Chapter 3

Chapter

Three

D inner went... About as expected. Kalkin shouted. Keeley reprimanded him. The brothers laughed, mocking him. Just another normal Wednesday night for the Raferty family. Until the children went to bed, that is. Once those under the age of ten fell asleep on their cots, the meeting began—outside, so not to wake any of the kids.

Luka and his parents, Tatiana and Anastasiy, kept to themselves mostly. They answered when spoken to, but mostly, they seemed content to watch the others. Johnathan didn’t blame them. Going from hiding to escaping to hide once more because they weren’t sure if they’d been safe wasn’t easy on the body or the mind. He hoped by being with the Raferty and the Dryers families, they’d see they were finally free.

“Now,” Kalkin said, drawing the attention of Tatiana and Anastasiy. “We’re here tonight to not only welcome the newest members of our pack and pride, but also offer our help to find a missing child, no more than thirteen, and probably wandering the desert in his dhole form.”

Tatiana took her husband’s hand, along with Luka’s. A single broken tear rolled down her cheek. Johnathan wouldn’t admit it out loud, but Luka’s good looks came from his mother, especially his russet red hair and striking amber eyes. His severe features came from his father, combining with the softness of his mother. Ever since he bumped into the guy, Johnathan couldn’t stop thinking about him. He pushed the inappropriate thoughts aside, focusing instead on finding Ilariy. He wouldn’t allow his lusty thoughts to cloud his judgement or put Ilariy’s life at risk.

After, though?

He couldn’t say.

Johnathan guessed it depended on whether or not the Novikov family stayed in Window Rock. As it was, after Kalkin met Luka’s parents, Keeley arrived with a van to transport the family to one of the bigger duplexes used for new arrivals. See, when Rapier built the duplexes years ago, he made an entire section of them just for new families arriving in Window Rock who sought safety. Now, they housed orphans who grew up in the system, but still weren’t ready to be on their own. New families like Luka’s and sometimes, if the space was available, they turned two or three of the homes into Airbnbs. It brought in extra revenue for the pack/pride, while allowing visitors to Window Rock to experience what the town offered during tourist season.

“How long has he been missing?” Danielle asked, frowning. As the pack/pride’s healer, she’d spent most of her day helping the children. When she wasn’t working on them, she liked to make house calls to visit growing families and those who experience traumatic injuries.

“We believe at least five days by now,” Kalkin said. “The whistles and baleful sounds you heard were the Novikovs looking for their son. I suspect the boy, too.” He glanced at Johnathan and inclined his chin, giving him the floor.

“I’ve been tracking the area with Luka, the eldest Novikov son. We’ve caught Ilariy’s trail several times over the last twenty-four hours, but finding his tracks has been near impossible. And when we do happen to spot a footprint...” He glanced at Ilariy’s parents and grinned. “Mr. and Mrs. Novikov taught Ilariy well. They disappear within three steps.”

“That’s my boy,” Anastasiy murmured. “Always had to be perfect. Always wanted more. Not practical like our Luka.”

“Kids,” Kalkin said. “They get a wild hair up their ass, and they think they know more than us.”

“Da,” Mr. Novikov said. “Headstrong. Reminds me of me at his age.”

Luka glanced at Johnathan and mouthed, “thank you,” before grinning at his parents. Since bringing them to their new home, the Novikovs had showered, gotten new clothes and rested. He wouldn’t say he was glad Luka shaved or got a haircut, but seeing his square, sharp enough to cut glass jaw and hollow cheeks, Johnathan was in over his head. His hare’s foot thumped in appreciation of his mate, and the magnetic pull tugged at him incessantly to claim the man who held his mother’s hand.

“Since we’ve figured out the cause of the noise complaints, I’d like to form a few search parties to cover the desert. Sign-ups are in the house. Pick the times and locations you’d like to help with and remember your duties to your families and jobs, as well.” Kalkin directed his attention back to Tatiana and Anastasiy. “I understand how difficult your life must have been in Irkut, but it’s not the same here. I’d know if we had poachers in our desert. Agent Blackhorn, my mate Keeley, and my niece, Hayden, would know if anyone attempted to kidnap any of the children. We have systems in place to make sure no one in Widow Rock is harmed ever again. Ilariy is in our desert somewhere. I can feel it. Where he is, we’ll find out. That is my promise to both of you.”

The play of emotions across Tatiana’s face had a lump forming in Johnathan’s throat. She wanted to believe Kalkin, but doing so also left her vulnerable. He’d seen it before when he saved children and young adults from brutal situations. The yearning to believe. The trepidation and fear. There were so many questions to be asked and answered. Even then, when he’d exhausted all their misguided options, there was a hint of mistrust. Because, as one child he’d saved put it, there was always the slimmest possibility Johnathan was still lying.

“I will go with you,” Anastasiy said. “He is my son. One of us should be at our new home, waiting for him to return.”

“Understandable. The sheets will be available every day until we bring Ilariy home to his family,” Kalkin said. “Also, Hunter’s Moon festivities and trick or treating are next week. Let’s make sure all the Novikovs can enjoy their first fall festival with us.”

As the Dryers and Rafertys filed back into the house to gather their sleeping children and sign up for search and rescue parties, Luka pulled Johnathan aside. The worry and hopefulness bled into an unsettled mien. His lips were flat, and exhaustion filled his eyes. He was keeping up a good front for his parents but allowed Johnathan to see the weariness consuming him.

“Thank you,” Luka murmured. “Thank you for believing me and wanting to help us find Ilariy.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Luka. This is my job.” His heart pounded and his hands trembled. Excitement and wariness settled in the middle of his chest. If only he could give over to the riotous emotions swamping him. Regrettably, he wouldn’t complicate an already tangled situation. “I’m glad I was able to help so far. I know we’ll find your?—”

Before he could say another word, Luka swooped in, crushing his mouth to Johnathan’s. A muffled moan floated between them before he grabbed the sides of Luka’s neck and tilted his head like Johnathan wanted him. He groaned as the richest ambrosia teased his senses, causing his dick to rise and strain against the denim of his pants. This wasn’t how he expected things to go between him and Luka. He wanted the new arrival to have time to adjust to the town. Explore. Be free. Then after he’d done that, Johnathan would’ve claimed Luka.

Now, with his cloying scent imbuing Johnathan’s system, demanding he act on the gift given to him, he couldn’t break away. Instead, Luka broke the kiss first, gasping as his chest heaved. He stared at Johnathan a little too wide eyed for his liking. However, when Johnathan thought the dhole would apologize or run off, he kissed Johnathan again with the same fervor and lust. He was drowning on the arousal pouring down his spine and settling in his balls. The full moon was still days away, yet he could feel the pull demanding he give over to his nature and rut.

Unlike wolves, hares had stamina to rival any Alpha. In a twenty-four-hour period, the number of times he could mate was unlimited. Matched with a dhole, a species ruled by the moon, their mating would leave them exhausted and raw. Not that Johnathan cared. Right now, all he had eyes for was his mate, who seemed to be in agreement with him.

“I want you.” Luka’s rough growl sent a shiver down Johnathan’s spine. “So bad. You taste like the darkest of chocolates infused with the juiciest of pears, like the ones I’ve seen on cactus.”

He exhaled a shaky breath. “You have the richness of whip cream with the sweetness of cloudberries.”

Luka grinned. “They are my favorite. I ate them until I had bellyache as a child.”

Johnathan snorted. “Sounds totally plausible.”

Luka smirked and bent his head. “I want to eat you too.” He bit Johnathan’s bottom lip and snarled. “I can’t keep my hands off you.”

“Well, you better,” Kalkin said. “I know the full moon is close, however your brother is out in our desert and the temps tonight are going to dip into the thirties.”

Luka frowned. “Understood.”

“Johnathan, you and Luka team up with Nico and Henry. Show them where you’ve been and see if you can find another footprint,” Kalkin said. “Nico will have his radio, and he’ll call it in if you find anything.”

Johnathan nodded. “We’ll start at Jerome and Annabelle’s house and circle back around. Let everyone know to stay clear of that area for a couple of hours.”

“I will. Good luck, Luka. I hope we find your brother.”

“Da,” he replied. “Thank you, Alpha.”

Luka stared at Johnathan for a moment more, then groaned. “Later. We will finish.”

The lusty fog cleared slowly from Johnathan’s head as he took several deep breaths to clear his senses. If he was going to find Ilariy, he couldn’t do so if all he smelled was Luka. He motioned for the dhole to follow when Nico exited the house with Henry in tow. The wolf looked better. Beefier. Stronger too. Several new tattoos colored his scared skin, most of them included something from his mate Sarina and their son Thiago and newborn Tatum.

“Looks like we’re paired together,” Nico said, glancing between Luka and Johnathan. “Between the four of us I think we can find your brother, man.”

“Yeah, out of all of us, Nico and Johnny have the best noses. They’ll find him.” Henry held his hand out. “We didn’t really get to meet before. My mate just had a baby a couple of weeks ago, so she’s sticking close to home. I’m Henry Dryer-Lopez, Rapier’s son and the adopted brother of Nico and Hayden.”

Nico snorted. “On account of him having mine and Hayden’s blood running through his veins. That story, however, is for another time. Let’s get going. Kalkin said something about going to Jerome and Annabelle’s house first.”

“Yeah,” Johnathan replied. “It’s where I found the fur the day I started tracking.”

“Good of place as any,” Henry said. “While we’re driving, why don’t you tell us what Ilariy looks like. It might help us find him out here.”

“Agreed,” Nico added. “We need to know what his dhole looks like and his human appearance.”

Henry came to a stop a few feet from the Enforcer Nico had been using for as long as Johnathan could remember. “Hey... Do you think your brother met up with any of the kids around here? Might open our search grid if he did.”

Why hadn’t Johnathan thought of that?

“Give us more places to search too,” Nico muttered. “Which honestly isn’t a bad thing. It means he could have shelter and wind up being safe.”

Several emotions played across Luka’s features before he shut them down. “Perhaps. He watched them. The children. Wanted to go to school. Be will older kids. Mama told him not yet. I think he was upset.”

“Expected,” Nico said with a small chuckle. “I’m learning with the twins and our eldest two, saying no is not something children like.”

“Da. Ilariy is very stubborn, like our father.”

“Well then,” Henry added, “I guess we have a few more spots to check while we’re out. Maybe we’ll get lucky tonight.”

Johnathan cut his gaze toward Luka. If only they could be so “lucky,” as Henry said. “I like this optimistic side, Henry. It looks good on you.”

He chuffed. “That’s because of all of you. Even if you guys don’t realize it. Plus, my mate and my children. Every single one of you saved my life. I’ll never be able to repay any of you for what you’ve given Sarina and me.”

Willow paced the length of the house. From the front door to the laundry room and back. She had to tell her father the truth. She knew where Ilariy was. Obviously, none of them knew who he was when they found a starving wolf-fox-cat-hybrid shifter in the middle of the desert, but they also knew they couldn’t leave him there to die. Grayson carried him to the old club house Nico and the other dads slowly rebuilt over the last few months. It wasn’t the prettiest place, but it would keep the animal safe for the time being until he woke up.

Then they’d get their answers.

When he shifted two days later, he surprised everyone, including Willow, Riley, and Summer. Alex, Liam, and Grayson all agreed they needed to tell their parents about the boy. Obviously, they’d all heard about the strange noises in the desert over the last few days, but none of them would’ve imagined it could’ve come from the boy who stared at them with wide, golden eyes and stunk of fear or his family who’d been looking for him.

As it was, it’d taken hours to get the boy to calm down and trust them. He said he didn’t want to go home. So, until someone gave them a good enough reason to tell the adults, Ilariy stayed in the clubhouse. Willow packed extra for lunch while Grayson took more breakfast pastries, with the excuse he was a growing boy. Something that was truthful and a lie. Before school, they brought Ilariy the food and a clean change of clothes from the orphanage. Clothing, Alex said, no one would miss.

Now, Willow worried they’d get into trouble when her parents found out what they’d been doing. Her bottom lip trembled as she continued to pace. Upstairs, Mads and Aaron slept peacefully, unaware of how much of a screw up their big sister was. She wished Nicolas and Aiden had been there. They could at least tell her what to do to fix the situation.

The front door open and she came to a startled stop. Her mother and father stared at her with curiosity and a bit of worry. Danielle went to her first, wrapping her in a hug, then her father, the man she mirrored in so many ways, kissed the crown of her head. She couldn’t hold back any longer. Willow had to tell them the truth. Ilariy’s parents were worried sick about him. It was wrong to keep them waiting as they had. Plus, it was selfish on all their parts. She’d known all along what the right thing to do was. Willow just ignored the voice in her head telling her to do the right thing and reunite a family.

“I’ll make some tea and warm milk,” Danielle said, always saying the right things at the right moment. “Then we’ll talk.”

Anxiousness swallowed Willow whole. She needed to vomit the story to release the sludge-like feeling enveloping her. “I need to tell you something.” She winced, hating the wildness in her tone. In a way, she and Hayden mirrored each other. Hyper, but also very astute. Quiet even. She listened to everyone, watched from afar. She stuck close to Grayson, who felt more like a twin than her cousin because he was her safety net. “I’d rather do it now, please.”

Tears blurred her vision as her mother rushed to her side. Her father gathered her in his arms, hugging her tight. “Whatever it is, sweetheart, we’re right here. You can tell us anything.”

“I-I don’t know how,” she sobbed. “I’m sorry. So sorry. I should have told you sooner. When we found him. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

“Hey now,” Danielle said, enveloping her with warmth and understanding. “I’m sure whatever has happened, you had the right intentions at heart when you did whatever it is you did.”

“Come on,” Caden whispered, “let’s go sit on the couch. You can sit on my lap like old times.”

She very much liked that idea but feared the moment he understood the depth of her misdeed, he’d get so furious at her. “I’m sorry.” The words slipped from between her lips once more while her father carried her to the couch.

“We’ll figure this out,” her father said against her temple. “You’re breaking my heart, star.”

Willow released a shuddered breath. She’d procrastinated long enough. “I didn’t know who we found in the desert a couple of days ago until tonight. I thought he was an abused kid who ran away from home.”

Caden cursed softly under his breath while he rubbed Willow’s back. “Where did you find Ilariy, Willow?”

“Way out by the bluffs. Grayson, me, Liam, Riley, Alex, and Summer had gone for a hike to pick some hackberries for a snack. He was in his wild dog form? I guess. I don’t know what he is, but he looks like a wolf/fox/feline hybrid. Pretty cool. Red too, with white on his chest, and a little black on his face.” She was rambling. “Grayson carried him back to the old clubhouse Nico built for Hayden and that the dads are refurbishing. We all thought he’d be safe there until he woke up and could go home.”

Danielle sighed. “How long did it take for him to wake up?”

“Two days,” Willow winced when Danielle said her name in that “mom” tone of hers. “You should have come and got me.”

“We didn’t know he was a boy,” she said. “All of us thought he was just a wild dog. We all agreed if he didn’t wake up, we’d have brought him to you. I promise, mom. Swear.”

“But he woke up,” her father said. “What happened next?”

“We told him where he could shower. Gray got him some food. Alex brought him some clothes. I waited with Summer and Liam in the clubhouse in case he was too weak.” She shrugged. “After he ate, he told us who he was, but he said he couldn’t go home. I thought...” Her head fell forward. “I thought he was in danger, and I was doing the right thing.”

Danielle pursed her lips. “Your Aunt Keeley heard everything. She’s relaying the information to Johnathan and Luka so they can go get Ilariy.”

“Your Uncle Kalkin wants to see you in his office, right now.” Danielle frowned. “He’s upset.”

“Not surprised one bit,” Caden muttered. “Willow, star, you can’t hide stuff like this from us. I know you thought you were doing the right thing, but his parents...”

“I know,” she yipped, her heart beating wildly in her chest. “I feel horrible. They’ve been sick with worry and feared the worst. I can’t shake the awful feeling consuming me. I know I did the wrong thing, even if I believed it was right. We should have told you. I know better.”

“We’ll figure this out,” her mom said, taking her hand. “But self-castigation isn’t the way either. You did the right thing, then you did the wrong thing. It happens. We all make mistakes. We’re both glad you helped, Ilariy.”

“I’ll take her to Kalkin,” her father said. “You stay with the boys. I’ll call you when I can.”

Silently, she followed her father out of the house to the waiting enforcer he used for work. “Sorry, Daddy. Didn’t mean to disappoint you.”

“I’m not disappointed, star. Not in the least. I wished you would have trusted us enough to help Ilariy.” He opened the door for her and waited for her to get in. “No matter what he told you. However, after everything we’ve experienced in this town, I understand why you did what you did.”

She nodded, slipping on her seat belt. “I know.”

They drove to the sheriff's department in silence. Her heart hammered. Anxiety rippled across her flesh. She was afraid of what Kalkin would say to her. She never wanted to be a disappointment or bring shame to the Raferty name. Had she been able to discern the truth from Ilariy when they met, she’d have gone to her parents straight away. Now, she’d suffer the consequences of worrying a family for no reason at all.

Her father pulled into the gated parking lot and shut off the car. She wondered for half a second if he thought she’d run. The idea made her laugh a little. No, she’d never run from her punishment. Not after everything she’d witnessed over the years. She’d take her lumps like the rest of her family and pack mates had.

Willow walked beside her father, holding his hand like she used to as a little girl. She didn’t fear her uncle. However, what she’d done was wrong, so she knew that the anger he exuded, he’d direct at her and the others. It was weird. Over the years, she never hit his radar. Now, at seventeen, she finally had her moment.

Not that she was proud of herself.

If anything, she kind of didn’t like herself, given the circumstances.

Kalkin and the others were in his office. Ilariy and his parents, along with Luka, were off to the side. Grayson, Liam, Riley, Alex, and Summer sat front and center with chair left open for her. Caden stood behind Willow with Rapier, Jasmine, and her aunt Keeley. Mackenzie was near Kalkin. Displeasure slathered with anger and disapproval coated her in a repulsive sludge. Kalkin didn’t have to say a word. Her vision blurred. Her heart thumped in a heavy, sickening way. Willow’s stomach was in her throat. She wanted to curl up into a ball in her seat and disappear.

She never wanted to feel like that again.

“Tell me the story from the beginning,” Kalkin said. The calmness in his voice shook Willow more so than if he yelled.

Grayson took her hand, giving it a squeeze. “It was my fault. I should have told you, Alpha.”

Willow gasped, surprised by her cousin’s statement. “No, Gray. You’re not taking the fall for this. We all decided to do this together.”

“That’s right,” Summer said. “Alex and I were there when we agreed.”

“Same as Riley and me,” Liam stated, lifting his chin.

Kalkin exhaled. “I swear I am way too fucking old for this shit.”

Caden snickered behind them, fortifying Willow minutely.

“It’s my fault, Uncle Kalkin,” she said. “Not theirs. We found Ilariy in the desert while foraging for hackberries for a snack. When we saw him, we didn’t know he was a boy. We thought he was a wounded wild dog.”

“That doesn’t make this any better,” Kalkin said. “The wild dog could have bitten you or your cousins.”

“I know,” she whispered, “but he was so sickly. We didn’t know what to do and...”

“We panicked,” Summer added. “Together, we came up with a plan without thinking everything through.”

“We didn’t want him to die,” Alex said. “We just wanted him to be okay.”

“So, we made a deal,” Grayson grunted, staring at his father while never letting go of Willow’s hand. “If he didn’t wake in two days, we’d bring Danielle to the clubhouse so she could fix him.”

“Until then, we wanted the dog to feel comfortable, not realizing who he was,” Liam interjected.

“When he woke up,” Willow said. “He said he was lost, and he didn’t want to go home. We assumed a lot of things about Ilariy’s situation.”

“So, we brought him food and clothes. We told him he could stay at the clubhouse for as long as he wanted.” Alex’s shoulders slumped. “We knew we’d have to tell you eventually he was there. We just wanted to give him a little more time to heal.”

“Then we met his parents tonight,” Willow stated. Swallowing hard, she turned to where Ilariy’s parents stood with him. “We did not know. We’re so sorry. If we’d known the truth, or if we’d have asked the right questions, we would have brought him home, Mrs. Novikov. Mr. Novikov. Luka. I’m so sorry.”

“Nyet, child,” Mrs. Novikov said. “You protected my Ilariy. Fed him. Befriended him. You kept him safe. We are grateful. Ilariy shouldn’t have lied to you.”

“Mama,” Ilariy said. “I want to go to school. Be with kids. They’re nice. Friends. Please.”

“We will talk about dis later,” Mrs. Novikov said, a hint of anger burning across her words.

“Yes, Mama.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Novikov, if you’d like to take Ilariy home, you’re free to go. Nico will make sure you get there safely,” Kalkin said.

“Thank you, Alpha,” Mr. Novikov replied. “Thank you. All of you.”

Once the Novikov family exited the office, someone closed the door behind them, locking them in with Kalkin. Willow wasn’t worried. She already resigned herself to the fact to the punishment coming her way for her part in keeping the secret. She would take whatever Kalkin gave her.

“I’m proud of you six,” Kalkin said, “and so damn angry at you too. You all could have gotten seriously hurt. Ilariy could have died had he not woken up.”

“We had a?—”

Kalkin raised his hand, cutting off Grayson, “I understand son. But their family has been through way too much over the last six months. There was no way for you to know precisely how well or sick Ilariy was. All of them are malnourished. They haven’t had a proper night’s rest since they left their home—maybe not even then. They’re in a new country. There are factors even I don’t know yet, either.”

“We should have come to you, Uncle Kalkin,” Willow murmured. “We’re sorry.”

“I know you are, little girl,” he said. “But now is the time for punishment.”

Right. She straightened her shoulders, sitting up in her chair, lifting her chin. “I understand.”

“You don’t, but you soon will.” Kalkin frowned. “For the next three weeks you will be responsible for catching Ilariy up on his sign language lessons. You will also show him around town. Since you’re able to drive now, you will also take him to the middle school on your way to the high school. You’ll also be picking him up. Understood?”

“Yes, Alpha,” she said. “I’ll make sure he completes his lessons and meets with Sam and Mark after school.”

“Perfect.” He glanced at Grayson. “For the next three weeks, you will help the Novikovs with any type of chore they give you. Whether it’s going to the store or introducing them to people in town, you’ll be with them until sunset, every day.”

“Yes, Father,” Grayson answered.

“As for you four.” He looked to Summer and Alex. “You two will befriend Ilariy outside of school. Like Grayson, you’ll help him acclimate to our town. You’ll take him to the diner, introduce him to the kids and the orphans.” He glanced at Liam and Riley, if Luka asks you for any help, you’ll assist him as well.”

“We understand, Alpha,” Summer said.

“You’ll also have punishment with us,” Rapier grumbled staring at his son and daughter. “We’ll discuss that when we get home.”

“Willow,” Kalkin whispered, “You did a good job protecting someone weaker than you. All of you did. Next time, don’t let his or her predicament override doing the right thing.”

She nodded, biting her bottom lip to hide the wobble. “Yes, sir.”

By the time Willow stepped foot in the house, she was exhausted. If she was going to get Ilariy to school on time, she had to be up an hour earlier than usual, which meant going to bed sooner. The minute she stepped inside the house, her mother enveloped her in a hug then walked with her up to her room.

“You did good,” Danielle said. “I know you have long days ahead of you, so get some rest.”

She nodded. “Love you. Night.”

As she pulled the covers up over her after changing into her pajamas and getting into bed, she replayed everything she’d done the last few days. The saying, hindsight was always twenty-twenty made so much sense to her now. If she ever stepped into the same situation again, she’d call her father and her uncle right away. Disappointing both of them once was more than enough.

She’d learned a valuable lesson, for sure.