His tongue went deeper and deeper with every swipe to

thrust and loosen the hole even more. It was his mate’s
gasping plea, which stopped his fun.

“Shit, Haven, fuck me NOW! I need you so bad!” Garrett

gasped out.

“Only because you asked so nicely,” he teased his mate.
Haven grabbed the lube from the dresser quickly lubing

his cock. He lined his cock up with the perfect star. Then
slowly he pushed past the first ring with a groan of his own.

It was Garrett pushing back on his cock, which buried

him to the hilt as he grabbed his hips. Their thrusts in perfect
sync, each thrust growing wilder by the moment until Haven
emptied his cock into Garrett’s tight channel. Haven held his
mate as his mating knot released and attached to the pleasure
spot.

Garrett growled in reaction as his cock exploded once

again. He was amazed how each time was even better than
the last. This man was his life…

Haven held his mate until the knot released, relishing in

the feel of his mate’s body against his own, nothing had ever
felt better to him. He gently released his mate as he turned
around and lay back on the bed. With one final kiss to mate’s
lips, Haven got up to clean up himself and Garrett.

Taking care of his mate was his duty and pleasure.

Haven headed back to the bed and gently cleaned his mate
with a warm washcloth. After returning it to the bathroom to
put away the towel, Haven eased in bed beside his mate.
Placing a kiss on his mate’s lips, they drifted off to sleep that
Christmas Eve…

Chapter Nine

Morning came early to the Haven Wolf Pack. The Alphas

had slept about two hours before there was knocking on the
front door. Haven got up and went to answer the door. Haven
could already hear the excited little boy on the other side. He
opened the door to little Timmy jumping up and down in
excitement.

“Merry Christmas!” Haven told them.
“Did Santa come last night, Haven?” Timmy asked

excitedly.

“Well, I think you should go take a look under our huge

Christmas tree,” he told the excited little one.

Timmy took off for the living room in search of the

presents Santa had brought him.

“How are you guys?” Haven asked the couple. He was

so proud of Tyler and everything they both had done for the
Cedarhill Pack.

“We are doing great! Trying to keep our son on the

ground,” he teased. “The Pack is really starting to come
around thanks to all the work Tyler is doing.” Shannon
couldn’t believe the changes taking place after all the abuse
they had lived with.

“How are you doing, Johnny? I am so glad Tyler talked

you into coming here for Christmas to see your new home. I
know it must be hard with Sawyer out on assignment. If there
was anyone else with his tracking abilities, I am sure

Counselor Jackson would have sent someone else in his
place,” Haven told the younger man once again.

“I know, Alpha. We understand, truly,” Johnny told the

Alphas. He didn't get to talk to his new mate because of the
radio silence rules on a mission of such importance. He was
hoping it would be any day.

Garrett decided it was time to change the subject, for a

little while at least. “Everyone should be heading downstairs
at any moment. I can’t wait for you all to meet Jasmine and
Mandy,” Garrett told the men.

“We had a talk with Timmy about keeping his abilities

under wrap, so there shouldn’t be a problem,” Tyler told his
friend.

“I can remember how hard it was to keep secrets as a

child,” Haven told him. They would work it out if anything
happened.

“We might as well head into the living room and see if

Santa left anything for the kids,” Haven said with a smile.

They followed Haven into the living room. Everywhere

they looked there were presents in all shapes and sizes.

“Daddies, I have never seen so many presents! There are

so many with my name on them!” Timmy said excitedly,
remembering just how many he had already opened from his
wonderful daddies. His daddies were all he truly needed for
Christmas.

Just then, the sound of baby giggles could be heard

coming down the hall. A few moments later, a young woman
carrying an excited little baby girl came into the room.
Jasmine was excited as her little arms and legs moved up

and down.

“There’s our little girl,” Haven said as he went up to

Mandy taking the little one out her arms. “Tyler, Shannon,
and Johnny as well, this is Mandy. She is our own angel sent
to take care of this little one. We couldn’t do it without her.”

“Thank you, Haven. It's nice to meet both of you and the

little guy. It looks like he is ready for some more Christmas
presents,” Mandy said with a smile.

As if on cue, all of the other men started coming into the

living room. Jasper soon started handing out presents to
Timmy and baby Jasmine. It was amazing to watch the
wonder fill the two children’s eyes as Timmy began to open
presents. Timmy was tearing into his presents, and having a
blast.

Jasmine was watching everything going on around her.

She was talking to her daddies in their minds, telling them of
her excitement over all the presents. Garrett was opening
them for her and showing off every one to her. She loved the
happiness of all the people in the room. This was her family
and she already loved them all.

Mandy truly was in awe of all these people. When Haven

started bringing her all the presents from Santa, she cried.
Only her best friend had cared enough to give her a gift.
These men were truly unlike anyone she had ever met before.
Their generosity was enormous to someone they had just met.
She truly felt as if she had finally found a home.

Honestly though, I never expected any of this, Mandy

thought. Love is all I would wish for if given the choice of a
Christmas surprise…

Maybe I’ll find it someday…
Someone who will love me for myself…
Jasmine giggled with each new toy placed in front of her

eyes. She watched everything going on around her. It amazed
Mandy just how advanced she was for her age. All the men
were opening their presents as well, which Jasper had found
from somewhere under the huge tree.

From the first moment she stepped into this house, she

couldn’t believe how at home she felt. She already met all
the men except Sawyer, who was away on a job. Haven had
told her earlier that his partner was the man, Johnny, who
came with the couple and child. Johnny had to be missing his
partner so much, especially without him present during the
holidays.

If it wasn’t for Teddy, she honestly didn’t know where

she would be right now. He was more of a father figure to
her than a brother. He truly was her best friend in every way.
She hoped Haven and Garrett might reconsider having him
come to the house if they had a chance to get to know him.
How could they not like him? Mandy thought to herself.

Today was for a day of celebrating and blessed she was

to have met these wonderful men. She already adored little
Jasmine. Mandy woke up several times last night to check on
the sleeping little girl. She was amazed she slept the whole
night through. Mandy looked around at all the men, and it
looked like everyone had finished opening their presents.

When she looked at Johnny, the man was almost

caressing a leather bracelet. She wondered if it came from
his partner. It would have been a wonderful way to show he

was cared for. She carried Jasmine over to the young man.
Something inside her knew he needed a friend at that
moment.

“You’re Johnny, right? My name is Mandy. I hope I’m

not intruding on your time. I thought you looked as if you
could use a friend,” Mandy told the man. She couldn’t
believe how unlike this was for her.

“Thanks Mandy, and yes, I could use a friend. My partner

sent me this Christmas present to open today. It's amazing,
and I was just thinking he is alone, and I can’t even send him
anything. I guess I was feeling a little sorry for myself,”
Johnny told the nice, young woman.

“Don’t feel bad, Johnny. I would feel the same way.

When Sawyer comes home, you can have your own special
Christmas celebration between the two of you. I bet we
could find a small Christmas tree, and we could decorate
your room here,” she told him.

“That is an awesome idea, Mandy. Thank you for

cheering me up. Would you mind giving me a hand with the
decorating? Doctoring is my strong suit, I’m afraid. So I
could use all the help I can get,” Johnny told her with a
smile.

“I would love to help you, Johnny. We will get with

Garrett later, and if we don’t have the decorations here, we
can hit all the sales tomorrow for everything we could ever
want. I am a bargain shopper, so I just love to go when
everything is fifty percent off,” Mandy told him with a laugh.

Haven was watching the blossoming friendship between

two of his newest Pack members. Mandy might not realize it,

but she was a part of his Pack now. He was so glad she had
walked up to Johnny. When Johnny had opened the present
Sawyer had sent several days ago, he knew it would be hard
on him. Haven could only imagine the pain of being without
his beloved mate. Honestly, it even hurt to think of being in
the same world and not being together.

He genuinely hoped for his friend’s sake this case

wrapped up quickly. He knew some of them could drag on
for months at a time. Haven didn’t wish that on his friends at
all. His little girl was trying to reach for Johnny’s face as
well. She must be feeling his sadness, and wanting to cheer
him up. After the third try, Jasmine finally could touch him.

From the shocked look on Johnny’s face before he

schooled his expression, it had shown he hadn’t expected it.
Thankfully, Mandy didn't notice the look. She was talking
away and keeping the bouncy, little baby safe in her arms.

Johnny was warned of the unique abilities of this little,

darling girl. It was the actual touch and thoughts of the little
girl who had shocked him for a moment. Thank goodness,
Mandy didn't see his reaction. He would’ve been explaining
himself, or at least trying to.

He did appreciate the kindness of this woman more than

he could ever say. Johnny knew right away if he could trust a
person, and Mandy passed with flying colors. He smoothed
his hand down the soft hair of baby Jasmine. She was trying
to make him feel better. Jasmine didn’t want him to be sad.
He couldn’t help the big smile that touched all the way to his
heart at the kindness of both these special ladies.

After Dinner, they talked for some time before Garrett

came to take Jasmine for a bath. Mandy told him about their
plans to decorate Sawyer and Johnny’s room for Christmas
when he returned. Garrett had everything they needed except
the small tree and decorations. Garrett gave Mandy the
morning off to go with Johnny to get everything they needed,
so they planned to make it to the store for the early deals.

“What time do we need to leave here to make it to Wal-

Mart?” Johnny asked her.

“Well, the sales start at five, so we probably need to

leave by four-thirty at the latest. There are always big lines
for all the good stuff,” Mandy teased him.

They helped Garrett and Haven clean up the Christmas

paper strung all over the living room. By then, young Timmy
had fallen asleep on the sofa as well. Everyone was soon
heading up to their rooms to call it a night.

Mandy called Teddy to wish him a Merry Christmas

once again before getting ready for bed. Tomorrow already
looked to be an exciting day…

Chapter Ten

Johnny could have sworn he had just closed his eyes

when the alarm was buzzing in his ear. Maybe it was all the
nights of no sleep that were finally starting to catch up with
him. He truly hadn’t had a goodnight’s sleep since Sawyer
left on his mission. When he had laid down last night, he was
hoping for the scent of his mate to be on the covers.
Unfortunately for him, there were clean sheets on the bed. He
tossed and turned for the longest time. Checking out his
mate’s room from every angle, this was one of the reasons he
hadn’t come out with Alpha Haven. Being in his mate’s room
was torture in itself.

He quickly got up and dressed. Johnny didn’t want to

keep Mandy waiting on him. He quickly made his way
downstairs to the kitchen, and sure enough, she was waiting
on him.

“Sorry I’m late,” he told Mandy.
“You aren’t late, Johnny. I was just up early, so I

decided to come down and eat something before we head
out. Are you hungry?” Mandy asked.

“No, I'm fine for now. Maybe a little later,” he told her.
Mandy quickly washed up her breakfast dishes. Then she

grabbed her purse and coat. When they went outside, the first
thing Johnny noticed was his truck was off the trailer they
had pulled behind them on the way here. He made the choice
of coming to his new home for the first time without Sawyer.

Johnny decided he wanted his truck, so he would have the
ability to drive himself around.

“Great, my truck is off the trailer. We can take it, if you

like, Mandy?” Johnny asked.

“Sure, that would be great. My car isn’t the most reliable

thing around, so it’s probably better to take yours,” Mandy
told him. Her cheeks red with embarrassment, she hoped he
thought it was from the cold weather outside.

“I happen to know one of the men in the house is a great

mechanic. For the life me, though, I can’t remember which
one. We will find out and have your car purring in no time.
It’s the least I can do after all you have done to make me
welcome, Mandy,” Johnny told her.

“Oh Johnny, you don’t have to do that. I was introduced

to all of them as well. Damn it, I can’t remember either,” she
teased back.

They pulled into the local Wal-Mart, and the parking lot

was already filling up. Well, it looked like everyone did
have the same idea this morning. They wanted to take
advantage of all the great sales as well.

“Looks like we have a little competition,” Johnny said

with a smile.

“Hmm—looks like it may be a race to the Christmas

shop.” She looked over at her new friend. He would be the
winner in any kind of race.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let any insane people run you

over,” Johnny told her.

“The scary thing is I bet that has happened before. Some

people are just crazy when it comes to saving a few bucks. I

will stay out of their way, have no fear on that,” she laughed.

Mandy genuinely was having fun. Johnny reminded her of

Teddy in many ways. He was so easy to talk to, and never
made her feel as if she said something wrong. Then a thought
came to her, Teddy never hung out with any guy friends .
She would have to introduce these men to each other. She
had a feeling they would get along really well.

She knew Johnny was in a relationship with Sawyer, and

she wasn’t trying to set them up as anything more than
friends. Mandy thought both could use another friend. Now
she just had to figure out how to set it up.

“Something is going through that mind of yours. So spill

it, girl. What are you up to?” Johnny asked his new friend.

“Well actually, I was just thinking about my best friend.

His name is Teddy, and he's a great guy. I was just thinking
you remind me of him a lot, and I think you would like each
other. Just as friends, I promise. I know you are in a serious
relationship. Honestly, I'm just about the only person Teddy
hangs out with, and I was thinking he could use another
really great friend.”

“If he is your best friend, then he must be a nice guy. I

would be happy to meet him as a friend. We’ll have to get
together for dinner one night, all three of us. Maybe Sawyer
will be home soon, and we can make it the four of us,”
Johnny said, wishfully thinking.

“Well let’s hope so for you, Johnny,” she told him.
“It looks like they are starting to line up. It is almost time

to go in the store. Are you ready for the mad dash?” she
teased him.

“Ready as ever!” He chuckled as they got out of his truck

and walked to the front of the store.

The line was already about ten deep when they made it to

the back of the line. Mandy was glad she had dressed
warmly. It was so cold this morning, she could see her own
breath. They were only in line for about five minutes before
the line stretched out to the middle of the parking lot.

“Wow, this is like Black Friday sales,” Mandy told him.
“Never been,” Johnny told her.
“Oh my Gosh! You've never been? After last year, I

swore I would never go again. I waited in line forever, and
then I didn’t even get what I came for. There is nothing more
frustrating than that!”

“I can only imagine. It really doesn’t sound like much

fun. Didn’t your boyfriend help you find what you wanted?”
he asked.

“I don’t have a boyfriend. I’m just not the girlfriend type,

I guess.”

He could tell by the way she hung her head this really

bothered her. He wasn’t the best person to judge, but she
was a nice-looking woman to him. He had never felt that
way towards women, so he never really had a lot to do with
them. After meeting Mandy, he could see that was a mistake.
She was great and he hoped she found someone special.

“I hope you find a special person as well. It's worth it to

wait for that special someone, Mandy. Don’t ever feel bad
because you’re looking for that special one,” Johnny told
her.

“Thank you, Johnny.” She gave him a hug.

“I think it’s time, Mandy,” Johnny said. The man was

starting to unlock the front door.

They watched the door come open, and it was like a

cattle stampede. People just started pushing and shoving to
get through the door. Johnny grabbed hold of Mandy and let
them rush past them. There were indeed some crazy shoppers
out there. The poor man at the door looked a little frazzled
already. They walked through the door and grabbed a cart.

“Well that wasn’t any fun. Now let’s see what we can

find.”

In a much more leisurely pace, they walked to the

Christmas Shop. Johnny headed them towards the big wall of
Christmas tree boxes. They got one of the smaller four-foot
trees. It would be the perfect size for the corner of the
bedroom. Next, they made their way over to the ornament
aisle. It was already pretty full of people, but they eased
their way in. They found the smaller ornaments, which would
look much better on the small tree.

“Those are beautiful, and they will look perfect on this

tree,” Mandy told him. For someone who said they couldn’t
decorate, Johnny did a great job picking out the things he
wanted for the tree.

“That was easier than I thought it would be after seeing

those people act like idiots earlier. If I hadn’t pulled you out
of the way, I think that man would have barreled right over
you. Men are not supposed to act that way in my book,”
Johnny told her. He was still pissed the man acted that way
toward someone smaller than himself. It reminded him of his
bully of a stepbrother. He didn’t want to think of him at all.

His life was really coming together, and the last thing he
needed was a reminder of his painful past.

“Is everything okay, Johnny?” Mandy asked. For a

moment, there was an almost haunted look in his eyes. That
was something she was very familiar with from her past.

“I’m fine, I promise. I was just thinking of something.

That crowd just pissed me off, I guess.”

“Johnny, I’m sorry this made you uncomfortable. I

wouldn’t have suggested it if I knew.”

“No, Mandy, please don’t think that at all. I have enjoyed

every moment with you. It was just the man pissed me off.
I'm fine,” he reassured her. He didn’t want to burden anyone
with his past. Johnny knew he would have to tell his mate in
time, along with all the other secrets of his life.

Mandy was glad she hadn’t truly upset her new friend.

They walked around the store getting to know one another
better. She told Johnny about Haven and Garrett, and how
they’d found her a few days ago. Wow, it seemed so much
longer than a few days.

In no time, they were through the checkout and heading

back out to the truck. They decided to go ahead and get the
decorating done this morning, in case Sawyer came home
unexpectedly. When they got back to the house, they took the
purchases into the Pack house.

Garrett already had been hard at work coming up with

the other decorations they needed to complete the room.

Last night, he told Haven about Johnny and Mandy’s

plans for this morning. They didn’t know how much that
would mean to Sawyer for his mate to go to so much trouble

just for him. Haven knew that would be the second best
present for him to come home to. The only thing superseding
that would be Johnny himself.

First thing the next morning, Garrett dug out more

Christmas decorations. Meanwhile, Haven was looking after
baby Jasmine. This was a true blessing to him, as he silently
thanked the Spirits once again for this special gift. Jasmine
was bright-eyed and curious to everything going on around
her. She asked about her daddy Garrett, and what he was
doing. Haven was soon carrying Jasmine up to find him, and
to help if he could.

“Someone wants to help her daddy find Christmas

decorations for Uncle Johnny,” Haven told his mate. There
were boxes strung all over the attic of the Pack house.

“Well we certainly have enough stuff up here. I think we

should have plenty to make their room shout Christmas. I am
so glad Mandy and Johnny became friends. Now they are out
having lots of fun, and he isn’t as sad,” Garrett said. He
reached up and gave his mate a kiss, turned and then kissed
his daughter’s forehead.

“They will probably be back soon. They have been gone

for a couple of hours already. I’ll see if one of Jasmine’s
uncles can watch her while I help carry these things
downstairs for you.” Sending out a summons over the Alpha
link, Jasper came right away.

“Thanks, Jasper. I am going to help Garrett take down

these boxes,” Haven told his Pack mate.

“No problem. I love watching this darling, little girl,” he

said then held her up in the air and blew on her belly.

Jasmine’s giggles could be heard throughout the Pack house.

“Where should we take these boxes, Garrett?”
“I was thinking of setting them right outside Sawyer and

Johnny’s room. That way, they can bring in one box at a
time.”

“Handsome and smart, how did I ever get so lucky?”

Haven teased his mate.

“Well I think we are both lucky, and I’ll show you just

how lucky after we get these boxes down stairs…

Chapter Eleven

Johnny took the time to look at the beauty surrounding his

new home on the way back from the store. On the way here
yesterday, he hadn’t given it the attention it deserved. The
mountains in the distance were breathtaking with their snowy
peaks. He couldn’t wait to explore his new home with his
mate. It was the perfect place to safely run and let their
shifter side out.

He wondered what his mate would think of his wolf.

When he was growing up in his adopted parents' Pack, he
transformed away from the others. His unusual coloring
would have been just another thing for his stepbrother to pick
on him for. Johnny tried not to worry. Mates were the
missing part of themselves, only complete when found. He
had to rely on that when he revealed just how different he
was.

“Thank you, Johnny for letting me come shopping with

you this morning,” Mandy told him.

“It should be me thanking you, not the other way around. I

wouldn’t have thought of doing this in a million years,” he
told her with a big smile on his face.

“You would have come up with something even better; I

have no doubt, Johnny.”

They pulled into the driveway to the Pack house. It

looked like everyone was up and about from all the lights on
in the house. He was looking forward to decorating their

room. He hoped Sawyer would like the necklace he had
made for him. He had always been able to carve things out of
wood. When he had started on the piece of wood, he didn’t
know what it would turn out to be. It wasn’t until it began to
form a shape that he knew what it was.

Johnny carried the Christmas tree box into the house.

Mandy carried the three much smaller bags of decorations in
right behind him. Jasper was in the kitchen getting little
Jasmine a bottle when they walked into the kitchen.

“Jasper, are you ready for me to take the little bundle of

joy there?” Mandy asked.

“No, you can help Johnny with those things while I take

this little one to the rocking chair. You guys have fun,”
Jasper said as he walked out of the kitchen. He was heading
to Jasmine’s room and the rocking chair they had put together
for her.

“It amazes me how much all of these guys love that little

one. I am so glad that Jasmine is going to grow up with so
many uncles who adore her,” Mandy told him.

Mandy didn’t even seem to realize the emotions that

came through in her voice. It seemed she had some secrets
as well, Johnny thought to himself. He didn’t like the idea of
his new friend being hurt. Now that he was a part of her life,
he would make sure she wasn’t ever hurt again. He would be
the big brother, and there would be hell to pay if anyone
thought to hurt her.

Just then, Alpha Haven walked down the hallway.
“Johnny, we just put the last box of Christmas

decorations outside of your bedroom. Feel free to use

anything you want to decorate your room,” Haven told the
young man.

“Mandy, it's good to see a smile on your face as well.

Did you find everything you needed for the tree?” Haven
asked.

“Johnny picked out the perfect decorations for the tree.

Wow, with all the rest of this stuff his room will look like
Santa’s own home,” she teased them.

Haven left them to start going through the decorations so

they could plan how they wanted to decorate it all up for
Johnny’s special mate. They were both like kids in a candy
shop, and it was great to see their enthusiasm. Now it was
time to find his mate…

Chapter Twelve

Garrett had taken the opportunity to take a quick shower,

while his mate was talking to Johnny and Mandy. He was
ready for a little downtime for just them to reconnect. He
still considered himself blessed to have found a mate like
Haven. Every day he thanked the Spirits for allowing him to
live through the abuse he lived through for years. He would
gladly go through it all again, just to have this special man in
his life.

He lay on the bed thinking of all Shannon and he must

accomplish in the next few months. They’d laid the
groundwork, but that was all they had gotten underway. It
was not going to be an easy task. They had decided they
would accept the offer of help from Counselor Jackson to get
the network set up. He had done much the same with an
abuse hotline. In fact, that was how he had met his mate.

Haven had been a key player as well in finding these

wolves who were abused by someone within their Packs.
Haven had retired from the Councilor’s service; although,
that was mainly to help Garrett and Shannon form the Dream
Weaver Hotline. Garrett was so deep in thought he almost
didn’t hear his mate coming into their bedroom.

“Heavy thoughts, my love. We will get this all figured

out very soon. Something tells me the Warrior Spirits have
something else in the works to help as well.”

“You are amazing, you know that? Haven, you always

say the right thing to make me feel better. Thank you for
loving me,” Garrett said.

“Garrett, you are the amazing one. You awe me a little

more every day with your goodness and love for everyone
around you. I thank the Spirits every day for allowing me to
find you.” Haven sat down on the edge of the bed, and leaned
over to gently kiss his mate’s lips. He ran his fingers up and
down Garrett’s strong muscular arms. Haven enjoyed the
feel of his mate’s skin underneath his fingertips.

It was intoxicatingly erotic to explore his mate. Bringing

pleasure wasn’t always about sex. Loving one’s mate, and
showing him just what he means to you, and bringing about
his pleasure alone, is what it was all about. Haven kissed his
mate down his throat, paying special attention to the mating
mark. Lapping it repeatedly was a pleasure spot all in its
own. He stopped only when he felt the shiver race through
his mate’s body in reaction.

Working his way down the muscled six-pack and tracing

the hair, that led to a painfully hard cock already weeping
pre-cum for him. Just before he took the engorged cock into
his mouth, Haven looked up into his mate’s passion-filled
eyes. Haven took Garrett’s cock all the way down his throat,
and worshiped it with his tongue. Over and over, Haven
would envelop his cock with his mouth until Garrett’s cock
hit the back of his throat, and then he would swallow.

Stopping only long enough to suck on the mushroomed

head and lick off the pre-cum right before he exploded into
his mouth. Nothing ever tasted better to Haven.

Haven went to get a washcloth for his mate.

“What about you, Haven?” Garrett asked. He was more

than ready to return the pleasure.

“No, my mate. This was about your pleasure. Now I just

want to lay here and hold you close for a while,” Haven told
his mate.

They lay there holding each other close. Happier than

either ever thought possible. For a short time neither had any
worries, just the sharing of love from one mate to the other...

“Have you heard from Counselor Jackson on Sawyer?”

Johnny asked Alpha Haven several days later. He and
Mandy had gone a little overboard decorating their room.
Johnny thought Sawyer would understand and appreciate the
thought. Here it was New Years and still no sign of his mate.
It looked like he would be bringing in the New Year alone as
well.

“No, sorry. I wish I had some good news for you,

Johnny,” Haven told the disappointed man. Everyone was
hanging out in the living room watching the time go by until
another year was brought forth. He really hoped Sawyer
would be back by now. He must have run into some trouble.
Haven had already talked to Garrett about finding out what
was going on with his friend and soon-to-be Beta of the
Pack.

Johnny was starting to lose hope of seeing his mate

anytime soon. With each day that passed, the uneasiness

filled his stomach. He didn’t like that feeling at all. He was
just getting ready to head to their room when he scented the
most wonderful smell imaginable. Then seconds later, his
mate walked into the room. Within moments, he was
enveloped in a hug. His mate’s voice sent a shiver through
his body.

“You didn’t think I would let you pass into a New Year

alone, did you? These lips are mine,” he said before pulling
him closer and kissing him passionately. They could hear the
countdown in the background, and when they got to one, both
knew this would be one very happy New Year…

Mandy couldn’t have been happier for her friend. She

knew the days had been trying for him following Christmas.
She would have loved to have invited Teddy tonight. He was
finally back in town, and they had celebrated a late
Christmas as well. Teddy was officially off the book tour,
and biting at the bit to get started on his next bestseller.

Something was bothering her friend, and she wasn’t sure

what it was. She hoped he would tell her in time though…

Chapter Thirteen

All he could do lately was remember the past. Teddy

breathed a sigh of relief. In all the years since losing
Mandy’s birth father, he had been on the outside looking in.
Never able to come close to the young girl whose father was
his best friend, until his death right before her birth. Lance
and he were orphans in the same Pack. Right before Lance’s
death, he had come to Teddy asking a favor. Somehow, he
knew he would never live to be in his daughter’s life. He
asked Teddy to watch over his daughter.

With his writing, following the small family wasn't hard

to do. He watched the beautiful little baby grow into a little
girl as it seemed to take place almost overnight. It wasn’t
until her mom took up with the muscle-bound idiot that he
worried for the safety of his friend’s daughter. There was
just something about the man that rubbed Teddy the wrong
way.

It wasn’t until one night he had a horrible feeling

something was about to happen. He got out of bed and
headed towards the place they were living. Before he even
made it there, he found her walking into town. She had tears
streaming down her face when he approached her. Before the
night was over, they became fast friends.

Everything that happened that evening came pouring out

of Mandy. He listened, keeping his beast under control with
each word that poured from her mouth. All he wanted to do

was tear the asshole apart for trying to take advantage of her
in that way. In that moment, he swore he would never let the
man near Mandy ever again.

Mandy was so stubborn; she was very much like her

father in that regard. She only stayed with him until she found
a job and could afford a small place. They kept in touch
daily after that. She soon became his very best friend, and
they got together every chance available. He was finally able
to fulfill his friend’s request, and he couldn’t have asked for
a better friend.

His life was so lonely before Mandy had become his

best friend. He actually hadn’t had a friend since Lance.
When Mandy called and told him about her live-in nanny
job, he had been worried until he heard the name of her new
employer. Haven Storm was a hero of sorts to him. Honestly,
if it hadn’t been for his promise to watch over Mandy, he
would have asked to join Haven’s Pack a long time ago.

Haven was an inspiration to every gay wolf out there. He

gave up everything to be his true self. Coming here and
forming a Pack, helping anyone who found themselves in
need. His rescues were known throughout the Wolf Packs
across the nation. Teddy often wondered if he knew how
much he had affected the gay men throughout the Packs.
Giving them hope and acceptance in some cases.

When this last book tour was over, he planned to contact

Alpha Haven and ask permission to explain about the Weir’s
living among the humans. Then he hoped to join the Pack
himself…

Excerpt from Sawyer’s Hope

Haven’s Wolves Book Three

by Shelby Lynn

Prologue

Sawyer was the perfect replacement for the Beta position

in the Haven Pack. His temper did get the best of him from
time to time, but it’s nothing he’d ever let get out of control
on his job. Haven knew it all came from the childhood abuse
that he suffered from his stepfather. Sawyer’s birth father
was a Scottish Wolf, killed right after his birth, and his
mother took up with Stan a couple of years later.

From a very young age, Sawyer knew he was different

from many of the other wolves in his Pack. He never looked
at the girls with longing in his eyes as the other male teenage
wolves did. Sawyer was comfortable with himself. There
wasn’t anything wrong with him. Damn it, this is how the
Spirits made him.

Stan started pushing him around from the young age of

twelve to shoving pornography under his pre-teen nose, as
if he knew that Sawyer leaned in the other direction. When
Sawyer wanted nothing to do with it, he would call him all
kinds of disgusting names. This took place while his
mother was away at work, so she wouldn’t find out what an
ass she had hooked up. Stan would say, ‘What she didn’t
know wouldn’t hurt her,’ as he laughed.

The bigger Sawyer got, the harder Stan got on him,

going as far as to bring a prostitute to the house for him to
fuck. Stan was screaming at him that he was, ‘A fag for not
fucking her brains out’. Then he made Sawyer stand there
while he fucked her. Like that would “fix” his problem, as
he called it. All it did was disgust Sawyer as Stan had the
time of his life.

After that, Stan didn’t even bother to hide the women

whom he fucked all over the house while his mom was at
work supporting the family. It was education for his “fag”
of a son, who wanted nothing to do with the opposite sex.
He even brought in a man once to prove his point. Stan
seemed to enjoy himself, fucking the man's ass just as
easily as any woman’s pussy he had there before.

Sawyer had a good laugh from that, but he did stay to

watch this time to make sure the man wasn’t hurt. He saw
just how the man loved his job. Stan was a good-looking
man, like most of the wolves, he was better than average
and hung in the cock department. Shit, Sawyer saw him
fuck enough no matter the sex. It was no hardship on the
man. He was groaning and asking for more as Stan reamed
his ass in abandon. Sex was not something that the wolves
hid in the bedroom behind closed doors. Stan went far
overboard in his quest to change Sawyer into a “real” wolf,
as he called himself.

That one time was enough to prove to Stan that Sawyer

was indeed the “fag” he called him. What came next
wasn’t as easy to hide from his mom. Since Stan threatened
to hurt his mom if he ever told her what was going on

during the times she was gone, Sawyer tended to make
excuses for the bruises that were visible. The bigger he got
the worse it became as Stan started including his drunken
friends in the fuck fests, turning the house into a daily
party place.

It all came to a head when Alpha Haven came through

his town of Charlotte, Louisiana, on a rescue trip in the
next town. Sawyer had just blown his top for the first time
from the abuse the whole bunch of wolves was throwing at
him. He was walking away from the house without a shirt,
and the bruises were clearly visible when Haven saw him.

Alpha Haven pulled his truck over and started walking

along the road with him, and it just all seemed to pour out
of the seventeen-year-old Sawyer. Haven listened, as no
one had been able to do before. Haven then told Sawyer his
own story. When they both finished telling the end of their
stories, Haven told Sawyer, “It’s time Sawyer, let’s go talk
to your mom.” He gave him directions to the restaurant
where his mom was the server and sometimes she cooked.

Haven stood in the background as his mom ran to him

when she saw the bruises cover his chest and arms. She
cried as if the world was ending because she was so busy
making a living for them that Mary had missed what was
going on right under her nose. Sawyer sat there in the
booth for the next hour as he poured out every detail of
what had happened to him over the years.

When both had finally stopped talking, Haven came up

to the table and introduced himself to Sawyer’s mom. “My
name is Haven and I’m an Alpha from the Washington

area. I came upon your son today and wanted to help him.”
He continued to tell them about the home he had
established in the last two years. Haven told them of his
plans to create a sanctuary for others like himself and
those in bad situations.

It was like an answer to a prayer for Sawyer and his

mom. They packed up their few belongings and moved to
Washington with Haven. Mary almost immediately found
her true mate and lived just a few miles away. Sawyer
chose to stay with Haven and become a part of the small
Pack, over the next few years, helping with many rescues
and becoming the man destiny chose him to be.

Sawyer came back to the present as he drove toward the

Pack house, were his Alpha was staying and helping their
friend Tyler. He pulled into the driveway in no time and
headed towards the front door. His friend led him inside to
join in their meeting. Just as he was about to enter the room,
he breathed in the most intoxicating smell, ‘his mate’.

Sawyer was still reeling from finding his mate. When he

came down to the Cedarhill Pack to help his friend Tyler, he
never imagined his mate would be there. It was as if his
breath had ceased the first moment he looked upon the
beautiful man. His scent was like the fresh rain in a pine
forest, the most intoxicating scent imaginable.

He was here on a mission, so he had to push all these

feelings into the background. ‘Hell, that was so much easier
said than done, thought Sawyer, as he was filled in on
Timmy, the little boy who he was here to track. Sawyer
would do everything in his power to find his friend’s son.

Sawyer thought back to those first moments of meeting

his mate. He was so thankful for the blessing of finding his
mate. While the mission hadn’t quite turned out as he’d have
liked, his friend’s son was now safe, and they joined
together and became the Phoenixes of Legends.

He was still reeling from finding out there was another

species of wolves called Dream Weavers that were not only
able to transform into a second animal form, but were also
blessed with other exceptional abilities, and their mates
became a part of that legacy as well.

Sawyer was so happy for his friends, and he was ready

to get back to his mate and learn everything about his
beautiful mate…

Chapter One

Johnny woke up out of another nightmare that he should

know by heart now. He was running through a dark forest,
the tree limbs so dense it was almost impossible to see
anything in front of you. He could hear a little one crying and
screaming, “Help me,” over and over. The closer he would
get to the where he thought the voice was coming from, the
farther the voice sounded.

Then Johnny would hear evil laughter as the child

screamed louder and louder for help. In all of his dreams, he
had never been able to find the child. He would run until he
no longer had the strength. Always falling down in front of a
small stream and leaning over to get a drink.

At first, the water would ripple with the vision of a small

boy only to change to a man with flowing golden hair and
amber eyes filled with such pain and loneliness, as his
athletic body leaned over the water. Every time the man
would look further into the water he only saw the reflection
of another man over his shoulder laughing, “You really
thought you could get away from me. You are mine, Johnny,
you will always be mine…”

Johnny would wake up out of those dreams, realizing he

was that man. He was drenched in sweat as if he truly just
ran all night through the woods, running away from the man
who he’d grown up beside as he watched his stepbrother
turn into a brutal beast of a man. Chad had been his

tormentor for as far back as he could remember. The bigger
they got, the harder the punches and cruel tricks he would
play to anyone he considered beneath him. (This was
everyone!)

From the time, he was old enough to know what it meant

for someone else to be in pain, and to understand that not
everyone could heal with his or her hands, Johnny knew he
was different from all the other wolves. He’d already healed
many animals he’d found hurt, from the first baby bird that
had broken its wing from falling out of the nest, to a large
Clydesdale that broke its leg in a gopher hole.

Johnny kept the healing a secret throughout his younger

years. He’d already seen the cruelty of kids to someone even
slightly different. It was bad enough living with Chad and his
cruelty. Giving him another thing to ridicule him wasn’t
something Johnny wanted to happen.

He was very cautious of anyone getting too close to him.

Johnny had to hide such a large part of himself, and never
developed friendships. He was a loner all of his teen years.
During his senior year, a bear attacked his adopted mom. She
would’ve died without Johnny’s help. Unfortunately, he
wasn’t home alone when his adopted father rushed her into
the house.

Johnny reacted instinctively to someone being hurt. He

quickly took over and stopped the blood flow. He was
hoping his mom’s Weir was strong enough with his help to
take over her own healing. Without his help, she would’ve
bled out from the extensive wounds.

Tiredly, Johnny looked at the other two people in the

room for the first time. He didn’t know how any of them
would react to his gift. No matter what, he wouldn’t change
anything about saving his mom. His parents were the only
thing sane in his crazy life.

“Oh my, Johnny, I don’t know what you did, son, but I

want to thank you for saving my mate and the love of my
life,” his dad said before crouching down by his mate.

“Well, well, looks like my baby brother has an important

secret,” said Chad.

That night, Chad came in his room. He was more than

willing to keep his secret if he’d agree to ‘keep him happy’
as he put it. From the look in Chad’s eyes, he was wanting
far more than Johnny was willing to give. Chad was giving
him the creeps before he finally left the room. That was the
last night he saw his family.

Johnny knew he had to leave immediately. There was no

way he was willing to be fucked by his stepbrother. It would
kill his parents to find out the worst of their older son.
Therefore, Johnny did the only thing he could at that point.
He packed a bag and took what money he had stashed away.

Sneaking out in the middle of the night made Johnny feel

like he was the one doing something wrong. Unfortunately,
he didn’t see any other choice in the matter. He was a very
smart guy, and he would figure out what to do. It wasn’t until
he made it to the interstate that he truly started to breathe
normally.

It was late at night so there wasn’t a lot of traffic as he

walked down the highway. Johnny decided his best bet
would be to get as far away as possible. He looked for the

next car coming down the highway, and held out his hand,
thumb up, thinking, would anyone stop for a hitchhiker?

He was surprised when the first semi did pull over for

him. Johnny ran over to the window and climbed up to talk
through the window of the semi. “Could I hitch a ride with
you, sir?”

“Sure, kid. I’m in for a long haul, though. I’m going all

the way to California to deliver this load. Can I drop you off
somewhere along the way, son?”

“Actually, California sounds great, sir. I’ve always

wanted to see the famous Redwood trees.”

“You aren’t a runaway I’m going to get in a heap of

trouble over, are you?”

“No, sir, I’m eighteen.”
“Alright then, son, then you can ride along with me. I

could use the company for the long haul. My name is Frank,
so no more of that sir stuff now.”

“Thank you, Frank. My name is Johnny.”
Frank helped him so much. Without his help of getting to

California, he would have never found the Blackwood Pack.
All these years later, he still remembered the kindness of the
man…

Thinking backing was never good for Johnny, but after

everything that had happened tonight, it took dying to bring
back the nightmares of hiding who he truly was. He thought,

if it weren’t for Blackwood’s kindness and his support
when he needed it the most, he would never have made it to
where he was today.

Johnny was looking for a place to stay the night after

Frank had dropped him off in Orick, California. Blackwood
had come into the town and noticed right away the lone wolf
c ub . He’d sat down with Johnny, and something inside
Johnny broke in that moment.

All the things he’d lived through came pouring out of the

young man. For the first time, Johnny felt like he could trust
another with his secret. There was just something about
Blackwood that got passed the wall Johnny had built around
himself.

Never in all the years that had passed had he regretted

opening up to his Alpha. He’d taken him in, raised him as his
own son, and seen that Johnny went to medical school.
Johnny took what he’d quickly learned about human
doctoring and applied it to the weir world.

With his gift and learning, he was one of the best doctors

around their region. The Council of Elders often called him
in on problem cases. This became his life, and he’d left
behind all the sadness and danger of his past, until now.

This was something Johnny knew that he would have to

tell his mate…

Chapter Two

Johnny was still amazed by all that happened since he

met his mate just a few hours ago. He’d gone alone, just in
case his skills were needed, and he’d been kidnapped. The
demon drained his life’s blood until he’d died within that
demon’s arms. Then, in a miraculous move from a small
little boy’s single tear, brought him back to life.

The Cedarhill Alpha’s transformation to their Dream

Weaver Phoenixes included their adopted son, Timmy. It
was his tear that had brought Johnny back to life tonight. He
was still amazed at the transformations that overcame this
family.

He was very interested in finding out the medical

ramifications behind the Dream Weaver Wolves. Was their
antimony the same as other Weirs? That was something
Johnny was eager to find out, if they allowed him.

Hell, here he was thinking about medical staff, and his

mate was sitting beside him driving the truck toward the
Blackwood Pack. Well, they weren’t alone but still, they
hadn’t said a word to each other. This was exactly how he
handled stressful situations. He reverted back to things that
came easy to him…

Excerpt from Held Tight

Forever In Your Arms, Book One

by Shelby Lynn

Prologue

Braxton Knightly, the Prince of the Royal Vampires,

while unaware of any danger, was in shock from the attack.
Braxton was no lightweight. His muscular body was a
remarkable sight, from his long black hair, and piercing
black eyes that usually take in everything around him for any
sign of danger. His cockiness just landed him in a mess of
trouble.

He held his torn and blooded side. Knowing if he didn’t

find a source soon, then he would likely die from the blood
loss. Braxton never should have left his compound without
guards, but he was so fucking tired of constantly having
guards protect him every minute of the day. Being the Prince
really sucked sometimes.

Now, at this particular moment, he was questioning his

judgment. He was weak from the attack by the Alpha of the
Demon Dogs, a vicious enemy of the Vampire race. Braxton
never even saw it coming. He had snuck out to have a little
privacy, away from the stress of being a Prince. The day-to-
day grind of being an Alpha can be hard on a Vampire. He
literally held the lives of his followers in his hands. He
refused to fail them; so therefore, it made for long boring

meetings, and lengthy phone conversations.

Just six months ago, Braxton had signed a treaty with the

Demon Dogs’ Alpha. He was trying to bring about peace
between their people…okay, so maybe there had always
been hatred between their people, but Ramos had left him
alone for the last few months with the treaty. It was stupid
really, the war. The Dogs had it in their head that Braxton
thought they were scum of the earth and unworthy of actually
being alive. He had no clue where they got that opinion,
there was no way they were smart enough put two and two
together. Braxton knew he had hinted towards the fact
decades ago when he bought the Alpha a squeaky toy for his
coronation.

So what the fuck was going on now! He had just wanted

some time out from his duties, smiling and making life-
altering decisions for people could really wear on a person.
Braxton often would slip away from the guards, and nothing
like this had ever happened before.

Since he had taken over for his father full-time on the

leadership end of the Royal duties, there was very little time
for socializing. Braxton had been a regular at the blood bars,
and he was sad to say that he had not been to one in months.
The feel of the music and the intoxication of the veins pulsing
around him was something he missed. If he couldn’t find his
mate, he had to do something. Not being able to have
companionship because of how it would look if it weren’t
his mate led to him becoming frustrated and ready to slip
away at a moment’s notice.

Fuck, all Braxton needed was a private moment to enjoy

himself. The King was away with his own eternal love, and
they were off basking in the sun somewhere. Since his
mother’s death, he had not begrudged his father happiness.
He had no clue why the man insisted on being such an ass
about him having a little fun.

It really was almost laughable the portrayals the humans

gave them in movies and shit. A Vampire not being able to
go out in the sun was another of those Hollywood portrayals
that wasn’t true. Except for their exceptional good looks and
habit of drinking blood, they fit in well with the humans.

That night he’d left out the employee entrance, just like

he always did in the past when he was going out alone,
catching a ride in the cab that he’d ordered just a few
minutes earlier.

“Good Evening, Sir Knightly, are you going to the

Riverview as usual?” This was a club in downtown New
Orleans.

“Yes, Danny; just drop me off out front as always. I’ll

call later for a ride home if I need one.” This was a usual
thing between them. Over the last few years, Danny had
become a friend of sorts. Braxton knew that he could count
on his privacy with the man.

In no time, they were pulling up in front of the club.

Braxton got out and handed Danny a huge tip through the
window. He watched him drive away after wishing him a
goodnight.

From the looks of the line that wound around the

building, the place was already packed. Braxton knew that
he wouldn’t have to wait as he made his way to the front

door. The bouncer at the front door motioned him in, and he
made his way into the club.

The music was blasting through the speakers and

everywhere you looked there were bodies moving to the
music. Braxton even recognized a few of them; he had
passed Levi, one of the Vampire lawyer’s in his employ, on
the way to the dance floor. Braxton’s body was already
feeling the effects of several days of not feeding. He liked to
make his partner feel amazing while taking his life-giving
blood.

Braxton’s body was soon moving to the music along with

all the other people on the floor. He felt someone slide in
behind him. They danced like that for some time before the
man whispered in his ear, “My Prince, would you like to
come to my apartment?”

Braxton recognized the man at once. With an affirmative

nod, they headed back out into the night. He had been a blood
donor for him in the past. Though Braxton knew he could
have any man in the room he wanted, he paused and thought
before deciding his restless feeling was becoming more
prominent, it was something he needed to deal with.

Levi was his name, no, Leon. Leon, that’s right. His

twin’s name is Levi, Braxton finally remembered—shit, that
would have sucked calling him by his brother’s name . He
had passed Levi when he first entered the club. Braxton
knew he could be an asshole, but until he found his mate, he
figured actually remembering the hundreds of Vampires'
names that he led were not necessary. Leon was parked in
the back corner of the parking lot. He needed the blood and

attention just as badly as Braxton it seemed. They kissed all
the way to the car in anticipation of what was to come.
Leon’s hands found their way to Braxton’s pants before they
even made it into the car. Braxton soon took over and
unzipped his pants for Leon’s attentive hands.

He pulled Leon close, sniffing the man’s neck, savoring

the scent and pulse. It had been so long, the synthetic blood
he had been drinking because of the meetings was really
getting old. He wanted fresh, warm, and willing.

Tonight would be the night he took more than just blood

from this man.

Out of nowhere, the Demon Dog, Ramos, tore into him

for no apparent reason. Braxton had little chance to defend
himself, feeling his side rip from the claws along his skin
made him want to yell out, but he refused to give the fucking
Dog the satisfaction.

“Really Pet, I think you should think about this long and

hard before you go any further. You do this, and we will
retaliate. No question. And I will personally make sure you
have a shock collar on you for the rest of your measly life for
this.” Braxton knew he was insulting the dumbass—the only
problem was the dog wouldn’t know what he was talking
about.

When Ramos attacked, his guards did the same to Leon.

They fought with everything within them against the six
Demon Dogs. Within a few minutes, the Vampires inside the
club came out when they heard the fighting going on in the
parking lot. In no time, the twelve Vampires overtook the
Demon Dogs. The Dogs soon ran off rather than be killed.

Ramos had gotten a good hit on his side while he was

distracted, and he was bleeding out. Not something a strong
Alpha was proud of happening. He was already low on
blood, and that didn’t help.

Just as the Prince was starting to pass out, he got a whiff

of the most delicious smell imaginable. Fuck, could it be?
His dazed and slow mind could’ve been playing tricks on
hi m. The only thing that could smell this amazing to him
would be his Serenity Mate.

Where the hell was he? It wasn’t the man who had just

left–Braxton would have noticed–so it was someone new.
Finding your mate was something every Vampire dreamed
of, and something not many found. Braxton was a powerful
Vampire, to find his mate would make him even more so.

Finding your mate was beyond a miracle for a Vampire.

Some went for thousands of years before finding their
Serenity Mate, the one person who you could turn safely, the
one person who could spend forever in your arms.

Serenity was so rare. They almost became a legend to

the Vampire race. Their sweet smell would turn any other
blood source repugnant to the Vampire who would be their
mate.

Braxton, at the age of one thousand, often wondered if he

had missed his chance to find that special one. All he had to
do was watch his father now because he had found Eliza just
a few hundred years ago. He was happier than he had ever
seen him.

Braxton’s own mother had died in childbirth, so he grew

up in this place without a mom. There were plenty of willing

people to help watch over the little Prince, so he never
wanted for anything, except the special bond between a
mother and son.

Watching his best friend, Shell with his mom had shown

him what he was missing. One day, Shell made them blood
brothers in a sacred ritual they’d come up with as boys.
From that day on, he considered Shell’s mother, Eve, his
‘honorary mom’. Both boys had lost one of their much-loved
parents. So it was only fitting they would become a family in
their own way. This reminded Braxton he was alone, and in
great need.

Right before he closed his eyes, Braxton heard the voice

of his best friend and Captain of the Prince Guard. It seemed
that he had found him just in time.

“Damn it, Braxton. How am I supposed to keep you alive

when you keep doing dumb shit like this?" In order to save
the Prince’s life, Shell started pouring the synthetic blood
down his throat. Shell continued right before Braxton passed
out, “We are going to have to put a tracking device on your
ass. This is becoming a fucking habit and from the looks of
it, those damn Demon Dogs are at it once again.”

That was the last thing the Prince remembered.
Shell looked down at the Prince of the Vampires and the

man he was going to now refer to as his ‘stupid best friend’.
He had to wonder why he ever took this job.

True, there were evil Vampire bastards out there who

cared nothing for human life. They were the Vampire
Berserkers, slaves to their blood lust. They have no
conscience in their killing. However, most did live under the

Royal Family’s guidance, and the rules written by the
Vampire Circle of Elders, they were the oldest of the
Vampires.

The most important law was never to take blood without

consent of the donor. The Circle of Elders maintained all of
these laws for the last four thousand years, under King
Knightly’s rule.

Shell fed the Prince the synthetic bags of blood they kept

in their vehicles in case of an emergency. The guards took
the empty bags to dispose of them back at the compound. The
guards then carried their Prince to the waiting car, while
Shell walked behind them to help guard his back, as always.

On the drive back to the compound, Shell thought back to

the first day that he met the Prince of the Vampires as a
young

boy. His mother had just taken on the very

prestigious job of working for the King as Braxton’s
Nanny. Shell was four years old, barely old enough himself
to be away from the nursery. When his mom first came to
the castle, he could remember getting out of the car
thinking, Wow . It looked like something straight out of
those books that his mom was always reading him at night,
when she could get away from her charges.

The huge lions that stood on either side of the front

entrance seemed to stare you in the face as if to see if you
were worthy of entering into its hallowed halls. He guessed
he passed the test because they didn’t roar at him. He still
laughed at the thought. Man, it was great to be a kid. He
made his way to the huge front door holding his mom’s
hand, and she rang the doorbell that chimed in all its

glory.

This huge man opened the door, and he had such a

frown upon his face as he looked down at Shell. His mom
just ignored the look, and asked to talk to the King’s
secretary, giving her name and appointment time. What
seemed like hours later, a lady finally came and talked to
his mom. Shell’s mom told him to sit quietly while she was
gone. He had done that several times before, so that wasn’t
a problem as he gazed around the amazing place.

In the sitting room where the man had taken them,

Shell sat waiting on his mom. He remembered almost
jumping straight up in the air when he felt the tap on his
shoulder. The little boy had laughed, and then he showed
him the secret door in the room where the little boy had
come through. The little boy liked to use the secret doors
when he wanted to go on an adventure in his big house.

Shell could still remember their conversation. It felt

like just yesterday.

“What is your name?” asked the small boy.
“My name is Sheldon,” he answered.
“Do you want to play?” asked the small boy.
“Oh yes, but my mom might get mad. She is here for an

interview,” said Sheldon.

“I will bring you back. I promise. We will have so much

fun, Shell. I promise you won’t even want to leave,” said
the little boy.

The little boy had seemed hopeful to Sheldon. Sheldon

really did want to play with him. He imagined the little boy
was lonely because the place was huge and there only

seemed to be adults around. At least, that’s how it seemed
to Sheldon.

“What is your name?” asked Sheldon to his new friend.

He liked the nickname he had given him, too. He liked
people calling him Shell. Sheldon was his father’s name,
and his father had passed away. He liked the name Shell.
He would have to tell his mom.

That was the first of many afternoons that the boys

played in the secret passageways of the castle.

Later that day, Shell learned that the young boy he was

playing with was the Prince of his people. To Shell he was
Braxton, his first friend…

Chapter One

Sheridan was down to his last few dollars after breaking

down in New Orleans, the City of Mystery. He had fifty
bucks to his name, along with the few clothes he owned. One
would’ve thought there would be plenty of jobs in a place
like this, but hell no.

If he didn’t find a job soon he would be eating out of the

garbage cans, and sleeping in his broken-down car.

Forced to leave his home, fuck, that made him so mad to

think of his stepdad’s abuse. He was a grown man who
should have been able to take care of his mom, Sheridan
thought to himself. He was going to be twenty-five at the end
of the month.

Ronny, his stepdad, had just gone too far this time. He’d

been drunker than ever before, and he’d hit Sheridan’s mom.
Sheridan had gotten in between them trying to save her from
another blow, but instead, he was the one knocked out in the
process.

Sheridan’s body, although muscular and physically fit,

was no match for a huge bodybuilder type like his stepdad.
Sheridan’s mom had begged him to leave before Ronny
killed him the next time he came to visit.

He pleaded with his mom to come with him and leave

that asshole. His mom turned him down and Sheridan left
alone, traveling as far as he could have that day, only to
break down in New Orleans.

He planned to find a job and a place to stay as soon as

possible.

Sheridan had already put his application in several

places. So far, he hadn’t had any luck because of his lack of
address. This was the last place that was close enough to
walk to work. It looked to be a very popular restaurant and
there was a sign in the door reading: Dishwasher Needed-
Apply Within.

Please, please let this work out for me, he thought as he

approached the front register. A handsome man stepped out
of the backroom and came to stand behind the counter.

“How may I help you, sir?” asked the man.
“I am checking on the job you have posted in the

window, is it still available?” Sheridan said with his fingers
crossed behind his back.

“Yes, we are desperate! We need help immediately here

in the restaurant. Can you tell me about yourself and your
work experience? My name is Gavan, and my brother Taman
and I own the restaurant.”

“My name is Sheridan Remus. I’m relocating to the area

and looking for work. I’ve worked on a factory line for the
last five years. In high school, I did work in a restaurant
washing dishes.”

“Sheridan, normally I wouldn’t do this, but I need the

help desperately. Could you start right now at eight dollars
and fifty cents an hour?” he asked Sheridan with a friendly
laugh. “Our dishwasher quit last week, and the family is
trying to keep up. ”

“I guess I could start right this minute if you hire me,”

Sheridan said not wanting to lose the job but also not

wanting the guy to take advantage of him. He would rather
live on the streets than to have someone be an asshole to him
again. He was done with that.

“Well then, Sheridan, you are hired. Follow me, and I’ll

show you where you will be working. It will be long shifts;
will that be okay with you? This is one of the busiest
restaurants in town, and until I have the chance to hire
another dishwasher, you are it, I’m afraid.”

“Yeah, I kind of wanted to make this clear, although I

need the job, I am not exactly a push over. I’m used to hard
work, and I don’t mind working alone, but I will need a
schedule,” Sheridan said.

Sheridan was happy to have a job. He just jumped right

in, as if he was used to helping around the house. There were
dishes stacked everywhere, and another man was washing
a w a y. Even though he looked like he would rather be
anywhere else on the planet.

He glanced over at his new boss, and thought it was as if

the two men were communicating without even saying a
w ord. Wow, how weird would that be if it were really
happening?

“Thank you, you are my gallant savior, you handsome

man,” the other man teased. “It’s all yours. I’m so glad to
turn it over to your very capable hands.”

“That young man flirting is my youngest brother, Taman.

He is eternally grateful for your needing a job. He, I’m sure,
is off to find his next flame,” Gavan teased his brother.

Sheridan laughed and smiled. Maybe this would work

out.

“Taman, no flirting with our new employee,” Gavan told

his brother in a stern voice.

“Sheridan, you will also be given meals while you are

working, and breaks too, depending on the hours,” Gavan
said and slapped him on the shoulder.

“Thank you, Gavan, I should get started. The dishes are

really piling up.” It was with a sigh of relief that he started to
work. He knew it would be many hours before he felt like he
had made any headway.

Sheridan always loved to sing when he was working. If

there was no one around, it helped pass the time. It had
always relaxed him on those stressful days at home.

In a mansion across town, the Prince was sleeping after

consuming the blood his friend had brought, saving his ass
once again. His body was repairing itself as he slept from
drinking the life-giving fluid the Vampires take into their
bodies.

Although he was unconscious, his mind was

remembering the incredible scent that took over his senses to
the point that he could taste it on his tongue right before he
lost consciousness. There was something unique about that
smell, but in his unconscious state, he didn’t know what it
was. That was when the dreams began of soapy water and
dishes, hundreds of dishes. In the background, there was a
voice singing, and it was so beautiful it kept Braxton

enthralled. He heard each note, and it touched a place inside
of him. He began to awaken and remember.

Braxton sprung out of bed so fast he almost fell off the

side in his hurry. He was trying to wrap his mind around
what had happened over the last few hours. Shit, his mind
was fuzzy from all the blood loss. He couldn’t get a clear
picture of where he had been. It wasn’t a dream, damn it.
He had smelled his mate right before he passed out. He
was sure of it.

“Shell, were the hell are you, man?” Braxton yelled out

the door of his suite of rooms. He made his way down the
hall to the stairs looking for his friend and resident pain in
the ass Guard. He was really starting to get pissed at his
friend. He saw Shell come out of the kitchen carrying a tray
of synthetic blood bags. Shell was smiling as he walked
towards him from the end of the hallway.

“Hey, you’re looking much better,” Shell said when he

got within talking distance of Braxton. He looked over his
friend with a critical eye. Those damn Demon Dogs were a
threat it seemed once again. Shell was the Captain of the
Guard, and it was his duty to see to the safety of his Prince.
“No more sneaking out is allowed.” Braxton had come close
to dying today.

“Shell, it’s really important that you tell me exactly

where you found me. I smelled my mate just minutes before I
passed out from the blood loss. Damn it, I can’t believe it,
Shell! I was so close to him last night, and I screwed up. If I
can’t find him now, I’m going to tear the town apart!
Especially with those Demon Dogs on the loose to cause

problems.”

“Braxton, you were in a very busy section of town

actually, at the corner of Fellowship Boulevard when we
found you passing out. There were people everywhere, and
I’m assuming that is why you picked that area. You were
trying to keep us from finding you so quickly, I imagine. I can
take you in the car to the exact spot once you’ve gotten some
more blood in you. You’re too pale; you couldn’t pass for a
human!”

“Damn it! We need to move now! The more time that has

gone by, Shell, the less chances of finding him.” Taking one
of the blood bags from his friend’s hand, he felt almost sick
to his stomach just from the smell. Braxton hadn’t even met
his mate yet, and his reactions were already very strong. He
forced himself to take a drink and swallow it as quickly as
possible. It was the first time in his life that he found the
taste of blood repulsive.

The myth that Vampires couldn’t drink anything but blood

was laughable, thank the gods the myths were wrong.
Braxton needed a drink to wash away the taste of the blood,
so he headed towards his office and his stash of good stuff.
He pulled out his favorite one hundred-year-old scotch,
pouring them both a double shot. It went down smooth as he
emptied the glass. “Let’s go, Shell. I have a mate to find.” He
would sit down for a full meal when he’d found his mate.

Shell already radioed for the car to have it ready for

them as the Prince was pouring their drinks. Since liquor
didn’t affect them as it did the humans, he felt no qualms in
taking a drink on the job. He led the way out to the limo and

opened the door for his friend, all the time fully alert to
everything going on around him. Shell was the best at his
job, when he could keep the damn man in his sights. He
focused on the surroundings as they headed out in the limo in
search of his friend’s mate. Shell was happy for his best
friend, but he felt envy too. It did give him hope that he
would find his mate soon, for his friend had waited just as
long.

Braxton was driving to the spot where he passed out.

There was an excitement on the air as he hoped that his mate
was still close to the area. Within a matter of minutes, the car
was pulling up to the spot, and he didn’t wait for his guards
to check the area and open his door. Braxton was out of the
car and searching the area like a man possessed.

After several trips up and down the corner, he was even

more determined to find his mate. Even though there wasn’t
even a trace in the air, Braxton knew he had not dreamed it.
Not being able to drink his blood supply was a testimony to
that this evening. Once a Vampire meets his mate, then he is
no longer able to drink from any other source.

It was already late in the night by the time they all got

back in the limo.

“Shell, we will start out first thing in the morning. We

will search all the streets again. If I can’t find him, then
we’ll start at the hotels and make our way around. He is most
likely a tourist staying for a few days.” More disappointed
than he could ever remember, Braxton lay back on his seat.
Where was his mate, was he okay? All these questions were
running through his head as the driver headed back to the

compound Braxton called his home.

They had just pulled up in front when the limo came to a

stop. Braxton didn’t wait as he opened his doors and headed
inside, not even taking a moment to appreciate his home. If
he was in his normal fun-loving mood, he might have driven
to his favorite spot on his property where there was a spring-
fed lake. It was close to a park. It’s where Braxton loved to
skinny dip on warm nights like this.

Instead, he headed through his front door and up to the

stairs to his suite of rooms. He could’ve taken the elevator,
but he enjoyed the craftsmanship of the spiral staircase as it
winded its way up to the second level. As he closed the door
behind him, he leaned back against it and couldn’t help the
sigh he released. His head was pounding in frustration of his
situation.

Braxton could almost feel him as he closed his eyes and

the feel of his hair as he ran his fingers through the strands.
He would look down into his eyes, shining in need for only
hi m. Demanding, without a sound for the touch that only
Braxton could give him in that moment.

He would pull his body close as he leaned him against

the wall for leverage. Braxton would kiss him down that
perfectly formed neck as both of their bodies demanded so
much more with every second that went by. Braxton would
pull him even closer, diving in for a kiss that would show
him just whom he belonged to.

Their bodies moving in reaction to the kiss, it would give

them the perfect friction to slide their cocks against each
other with each movement. Braxton could feel the velvety

softness of his lips as they touched his for the very first time.
Then their tongues would duel for mastery, as they both won
the ultimate prize of losing themselves within their mate.
Shit, Braxton came out of his fantasy when someone started
knocking on his door.

On the second round of knocking, Braxton opened up the

door to see his friend standing there.

“I wanted to check on you, Braxton, before I head to bed.

Are you going to be okay?” Shell looked at his longtime
friend, and he was very thankful that destiny had brought him
his blood brother and best friend. They had always been
there for each other over the last thousand years.

“Thank you, I’ll be okay for tonight,” Braxton told his

friend as he laid his hand on his shoulder.

“I will see you in the morning then,” Shell said and then

walked back down the hall to his own set of rooms in the
palace.

Braxton lay down on his bed thinking about his mate,

who was out there somewhere in the night. Was he with
someone else tonight? Was someone else touching his
skin? Damn, he couldn't keep doing this to himself. He was
going insane. He determinedly lay down and closed his eyes
for a moment. Braxton was hoping that sleep would come
quickly before he went insane over his own imagination.

I will find him tomorrow...I must.

Sheridan was tired by the time his first shift was over,

but he had a full stomach from the dinner they provided for
him in the kitchen. The best spaghetti and meatballs that
he’d ever tasted, he thought to himself.

As he walked the three miles that it would take to get to

his broken-down car, he enjoyed the nice breeze that was
blowing. It had been very hot in that kitchen as he washed all
the dishes. He could really have used a shower about now,
and there was a spring-fed pond close to where the car sat.
Tonight he was going to take advantage of the clean water,
and not only for washing his clothes out.

If this job worked out, he hoped to be able to rent a small

one-bedroom until he could get enough money to fix his
clunker of a car. Sheridan was surprised old ‘Bess’, as he
was fond of calling her, had lasted him this long. He would
make it, of that he was determined, and never one to give up
on what he wanted, it would work out. He’d gotten a job, his
biggest hurdle so far.

He had been lucky that the area his car broke down in

had a small park on the edge of the property. He was able to
use the table to lay out his clothes to dry. In time, he might
even get to use the small grill.

Sheridan finally reached his car after the long walk from

the restaurant. The back seat look inviting, but he knew he
was far from lying down and getting any rest. At least the car
broke down in a good spot. The area was full with green
fields surrounding him on all sides. Just a little ways from
his car, he discovered the spring-fed pond. Sheridan was
looking forward to a dip in the water.

It was a safe place to stay until he’d made enough money

for a small place of his own. He gathered up his spare
clothes and headed across the field. He quickly stripped
down to his boxers and washed out his clothes. Sheridan laid
his clothes on the rocky ledge to dry as he eased his tired and
sore muscles into the water. Using the soap that he took from
the bathroom of the restaurant, he was soon clean once again.

The water was warmer away from the spring, so his

muscles finally started to relax until he was afraid he would
fall asleep in the water and drown. As he started ashore, he
had rung out his short blond hair and pulled on his boxers.
He picked up the partly dried clothes and headed back to his
car, trying his best not to step on anything—all he needed
was to get snakebite next.

Sheridan was more than ready to lay his clothes in the

front seat and stretch out on the back seat when he made it
back to his car. He’d been lucky that he had been able to pull
off the side road near the park before his car died completely
or the police probably would’ve towed his car by now.

He had only met one person who kept an eye on the park.

After explaining his situation, the man allowed him to stay.
Sheridan could tell that it bothered the man to leave him
somewhat stranded.

Sheridan assured him it was only temporary until he had

enough for a small room. It was those thoughts that brought
him back to the present. Glad to have an alarm on his watch,
he quickly set it and settled in for a warm night of sleeping in
his car. He was tired, and it only took moments for him to
drift off into a deep sleep.

Books Available by Shelby Lynn

Haven’s Wolves Series

Garrett’s Home – Book One

Tyler’s Dream – Book Two

Haven’s Wolf Christmas Surprise – Book Two ½

Sawyer’s Hope – Book Three

Wolf’s Sight – Book Four – Coming Soon

Forever in My Arms Series

Held Tight – Book One

Forever Levi – Book Two – April 2013

The Lost Shifters

Loving Cantelle – Coming Soon

Website:

www.shelbylynnauthor.com

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