Chapter 29

One week later

A rcher stroked the black mare's neck while Lakota put on his pants. Everyone in the pack had officially met Cecilia's mare without issues. Afterward, they introduced the wolves one at a time. All but Joy, who still didn't feel comfortable shifting around the pack. Archer wondered if she might be a defect, but maybe she just had serious trust issues.

Hope wasn't able to shift due to the pregnancy. Archer was most concerned about Virgil's crazy wolf and possibly Krys spooking the horse, but the interactions were uneventful, if not amusing. Virgil nipped at her hooves, and then she chased after him.

Archer's wolf needed no guidance. He crawled on his belly toward her before rolling over in the most vulnerable position. Her horse nickered as she took in his scent and then playfully nudged him. It was an odd pairing, but they were destined to be fast friends.

Tak plucked petals off a yellow dandelion while leaning on the pasture fence. "Lakota, bring Luna out. I need to see how they do together."

After putting on his shoes, Lakota flipped back his brown hair. "I still haven't gotten my truck back from the shop. They called earlier and said there's a delay, so I don't need you to give me a ride there tomorrow."

Tak chuckled. "Maybe the spirits are trying to tell you something."

Hopping the fence, Lakota replied, "You're right. They're saying ‘Everyone, borrow Tak's truck instead.' Mine has been shot up and wrecked. What's next?"

Once alone, Tak and Archer stared at Cecilia running full speed.

"Look how free she is," Tak remarked. "That's a beautiful sight."

Archer's thoughts drifted back to the night Noah had shown up and tried to lure her away. That whole evening was a whirlwind, and it wasn't until the next day that Archer pondered something Cecilia had said to Noah that had plagued his thoughts. It was the admission to having had sex with Noah even when she didn't want to.

He remembered how rough Noah was with the women in that sex club—how he manhandled them and delighted in their pain. Archer could only presume it was easier for Cecilia not to fight a man with his temperament. Maybe she had the first few times. Maybe being inexperienced, she'd assumed that's how all relationships were supposed to go.

Archer didn't need it spelled out: Cecilia had experienced relationship rape. In that moment, he'd made a silent vow to always pay attention to her body and her words. Archer was used to women plastering themselves to him, but Cecilia needed a tender man who respected her boundaries—both in public and in private. She required a different kind of love, and he wanted to love her in a way that would have earned her father's admiration.

Since discovering that important piece to the puzzle, he had intentionally slowed things down over the past three weeks.

"You can't ride her unless she invites you," Tak said. "Slavers once used Shifter horses for manual labor. These animals are not meant to be ridden or do work—not unless they choose to. Like the way Catcher helps us pull dead limbs from the brush."

"I wasn't planning on it."

"I'll have to watch your animals interact a few times to make sure your wolf doesn't nip at her heels." Tak leaned toward him. "He can't play rough unless he wants to get kicked."

Archer wondered something. "Is all your tribe wolves?"

Tak nodded as if understanding his meaning. "Many believe our spirits come back to learn more in this life and that our soulmates can be a different animal or even different Breed. Purebloods are rare for a reason. Our ancestors were wiser than us and understood one true certainty."

"And what's that?"

"Love takes many forms. Perhaps centuries of other Breeds taking us into slavery and exterminating our kind made us want to align with our own animal species to fight back. But I'm certain that long ago, that was not the Shifter way. I can only guess since I'm not as old as dirt."

Archer rubbed his fingers against the wood fence. "It feels easier to be around other wolves. I understand their nature. A horse, not as much. It's hard for me to figure out which part is her personality and which part is her animal nature."

"That's your wolf talking," Tak said with a chuckle. "You'll learn soon enough. My tribe is mostly wolves but not all. Men and women will love who they want. And our spirit animals are intertwined in that love. If you feel certain about her, I'm sure you felt your wolf sing."

Swatting a pesky fly, Archer watched Cecilia's mare trot in circles. She was skittish of men but had fewer problems with their wolves. "I just hope I can make her happy. She's been through a lot."

Tak rested his arms on the fence again. "My people trade horses to prevent inbreeding. My father once bought a mare who had been mistreated. Her body was covered in scars from a whip. It took years to rebuild that trust." Tak looked across his shoulder at Archer and held his gaze. "You need to earn her trust, not break her. That means you're doing most of the work. Accept what you see before you. If you think your job is to fix her, find another mate. She needs someone she can trust and depend on—someone who understands her needs. This is something I know a lot about."

Archer turned around and leaned against the fence. The hot summer sun filtered through the branches and created a kaleidoscope of bright patterns across the grass. It made his animal content to think Cecilia would have a place to roam free, no longer locked away in fear.

"You're different," Tak remarked. "There's a quiet way I've not seen before." He branched away from the fence and crossed in front of Archer.

Tak's torso carried scars, but they were small in comparison to the claw mark across his right shoulder from a bear. According to the story, he had fought a grizzly for Hope. That made Archer see him as a warrior—a protector. And after what Archer had been through, he needed a Packmaster who would stand up for him.

Tak slapped a bug that landed on his bare chest and then flicked it away. "Maybe now is the time for me to be truthful."

Archer's stomach dropped at the seriousness in his tone .

"Not long after we settled, I got a call from a Packmaster who knew you."

"My old alpha called?"

Tak shook his head. "The one who did that to your arm."

Fuck. He knows.

The alpha bent over and plucked another dandelion to destroy with his large fingers. "He found out you moved to Texas, so he called all the Councils to see if you were on anyone's roster."

"Look, I never meant to lie?—"

"No need to explain." Tak twirled the flower between his fingers. "The man he described is not the same man I know. You work hard, look after your packmates, and treat our women with nothing but kindness and respect. They talk about you."

Archer's face flushed. "What do they say?"

"Needn't worry. It's all good." Tak canted his head. "They tell me that despite your flirtatious ways with ladies in town, you are a brother to them. You watch over them in public. I listen. I pay attention. I've heard you asking women if they're mated. I've seen you walk away from the ones who are." He flicked the flower onto the grass and squared his shoulders. "What really provokes me is knowing this man who took your arm is still trying to ruin your life."

Shocked by the news, Archer rubbed his face. "I had no idea."

"You paid more than what was owed, but alphas like him have egos like peaches—easily bruised."

"You should know the reason behind what happened."

"Are you that same man?"

Archer shook his head.

"Then I don't care. He told me his side, but all that was in the past."

"What did you say to him?"

A smile touched Tak's lips. "I told him he can lick my horse's ass. And if he ever calls my home again or further slanders your name, I'll put a knife in his cock."

Archer blinked in surprise.

"He does own chickens, doesn't he?" Tak tossed his head back and laughed. "I can see how he might have misunderstood my innocent threat. We'll have to get over our language barrier ."

When Tak stepped up to the fence again, Archer faced him. "But what do you really think about it all?"

After a heavy sigh, Tak said, "I don't know what I would have done in his shoes, but I trust Hope. We have a bond. If she's ever strayed, I missed the signs. I would be more broken if she fell in love with someone else, but that's just me. Did those women love you? Did you deceive their hearts?"

"No."

"You paid for your sins, more than you deserved. I too have paid a heavy price for my selfishness. You can't undo the past. You have to learn from your mistakes and find a way to better those around you. There's no room on this land for ghosts."

Archer nervously scratched his neck. "Are you going to tell anyone?"

"It'll stay between us. This is your life now. I don't want that shadow haunting you."

Archer stumbled when Cecilia's mare playfully nudged him and then trotted off. He smiled at the way she briefly looked back and whinnied.

Tak climbed the fence and sat on top. "Have you not considered why your soulmate is a woman who was victimized by someone she trusted? The spirits or fates or whatever you want to call them guide us in our lives. They teach us. And they put us in positions where we can help others. She's on a healing path you've already taken, and you can guide her down that path. You can walk it together. When she's restored, she'll be able to share that gift with another. "

Lakota opened a gate and led Luna, Tak's white mare, into the field.

Tak watched on with interest as the two animals introduced themselves. Then he chuckled, his countenance alight with joy. "They'll get along well. See how their ears are relaxed and heads low? Like they are old friends. Luna needed a companion, and now she has a friend for life. It's fate."

The black mare nipped at the white one, and they gave chase through the field. As he watched them gallop across the grass before slowing down to graze, Archer beamed with joy. Even the pride he'd once felt with his archery paled in comparison to the knowledge that he would share his life with this amazing woman. That they would have adventures together and share dreams.

He slipped his hand beneath his left sleeve and touched the tattoo. Cecilia was the embodiment of courage and freedom. She was his heart in an open field.

Once Tak learned that Archer and I had made promises, he gave us his blessing, and I moved into Archer's room. Our first night sleeping together was absolute bliss. Archer held me until we fell asleep. Later in the night, I'd woken up and found him rolled onto his side. So I spooned him from behind. My arm hugging his chest, my face nestled against his warm neck.

Snuggling was the best.

After a long day with my mare meeting the pack, I went upstairs to change. My animal had never experienced unfettered access to free land, and while roaming around today with Luna, her contentment left a peaceful feeling in my soul.

Archer had placed a fresh pear—my Shifter craving—on the windowsill. The bedside table also had a jar of strawberry suckers. Those thoughtful gestures were why I continued falling deeper in love. His thoughtfulness knew no bounds. He never sought praise for his kindness or created a reward-and-punishment system.

I'd never thought love could feel this way.

When I overheard Archer talking to Krys about needing another resistance band and knee sleeves, I asked Lakota to help me find them. Yesterday morning, I left the presents on his workout bench as a surprise. Giving gifts out of kindness had always been an indulgence of mine, and now it felt wonderful to do that again without strings, expectations, or even fear.

I excitedly dressed for movie night. The pack liked gathering for games, movies, meals, and anything else that brought us together, and the dress code was pajamas or anything cozy.

Since I only slept in T-shirts, I borrowed a pair of red plaid pajama bottoms from Robyn and paired them with one of Archer's white V-necks.

"Wait up!" Joy called out from behind me.

I stopped by the hall that led to the staircase as she made her way over in an oversized blue robe.

"Are you cold?" I asked.

"I always get chilly at night." She hooked her arm in mine. "When does the Council make it official with you two?"

"Soon." Unable to stop smiling, I strolled down the back hall with her. "We don't want a public ceremony, so I hope that's not weird. We're just going to sign the papers."

"Oh, honey, whatever you two decide will be perfect. You've already bound your hearts, and I think it's wonderfully romantic that a horse and wolf fell in love. It's a fairy-tale romance."

When we reached the first floor, Virgil flew past us to the living room.

"I've got the pretzels!" he announced. "Does anyone have chocolate? I'd give my left kidney for a Raisinet."

"I'll show you how to make them," Bear said .

Tak eased up to us and jerked his head toward the kitchen. "Do you mind if we speak alone?"

Joy slinked away as quietly as a mouse.

I followed Tak to Bear's bedroom door in the back hall. "Is something wrong?"

He scratched his head, which loosened a few hairs that were already falling out of his braid. "I hope not. You know that lease you're paying on the bookstore?"

My heart skipped a beat as I feared the owner might be raising the price. "Yes."

Tak stepped back so I wasn't craning my neck to look at him. "I bought the building from the owner."

My jaw slackened.

"I didn't do this to undermine you," he quickly said. "The store is my gift."

"But I can't afford?—"

"You may be a quiet one, but I see your ambition. Your books will bring money to our pack. Mercy can work with you on the percentage split and set you up with an account. If you decide the store is too much, I can find another use for it. But from what I've seen, it's a lucrative business." He quirked a smile.

"I don't know what to say."

He winked. "‘Thank you' is always nice."

"Thank you."

Tak led me back down the central hall toward the living area. "Leasing is a waste of money, and the owner was eager to get rid of the space. He doesn't see the potential in this town like I do. Now that you own the property, you can build onto it. There's always a risk humans might wander down the road, so you might want to put the Breed books in a hidden room. That way, our stuff won't circulate in the human world."

"Once I tell them the prices, I doubt they'll stay long."

He chuckled. "True. "

We walked past a row of fake trees on the right that obscured the television and the large sectional.

"What's happening?" Melody asked.

"I bought the bookstore for Cecilia."

The room stirred with excitement and congratulated me. Everyone looked surprised except Archer, who simply smiled from his spot on the ottoman.

Tak entered the seating area and snapped his fingers at Krys. "Off the chaise. Hope is with child, and she should have her feet up."

Hope stood from the floor. "Now you're just being ridiculous. I'm not even showing."

Regardless, the two swapped places.

"Pregnant women are royalty in this pack, so everyone needs to treat them like the queens they are."

Hope snorted. "This queen would like her mate to make a three-tier chocolate cake with buttercream icing and sprinkles."

Tak gave her a sidelong glance. While the Packmaster knew how to do basic cooking, baking was not his forte.

Robyn popped up from Montana's lap. "As long as we're giving gifts, be right back!" She disappeared into the art room for a few moments before bustling out with a medium-sized picture frame.

Propping it on the floor in front of me, she searched my eyes with a glimmer of uncertainty. "Full disclosure: I sketched this myself using images from illegal sources. I was going to save it until after you two were officially mated, but now seems like a good-enough time."

Archer rounded the couch to join my side. "It better not be a sex picture of us from one of Lucian's cameras."

A burst of laughter flew out of Virgil's mouth that sounded like a hyena. "I need to take more walks on the property if that's the case. "

Robyn slowly turned the image around and watched me with a worried expression.

I steered my attention down to a sketch of an elderly man, and when I recognized him, I fell to my knees and wept. Gripping the top of the frame, I stared into my father's gentle eyes, and a flood of memories washed over me. I covered my mouth in disbelief.

Robyn crouched. "Archer mentioned where you used to live, and Lucian was able to track down old surveillance footage that was never deleted. We tried finding photographs, but you know how that goes."

I shook my head. "But how did you know which person he was?"

"Well, Lucian has some kind of facial scan he can run, so we didn't have to look through a million hours of footage. We used a photo of you. It was a shot in the dark, but it pulled up several instances. We saw the same man walking alongside you in two of the shots in a grocery store. The quality wasn't the best, so I had to use my imagination as to what he looked like up close. I'm sorry if I screwed it up."

Archer put his arm around me as he squatted and looked at the drawing.

"It's so real," I choked out. Wiping away my tears, I steadied my voice. "We never took photographs or had paintings done. When he died, I started to forget what he looked like. I can remember his voice, but his face was fading." I put my hand on hers. "Thank you for this. I can't tell you how much this means to me."

Robyn wiped a tear from her eyes. "Maybe this is a silly idea, but I was going to draw that worm you painted for your store to hang behind the counter. Then I thought maybe you'd want your dad to watch over you instead. You can do whatever you want with it, but I thought it would be nice to hang it up in there."

I pulled Robyn into a hug. "I love you all so much. "

Some of the pack must have seen the sketch already, because they were more interested in my reaction than the framed image.

"I have more basic sketches," she admitted. "I wanted to capture the right angle, so you can have those if you want them."

After wiping my tearstained face, I rose to my feet. "I don't deserve any of you."

Tak approached and lifted my chin with the crook of his finger. "Do not diminish your worth. Love takes courage, and this pack has the most courageous people I know." He offered a gentle smile before claiming a spot on the couch.

"I'll put this away until after the movie," Robyn said before carrying it back to the art room.

"Tell everyone about your number," Archer said, urging me to speak.

With all eyes on me, I nervously touched my hair. "Lucian created an emergency number for me to hang in the store."

Hope stood and walked behind the sofa. "What kind of emergency number?"

"For people in abusive relationships who need help. A number that's easy to memorize, and it'll go to a phone he set up for me. I just want people out there to know they're not alone and there's someone they can call. Even if it's just to talk. Maybe I can give them advice, but mostly I want to offer them a thread of hope, because sometimes that's all you have to hold on to."

I worried my lip and looked at the back of Tak's head. It could bring trouble to his pack to get involved in someone else's drama.

"That's a wonderful idea," Joy said before turning to Salem. "Isn't it a wonderful idea?"

Tak turned and showed me his profile. "How will you manage this phone day and night with work?"

"I can keep it up there."

He shook his head. "If they call you in the store, they won't get privacy. You should only operate the phone at the house. Select a small group to handle those calls. Think carefully about every scenario you might encounter and discuss it with your team. Lucian, figure out if you can add a subtle voice changer to disguise our voices. Nothing creepy. As a pack, we must still be careful how involved we get. But I like this idea."

I could have hugged him. "Maybe we could compile a list of connections if we need to get someone out. I brainstormed a few ideas if you'd be interested in helping."

Staring at my reflection in the television, Tak said, "I always have time to help. But this plan won't work unless everyone here agrees to keep it secret. You can't tell anyone we handle these calls."

"I agree," I said. "People need reassurance that their partner won't find out. I wouldn't want to jeopardize anyone's safety. But how can I advertise the number in the store and separate myself from being affiliated with it?"

Tak finally twisted around to face me. "I'll speak privately with the local business owners. The more places it's advertised, the better. Then no one can trace it to us."

Mercy sat on Bear's lap. "Calvin would have no issue putting that on his wall. And if he does, I'll talk some sense into him."

Melody flagged my attention. "I'll talk to Atticus so he can hang it up at Dragonfly's."

Archer stroked my back. "Cici's doing a good thing. It might be harder in a small town like this for people to find help or get away. Maybe posting the number all over will make these jokers think twice about assuming they can abuse someone without consequences."

Krys grabbed a pillow from the sofa and then lay on the floor like a body in a coffin, his fingers laced across his chest. "What's the movie tonight?"

Archer grinned. "It's my choice. "

I frowned when I remembered his taste in films. "It's not a horror, is it?"

"Well, I know you don't like horrors," he began. "And I don't like musicals. But I found a compromise."

Archer lifted the remote control from the back of the sofa and clicked a button. The TV popped on, and he scrolled through a list of movie posters and landed on one with a scantily clad man sitting in a pair of red lips.

Virgil stood. " Rocky Horror Picture Show ? No one gave me any advance warning!"

Lakota snorted. "For what?"

"You have to watch this movie in full regalia." Virgil stared at our blank faces. "You people are either too young or too sheltered. Got any leather I can borrow, lover boy?"

Krys threw his pillow at him. "If you call me that one more time?—"

"You'll what?" Virgil asked, a dare in his voice.

Joy twisted in her spot. "This movie doesn't have Vampires, does it?"

"Come with me," Archer said quietly, taking my hand.

"But it's movie night."

He led me to the front door and called out over his shoulder, "Be right back."

A lightning bug blinked a friendly hello before disappearing down the porch. Meanwhile, everyone inside continued chattering about garter belts, movie Vampires, and abuse hotlines.

Archer faced me. "Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Do you trust me?"

I sighed and did as he asked.

Archer took my arm and guided me forward. "Step down."

Remembering the layout of the porch, I gripped the handrail with my other hand and descended the steps. I heard a click from the security light as we moved toward the side of the house near the garage.

"Okay, stop," he said. "Open your eyes."

I blinked a few times and stared at a mint-green bicycle. "What's this?"

Archer cleared his throat, a habit he sometimes did when nervous. He gestured to the charm bracelet on my wrist, which Hope had repaired after I shifted while wearing it. "It's that story you told me about your first charm—the bicycle. How your father taught you to ride that year. I don't know if you've ridden a bike lately, but we have this massive driveway that Mel's always blazing down on her scooter. It's too dangerous to ride on the country roads, but maybe it'll be fun around the house."

I threw my arms around him and hugged him as tightly as I could. "You bought me a bicycle."

"It's not a sketch of your father or the keys to a shop, but I didn't expect anyone would be stealing my thunder tonight."

"I love it." After I'd released my hold, our eyes locked. "I love you, Archer Swift. I love my pack and everything about this night. And I especially love my bicycle, which I'm probably going to slam into a tree because I haven't ridden one in ages."

He peppered my neck with ticklish kisses, making me squeal. "I'll put little training wheels on it if you want. I've also got some other news, but it's not really a big deal."

"What?" Butterflies migrated south to my stomach. Surprises and news always made me anxious.

He smoothed his hand over his undercut. "Well, a local guy offered to hire me as his personal trainer."

My eyes widened. "Are you serious? Who? When? How?"

Archer's dashing grin had the power to make me forget any question I'd just asked.

"There's a guy who lost his leg. We bumped into each other at the Rabbit Lounge and started talking. He found out I have a private gym and mentioned that he doesn't feel comfortable working out with his pack. They don't have the right equipment, and he doesn't have a high-tech prosthetic or anything. He seemed insecure about the whole thing, so I offered to work with him. It's not a lot of money, but I thought maybe I could help him boost his confidence."

I wrapped my arms around his middle and drew in the faint smell of coconut mingled with Archer's personal scent. His body was solid to the touch—not an ounce of fat anywhere. "It's not about the money. Do you think that's why I work in a bookstore? I like giving people a way to fantasize or learn. Books were a huge escape for me during a difficult time." I pulled back and looked at him in earnest. "What you're doing is incredible. You can give people their lives back."

He made me shiver with a light touch of his fingertips to my nape. "It's not a big deal. I just thought I'd help someone going through a tough time."

"You changed my life. This could be the beginning of something amazing, and I'm proud of you."

Archer delivered a fervent kiss that stopped time. I melted against him, our tongues feverishly falling into rhythm. "Mmm, let's save that thought for later," he growled sexily.

As we strode back to the house, singing rang out from inside.

"Is the movie starting?" I asked.

"No, that's Virgil singing ‘Sweet Transvestite.'"

"What kind of horror movie is this? Does it have blood and carnage? I don't know if I want you to ruin my love of musicals by mixing it with a scary movie."

"Uh-oh. Someone needs cocoa."

I smiled at his remark. Lately, whenever Archer noticed me down or in a quiet mood, he made me a cup of cocoa despite the hot temperatures outside.

Archer held my hand as we ascended the steps. "Don't worry. The only scary part will be Virgil's live performance. I'm willing to bet he ran upstairs and found something to put on, so you might want to shield your eyes."

We stood in the doorway as laughter and joy from my new family stirred throughout the house. Archer held me close and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, a reminder that he would provide me with the love I deserved, the home I had longed for, and the future I desired.

Archer Swift indeed lived up to his name. In the brief time that I'd known him, he'd moved into my heart as fast as an arrow. We'd forged an unbreakable bond that, despite our differences, fused the broken pieces in us until we were whole. He would forever be my savior—the man who offered me his hand, his friendship, and his heart.