Legacy Found

Chapter Seventeen

Her week was up today. Shelley peered out the kitchen window, wondering how the time had gone by so quickly. She’d spent her days puttering around James’s house and getting to know her family and other members of the community. True to their word, the males had all been back, but they hadn’t pressured her in any way.

She’d spent time with Alex and Meredith, coming to like and respect both women. She’d also come to know her brothers much better. The more time she spent with them, the more she remembered.

Isaiah was the one she had the most memories of. They’d spent time talking and simply being together. The one thing she hadn’t been able to make herself do was shift into her wolf form. Too many years of training and conditioning had taken their toll. She was afraid of that part of herself even as she was coming to accept it in the people around her.

She’d seen all her brothers shift and run as a family. She’d longed to go with them but had been unable to make herself take that final step. James had stayed with her, his arm around her waist, telling her not to worry, not to push herself. That there was plenty of time.

Well, time had run out.

And then there was James. The man was insatiable. She smiled, a private smile of pleasure. She was insatiable too when it came to him. He came to her bed every night. Some nights they’d simply pleasure one another. Other nights, they’d go all the way. She still wasn’t comfortable saying they were making love, but she wasn’t going to label it simply sex. It was much more than that.

Just this morning, he’d rolled her onto her side facing him, draped her leg over his thigh and slid into her before she was fully awake. She’d opened her eyes to find him gently rocking them both to orgasm.

She’d clung to him after, not knowing what today would bring. She had to make some decisions about her future.

“Penny for your thoughts.” As though her musings had conjured him, James slid up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. It was a familiar pose, one she was coming to love. He made her feel cared for and safe.

“I’m not certain they’re worth that much,” she offered.

He released her and turned her to face him. “Let me be the judge of that.”

She leaned against the kitchen counter and stared up into his face. When had he become so important to her? She rubbed her hand over her forehead. “It’s been a week.”

James tensed, his expression going from lazy, tolerant male to fierce predator in a heartbeat. Yet, she didn’t fear him. A week of being with him and her family had gone a long way to helping her get past the years of imprisonment.

Not that she believed she was totally over them. No, it might take her the rest of her long life to put those years behind her. If she ever did. But she’d made a good start.

James had taught her that not all men were cruel. He’d shown her that there were good males out there. Those who stood by their word and protected those around them.

He’d also shown her that she was more than simply a werewolf. She was a female with a female’s needs. She shifted her weight from one foot to another, uncomfortable as the familiar blast of desire shot through her.

All the man had to do was look at her and she wanted him.

His eyes half-closed and he took a deep breath. She knew he could smell her arousal but she didn’t care.

“You don’t have to go.” He pulled her closer and rocked her hips against his rather large erection. “Stay.” He leaned forward and brushed a kiss over her temple and down her cheekbone. “Stay with me,” he coaxed as he nibbled on her neck just below her ear.

“I can’t.” It would be too easy to remain here, to let James continue to take care of her. She’d never learn how to stand on her own two feet that way.

After all her years of captivity, Shelley needed to be free. To make her own decisions. To forge her own path in life.

“I can’t,” she whispered. Her chest hurt and breathing became difficult. She wanted to stay but had to leave.

James tightened his arms around her briefly and then moved back a step. “Where will you go?”

Perversely, she wanted him to argue with her. God, what was wrong with her? She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep his warmth as long as possible.

Shelley shrugged. “Isaiah wants me to go to Chicago with him.”

James closed his eyes briefly and nodded. “When will you leave?”

She chewed on her bottom lip. “He wants to leave this morning.” Her stomach was churning. She was making the right decision. Wasn’t she? If she stayed she’d have the pressure of all the males wanting to mate with her. Plus, the more time she spent with James, the more he’d come to mean to her. As it was, she felt as though she was freefalling without a safety net.

The panic attack hit her hard and fast. Her breath caught in her throat. Her skin went hot and then cold. Perspiration beaded on her forehead and her hands began to shake.

“Breathe.” James was beside her. He didn’t touch her but kept repeating that single word over and over. She kept her eyes on his face, memorizing every hard plane and line.

The feeling of fear and dread slowly receded and she was able to suck some much needed air into her lungs.

“That’s it,” he encouraged. “One breath at a time.”

The world seemed to stop as she watched him. She’d known him a little more than a week but he’d become such a huge part of her life. She was going to miss him so much.

Leaving was going to be like cutting off a piece of herself. But like any surgery, it was best done swiftly.

“I need to finish packing.” And that was a total lie. She didn’t have that much and had shoved all of it into her two shopping bags earlier this morning.

James stood aside and she scurried out of the kitchen, feeling his eyes on her until she was out of sight. Up in her room, she shut the door and sank down on the edge of the bed and buried her face in her hands.

How was she going to do this? How was she going to leave?

Swiping at the tears on her cheeks, she straightened her spine. “You have to do this,” she said aloud. She needed to get strong, to learn to accept her wolf, to shift. Maybe then she could come back on her own terms. Maybe then she could be the female James needed by his side.

That thought stopped her cold. That was why she was really leaving. She didn’t feel worthy.

James was alpha of this pack. He needed a strong female beside him, not one who was literally afraid of herself.

She needed to get beyond her past, to accept all aspects of herself. Maybe when she was finally whole again, she could be what James needed. Maybe then she could return and see where the attraction between them might go. Maybe it would be too late by then.

That thought made her heart ache. But she shoved it aside. She knew what she needed to do.

James wanted to drive his fist through the wall. He needed to feel the sting of pain to distract him from the total destruction of his heart. Shelley was leaving him.

He knew it wasn’t logical to feel that way. Shelley was doing what she felt she needed to do. Still, he felt betrayed.

After spending the last week in her bed, he’d thought he’d gotten through to her, thought she’d understood how he felt about her.

All the hair on his body bristled as the wolf inside him howled for release. He clamped his hands around the edge of the countertop, not surprised to see claws instead of fingers. He was close.

His mate was leaving him and he didn’t think he’d survive.

But he would because this was what she needed. He needed to set her free if he was ever going to have a chance of claiming her as his mate. If he kept her here, forced her to stay, she’d never forgive him. And he’d be as bad as those bastard bounty hunters.

No, as hard as it was, he was going to have to let her go.

His heart felt as though a gigantic boulder was lying on it. She hadn’t even left and already he was bereft.

Taking a deep breath, he straightened and rolled his shoulders. He could do this. For Shelley. For himself. She was only going to Chicago and would be with her brother. Isaiah would take good care of her, and James could find a lot of reasons to head to Chicago on business.

He would court her long distance if that’s what it took.

Resolved, he turned when he heard footsteps behind him. It wasn’t Shelley, but a female he loved all the same.

Alex stopped a few feet away. “What’s wrong?”

He smiled ruefully. His daughter knew him too well. “Shelley is leaving with Isaiah today.”

She frowned. “I thought she was staying.”

James absently rubbed his hand over his chest. “So did I.”

“Aren’t you going to do anything to stop her?” Alex demanded.

James crossed his arms over his chest. “What should I do? Should I lock her in her room? Maybe chain her up somewhere?” Alex paled, but he couldn’t stop. “She’s already had too much of that in her life. She needs to make her own choices.”

“I know.” She tentatively walked up to him and put her hand on his arm. James knew his muscles were as hard as steel. “I just wanted her to stay.”

He sighed and pulled his daughter into his arms, kissing the top of her head. “Me too.” She had no idea just how much.

Alex pulled away. “I’m going to go up and say goodbye.”

He nodded and turned back to stare out the window. The beauty of the trees and mountains that usually soothed his soul did nothing for him today. How could they when he knew he was losing his heart.

A tentative knock came on the door. Shelley knew it wasn’t James. She took a deep breath. “Come in, Alex.”

The door opened and the younger woman stuck her head in. As always, Shelley was struck by just how alike father and daughter were. “I heard you were leaving.” Alex stepped inside but left the door ajar. As usual, Alex was wearing jeans and a sweater. She was less intimidating than Meredith who always seemed to look put together and classy no matter what she was wearing.

“Yes.” She nodded, not knowing what else to say.

“I wish you would stay.” There was no mistaking the honesty in the younger woman’s voice.

“I can’t.” Shelley sighed.

“Why? I know you like it here. Don’t you?”

“It’s not that simple, Alex.”

“Why not?”

Shelley just shook her head. Alex didn’t understand. Couldn’t understand. Yes, she’d dealt with a lot herself, finding out she wasn’t human but really half werewolf. But she was confident in her ability to deal with it. Alex knew who she was. Knew how to stand on her own two feet.

Shelley was still learning. Had barely begun to find her own feet, her identity. She couldn’t expect James to wait for her to figure out her life. Nor could she ask him to take her with all the problems she had. She had to deal with her issues and become a strong female. To figure out who she really was.

“Will you come back?”

That was a question she could answer honestly. “Yes. I’d like to.”

Alex came to her and wrapped her arms around her in a hug. Shelley returned it, blinking back tears. “I’d like that. And I know my father would.”

Shelley tried hard not to think about James. If she dwelled on him too much, she’d never find the strength to leave. There were more footsteps in the hallway and she knew the time had come.

“Hey.” Meredith stood decked out in jeans and boots and a cashmere sweater. Her leather jacket was hooked over her arm. Her long, black hair was pulled away from her face and clipped in the back. It emphasized the beauty of her face. Even in what should have been casual attire, she looked impeccable. “It’s time.”

Shelley felt underdressed standing beside her. Her choices were limited, as was her knowledge of fashion. But it wouldn’t always be that way, she promised herself. She’d work hard and do whatever it took to become whole and healthy again. And that meant learning about every aspect of life.

Alex hugged her hard again. “Remember, you’re welcome here anytime. You can stay with me and Joshua if you want.”

Touched by the offer, Shelley hugged her back. “Thank you.”

“Can I help you with your stuff?” Meredith motioned to the two bags on the bed.

“No, I’ve got it.” It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Meredith. It was just hard to relinquish control. Everything she owned was in those two bags. And a little voice in the back of her head reminded her that James had bought most of it for her.

She’d pay him back. As soon as she started working at Meredith’s nightclub, Haven, she’d send money back to James. That would put them on a more even footing. She didn’t want to owe him. Didn’t want him to have to take care of her. She wanted to be his equal.

“I’m ready.” Grabbing her belongings, she left the room without a backward glance and headed down the hall.

James was waiting for them by the front door. It hurt to look at him so she kept her gaze averted. He murmured to Alex and Meredith as they hurried out the door. She started to go past him but he stopped her.

“Shelley.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat and stared up at him. His eyes were molten gold as they held her spellbound. When he cupped the side of her face in his hand and leaned inward, she couldn’t move.

Their lips barely met. He pulled back, swore and swooped down, capturing her mouth. The bags crumpled between them as he yanked her against him and plundered her mouth.

He tasted like coffee and a hint of mint from his toothpaste. But beyond that was the flavor of hot male. Of desire. Of want and need.

The bags fell from her nerveless fingers and she grabbed the front of his shirt to anchor herself. His tongue tangled with hers. Their breath mingled. His cock throbbed against her belly.

She didn’t know how long the kiss lasted. She was lost. In James. In his taste, his scent, the feel of his body against hers, the whimpering sounds of need that came from deep inside her.

It was a shock when he pushed her away. He bent down and picked up the bags at her feet and handed them to her. She took them automatically and closed her arms around them.

“This isn’t over,” he growled. “Not by a long shot.”

“James?”

He dropped a quick, hard kiss on her lips and motioned to the door. With his hand on the small of her back, she stepped outside. Isaiah and Meredith were waiting. So were her brothers and Alex.

This was much harder than she’d expected it to be. In seven short days, she’d come to know these men. They were no longer strangers. They’d welcomed her with open arms even when she’d held herself back from fear of being hurt.

Joshua pulled her into his arms. “Don’t stay away too long, Shelley.” He kissed her forehead and handed her off to Levi.

“I’ll miss you.” His voice was gruff as he hugged her.

Then Micah had her, his arms so tight around her she could barely breathe. “Come back.”

Finally, it was Simon’s turn. “I’m coming to Chicago in a few weeks,” he promised. She smiled, her heart lightening slightly. She would be glad to see him.

Isaiah waited patiently beside his mate. The look of understanding in his gaze was almost her undoing. She wanted to run back inside James’s house and stay. It was only the fact she knew she was doing the right thing that enabled her to turn and face him.

His face was fierce, the harsh angles and planes even more austere and forbidding than usual. His golden eyes were hard as he stared at her.

His gaze flicked to Isaiah’s. “Take good care of her.”

Her brother inclined his head. “You have my word.”

James nodded and then turned and walked away. She watched until he disappeared from view.

“Come, little sister. It’s time to go.” Isaiah urged her toward the gate and beyond. She turned at the last second and saw her family standing there, watching her. Only James was missing.

She stumbled slightly. Only quick action by Isaiah kept her from falling. She murmured her thanks and kept walking. The world had changed so much in such a short time. The snow had finally melted and tiny flowers were poking their heads up through the moist ground. Buds covered the trees. Soon leaves would appear and change the entire face of the forest.

And she wouldn’t be here to see it.

She heard a wolf howl in the distance and her heart stuttered. The mournful sound made her soul ache. It was the sound of a creature in pain.

It was James.

All the beatings she’d endured. The rapes. The pain. The long, lonely years with no hope. Nothing hurt her as badly as the thought of James in pain.

She came to a halt, her feet refusing to take another step forward. Her wolf howled and fought for release. She knew James was her mate. Wanted him with her entire being.

What was she doing?

She loved James.

It was as simple and as complicated as that. A little more than a week ago, she would have said it was impossible for her to ever love a man. Then James had walked into the diner where she’d worked and changed her life forever.

Had changed her.

In a few short days, she’d found her family, come to understand her heritage and taken the first real steps toward healing the wounds of the past.

James had risked his life for her. He had never offered any recriminations for bringing the wrath of the hunters down on his pack. All he’d ever done was offer her support.

He was letting her go because he knew it was what she wanted.

“Shelley?” Isaiah peered down at her, concern etched on his face.

“I can’t do this.” She took a step away. Her back hit a tree and she stared wildly around, her belongings clutched tight in her arms.

“Do what?” His voice was gentle. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

There was so much love. So much understanding. All of them had given her so much and she’d all but thrown it back in their faces with her need to stand on her own two feet.

But that was wrong.

Wolves were pack animals. She’d been alone far too long, cut off from her kind and her family. If she ever wanted to fully heal, she’d have to embrace who and what she truly was.

She licked her dry lips. Her heart beat so hard and wild she knew her brother could probably hear it.

Isaiah hooked his arm around Meredith and smiled. “Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. We’re all here for you. If things don’t work out here, you’re always welcome in Chicago.”

“And we want you to come for a visit, even if you don’t stay,” Meredith added. “I want you to meet my pack, my family.”

Their continued generosity astounded her.

As though he could read her mind, Isaiah cupped her face in his hands and leaned down. “We’re family. It doesn’t matter if your name is Rachel or Shelley. You’re my sister and I want you to be happy.”

A low sob was torn from somewhere deep within her and she flung herself into his arms. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, brokenly. “Sorry I disobeyed you that day and got caught.”

The guilt had been eating at her. She’d disobeyed the rules about going out alone and had caused nothing but grief and hardship for her family.

His arms tightened around her. Then she felt Meredith’s arms enclose her as well.

“It wasn’t your fault.” His voice was fierce. “Do you understand me? It was those fucking hunters.” Isaiah pulled back and glared at her. “We all broke rules as pups. That’s part of growing. Learning. But none of us paid. Not like you did.” He brushed away the tears from her face as another howl echoed across the air.

“Go.” He pushed her away. “Go to him. Tell him how you feel.”

She gave a watery laugh. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to those of us who love you both.” Meredith’s words comforted her. They loved her.

Shelley knew what she had to do.

She thrust her two bags of belongings at her brother. “Can you take this back for me?”

He smiled. “Yeah, I’ll make sure your things are safe.”

Shelley knew he understood what a big deal it was for her to leave her few belongings with him. Ducking behind a bush, she began to yank at her sweater and jeans. Meredith was beside her a few seconds later, gathering and folding clothing. “I’ll make sure you’re clothing gets back to James’s house.” Leaning forward, she kissed Shelley’s cheek. “Go for it, honey.”

Naked, Shelley stood and took a deep breath. She barely felt the chill of the spring air or the damp ground beneath her feet. She hadn’t willingly changed in decades. It happened around the time she went into heat, but that was involuntary and she’d fought it with all her might.

This was different. For the first time in her life she wanted to shift into her wolf.

Closing her eyes, she embraced the wilder part of herself. Primal. Instinctual. She reached for it. Welcomed it. Her wolf howled. The sheer happiness and acceptance of that part of herself rushed through her. The wolf held no grudge against being imprisoned all these years. It understood survival.

But now it was time to live. Freely. As she was meant to.

Her bones cracked and reformed as she fell to her hands and knees. The moss was soft against her skin as she threw back her head and let it happen. Fur covered her skin. Her facial features shifted, her jaw elongating.

When it was done, the world appeared different. Sharper. More detailed. Her hearing was always good, but this was even better. She lifted her nose and sniffed the air. The earthy smell of the ground mixed with the tangy pine needles. She scented a squirrel in the tree to her left and the perfume of an early flower off to her right. The wind ruffled her fur as she watched a beetle climb up a tree trunk.

It was incredible.

“You’re beautiful.” Isaiah dropped to his knees beside her and held out his hand. She trotted forward and nuzzled his palm. His fingers rubbed through her thick fur. “I’m so proud of you.”

A howl sounded in the distance and she swung her head around. James was out there. Alone.

“Go,” her brother urged her.

Giving no further thought to her belongings, she darted off into the underbrush. She trusted her family. She trusted James.

Shelley savored that feeling as she jumped over a fallen log and under yet another. A creek trickled off to her right, but she ignored it. Exploring could wait for another time. She had to find James.

As urgent as her mission was, she couldn’t help but experience the exhilaration coursing through her veins. She felt more alive than she ever had. Whole.

She finally understood that she and the wolf were one. Not separate.

Her paws made little sound as she raced over the soft ground. Moss, pine needles and dead leaves carpeted the forest floor, cushioning her steps. The sun came through the trees, painting the world with dark and light.

Shelley paused, raised her head and sniffed the air. He was close.

Instinct made her lift her head and open her mouth. What emerged was a long, baleful howl. She needed James with her. Now.

The air around her thickened. She sensed him before she saw him. Like a silvery ghost, the gray wolf emerged from behind a thick clump of trees.

Her entire body quivered. She bent her back legs, ready for action.

James erupted with no warning. Turning on her hind legs, Shelley darted off. Some instinct told her to run. To make him catch her.

It wasn’t fear making her heart beat faster, filling her veins with pure exhilaration. It was desire. Love. Need.

He was gaining on her. She pushed hard, but was no match for the large male wolf chasing her.

He pounced, taking her down easily. They rolled across the mossy ground, a tangle of limbs and fur. He stood over her, his hackles raised, a snarl on his face.

Shelley lay beneath him, panting hard, totally submissive.

She loved him. She’d hurt him. This was her way of telling him without words.

He leaned down and caught the slack skin of her neck between his teeth. She didn’t flinch away. Instead, she arched her neck, offering him her complete trust.

He stilled and his grip changed. James began to nuzzle and lick her neck, her ears, her muzzle. She returned the wolf caress, nipping playfully at his ears.

He pounced and rolled with her. Like two children, they nipped and played and frolicked. For the first time in her life, Shelley felt totally free.

She hadn’t needed to leave him to find herself. All she’d had to do was embrace every part of her. There would be problems in the future, but she was confident she could handle them with James at her side.

They started running. It only took her a few minutes to realize he was leading her back toward the compound. The tall fence came into view. Her brothers were all standing near one of the houses talking. They paused to watch as the two of them raced into the yard and up to James’s front door.

Shelley stayed in wolf form as James shifted and opened the door. She wasn’t quite ready to be naked in front of a crowd. Given her years of captivity, she might never be comfortable with it. But that was okay. She could deal with it.

“Shelley.” There was so much emotion in her name. James closed the door behind him. Naked, he was tall and broad and strong. Human or wolf, he was a fierce predator, one who would protect what was his.

Closing her eyes, she let the change wash over her. Her wolf went easily, understanding that she would be allowed to run free from now on. Her wolf also trusted what was about to happen.

Her eyes popped open as muscled arms lifted and carried her up the stairs toward the bedrooms. This time, he bypassed her room and took her to his.

Large and masculine, like the man himself, his room was filled with heavy wood furniture. The green comforter folded at the foot of his bed was the only splash of color in an otherwise austere space.

Yet, she didn’t feel out of place or unwelcome.

He set her down on the bed and followed her down. “You’re mine. Now and forever.”

She knew what he wanted and nodded. She wanted it too. “Now and forever.”