Blood Ties: Book One of the Blood Ties Series Read online

  Blood Ties

  C.J. Galaway

  Life has settled back to normal for the Blackwood family. But is life ever normal for the leader of a werewolf pack struggling to fit into a modern world that refuses to believe they exist.

  Just as Jonathin thinks his life is about business and family things shift and change, leaving him on very unfamiliar ground with a smoldering sibling rivalry that will affect far more than his family and pack.

  Are the ties of blood and family enough to keep old enemies from tearing a pack apart, or will it fuel the rivalry into a raging fire that will consume everyone and everything in its path.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Copyright 2019 C.J. Galaway

  Cover art courtesy of Marisa Wesley of Cover Me Darling

  There are many people to thank for the creation of this series. First and foremost Earla Kodric for deciphering my handwriting and translating it into type because I cannot type to save my life. Secondly Anne Penland for being the best beta reader a writer could hope for. Thank you to Marisa Wesley for a simply stunning book cover. As always thank you to my wonderful wife Dalena for supporting me on this crazy journey, I love you Babe.

  Lovingly dedicated to the memories of Sharon Lowrey and Elizabeth Pactor

  One

  The cool air of The Half Moon Inn was welcome to Lynn Blackwood as she stepped inside. The tall redhead scanned the restaurant looking for her husband. She smiled when she saw him seated at a cozy table for two in a far corner. He stood and waved as she walked over.

  “Lynn, hello, I’m so glad you could join me for lunch. We should do this more often.” He held a chair out for her as she sat, then returned to his seat. “So how did it go this morning? Did you get to go see Tasha? What did she have to say about last night’s memorial?”

  “She agrees with you that it was a bit bland, as if it was being glossed over.” Lynn frowned and shook her head. “I think this is not the place to discuss it, so I’ll tell you more at home.”

  “Yes, dear, and I bet those two had a lot to say.” He smiled and gestured to the empty space around his mate. “I take it your shopping didn’t go well? Usually you have more bags than you can carry.”

  “It went well, considering most of it was things we needed for the house.” Lynn replied, smiling at him. “I’m having everything delivered. It’s too hot to be carrying a lot of packages Jonathin.”

  “I figured as much,” he replied chuckling. A waiter came just then and brought each of them a glass of iced tea, then took their lunch orders.

  “I hope you left enough in the account for Daniel and I to play golf tomorrow.” Jonathin teased his wife as he sipped his drink.

  “I doubt I could break the account in a single morning, dear.” She retorted, sipping her drink as well. “Give me and Tina a day of hard shopping and we’ll see how much is left.”

  “That’s okay, I’ll take your word for it,” he chucked. “How is Tina doing? Aren’t you supposed to go to Dr. Ray’s with her today?”

  “She’s doing all right, considering she’s pregnant during this heat wave.” She shook her head. “I’m so glad I can’t get pregnant anymore.”

  “Yes, our two teenagers are a blessing, but they’re enough and sometimes too much.” He replied as their lunch was served.

  “I promised Tina I’d meet her at the clinic in about an hour. Her first sonogram’s today.” Lynn poured dressing on her salad. “Speaking of our children, I wonder if Adam and Kimberly have finished that list you gave them to do while we were at the memorial.”

  “Considering they had to do it together, it’s done. Daniel’s upset because he can’t be there. We’ve got an important meeting at the same time. It couldn’t be helped.”

  “I’m sure Tina will have plenty of pictures for him to see.” They enjoyed their lunch in silence for several moments.

  “Lynn, this is nice. I love being able to enjoy a romantic lunch with my beautiful mate.” Jonathin pushed his plate away. “I’m so glad things have returned to normal.”

  “I wouldn’t say that too loudly if I were you dear.” Lynn played with the salad remaining on her plate. “It’s only been fifteen years since the uprising. That’s not a lot of time for creatures like us. Not to mention there are those who still blame you for the past”

  “The thing is they always will blame me and probably our children. Part of me wishes they wouldn’t, but they apparently were content with Robert. Someday they will see that the way things are now is better.” Jonathin answered, shaking his head. “I just want to be optimistic about it all.”

  “I know, but we should still be careful, just in case.” Lynn looked at her watch. “I’ve got to get going and so have you,” they stood.

  “I’ll see you at home for dinner tonight.” Jonathin gave his wife a kiss on the cheek as they left the inn together.

  ********

  Lynn walked into the clinic and spotted her friend, Tina, sitting in a nearby chair.

  “I thought you weren’t going to make it.” Tina remarked as Lynn sat down beside her.

  “I wasn’t about to let you do this alone.” She patted Tina’s arm. “I had some errands to run so we could have tomorrow free to shop.” Lynn leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. She was suddenly very tired. “How is Steven handling this?”

  “Like a typical four year old.” Tina answered, shaking her head. She had her long blonde hair pulled up in a ponytail. “I caught him one night praying to Kyrtayne for a baby brother.” She chuckled at the memory. “After which he very seriously informed me that if it was a girl I should trade her in for a boy.”

  “He didn’t!” Lynn gasped. “What did you tell him?”

  “That it wasn’t possible. He then said a girl would be all right if we couldn’t take her back.” Tina looked up and smiled at the woman who was watching them intently. “Why hello Katherine, do we have the pleasure of being treated by the Master Healer herself?”

  “Not today, I’m afraid. I’ve got my own tasks to complete.” She turned to look at Lynn. “Are you here to see Dr. Ray as well? It must be nice to be expecting with your best friend.”

  “Me? Not hardly!” Lynn snorted. “I’ve had my two, thank Kyrtayne and I’m grateful for them daily.” She looked to her friend, and then back at the witch. “Unless you are seeing something I’m unaware of?”

  “No…” Katherine’s words trailed off as she studied the women. She could clearly see that both were pregnant with healthy girl cubs. She shook her head to stop the vision from coming again. How could it be coming true so quickly? She needed to get away from these wolves before the visions swept her away. “Just the assumptions of an overly tired mind, please excuse me.” She turned and left the clinic.

  “That was very weird; I wonder what on earth would make her think I was pregnant?” Lynn looked puzzled at her friend. “I know she’s also a witch and can see things we can’t…but that?”

  “I’m at a loss for words, but I have to admit it would be fun to have our daughters grow up together like we did. If only she was right about you.” Tina patted her belly, “I do hope she is right about the girl part at least.” The door opened and a nurse walked into the waiting room and called Tina’s name.

  “You’re coming with me, aren’t you?” Tina stood and faced her friend.

  “Of course, that’s why I’m here.” Lynn got up, and as a wave of dizziness hit her, grabbed Tina’s arm for support.

  “Are you all right? You look pale.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Lynn answered shortly, and then smiled at her. “I’m okay really. I’ve not been sleeping well lately is all, and I’ve been picking up extra full moon patrols until the Guard is fully staffed.”

  “We’ll let Dr. Ray be the judge of that, and maybe you should lay off the full moon patrols for a while. I know you enjoy them, so don’t look at me like that. It’s time you thought about yourself for a change, the pack will be all right. Daniel and Jonathin will see to it.”

  “You’re right, as usual. I promise to lay off.”

  “Of course I’m right, it’s sad it took you this long to notice,” Tina said as they walked back to the exam rooms.

  ********

  “I can’t believe it, me pregnant again.” Lynn said dully. They were sitting in the living room of her house.

  “The tests don’t lie, if they say you are, well then you are. And you’re about as many months along as I am. We’ll be having our daughters together.” Tina reached out and patted her friend’s arm. “Apparently what Katherine said was true, I still don’t get how she saw but she did.”

  “But it’s not possible! Werewolves are supposed to only have two cubs! And I’ve already got my two!” Lynn ran a hand through her hair. “I’m happy, don’t get me wrong. It’s just such a shock.” Getting up she started to pace. “Come to think of it, Katherine didn’t seem too happy about the fact that I was pregnant and that we’re having the cubs together. It was like she was watching some kind of a nightmare come to life.”

  “I got that feeling as well. But it’s hers to deal with not ours; I wouldn’t let it worry you too much. Witches can be an odd lot to understand.”

  “You’re righ
t; I’ve got to worry about this baby and telling my family about her arrival.” She looked at Tina. “How do I even begin to tell my husband?” Tina looked up and saw a stricken Jonathin standing in the middle of the living room.

  “I believe you just did.” Neither woman had heard him come in. “I’ll call you.” Tina hugged her friend and left. Jonathin sat in the chair she had vacated.

  “Is it true? Are we really going to have a third cub?” He took her hands in his. All thoughts but those of his mate left his mind. Lynn just nodded. “You’re sure about this?”

  “Yes, Dr. Ray ran the tests twice, just to be sure. I’m pregnant.” Lynn quietly answered.

  “That’s wonderful! Kyrtayne has greatly blessed us. Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl? Wait, it doesn’t matter as long as he or she is healthy.” He smiled at his mate. “I’m surprised the old wolf didn’t have a cub himself, right then and there.”

  “Actually, the way he reacted, I thought he had, and we’re having another girl,” she laughed. “When do you want to tell our children?”

  “Why don’t we tell them right after dinner? They’re both going to be home and it’ll be the perfect time.” Jonathin answered, grinning broadly. He leaned over and passionately kissed his mate.

  “Kimberly will be thrilled. She wants to be a Healer, just like Dr. Ray,” Lynn sighed. “I’m not sure how Adam is going to take it, though. He’s been so distant lately. I wonder how he’ll react to having a baby sister.”

  “He’ll want to love and protect her and hopefully want to set the right example for her. Who knows? This little miracle from Kyrtayne may be just what this family needs.” Jonathin stood and smiled down at her. “I’ll go get dinner started. You stay put and relax.” He walked into the kitchen.

  “I hope you’re right, Jonathin. I truly hope you are.” Lynn leaned back in the chair and turned the TV on.

  ********

  The still of the night was broken by the sound of a limousine pulling into a long, winding driveway. The sleek black car pulled to a stop in front of a stately old building. The driver opened the door and a tall man with shoulder-length blonde hair stepped out. He stood and stared at he beautiful home that was now his.

  “Is there anything else I can do for you Mr. Christopher?”

  “No, that should do it. Thank you for bringing me here on such short notice.” He turned his attention to the driver and smiled at him, revealing perfect white teeth and silver eyes shining in the moonlight. “I’ll call you if I need anything else.”

  “Have a good night, Mr. Christopher.” He tipped his hat and returned to the limo.

  “My mentor’s home,” he said, looking at the house. “Now it’s mine.” He walked gracefully up the steps. The front door opened and a well-dressed young man stepped out.

  “I thought I heard a car. How was your trip Michael?”

  “Simply awful Garrett. You know how much I hate sleeping in a moving vehicle. How is everything going here?”

  “Everything is finished. We’ve been awaiting your arrival. The staff is putting away their personal items and fixing their quarters now.” Garrett replied as they walked into the large and elegantly decorated living room. “Your bedchamber is ready for you. There was a letter from Robert. It’s on your desk in the study.”

  “Thank you Garrett, you’re a perfect angel.” Michael rubbed his hands together. “This was far more than I was expecting.”

  You’re welcome, but I’m far from being an angel. I am baffled by something though. I’ve been watching the werewolf pack your mentor had written you about and honestly they seem quite boring. I don’t quite understand their role in it all.”

  “I have to admit I am as puzzled as you that he would even become involved with a pack of werewolves, or mindless curs as he once called them.” Michael turned to study the young witch. “Apparently this pack is responsible for his demise. Whether or not I agree with what has happened, he was my mentor and I must do what I can to avenge him.”

  “I may not understand either, but you are my patron and my friend so I will do all I can to be of service to you.” The young man replied as he tried to stifle a yawn.

  “I am grateful for that, and for you. Go rest, it looks like you need it. I’m going to read Robert’s letter and then turn in myself.”

  “I think I will, good night.” Garrett walked up a nearby staircase. Michael walked into this study and sat at the large desk at the far end of the room. He picked up the envelope and slowly opened it.

  “Michael, if you’re reading this then, to quote an overused cliché, my existence on this earth has come to an end. It also means that my plans to take over this town’s werewolf pack have failed. The family that leads this pack is responsible for my demise and must pay.

  “Please be careful in dealing with these wolves, they are very clever and cunning. Use that clear, level head of yours and you will outsmart them. I’m counting on you to avenge my death. You are the only one of my students I can trust with such a task.” Michael chuckled and continued to read.

  “One final warning. My witch has foreseen a third birth among the pack. This cub will be a threat to you, so deal with it now. As this is something that has not happened before, this ‘woman’ will be easy to find. Again be careful to think things through and all will be well. I am counting on you Michael; it is up to you now. Robert.” Michael sighed and put the letter in a drawer. He stood and walked over to an oil painting of his mentor that hung on the wall.

  “I will do my best to make all of this happen. I will not fail you.” Michael turned away from the painting and left the room.

  ********

  Lynn walked into La Luna Bookstore and looked around. It was a large store that specialized in rare, hard to find books. She walked over to the desk where a plump, middle-aged woman was working at a computer. The woman looked up and smiled warmly at Lynn.

  “Hello dear! How are you doing? You must be thrilled to be expecting a third cub. Kyrtayne has greatly blessed you.”

  “How-how did you know I’m pregnant Katrina? I just found out myself a few days ago.” Lynn stammered in surprise.

  “I’ve learned over the years that it pays to know all the happenings in the pack,” Katrina replied.

  “You make it sound like you’re old.”

  “I wouldn’t call one hundred and twenty young, dear.” She patted Lynn’s hand. “So, what can I do for you today?”

  “I was looking for some books about herbs and healthy living. I want to make sure this baby’s very healthy.” She patted her stomach. “I thought whatever I could read would be helpful.”

  “I’ve got something better. Hang on a second, I’ll be right back.” Katrina disappeared into the office for a few minutes and came back with a small note card. “I’m surprised you didn’t think of her. This is Dominique’s address and phone number. She’s the new Master Healer, but is also a good herbalist and a Witch. I believe you remember Katherine, her teacher? She left a scroll here while she trained a successor.”

  “Yes, I do. She seems like a really nice lady.” She shook her head sadly. “Her decision to step down as our Master Healer was sudden, but there was little the Council could do to change her mind.”

  “When I asked her, she insisted it was because her successor was ready, nothing more,” she paused as if debating what to say next. “Well Dominique is expecting you. I took the liberty of calling her. It’s the Victorian house on the edge of town. Can you find it all right?” Katrina handed her the piece of paper.

  “I know exactly where it is. Thanks, I knew you’d have the answer. I’d completely forgotten about our new Master Healer.” Lynn leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Anytime dear, that’s what I’m here for.” Katrina called as Lynn left the bookstore. She walked over to where a young girl was stocking shelves. “Stacy, would you watch the counter for me?”

  “Sure thing,” she replied as Katrina walked up the spiral staircase and into the office she shared with her sister Natasha.

  “What brings you up here this early? It can’t possibly be lunch time yet.” Natasha looked up from her work as her sister sat in the chair opposite her desk. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”