Abandoned Mate Read online

  At Travis’ suggestion, Ethan had chosen this material to house Rylan’s wolf. It was flexible and virtually indestructible. Most wolves could jump about 12 feet high. But since this was built to house an alpha seeking his mate, it was 16 feet high with concertina wire around the top, just in case Rylan-wolf was able to leap the extraordinary distance.

  The fence material was impact resistant and resistant to force, meaning Rylan-wolf couldn’t break it in his maddened state. Ethan believed it when he saw Rylan-wolf attempt to break it by ramming it in several places. He would howl in frustration when he was unable to free himself. Ethan was slightly pleased.

  At least Rylan-wolf isn’t howling in pain, which means he was healing, thought Ethan as he surveyed the enclosure.

  Unfortunately, Ethan was wrong.

  Ethan had warned human residents to stay away from the enclosure, as it housed a sick wolf, which could be dangerous. He suggested to human residents that the wolf was being studied and remained vague about the entire situation. He neglected to mention that he and his soldiers were studying the wolf. Each day two of his Soldiers patrolled the area, ensuring that humans stayed far away from Rylan-wolf.

  Two weeks later…

  Evie gasped in shock and nearly dropped the plate when she heard the heartbreaking howl. It was too familiar, a distressing howl borne of unfathomable pain. She knew it all too well. She rinsed the plate and put it in the dishwasher. She heard the howl again.

  “Daddy, who is that?” Evie turned to her father, Ethan, the Alpha of Second Chances. He was still sitting at the kitchen table. She walked over to him as Ethan sighed and shook his head. He poured himself another drink and shared Rylan’s painful story.

  “That poor man! To find his mate and then have to give her up? He sounds like such a considerate man. It’s really quite a shame. Fate can be so cruel sometimes.” She shook her head and asked, “How long did you say he’s been in wolf form?”

  “For three weeks now. If he doesn’t change back soon, he will go Feral and I will have no choice but to destroy him.”

  “Oh, Daddy, hasn’t the poor man been through enough?” They heard another mournful wail.

  “I don’t want to do it, Sweet Pea, but I don’t have a choice. We can’t allow him to wander free if he is out of control. If he becomes Feral, the wolf takes over completely. He will hunt down and kill his mate’s husband. He might even kill her children. She may be in danger as well. There’s no telling what a Feral wolf will do, or who he will harm. Once a wolf becomes Feral, he loses the ability to transform into his human self. It’s as if the wolf forgets he was once a man.” Ethan paused, remembering something from his youth.

  “It happened once, a long time ago. I was a young boy then, and didn’t understand what was happening. All I remember was that they let the Feral go free and he killed several villagers, including small children. That Feral put us all at risk. I can’t allow the same thing to happen. Most importantly, Rylan wouldn’t want us to let it happen.”

  “How long will you give him?” Another heart wrenching howl echoed through the forest.

  “I don’t know. I suppose another week. If it were anyone but an Alpha, he would already have been killed. But Lucien’s mate, Lanie, begged me to give him some more time. She’s convinced that he just needs some time to come to terms with his loss. She reminded me that Alphas are strong willed. After all, he caused himself great pain to stop himself from going after his mate. It took great courage and self control to do that. The least we can do is give him some time to heal his broken heart.” Evie reached over and squeezed her father’s hand.

  As he had each night since he transformed, Rylan-wolf howled in pain until exhaustion forced him to sleep.

  Chapter 3

  Evie walked over to the stainless steel enclosure and admired its construction. Considering it had been done on such short notice, it wasn’t too bad. She shook her head, feeling a little distressed over the heartbroken wolf who was imprisoned within the structure.

  “Mommy, look out!” Too late, the ball hit her head, bounced up and the wind helped it over the fence. It sat on the other side and Gabby ran to her mother, crying.

  “You have to get it out, Mommy, PLEASE!” She sobbed and held onto her mother. “Daddy and I used to play with it all the time. Please, mommy!” her voice broke and she wailed, heartbroken.

  Evie held her daughter and steeled herself against the onslaught of pain. She understood how important it was. It wasn’t just a ball, it was a connection to her father.

  Hidden in the shadows, the wolf watched and listened, scented the pain and deep sorrow coming from the woman and her child. He looked at the ball, confused.

  It is just a ball. Would her father not buy her another?

  He thought about the pain that he scented, could still scent. Curious, he trotted forward and sniffed. The woman had an enticing scent. It made him remember another enticing scent, one associated with pain. A scent that caused him pain. But this woman’s scent was different. She didn’t cause him any pain, but the scent of her anguish made him agitated.

  Pain because of a lost ball? I can fix this pain. With that thought, he suddenly shifted and Rylan-wolf transformed into his human self. They were turned away from him, so he quickly picked up the ball and tossed it over the fence. Naked, he turned and walked away, heading back to the safety of the trees.

  Evie saw the ball bounce behind Gabby and turned her head. She saw a naked man walking into the forest.

  “Thank you,” she said, barely a whisper.

  He stopped and turned his head slightly. He inclined his head and then continued walking forward, into the shadow of the trees. He stayed hidden, watching the pretty woman with shoulder length brown hair play with her daughter, a miniature version of the woman.

  That night Evie told her father how she had seen Rylan’s human form.

  “I guess her pain reached him on some level. Or perhaps it was yours,” Ethan said thoughtfully. They heard Rylan’s wolf howl with pain.

  “Evie, would you do me a huge favor?” Wanting to help the poor heartbroken creature, Evie agreed.

  Rylan-wolf’s howls echoed through the forest. He sniffed the air and caught the faint scent of the woman and her daughter. He remembered what he had seen earlier that day. Focused on this memory, he settled down and went to sleep.

  The next day, Evie took her children to the park. Rylan-wolf watched as the woman with the enticing scent spread a blanket and placed a cooler on one side to weigh it down. She thanked the Soldier that helped her and he walked away, going back to his patrol. The young girl from yesterday threw a Frisbee to her younger brother. The woman sat on the blanket and watched her youngest child run and explore the area, stopping occasionally to pick up a rock or a leaf. He would proudly yell, “Rocks!” or “Leefas!” even when he picked up a bare twig.

  Rylan-wolf was agitated.

  This woman is here alone with her three children. Where is her mate? Why isn’t he here with them?

  Curious, he trotted over to where she sat with her back to him. Suddenly he had the urge to speak to her. Before he knew it he was in his human form again.

  “Shit!” he said, realizing he was naked. He placed his hands over his groin. Evie stiffened when she realized he was behind her in human form. She didn’t turn around, but asked quietly, “Do you need some clothes?”

  Shocked, he nodded then realized she couldn’t see him.

  “Yes.”

  Evie stood and walked to the wagon she had pulled to the enclosure. She picked up a bag and walked backward to the fence.

  “There are some clothes in here for you. I hope they fit. I wasn’t really sure of your size.” Her father had neglected to tell her and she hadn’t thought to ask. Fortunately, before they arrived, she remembered he would be naked if he decided to change. She had made a quick stop and picked up something he could wear. She looked up at the fence and stepped back, aimed and tossed it over. Naturally her eyes followed it ove
r and she saw him catch it. She smiled then blushed when she realized she was looking at a naked man. Embarrassed, she turned around quickly. Rylan pulled on the ugly gray gym shorts and sat down by the fence. The shirt was too tight, so he left it in the bag.

  “I’m Evie, Ethan’s daughter.”

  “Hello, Evie.”

  Rylan had a deep, rich baritone voice that made her heart skip a beat.

  “Where is your mate, Evie?” Rylan asked, curious about her.

  Had she left her mate? Had she broken his heart? If she were my mate, I would never let her out if my sight. I would be here with her and our children. Nothing would keep me from my family if I had one.

  “He’s gone. He…He died almost two years ago.” The pain crashed into her like a large wave and she turned away from him.

  “I’m sorry, Evie.” She nodded as she took deep gulps of air.

  “Me too.” She blinked several times to keep the tears from forming and continued taking deep breaths. She sat down and said quietly, “It gets easier over time. The pain won’t ever go away completely, but it does become bearable.”

  “At least you have your children to comfort you. I have nothing.” The bitterness and sadness in his voice distressed her. She glanced at him. He sat with his knees bent. His fists rested on his knees and his whole body was tense with anger.

  “Leefa!” Max said, proudly holding a twig with a leaf attached. She turned to look at her sweet toddler and grinned. She accepted his bouquet of a single twig with a partially chewed leaf on it. She kissed him on the cheek and he hugged her tightly.

  “Foo. Foo!” he demanded impatiently.

  “Ok, bossy pants, I’ll get you something to eat.”

  She set him down on the blanket and walked over to the wagon. She found some wipes, wiped both their hands then began setting up their picnic. The scent of fried chicken permeated the air. Rylan watched as she gave her youngest a piece of corn on the cob. He ate it rather messily, getting corn all over his face, hair and jumper. Max turned to Rylan and offered him his half eaten piece of corn. Rylan smiled and shook his head.

  “No, thanks, Little Man.”

  Max beamed at being called ‘Little Man’. Evie noticed and introduced them.

  “Max, this is Rylan. Rylan, this is my youngest son, Max. He’s almost two.”

  She turned away to call to her other children, but the scent of fried chicken had already done the job. They plopped down on the blanket, their faces flushed from playing. She wiped their hands and Rylan wondered if her husband had ever gotten the chance to see his youngest child before he died. He frowned slightly at the thought of her, all alone with a newborn infant and two young children.

  Her mate should have been there to care for her, to pamper the woman who had given him three beautiful children. I would have been there.

  Rylan wished he’d had the opportunity to become a father. He relished the idea of providing for his mate and their offspring.

  Too bad I will never get the chance to become a father, Rylan thought sadly.

  He got up to leave them just as Evie turned around.

  “Rylan, these are my other two children, Gabby and Finn. Gabby just turned seven. Finn is…how old are you again, Finn?” Finn proudly held up 5 fingers.

  “I’m FIVE, mommy!”

  “Rylan, you don’t have to go, unless you want to.”

  “Are you sure?” She nodded.

  “I don’t mind the company. Sometimes it’s nice to have an adult to talk to.” It was one of the things she missed about her late husband, Luke. They always had the most thought provoking conversations. Sometimes they would lay awake at night and talk. Sometimes they would take a walk through the forest, not saying a word, just enjoying nature and each other.

  Evie and her children ate then the children played some more. Evie sat by the fence next to Rylan and they watched the children play. Sometimes they spoke, other times they just enjoyed each other’s company in silence. She left, promising to come back the next day. That night, they heard Rylan howl several times before settling down to sleep.

  Over next four days, Evie and her children went to the park to spend time with Rylan. Each night, Rylan-wolf howled less and less. By the forth night, it was eerily quiet. Concerned, Ethan sent his Soldiers to double check that Rylan was still there and alive. His Soldiers brought back exciting news; Rylan was there, safe and sound. He was also in human form. At night. Ethan rushed over to the enclosure and spoke to Rylan. Rylan asked to be released from his prison. Ethan agreed, but only if Rylan stayed at his house, so he could ensure he wasn’t going after his mate. Knowing he would see Evie and her children at Ethan’s house, Rylan agreed.

  Chapter 4

  It was close to midnight when Rylan and Ethan returned to his home. Rylan’s bag had already been delivered and Ethan showed Rylan to his room. Rylan took a long, hot shower then went to bed. The next morning, Rylan woke up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. He had missed the slightly bitter taste of coffee these last three weeks. Not wanting to miss breakfast, he showered and dressed quickly. He walked into the kitchen and saw Evie at the stove, frying bacon and eggs. He forced his eyes to the table, where Ethan sat watching him carefully. His wife, Ida, sat next to him.

  “Good morning,” Rylan greeted the Alpha couple.

  Evie’s head snapped up when she heard a familiar deep baritone voice. She turned around, spatula in hand and stared at him.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised to see him.

  “Ethan brought me here last night,” Rylan replied cautiously.

  Is she disappointed to see me? I thought we were friends. Perhaps I was mistaken.

  “Oh. I guess this means you’re ok then? I mean you’re not Feral, right?” Rylan nodded and she smiled. As Evie turned to the stove, Rylan stood there a moment too long, gazing at her back. Ethan noted Rylan’s gaze but wisely said nothing.

  “Please, have a seat. Would you like some coffee?” Ida asked.

  “Thanks, I’d love a cup.” Ida smiled and poured him a mug of coffee. “Cream? Sugar?”

  “No thanks. I take mine black.”

  Evie plated the scrambled eggs and brought it to the table, setting it in the middle. She toasted some bread and tended the bacon. She sipped her coffee as she waited for the bacon fat to drain and toasted some more bread. She plated the bacon and brought it to the table. She took the last set of toast from the toaster oven and brought that to the table then refilled her coffee mug.

  Evie sat down and sipped her coffee. Rylan raised his eyebrow pointedly as he looked at her.

  “What? It’s my Saturday morning coffee mug.” It was the middle of summer and Evie drank from her favorite coffee mug. The red Christmas mug had penguins all over it. It was also her Sunday morning coffee mug, her anytime I want to feel good and enjoy my coffee mug. He shook his head with a smile and sipped his coffee.

  They enjoyed having a quiet breakfast. Until the children woke up. They came barreling into the kitchen and saw Rylan sitting there. Max immediately ran up to him and gave him a hug.

  “Don!” Max commanded, raising his arms. Without thinking, Rylan grinned and corrected him.

  “Up,” he said as he picked up Max, placing him in his lap. Finn gave him a hug while Gabby stood by shyly. He released Finn and kept one arm around Max. He lifted his free arm and Gabby shyly walked up to him and gave him a quick hug. Rylan felt…happy. His happiness smelled like a sunny day and the scent permeated the kitchen.

  Evie was glad to see Rylan happy. He was a good man and didn’t deserve to be miserable. The children ate breakfast and asked a million questions.

  “Are you going to live with Grandpa and Gramma?”

  “Does this mean you don’t have to live in that cage anymore?”

  “What did you do to get put in the cage? Were you…bad?” Finn asked.

  “Finn!” Evie admonished, slightly embarrassed by Finn’s question.

  Ethan answered, �
��He wasn’t feeling himself, Finn. Rylan just needed some time to think about some things.”

  “What things?” Finn inquired.

  Rylan leaned in and whispered, “Adult things.” Finn let out a sound of disgust.

  “That’s boring,” Finn said, disappointed with the answer he received. Rylan chuckled and mussed up Finn’s hair, not that it made much difference.

  After breakfast, Ida and Evie helped the children shower and dress. During that time, Ethan received a disturbing phone call. Ida took the children over to see their uncle, Donovan, his mate, Teresa, and their three children.

  Evie hugged her children and closed the door behind them. She walked into the living room and addressed her father.

  “You wanted to see me?” Ethan nodded and indicated she sit next to Rylan on the couch, across from him.

  “I spoke with Lucien a short while ago. He shared some disturbing news. Apparently, one of his Soldiers, Kane, had been kidnapped and tortured by humans.”

  Evie gasped, “Kane?” She knew him. He was a powerful Soldier.

  “Is he alright?” Ethan nodded.

  “Given the circumstances.” He paused then continued, “They implanted two devices in the back of his neck. One was to cause pain. They used this device to control him, to force his wolf to the surface. The second was a tracking device.”

  “Oh, my goodness!” Evie shook her head, not wanting to believe. Not wanting to hear that this could possibly have anything to do with Luke’s death.

  “Evie, I…You live out in the middle of the woods. These people are targeting wolves. Most likely, they are the ones that…they are responsible for Lucas’ death. Your mother and I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you or the kids. You have to move back home, Evelyn.”

  She thought of her beloved mate, how he had been found and the pain was overwhelming. It racked her body and she released a sharp cry of grief.

  Rylan was shocked at the intensity of her pain. She had not reacted like this when she told him of her mate’s death. This pain was as deep as the pain he felt. He put his arm around Evie, pulling her close, offering her comfort. She laid her head on his chest and cried. He stroked her hair, soothing her.