Desired (Two Marks 2)

I couldn’t move forward without learning about the past. I didn’t think I was going to like what I found out, but the what ifs were going to fuck with me.

I gave in after two days. A two-day honeymoon of sorts. Word had spread through West Springs about the impromptu wedding. No doubt Bessie and Norma together were able to get the news of the event to every shifter in the pack. Bessie had called Cord and told him that Rachel shouldn’t be at work for a week. I wasn’t sure who’d called about the doctor’s office, but someone was filling in with patients for Cord.

I’d texted Rand and given him a heads up, but a vague one. Only that I’d found my mate and was staying for a while in West Springs. I was sure he was curious to know more, but had given me space. I had no doubt he remembered what it had been like when first meeting Natalie.

I called Wade and got Harlan’s address. I took my truck and headed out, following the provided directions. Two hours after kissing Rachel goodbye, I pulled up in front of a small cabin in the middle of nowhere.

Cooper Valley was a small town. So was West Springs. Here? There was no town nearby. Nothing was out here except windswept prairie and a patch of trees indicating a creek or other water source. There were no mountains, even. This part of Wyoming was vastly different. Rugged, but in a barren way.

Since the cabin sat on open land with no neighbors for miles, I was sure Harlan had heard my approach. Even if he hadn’t, his dog had. An enormous German Shepherd came tearing around from the back of the house, barking and snarling like she was ready to kill.

I turned off the engine and climbed out. “Sit,” I commanded the dog sharply, infusing my voice with alpha command.

Recognizing my dominance, she whimpered and dropped to her haunches, lowering her head. She had grey around her muzzle and threaded through her black ears.

It wasn’t common for wolf shifters to keep dogs, but some did. Living out here, banished from his pack and so far away from humans, Harlan’s dog kept him sane, I imagined.

“Good girl,” I murmured and looked around.

The place was small, but tidy. The grass around the house was trimmed, the roof and log walls in good shape. An old truck was parked in front of a barn, although I didn’t see any livestock. No fencing for horses. Not even a coop for chickens.

Anyone who lived out here wanted to be alone. I’d passed the nearest grocery store fifteen miles back, and that hadn’t been a big box business, only a small mom and pop shop.

The place was unnerving. Fucking lonely as hell. Once winter set in… fuck. I thought of Rachel and her warmth, her heat. Fire. The way she slept with her head on my chest. Even Cord made things better. He was becoming a friend. A good one. My partner in keeping our mate happy and satisfied. Now, I couldn’t imagine being with Rachel solo.

“Lost?” A deep voice had me turning on the dirt drive.

A man wearing jeans and a heavy plaid shirt came from the back of the house, taking the same path the dog had, but slower. He was tall, but his shoulders were slightly curved. His hair leaned toward gray, but I couldn’t miss the sandy blond. The same color as mine. The dog got up and ran to him, licking his fingers where they hung by his side.

He stroked her head without taking his gaze from me. When his eyes met mine, he stopped, about fifteen feet away. His dog sat beside him, eyes also trained on me, a low growl in her throat now that she was with her master.

Harlan’s nostrils flared like he was taking in my scent. No doubt he recognized I was a shifter.

I removed my hat, let the sun hit my face full on.

His eyes widened and he stared at me as if he’d seen a ghost.

Or a younger version of himself.

“I’m thinking you know who I am,” I said.

He didn’t look away, didn’t even blink, as he shook his head.

There was no surprise reunion. Hugs. Tears.

“No.” His hand came up and he ran it over his mouth.

“I’m Cathryn Taggart’s son.”

He said something, but it got caught on the wind. That same breeze ruffled my hair.

“Didn’t… didn’t know she had one.”

“I thought my father was dead,” I said.

He continued to stare, then finally blinked.

“No. I’m alive.” The words lacked energy.

“I meant Noble Mead. He’s dead. Cathryn, too.”

“I know.”

I wanted to reach right out and snap Harlan’s neck. But no. I was here for closure, but not that kind. I’d come this far to hear what he had to say about their death. Judge for myself.