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

  “The visions Katherine had about the third birth are true. Lynn Blackwood is carrying that third cub.” She looked up at her sister, “the wolf to finally bring peace to this pack is coming. But who will be the other wolf that is her partner? Katherine said there would be two working together to bring peace to the pack.”

  “The pack is restless, but things are quiet now. What I’m worried about is what this pack and those two will go through before this so-called peace happens, if it really does.” She leaned back in the chair. “After all we are relying on the unreliable visions of a Witch.”

  “There was also a lot she saw that she wouldn’t tell us, the visions seemed to leave her depressed after each one, and she refuses to speak of them.” Natasha wearily rubbed her temples.

  “Do you think she would speak to us now that it looks like they will be coming true?”

  “I don’t want to further upset Katherine, but we may have to,” she stood and went to sit beside her. “If these visions of hers are coming true, then this wolf and her friend will have a lot to deal with, more than any wolf should deal with.”

  “Then we will have to be here for them, that is all there is to it.” Katrina replied, grasping her sister’s hand. “I’ll make us a pot of tea; we should get started right away.”

  ********

  It was late evening and the air was cooler. Several couples were walking hand-in-hand along the wooded trails enjoying a romantic evening. A rustling came from the bushes on the trail ahead of them. Several large wolves leapt onto the trail snarling and growling at the couples. The wolf leading the pack was larger than the rest with jet-black fur. Snarling and growling he started chasing the humans, the other wolves following close behind. They would come close to the people, nipping at their heels and howling as they screamed in terror. After chasing the poor couples off, the wolves trotted back up the trail and into their hiding places to wait for the next group of people to walk along the path.

  A lone woman walking through the woods caught the attention of the black wolf and he broke away from the rest to follow her. He padded slowly so as not to make any noise as he walked. The breeze carried her scent back to him and he inhaled deeply. Her perfume mixed with the baser, sensual scent that was all female. He had heard the adult male wolves speak of human females and how much fun they can be. Dropping onto his haunches he watched as this human wandered around the clearing. Turning suddenly she spotted the wolf watching her and started moving toward where he sat. The wolf was curious as to what this human was thinking, so he sat still and waited.

  “You are beautiful, wolves are such misunderstood creatures. I think you’re majestic, intelligent animals.” She slowly reached out a hand. “I wonder if you will let me touch you.” The wolf tilted his head to the side as she gently touched his head. The human sighed in relief as the wolf seemed to smile at her touch. Soon she grew bold and started to gently scratch his ears and the wolf huffed in enjoyment.

  “I thought you might like that, most dogs do so why not wolves?” The wolf let out a short bark in response and she laughed. “I’m not calling you a dog boy; you’re far superior to a mere dog and much better looking.” There was a rustling in the woods and a young man appeared in the clearing.

  “Missy, there you are!” He stopped in his tracks when he saw what she was doing. “Holy shit, Melissa, that’s a wolf.” He pulled his camera out and took several photos, moving to get different angles.

  “Erik, what are you doing?” She laughed as he continued to take photos.

  “No one will believe me if I don’t.” He laughed as he focused on the wolf, which rose to his paws and backed up, snarling and growling a warning.

  “Let’s get out of here, you’re upsetting him.” Melissa dragged him across the clearing as the wolf disappeared into the woods.

  ********

  “I can’t believe how much fun that was.” Adam Blackwood laughed as he walked quietly into the dark kitchen in his house. The tall muscular teenager ran a hand through his jet-black hair.

  “It was a blast hearing their screams and seeing the looks on their faces when you snapped at them. Humans are such stupid creatures. Then there was that one crazy chick, petting me like she did. I can’t believe she was brave enough to scratch my ears. The guy with the camera had to have taken some good shots. Wish I knew who he was so I could see them.” He opened the refrigerator and got a cold chicken leg and a can of cola out. As Adam shut the door, the lights in the room came on. He turned in surprise and saw his mother standing in the doorway.

  “Mom! What are you doing up so late? I just came down for a bite to eat.” He held up the food in his hands.

  “Don’t lie to me! I know exactly where you’ve been and what you were doing!” She folded her arms across her chest and glared at her son. “Really Adam, chasing humans in the park. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!”

  “It was harmless fun Mom!” Adam argued with her. “They’re only humans.”

  “Only humans? Is that your reason for doing it? Would you want a superior creature chasing you because you’re only a werewolf? I don’t think so.” He started to say something else but she held up a hand to stop him. “What I’d like to do is bring you before the Council of Elders for punishment, but I can’t. You’re still a cub and very much protected by our laws.” She sighed and went on. “That doesn’t stop your father and I from punishing you, however.”

  “But Mom it wasn’t all that bad!”

  “Save your excuses for your father, I really don’t want to hear them. You will speak to him before going to school in the morning.” Lynn rubbed the bridge of her nose. “You’d better get to bed; you’ll have a long day tomorrow.”

  “Yes Ma’am,” Adam walked over to her. “I’m sorry Mom; I didn’t mean to upset you. I know you’re concerned about this cub you’re carrying. I promise to try not to upset you.” He kissed her on the cheek and went upstairs.

  “I wish you cared for me the way you do the one that’s on the way. Everything I do anymore is wrong.” He whispered to himself as he slammed his bedroom door shut. She listened to his further grumblings until she heard him lie down.

  “Oh my middle son, I do love you so…but you refuse to see it anymore. As for how you see humans, it is not how I taught you to treat them; what am I going to do with you Adam? You seem to shun our ways more and more each day. This pack needs a leader who is going to co-exist with humans if we’re going to survive.” She moved towards the stairs. “Though I am curious about your sudden interest in this baby because you seemed almost hostile when you found out; what have you heard?”

  Lynn looked down and patted her growing belly. “Maybe the true leader of this werewolf pack has yet to be born. Are you truly the peacemaker Katherine spoke of? Will you want to take on such a burden and will you be given the choice?” She turned the light off and quietly went back to bed.

  ********

  Adam stood nervously in front of his father’s desk. Clearly he was afraid of what was about to happen. Jonathin studied his son for a moment before speaking.

  “Adam, what do you think I should do with you?” He folded his hands together and stared over them at his son. “This was worse than that time you bit the hiker on the leg.”

  “Dad, it was harmless fun! I swear! No one was hurt,” he pleaded. “You’ve got to believe me! I don’t even remember biting that human! Why do you bring it up every time I’m in trouble?”

  “You’re right; I shouldn’t keep bringing up something that happened when you were but a very young cub.” Jonathin straightened up in his chair. “We need to focus on what happened last night, and this time you are very much aware of your actions. Your mother and I discussed this for most of the night and I feel there’s only one punishment that’s appropriate.” He paused before continuing. “You will spend two hours after school each afternoon and your Saturdays at Dr. Ray’s human clinic in Pulaski.” He held up a hand to stop Adam’s protests. “It’s only for two months, yo
u can last that long.”

  “Please Dad! Anything but that! Why do I have to spend time at his human clinic?”

  “Because one day you may lead this pack! You need to have compassion for humans.” He sighed and rubbed his hands together. “You’d better get going. Dr. Ray is expecting you today after school.”

  “Yes Sir,” Adam quietly answered. He watched his only son leave.

  “I hope Lynn’s right and the time spent with Dr. Ray will help change Adam’s attitude about humans. If it doesn’t, I doubt anything will.”

  “Adam didn’t look too happy when he left here. What has he done now?” Daniel dropped into a chair in front of his desk.

  “What hasn’t he done?” Jonathin wearily rubbed a hand over his face and leaned back. “He was out chasing humans again. I hope spending time with Dr. Ray at his human clinic will help.”

  “If that doesn’t, nothing will,” he agreed. “I have the highlights of the security patrols along with the Chief’s report.” Daniel placed the document on his desk.

  “Is there anything unusual to report?” Jonathin asked, flipping through the report and adding it to a stack in his open briefcase.

  “There is activity in the house that was Robert’s. No identity or number of inhabitants. I have someone looking into records to see if it had been sold.”

  “That’s a good idea. We don’t want to scare away any innocent humans that may have bought the place.”

  “Agreed…but Jon, something bothers me about all of this.” He stood and started to pace. “I know it’s been fifteen years, but did we ever find proof of Robert’s death? I don’t want to sound paranoid, but I’m worried.”

  “Frankly I am too my friend. As far as I know no evidence of any type of remains for Robert were ever found.” He leaned forward and studied his friend thoughtfully. “Do you think he would come back to try again? If he was thinking that then why wouldn’t he have struck back when were vulnerable?”

  “I really don’t know because he’s the first vampire I’ve ever dealt with. Hell he’s the first one any of us have ever dealt with.” Daniel scowled as he leaned on the back of the chair. “We have kids now; I don’t want them to deal with what we had to.”

  “We can’t wrap them in bubble wrap forever, my friend.” Jonathin closed his briefcase and walked over to him. “Why don’t you go talk to our Respected Elders about this? I bet they have the answers you seek—at least some of them anyway. For now join me for lunch? I need to get to the office for a bit, but it can wait.”

  “Sounds like a plan, my friend.” Daniel replied as they left the barn.

  ********

  Tina walked into La Luna Bookstore and wandered through the shelves, looking at titles and putting them back. She moved from shelf to shelf, leisurely browsing,

  “I love to see people shop the way that you do.” Katrina paused beside her, placing new titles on the shelves. “I have the coloring books you ordered for Steven.”

  “Thanks, I know he’ll love those. I love spending time in here; it’s so peaceful and happy.” She turned to face the older woman. “We are expecting our second cub and by some miracle I get to be pregnant with my best friend!” She excitedly hugged Katrina, who warmly returned the embrace after a moment’s hesitation.

  “Only you would think being pregnant at the same time with someone else is fun.” Katrina chuckled as she returned to the cart beside her.

  “Why wouldn’t it be? We will have our daughters together and they will be the best of friends, probably like twins, sharing everything and spending time…” The older wolf dropped the books she held and stared at the wolf before her, who was oblivious to her scrutiny.

  “Are you all right, Elder?” Tina asked concerned, bending down to pick up the books she had dropped. “You look like something startled you.”

  “It’s nothing Child, just daydreams about missed opportunities.” Katrina brushed it off as she took the books and put them back on the cart. “Let’s get those coloring books for your young man.” She led her over to the counter as she stepped behind and rang up the books.

  “Are you sure nothing is wrong?” Tina asked as she added a magazine to the order. “You still look so shook up.”

  “It’s nothing I promise you. Be sure to hug that little one of yours for me.” Katrina handed her the bag and watched as the young wolf left.

  “What troubled you sister?” Natasha stood beside her.

  “Tina is pregnant and excited because she and Lynn will give birth at the same time,” She turned to face her. “I think we’ve found the wolves in Katherine’s prophecy.”

  ********

  The days Adam had to report to the clinic seemed to drag on, but none more that today. It was the last day he had to work here and he couldn’t wait for it to be over with.

  “Adam, you’ve done very well these past few weekends. I shall be reporting favorably to your father about what a help you have been.” Dr. Ray smiled at him sitting at the reception desk and went back into the exam area.

  After several hours of boredom, the clinic door opened and the guy with the camera came in carrying the girl that had petted him. He jumped up and ran over to them.

  “I’m Adam, how can I help you? Let me take her.” He took the girl from his arms as if she weighed nothing.

  “Whoa dude, you’re strong for your size. We were hiking in the woods and she rolled down an incline. I think she broke her ankle.”

  “There’s a clipboard on the desk if you’ll fill it out, I’ll take her to Dr. Ray and let you know when you can see her.” Adam nodded towards the desk as he carried her back. She opened her eyes and looked right into his eyes.

  “You have the same color eyes as this wolf I petted one night.”

  “That is crazy, has anyone ever told you wolves are dangerous?” He chuckled as he set her onto an exam table as Dr. Ray gave him a weird look s he returned to his post.

  Twenty minutes later the girl walked out on crutches followed by her friend.

  “Well Adam, you are free to go and I thank you for your help, even if it was ordered by the Pack Leader.” Dr. Ray walked over nd studied the young man thoughtfully for a moment. “Though I am baffled by one thing; since you despise humans so much, why would you let one close enough to pet you?”

  “That girl was in pain, she didn’t know what she was talking about,” Adam shrugged his shoulders as he gathered up his school books and put them in his backpack.

  “You are the only jet black wolf in our pack with blue eyes. She kept going on about them.”

  “I didn’t mean for it to happen, one minute I’m sitting there watching her and the next she’s coming over talking about how wonderful and intelligent and misunderstood wolves are,” he picked his backpack up. “The next thing I know she’s scratching my ears and I’m letting her.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t tell your parents if that’s what is troubling you. Your secret is safe with me. Her name is Melissa and she has a follow up exam next Saturday as it was only a sprain should you feel like adding a few hours into your community service profile. Or I could simply tell your father you need to serve one more Saturday. ” He smiled at the young man.

  “Thanks Dr. Ray, I’d like that.” Adam replied as he left.

  ********

  Michael was sitting at his desk reading some papers when the door burst open. Garrett rushed in and skidded to a halt in front of him.

  “I know who the third birth belongs to!” He gasped, trying to catch his breath. “I just found out!”

  “You mean this is really going to happen? I thought it was just something Robert’s Witch worried him about.” Michael dropped the papers and stared at the young man leaning on his desk. He waited patiently until Garrett had caught his breath.

  “Michael, the woman giving birth to this little fur ball is none other than Lynn Blackwood.”

  “The mate of the man that killed my mentor, how fitting.” The vampire smiled at him. “I want to handle
this personally. Any suggestions?”

  “I’ve already started making some preparations for you. Just in case the prophecy was accurate.” Garrett sat down in a chair closest to the desk. “I’ve got a gunsmith making you silver bullets to fit a nine millimeter handgun I’ve purchased. And I’ll have someone watching the clinic Lynn’s using. That way we’ll know how the pregnancy is progressing.”

  “How did you manage to find a gunsmith willing to make silver bullets and load them into cartridges for you?” Michael asked, amazed.

  “Everybody has a price. I just had to figure out what his was,” the Witch shrugged his shoulders. “The guy’s used to dealing with eccentric clients. He thinks you’re some kind of a Lone Ranger fan, and I didn’t correct him.”

  “You have done very well and that will make future purchases easier, if needed. As always, your instincts are impeccable, thank you.” He leaned back in his chair. “I think I’ll wait until the baby’s almost due before I strike. That way Jonathin Blackwood will truly realize what a precious gift he has lost when I take it, and his mate, away from him.”

  Two

  Daniel stood and held the chair for Tina as she sat at the table in The Half Moon Inn.

  “Daddy’s silly,” Steven giggled as he climbed into the chair next to his mom. “Is Kimmie gonna come too?”

  “Yes son, Kim and her family will be joining us soon.” Daniel chuckled as he sat across from his mate. “There will come a time when you won’t think what I did is silly.”

  “Ew! No! Girls are yucky?”

  “I’m a girl, am I yucky?” Kim teased as she sat beside the wolf cub and ruffled his hair. “One day you won’t think girls are yucky, I promise.”

  “My eldest, always tying to be helpful” Lynn kissed her cheek as she sat beside her, followed by Jonathin and a sullen Adam. “Why the sour look Adam? Did you have a bad day at school?”

  “No Ma’am,” he shortly answered as he sat. “School was fine.”