1. Savvy

1

Savvy

“ C onner is such an amazing father,” Savvy said, watching the handsome wolf shifter race his daughter, Taryn, down the pasture on horseback.

“Yes, he is,” Beth said, watching her mate fondly. “I’m so glad that he was able to break the memory spell Mother put on him, making him forget us. It’s sad that he had to lose ten years with Taryn because of that witch, but he’s more than making up for it now.”

“Your story is like a reverse fairy tale. Instead of the damsel needing rescuing, it was Prince Charming,” Savvy said.

“I know, right,” Beth said. “And it literally took a kiss to wake him up.”

“As I recall, it went a bit further than a kiss,” Savvy teased.

“Okay, so maybe it took a passionate night of lovemaking, but the end result was the same.” Beth laughed.

Savannah, Savvy, to her friends, watched Taryn laughing as she and her horse, Pegasus, flew down the pasture, neck and neck with her father, Conner, on his horse, Zephyr. Conner’s brother, Zac, was the alpha of the Nightshade Wolf Shifter Pack.

“Do they have any rodeos coming up?” Savvy asked.

“Not for a while. Conner set up some barrels for Taryn to practice with and they practice breakaway roping with a couple of calves so she can keep up with her skills. I know she would love to travel around, but now that we have the horse ranch, it’s not practical.”

Savvy pointed at Beth’s rounded stomach and said, “You couldn’t handle everything by yourself, even if you do have a couple of ranch hands.”

“True enough. I’m doing well to waddle from one place to another.”

“Not to change the subject so abruptly, but have you heard from your mother?”

“No. I told her that if she came near me or my family again, I would end her. I hate the idea of taking a life, but she almost killed Conner twice. She knows that I mean it because, even though she is a dark witch, I’m more powerful. So is Taryn,” Beth said.

“Mother wishes she was as powerful as your mother,” Savvy said. “I guess that’s why she decided to join the dark coven. I’m just glad to have left Wyoming and be away from them and all the stress. I really do appreciate you guys letting me live here with you until I can find a job and get my own place, especially with you being newlyweds and all.”

“I couldn’t love you more if you were my own sister. Taryn loves you and Conner adores you. He knows that your magic, along with Taryn’s and my healing magic helped save his life.”

“You’re a doll,” Savvy said.

“I know,” Beth replied. “Ooof.”

“What’s the matter?” Savvy asked, immediately concerned.

“The baby just kicked me. I’m not so sure that he isn’t going to be a mule shifter instead of a wolf shifter.”

Father and daughter led their horses back to the barn and brushed them down. “She looks so much like her daddy,” Savvy said.

“I know. If it wasn’t for her red hair, you wouldn’t even know that she was mine.”

“I’m just so glad that you have the love of your life. That is so precious.”

“I hope that someday, you can find yours,” Beth said.

“You know that possibility died with Gabe when that drunk driver ran the red light and rammed into Gabe’s motorcycle.” Savvy sucked in a huge breath of air, trying to quell the pain that still squeezed her heart every time she thought of him. “I’m just glad that you haven’t gone on at me and told me that I just have to get over him and move on with my life.”

“Of course not. You didn’t do that to me when I was missing Conner all those years,” Beth said. “I wouldn’t even if I didn’t feel your pain. You can’t just stop loving someone or missing someone on command.”

“If only it was that easy,” Savvy said. “But at least I have you, Taryn, and Cassia.”

The little dragonfly, who was Savvy’s familiar, pressed her face against Savvy’s cheek. You’ll always have me. I love you.”

“Aw, shucks. I love you, too.”

Savvy looked around, enjoying the peace of the ranch. She had moved to Angel’s Creek, New Mexico to be with her friends. There was nothing left for her in Cheyenne.

“There is something special about this area. I have found a sense of serenity that I never had in Wyoming.”

“It could have something to do with the fact that you left your mother behind there. Plus, Gabe was killed in Cheyenne. It had to be hard seeing that intersection every time you went to town.”

“Maybe so. There is also something magical here.”

“I agree,” Beth said. “I need to start dinner. You helping?”

“You really want me to help you cook?”

“Okay, let me amend that statement. You going to keep me company while I cook?”

That evening at dinner, Conner asked, “Didn’t you get a degree in early childhood education?”

“Yes?” Savvy replied. “I was working at a preschool when Gabe died and I lost it for a while. That’s why I was bartending for the last few years.”

“My friend, Rory, needs a nanny. He can’t seem to keep them.”

“That doesn’t sound like a very good recommendation.” Savvy laughed.

“He’s just very protective over his kids and wants someone who will take good care of them. He will give you room and board, plus a decent salary,” Conner said.

“Ah, I see now.” Savvy smiled. “You’re just trying to get rid of me.”

Conner rolled his eyes and shook his head. “No, but you have been looking for a job. Rory is a good guy. He’s a member of our pack.”

“It couldn’t hurt to meet him,” Savvy said.

The next evening, Conner, Savvy, Beth, and Taryn went to eat at Howlers’ Bar and Grill. It mostly catered to shifters and bikers, although no one was turned away. Sean McCullum owned the place. He was a laid-back member of the same wolf shifter pack that Conner belonged to. Sean was also extremely protective and loyal and would fight to the death to protect those who needed it.

Jade, the bar’s manager and a member of Conner’s pack, smiled and rushed over to hug them when they came in.

“Girl, have you gotten taller since the last time I saw you?” she asked Taryn.

Taryn grinned and shook her head. “I don’t think so. Maybe you got shorter.”

“Like Mork from Ork,” Jade said, referring to the popular show, Mork and Mindy.

“Who?” Taryn replied.

Jade, Conner, Beth, and Savvy giggled as they found a table.

There was an island bar in the center of Howlers’ . Members of the motorcycle club, The Griffins were lined up there. It was their usual hang-out place.

“See that really big guy with the black hair at the end of the bar?” Conner asked.

“Yup. How could I miss him?” Savvy asked.

“That’s Rory. He’s the leader of the Griffins.”

“Oh,” Savvy said, a little shocked.

The tall man was at once intimidating and intriguing. He was incredibly hot and his arms were thick. He had a broad chest that was evident through his T-shirt.

“Quit drooling,” Conner teased.

A young, pretty waitress dropped off some beer for the bikers. One of the bikers slapped her ass. Immediately. Rory stood up, grabbed the man by the back of his shirt, and literally lifted him off the ground. The man was big, but Rory carried him as though he weighed no more than a small child.

The entire bar became silent as everyone watched Rory.

“Put me down,” the man said, trying to kick Rory.

Rory ignored his commands and feeble attempts to kick him. He carried the man to the front door of the bar and tossed him into the parking lot.

“You know better than that,” Rory said before closing the door.

“Thanks,” the waitress said, blushing.

Rory nodded.

Savvy was stunned. She didn’t know whether to be terrified or intimidated.

Cassia said, “I like him. He has a good soul.”

Conner walked over to him and spoke to him for a moment. Rory looked over at Savvy and then back at Conner with his eyebrows raised. He followed Conner back to the table.

“I’m Rory Garner,” he said, holding out his hand.

Savvy shook it and gasped at the shock of electricity that exploded inside of her.

“Conner told me that you are looking for a nanny job. He vouches for you,” Rory said.

He pulled out a card and wrote an address on the back and a time.

“Be at this address at eight tomorrow. I’ll talk to you then,” he said and walked away.

“Not one for politeness, is he?” Savvy said, running her fingers through her blond, curly hair.

“You’ll get used to him,” Conner replied. “Besides, you’ll be spending all of your time with the kids, not him.”

They went back to the house and played a couple of games of Spades. Taryn and Savvy won both games.

“Guys, it’s been fun, but I’m tired,” she said, patting her belly. “I guess your brother is wearing me out,” she told Taryn.

Taryn had a premonition when Beth first got pregnant that the child would be a boy. He would be a wolf shifter and a wizard, just as Taryn was a wolf shifter and a witch.

Savvy hopped in the shower and tried to relax as the hot water cascaded over her. She wasn’t intimidated by too many people, but Rory worried her a little. It wasn’t that he would hurt her, but he could be very difficult to work for, especially if he was always so gruff.

“Don’t borrow trouble,” Savvy told herself. “If he becomes too difficult to work for, then I can always find another job. There are daycares in Angel’s Creek, Raton, and other places. Or, I could simply apply for a license and start my own. There are only two small daycares in Angel’s Creek, and I bet that the city could stand another one.”

With that matter settled in her mind, she slipped between the cool Egyptian cotton sheets. When she closed her eyes, images of Rory exploded in her mind. He was very handsome. He didn’t have the pretty boy good looks which didn’t do anything for Savvy. Instead, he was very rugged. He definitely fit the stereotype of being the leader of a biker club.

Savvy struggled to get to sleep. When she finally managed to close her eyes, flashes of Rory zooming down the road on his motorcycle with his leather vest covered in patches filled her dreams.

She was a little grumpy when she woke up the next morning. Beth sensed it and asked what was wrong.

“I dreamed about that blasted man last night,” Savvy exclaimed.

“You are likely just nervous about the interview,” Beth said. “He does have a very strong presence. He’s the kind of man who could walk into the room, not say a word, and everyone would stop talking and just stare at him.”

“Yeah, buddy,” Savvy said dryly.

“Like I said, just remember that you will be there with the kids. You won’t be babysitting him.”

“You’re right,” Savvy said.

She hesitated when she looked at her wardrobe. When she was hanging out with the kids, she would wear jeans and a T-shirt or sweatshirt. However, this was an interview, so she should probably dress more professionally.

“Wear the black pantsuit,” Cassia recommended. “It’s comfortable, and it looks good on you.”

“If it still fits. It’s been a while since I’ve worn it.”

Savvy had to admit that it fit perfectly. She pulled her long, curly hair back in a ponytail, put on some eyeliner, and said, “Are you ready?”

Cassia hopped on her shoulder. “You’ve got this.”

Savvy just wished that she felt as confident as Cassia sounded.