Disclaimers: Magnificent 7 is not owned by the author but by others. The characters are only being borrowed and will be returned. Any character not known to be on the TV show belongs to the author.
Authors' Note: Thank you to Mog for her ATF universe and to Joe Lawson for his Two-Blood universe. It is nice that they let others play in the wonderful realms they have created.
Warnings: In this series there could be violence, m/f sex, references to child abuse (not graphic), language
The day was hot and muggy but Constance Elizabeth Taylor Anderson knew that she had to continue on with the chore of putting up the fence. The Denver radio station had foretold of the highest temperature reading of the year and for everyone to drink plenty of fluids and stay indoors if possible. It was a far cry from Alaska where she was from but she loved the climate of Denver and would never want to live anywhere else.
Four Corners was a little town outside of Denver and she loved it. It was nice and peaceful just the way she liked it. The town was still close enough to the city if she wanted some night life once in while.
Constance had to laugh when she heard the comment about the hot weather. Perhaps if she had her step sister Victoria or Tory as she preferred to be called here to help then the work would go faster, but that was a forlorn hope. It would have been nice to have someone to talk with as the work was done. Victoria as soon as she had gotten her share of the inheritance had left for the big lights of Vegas sure that she would either hit it rich or marry herself a rich man.
Constance worried about her little sister, Tory was only eighteen, two years younger than she was but unfortunately Tory wasn't the most mature person around. In a way it was nice that Tory had left for trouble seemed to follow her sister around and Constance preferred to stay away from trouble.
Of course if she had kept Roger, the ranch hand around there would have had been someone to help. However Roger wanted more than just to help around the ranch he wanted to climb into bed with Constance. Constance had fired him on the spot the first time he had tried to pull anything with her. She had sensed he wasn't as nice as he tried to be but since she needed the help she willing to give it a shot.
Sighing deeply Constance leaned back against the fence post taking off her hat and wiping her face with the rag. Well she should have paid attention to her senses they were always right.
If only Victoria had loved the ranch like she did then things would have worked out better. But her little sister had hated the ranch, hated getting dirty, doing chores and staying on a schedule. A schedule was a must on a ranch but Victoria had hated the restrictions it had placed on her nightlife and had taken off whenever she could.
Constance had to agree that the ranch was isolated and she didn't really know a lot of people, her aunt and uncle had been loving people but didn't socialize a lot. The few friends that she had made while in school had soon drifted away as demands from the ranch had left her with little free time to play around. Victoria on the other hand had played around more than she had worked.
Uncle John and Aunt Louise had tried to instill discipline into their orphaned nieces, but with the youngest one they had failed. Constance had taken to the ranch immediately loving the horses and the outdoors.
John had named his ranch 'The Ace of Spades" and he figured there wasn't a prettier place on God's earth. It pleased him to see the girls thrive there at least Constance did.
Constance felt tears fill her eyes as she thought of her dear aunt and uncle. If it had not been for them she didn't know what would have happened to her and Tory if their aunt and uncle had not taken them in. They had been adopted by the older couple for their own safety. Tory's dad, Constance's step-dad Lon Jameson had murdered their mother. Jameson had disappeared and that was when the older couple had decided that adoption would change the girl's last names and protect them from the mad man.
Aunt Louise had died eight years ago of cancer, it had been a long lingering death but the elderly woman had never complained doing what she could around the ranch until she finally succumbed to the dread disease.
Uncle John had shouldered on with the ranch after all he had two nieces to support. Granted they had belonged to his wife's sister but he loved them like they were his own. Sadly he had died in an accident on the ranch just a couple of months ago leaving the ranch to his nieces.
Constance remembered how hard it was after her uncle had died. Victoria was constantly trying to get her to sell the ranch but it was home and she loved it to much. Finally she had sold off what ranch machinery she could and their old home in Alaska giving half the money, around $20,000.00 to her selfish sister who had immediately taken off for the big city of Vegas. Constance had not heard from her for over a month and figured she probably wouldn't until she ran out of money.
Again sighing deeply Constance stood up and began working on the fence, it had to be fixed today. Last night a strong wind had come through and knocked most of the fence down, thankfully the horses had been in the barn and had not escaped. She just wished she had the money and the muscle to fix up the second barn. Joe Sawyer was nice enough to keep a lot of the stock at his place but she knew he wouldn't be able to it forever.
Midnight Gambler was a registered Thoroughbred/Quarter horse, coal black with a high spirit. Constance had received a lot of offers to buy the horse from the surrounding ranchers but she had refused. The horse was worth his weight in gold, he far outshone the other horses in the immediate area.
As though the stallion knew he was being thought about he reared up. There were very few mares, new foals and yearlings in the corral but they all looked up as the big horse displayed his power over the herd. As the stallion then proceeded to trot around the corral the other horses went back to eating.
Despite the corral needing to be fixed she had let the horses out in it the barn was to hot to keep them in and they needed the exercise anyway. All the horses were well trained and even Midnight Gambler had never shown signs of wanting to leave his home.
There were two corrals and she made sure to have Gambler in one by himself. The horse was a lot calmer now that Roger was no longer around. The man had taken the whip to Gambler and the horse was not fond of men. Constance had broken him to ride but the horse didn't allow men on his back.
Feeling a little dizzy Constance took a big drink of water shaking her head slightly. Concentrating on getting the fence done she didn't notice the truck pulling up in the driveway.
Vin Tanner, sharpshooter for the ATF Team 7 also known as the Magnificent 7 looked with admiration at the black stallion playing in the corral not really noticing anything else.
Chris Larabee leader of the ATF team got out and admired the horse thinking it was exactly what they were looking for. Hearing something Chris turned his head and saw a beautiful young lady working to put the fence up. It looked like she had repaired most of it though it had to be back breaking work.
Chris and Vin knew John Anderson but had not really sat down and talked to him in several years. They had been busy with their jobs and trying to get a horse business going. The men wanted to start up a stud farm, it would be their future after retiring from the ATF and they wanted to retire as soon as possible to enjoy life a little. It was for their ranch that they had run into Anderson originally. Chris had owned about 600 acres with his now deceased first wife Sarah and their son Adam. When Vin had joined the team and they had become best friends Chris decided to ask Vin to be his partner in the horse farm. At that point the two men had bought another 300 acres. It contained a beautiful stream and woods. The two men shared the large ranch house as there were three bedrooms and plenty of room. The guys had already bought several nice mares from Anderson and wanted to buy more when they had saved up the money.
Chris had heard that Anderson had his two nieces by marriage on the ranch but had never met them. The day they had bought the horses the two girls had been in town with their aunt.
The team had been on an undercover assignment so they had not known that John had died until well after the fact. The men had sent a condolence card but had never had a chance to get to the ranch.
Now that they had some free time the two men decided to visit the ranch and offer any help they could. They felt kind of guilty not checking on the young ladies before now. Looking around they were surprised that there was nobody helping the young lady. Chris knew that John had a ranch hand that helped around the place but the man was nowhere to be seen.
"Seems to me the young lady needs some help," Vin stated glancing up at the sun wondering how long the woman had been working.
Chris frowned as he headed toward the woman, hell she looked like she was barely out of high school; she looked more like a girl.
"Then it is a good thing we arrived when we did," he replied.
Vin rested his arms on the fence admiring yet again the stallion wondering how much the stud fee would cost. They had a beautiful black mare at their ranch and would love to breed her with this magnificent animal.
Chris reached the young woman just in time to see her sway, and then she grasped the fence post to hold herself steady.
Chris worried said, "Ma'am are you okay?"
Constance whirled around startled that someone had snuck up on her. Seeing the gorgeous man standing in front of her she felt the blackness encroaching upon her vision, the heat finally catching up to her as she fainted or was it the sight of the man in front of her that caused her to pass out.
Chris jumped forward catching her before she could hit the ground. As he cradled her in his arms he felt a tingle go through him, there was something about this girl that called to him.
Vin hurried over but Chris said he would get her into the house and to call Nathan.
Just then a couple of dogs ran up barking at the sight of their mistress in a mans arms. The Sheppard mix in particular seemed upset. Vin talked calmly to the dogs and they came around quickly determining that the men meant no harm.
Vin immediately got on the phone and called all the guys, it was a holiday and as far as he knew none of them had plans. Filling his friends and teammates in on the problem they all agreed to come out and help for the day.
Nathan told Vin that it was probably a touch of heat stroke and what to do for the young lady; he would check her out when he got there.
Meanwhile Chris had carried the girl to a small but clean bedroom and gently laid her on the bed. Finding the bathroom he put a cool washcloth on her forehead then sat down on the edge of the bed waiting to see if she would wake up on her own or if he needed to take her to the hospital.
Reaching out Chris brushed the long ash blond hair back from her face his fingers tingling at the innocent touch. Swallowing hard he realized that the girl was like him and the rest of the team, a Two-Blood. Chris noticed how fair her skin was and he worried how long she had been out in the heat.
He wondered if she had her first change yet or even knew what she was. At her age he would think so but if the Anderson's had not known about her and her sister then she might be ignorant of her heritage.
Just then he realized that he was under the scrutiny of dark green eyes. As his eyes met hers he realized he was lost, this girl was going to be his, his mate, the one he had been looking for since his family had been murdered by hunters so long ago.
Constance trembled slightly as she looked up at the most handsome man she had ever seen. Thinking back she realized that she had not been this close to a man in a long time, working and keeping the ranch up had consumed all her time.
Seeing a flicker in the green eyes staring back down at her she gasped, her secret was out, he was a Two-Blood like her.
What was going to happen to her, was he like her step-father, Victoria's dad? That Two-Blood had been violent and thankfully she had not seen him for years.
Constance while she had never known her own father as he had been killed in one of the many battle around the world knew that he had been a good honorable man. So she knew that not all Two-Bloods were like her step-father her own father was evidence of that.
Constance saw the green eyes deepen as they looked down at her, she felt her pulse quicken as a connection was made with the gorgeous blond hovering over her. Constance felt like the man was looking into her very soul, heck he probably knew what she looked like under her clothes the way he was staring at her.
Was he a prince to sweep her off her feet or her knight come to rescue her. Since she had never experienced the feelings she was having now she just didn't know. Besides for all she knew he as married but no, she didn't think so. A Two-Blood who was mated would not have touched her like he did before, so gentle and so sweetly.
Just then there was movement by the door and Vin walked in immediately noticing the way Chris and the girl were staring at each other.
Chris turned to look at his best friend his green eyes glowing with delight.
'She is Two-Blood like us. I am claiming her Vin; I have been looking for her for a long time. You know how long I have been looking for a new mate since my family died. I have a feeling she is going to make me very happy if I can get her so say yes to me.' Chris silently sent the message to his friend.
Vin smiled thrilled that Chris had found a mate and a Two-Blood one at that.
"I came to tell you the guys are on their way, Nathan says it sounds like heat stroke and to cool her down. It shouldn't be too long since they were almost to the ranch anyway," Vin said out loud.
As Vin watched Chris turned his attention back to Constance making sure she was doing okay.
Shaking his head he left the two alone and went to wait on the rest of the team.
Chris had to stake his claim on the girl, his mate before any other Two-Blood in the area realized there was a single Two-Blood in Four Corners. If he had to he would meet and defeat the rival two-bloods but he didn't want to do that. For the most part the packs in the area generally got along pretty good. Seeing the vivid almost haunting green eyes staring up at him he sensed she felt the same way but he didn't want to scare her. Slowly he brushed his fingers through her hair and pressed a kiss to her forehead that would have to suffice for now because the rest of his pack/team was on their way.
It wasn't to long before the whole team pulled up. Vin met Nathan and Raine as he was coming into the house.
Vin said hello to his friends but his attention was drawn to the pictures and ribbons on the wall.
Nathan and his wife headed on towards the bedroom that Vin had nodded towards.
All Vin could think was Wow, he had heard about Midnight Gambler's legacy but to see it laid out was awesome. Seattle Slew was Midnight Gambler's grandsire a triple crown winner of TB racing. Then there was Seattle on Fire, Fire and Ice his sire, The Gambler's Ace and Midnight Passion. The horses and their pedigrees were proudly displayed and justifiably so. Vin remembered John had bought Midnight Gambler's dam from Kneeland sales and another foal a filly named Seattle Magic. Unfortunately the mare died of colic and he sold the filly to Chris and Vin. Vin really loved Seattle Magic she was a lovely blood mare.
While Vin was marveling over the horses Nathan was in the bedroom checking Constance over under the watchful eyes of Chris.
"How is she Chris?" Nathan asked but when he received no answer he glanced over at his boss.
The medic noticed how Chris hovered over the girl and he saw the look in his leader's eyes. It was the same look he had in his eyes when he had first met Raine his wife. Chris Larabee had fallen head over heals in love with the girl.
Constance felt nervous about the two men in her room and the woman. She tried to get off the bed but the blond one held her, she wasn't scared of him but the feeling that were washing over her were ones she had never felt before.
Chris could feel her trembling and shaking her eyes wide with nervousness.
Constance glanced at the bedside table she so wanted the flask of whisky that was in the drawer but with the man holding her so tight she couldn't reach it. Finally overcome she passed out again.
Raine walked over and noticed that the girls face was flushed and figured she might be more comfortable with a woman checking her over. Quickly Raine sent her husband from the room but Chris refused to leave.
Raine wondered if Constance had changed yet, she really needed to know wanting to make sure she had checked everything out on her health.
Constance woke up and was relived when she realized that one man had left the room. The woman and man were looking at her clearly wanting to ask her something. Blushing a bit she realized that she would probably want to know about her change as it was apparent she was a very good at her job and would want to know.
In a soft voice she said, "I'm Constance, John and Louise Anderson were my aunt and uncle. I know you are Two-Bloods so I know you need to know about me. I changed last Halloween. I was surprised at how easy it was to change and then change back."
Raine nodded his head, "Pleased to meet you Constance."
Chris just smiled at her thinking what a lovely name she had.
Constance was remembering when she changed. She had been in the middle of fight with Tory over Halloween and had changed. Tory had been scared to death and had actually pissed her pants. When Constance had changed back she couldn't help the smirk on her face, it had felt good to get one back at her selfish bratty sister.
Chris spoke up and said, "My name is Chris Larabee and this is Raine Jackson. The black man who was just in here is Raine's husband Nathan. I am a neighbor of yours though we haven't met before. Vin Tanner the man who was with me earlier is part owner of my ranch; we run a small horse ranch. We bought Seattle Magic from your uncle. We are ATF agents so you don't need to be worried about anything."
Raine looked at her pack leader with surprise. Chris wasn't known to talk a lot but it looked like this slip of a girl was going to be good for the taciturn blond.
Meanwhile as the Chris and Constance began to lightly chat with each other as Raine continue to check her out Vin was outside with the rest of the team.
Josiah and JD were finishing up the corral. Nathan was standing on the porch waiting to see if he would be needed in the house.
As the men worked the two dogs from earlier had been joined by two more, they all ran around them keeping a close eye on what they were doing but being friendly at the same time.
Buck was standing in the yard sniffing the air, he could tell there was another two-blood around and it was a female. He would have to inform Chris of the fact. Ezra was standing next to him he also knew there was a two-blood female around.
Smiling a little Buck wondered what she looked like and if she was his type, hell they were all his type. Glancing at Ez he knew that his friend would give him a run for his money when it came to the new female.
Vin saw Buck and the look on the big mans face and realized that Buck might try something with the girl. That would not be a good thing since Chris was already planning on claiming her. Then looking at Ez he realized he had two problems.
Walking over Vin took Buck's arm and led him away from the others nodding to Ez to follow them.
"Bucklin, Ezra I know you guys can smell the female two-blood but I have to warn you, Chris is already set on claiming on her. He fell for her real quick, so I just wanted to warn you," Vin firmly stated.
Buck's eyes widened as did Ezra's, and then smiles broke out on both men's faces.
"That is great news, I am glad Mr. Larabee has found a mate," Ezra said.
Buck was ecstatic, "Yeah, hell I never thought Chris would find another mate. That is great; I cannot wait to meet her."
Vin held up his hand.
"Right now she is being checked over by Raine and I don't think Chris wants a bunch of people hovering around her, his need to claim her is running high so don't push it. Besides I think she is on the shy side so don't overwhelm her."
The men then wandered around the ranch doing some work to keep busy and help their leader's new mate out.
Buck could feel himself getting worked up just knowing that the unattached two-blood was around. There was no way he would try anything but it was certainly stirring up his blood.
Pulling his little black book out he looked up a phone number, laid the book on the post and walked off talking on the phone. The big man didn't notice the book fall on the ground.
A couple of yearlings stared at him wondering what he was doing as it had been quite some time since they had seen so many people around.
JD noticed that one of the fillies walked over and snatched the black book up off the ground. Soon JD, Josiah, Ezra and Vin were laughing as they watched Buck chase the filly around the corral. It was very apparent the horse wants to play 'catch me if you can'.
JD between laughs said, "Hey Buck guess those horses want to see what's in that black book of yours."
Nathan stood on the porch just smiling at the antics of his friends.
Buck just looked strange for a minute then puffed his chest out as he bragged, "Well I guess they love my animal magnetism. It must work with these fillies too."
As Buck walked toward the filly the only stud colt laid his ears back in a threatening manner as though warning him to stay away from his family.
"He might sense the wolf, Bucklin. Best back off, we can get the book later," Vin suggested.
Buck nodded but as he was walking away the filly galloped up and dropped the book at his feet.
Buck grinned as he grabbed it up then slipped out of the corral.
Vin walked over to the other corral and stared at Midnight Gambler thinking he was sure a gorgeous horse.
Looking into the other paddock corral Vin admired the other horses. Shaking his head he could be in awe of the myriad of colors that the horses represented.
Counting quickly he figured there were 10 mares, some with foals at their side and about 8 yearling fillies then there was the ornery stud colt that had taken Bucklin on. Vin noticed that there were palominos, paints, buckskins, blacks, blue roans, duns and almost every other horse he could imagine. Vin knew that the Andersons rescued a lot of horses from around the area and instead of adopting them out he kept them and took care of them. It looked like Anderson liked to keep a variety of stock but he wondered where the rest of the herd was.
At that moment Vin knew he was going to check with the lady of the ranch and see if he could help train the horses he especially liked that little stud colt. A horse with energy and full of mischief was what he liked that was why he and his own horse Peso got along so well.
Vin very sensitive to his leader's whereabouts and movements knew when Chris stepped out on the front porch, Constance close by his side. Raine was behind him smiling at Nathan who stepped to her side.
The four dogs immediately ran to the porch to lie down close to the girl that they were there to protect.
Just then Buck who had wandered back into the corral to face off with the stud colt yelped as he dove back under the fence. The colt pranced around the corral with a piece of Buck's loose fitted work jeans in his mouth. The colt was obviously very proud of himself for getting one up on the man.
Nathan and Raine immediately headed to check Buck out even though he insisted he was fine the colt only got hold of his jeans not his skin. JD walked over to his 'brother' to check on him relieved to find out he was okay.
"I guess your animal magnetism still isn't working Buck. Maybe you just leave the horses alone," JD teased.
Chris was thrilled to hear Constance laugh at his old friends antics, he enjoyed seeing her laugh and having fun.
None of the men missed the look that Chris was giving the girl; they hadn't seen that look on their leaders face in a long time.
Chris then stared deeply into Constance eyes asking an unspoken question and getting her unspoken answer. It was as though the bond between the two of them was already forming and he was thrilled by it.
The men watched as the girl shyly nodded her head once at Chris then grasped his hand in hers. Constance stood a bit behind the blond as she was still overwhelmed at all the people around her.
Chris turned to face his team with a huge smile on his face.
"Boys I want you to meet Constance Elizabeth Taylor Anderson, the niece of John and Louise Anderson and my mate, in fact you can consider us engaged."
Constance was on cloud nine. She just couldn't believe that this gorgeous man, an alpha and a two-blood would want her, an orphan and a two-blood. It was thrilling to know that her mate was the leader of his pack and that he wanted her.
Vin smiled at his best friend letting him know without words how pleased he was for him and that he highly approved of his choice. Constance blushed when those searing blue eyes became focused on her. However she knew that she was going to like Vin not only was he cute as a button but she just knew he was a nice man also.
Chris then went around and introduced everyone to Constance.
Nathan and Raine nodded to her as they had already been with her in the bedroom.
JD smiled bashfully said hello. Josiah surveyed the girl then glanced at Chris.
Smiling broadly the former preacher said, "I am quite pleased with your lady, Chris. I do believe you have chosen well and she will be an asset to the pack."
Constance shyly replied, "Thank you very much Josiah."
Buck and Ezra the two so called studs of the pack surveyed her then they noticed how their leader was starting to bristle at their looks.
Quickly Ez said as he tipped an imaginary hat to her in respect, "Please to meet you Miss Constance. You are a beautiful lady and Chris is a very lucky man to have found you."
Buck thoughtfully pulled on his mustache then said, "Well Chris you did good. I am glad to see you going to settle down and I think this little lady will be good for you."
Chris was relieved as he realized his team all approved of Constance not that it had made much difference. He had decided she would be his mate and he was used to getting what he wanted.
At that moment Constance yawned then blushed afterwards.
Raine patted her on the shoulder saying, "I think you need to rest some more."
"I want to thank all of you for welcoming me into your family. I hope to get to know all of you better in the coming days," Constance softly said as Chris picked her up in his arms.
"Vin you know what to do," Chris stated as he carried his new mate back into the house.
Vin then sent Josiah and Ezra to town to get some food for later. Buck he sent to their ranch to feed the animals and while he was there he could get himself a pair of good jeans. While they were gone he and JD would take care of Constance animals.
Nathan and Raine followed Chris and his precious package into the house.
Chris put Constance down on the bed then being greatly daring he sat down on the bed leaning against the headboard. Gently he pulled her into his arms so she was resting against his chest.
Constance sighed and curled into the warm strong body behind her, this just felt so right.
Right before she fell asleep Constance asked, "Now what, Chris?"
Chris pressed a kiss to the top of her head, "Now sweetheart we start the rest of our lives."
Part II: Dream Magic
The next few days were busy ones for Constance. Chris had decided to take a week off and stay with her; he was hoping to continue strengthen their bond. The guys came over and worked diligently until the corral was fixed and the second barn was ready for horses again.
Constance was in the barn working with Vin. Director Travis had called Chris in to work even though he was supposed to be off. It was something about the budget. Chris had not left the ranch until Vin had arrived to keep on her. Constance felt so good knowing that her mate loved her so much and wanted to take such good care of her that he had his best friend there to keep an eye on her.
Constance smiled remembering the day before. She had been working in the barn with Midnight Flare a paint bay who had been hurt on the old fence. The mare's new foal had been playing nearby when Joe had pulled up in front of her house.
It had been a great day when she had called Joe Sawyer and asked him if he had the time to bring over the horses he had been boarding for her. The guys were there as Joe pulled up with a big rig a couple of his hands following behind with two more. With everyone pitching in the horses were in the newly built corrals milling around getting reacquainted with the place. Vin whistled as he stood at the corral resting his arms on the top rail.
"Those are some mighty fine horses, Constance," he said avidly watching them.
Joe piped up, "John had a good eye for the good stock and Miss Constance here is just as good a judge of horseflesh as her uncle was. I can remember seeing them both at Kneeland Auctions eyeing those horses up and down seeing which ones would be the best to buy.
Constance smiled at them in delight; it was nice to hear compliments especially ones that compared her to her uncle who she loved so much.
"Thank you both for the nice words. I really love the horses and I am so happy to have them all here at the ranch now especially Mornin'Desire," she softly said watching one horse in particular.
Josiah walked up just then.
"Nice horses. I count about 14 broodmares some are pregnant which is a good thing. You have a lot of younger horses and quite a variety too,' the older man said.
One of the biggest revelations had been how well Vin Tanner had gotten along with her horses. In fact Midnight Jazz followed the sharpshooter around like he was Vin's shadow even taking exception to Buck getting to close to what he considered his human.
Constance laughed as she remembered sitting on the porch on the swing that evening with Chris's arm around her as she watched the scene unfold.
Vin had been going around feeding the horses with Midnight Jazz following along in his footsteps. Buck had swaggered into the corral wanting to help but just a little to boisterous for the young colt. Buck went to approach Vin who had his back to him the colt kicked out sending the big man stumbling back into the dirt.
Vin had turned around, thanking the colt for watching his back. Buck had been highly indignant that Vin had taken up for the colt.
Vin had raised one eyebrow saying, "Now Bucklin, you know than to sneak up on a person. Midnight Jazz was just looking out for his friend. I don't think he is impressed with your animal magnetism."
Buck had just huffed off but he was smiling as he caught sight of Chris and his new mate laughing on the porch swing. It was worth being teased if he could make his friends laugh.
Vin turned at Constance laugh smiling at the happy carefree look on her face. Although it had only been a couple of days since she had met Chris the worry she had been carrying alone was gone.
"What is so funny?" he asked leaning against one of the horses stalls.
"I was just remembering Buck and his meeting with Midnight Jazz," she giggled.
Vin laughed, "Yeah Bucklin got a surprise didn't he."
Vin turned and looked at Midnight Jazz who was just watching him as though knowing he was the topic of discussion. In fact the colt cocked his head to one side as though wondering about their conversation. To one side of the colt lay two of the four dogs that called the ranch their home.
Constance had taken great pleasure in introducing the dogs to her new mate and his pack. The border collie was named Lady; the blue heeler was named Blue. Lady had been bought for Tory who had insisted she needed a dog needless to say once the fun of having a puppy had worn off the puppy had adopted Constance ignoring Tory completely. There was the Sheppard mix Angel who patrolled the ranch like an armed guard, not much got past this dog. Blackie was a lab mix and had been her uncle's pet.
In a casual tone, Vin said, "You know Constance you have done an awesome job at the ranch. It isn't easy to run a ranch this size but you persevered after your uncle died. I am also impressed by all the awards that Midnight Gamble has won, he is one amazing horse."
Constance blushed at the compliment; she just wasn't used to hearing someone praise her. Oh her mom had made sure she knew that she was loved and appreciated but it was nice to hear. Of course Chris had assured her that he loved her and that he was so proud of all the hard work she had done to keep her uncles ranch going and taking care of the horses.
"Thanks Vin, that means a lot to me to know you think I did a good job."
While they worked Vin would glance over at his pack leader's mate watching her with interest. He was happy for Chris but he kind of wished he had met her first, there was something about her that interested him. It was almost like he had known her previously but then part of his past was almost a complete blank slate.
Constance too was taking quick looks at her mate's best friend wondering what his story was. Vin's scent tantalized her it was vaguely familiar. The thought occupied her for a while.
While Constance and Vin worked around the ranch Chris was tying things up at work. As he headed out he paused by JD's desk.
"JD I want you to do me a favor. I want you to look into Constance past. I think she is scared of something or someone and I need to know what that is," Chris asked.
JD looked up his eyes troubled.
"Won't she be mad if she finds out you are looking into her past?"
"I would rather she be mad than get hurt. Besides you only report to me no one else I will than decided how to handle anything you tell me. Okay?"
"You got it Chris I will let you know what I find out."
When Chris got back to the ranch he was pleased to see his new mate so comfortable around Vin. Vin was a very important part of his life so he was happy to them getting along so well.
Constance looked up from her work and forgot about musing about Vin and his story. The arrival of the Black Ram and the handsome cowboy getting out of it all dressed in black with the black Stetson on his head drove all other thoughts from her head. She knew a lot of women would envy her as she watched him head for the barn.
Constance ran to meet him joy filling her as she was swung up into his arms and sweetly kissed.
"How has your day gone, sweetheart," Chris asked as he swung her to her feet.
"It has been so nice, Vin and I have gotten a lot done, the horses really seem to like him well except for Gambler but hopefully he will come around," she replied her eyes shining with happiness.
Chris looked at Vin and smiled. Nodding his head at his best friend Chris put his arm around his mate's waist.
"See you later Vin, we are going for walk," Chris said as he led his mate into the woods.
"Later, cowboy," Vin replied his eyes followed the pair into the woods thinking how nice it was to see his friend and boss happy.
Just a few minutes later Vin heard the sounds of yipping as two happy wolves cavorted in the woods.
Constance was so happy cavorting in the woods in wolf form with her mate. However she was sure that when it came to time to change in front of the pack she would be unsure of herself, but she consoled herself with the fact that her mate would be with her.
Chris raced through the woods with his mate right behind him his grey coat tinged with gold shimmering in the sunlight. Constance since her father was from a pack that heralded from the Artic was a bluish white with yellowish green eyes.
Chris was undoubtedly the alpha as he was much larger than she was. Chris allowed his mate to catch him and tumble him to the ground. For a few minutes they were content to playfully wrestle each other.
Constance tenses slightly when Chris began to nuzzle her throat, licking her face and whining deep in his throat.
She couldn't help but wonder if this was when he was going to claim her. They had not consummated their relationship yet thought they had been sleeping together, Chris leaving his scent on her with kisses, and slow strokes over her body.
However her mate knew that she was a virgin had never been with a man not even to kiss one.
The two wolves finally just lay side by side drifting off to sleep their dreams filled with the wonders that their future would hold for them.
When they changed back and walked back to the house Constance couldn't help but ask, "Chris when...when are we going to...well you know what I mean?"
Chris was delighted at the blush that covered his mates face.
"When I think you are ready and we will make love as humans first, you know when the wolf mates it is rougher so I want to wait a little longer for that."
Constance sighed a little relieved that she had such an understanding partner but also deciding that she didn't want to wait forever to make love. Her mate was one handsome man and she loved it when he kissed her, held her hand or just smiled at her.
A couple of nights later Chris's boss came over with his family. Constance had fixed a wonderful dinner and her confidence soared when everyone complimented her on the wonderful meal.
Director Travis was there with his wife Evy, their widowed daughter in law Mary and her new husband Gerard Whitman. Also in attendance was their grandson Billy and Gerard's daughter Katie.
For a few years Billy had hopes that Chris would become his new father but it wasn't meant to be. Chris just did not have those feelings for Mary and she eventually fell in love with Gerard though she still remained friends with the enigmatic blond. After all it was Chris and Team 7 who had figured out who had killed her first husband Stephen and brought the men to trial.
It was a very pleasant evening; the director had brought over a couple of bottles of wine to share. Constance enjoyed the semi-sweet wine it helped her to relax and she truly enjoyed the company. At first she thought she would dislike Mary but the woman was nothing but kind to her even going so far as to ask her for the recipe for the dessert she had made for dinner.
Chris watched in satisfaction as his mate bloomed under the compliments gaining confidence in her ability to entertain other people.
That night Constance was in bed after her shower listening as Chris finished his shower. Feeling wonderful, her ears still hearing the praises from earlier she decided it had been a perfect day.
It was time to make it a perfect night. Chris might not realize she was ready but she knew she was. Just thinking about being one with the man she loved was making her feel funny inside; she couldn't wait to have him hold her close. She knew the wine had made her far more relaxed than usual but she figured that was a good thing.
Chris left the bathroom wearing his boxers and climbed into bed turning to pull his mate into his arms into the position they had found they loved to sleep in. Constance resting her head on his shoulder curled around his body as he held her tightly to his chest.
Constance smiled then leaned forward kissing him on the lips, taking the initiative in their blooming intimacy.
"I want to make love tonight," she softly whispered.
"Are you sure?" he asked wanting to be positive that she was ready.
Constance ducked her head as her cheeks turned red. Chris kissed the top of her head.
"Then we will make love, but first let me set the mood," he said.
Constance watched as this big brave Alpha male went around and lit some of the candles she had in the room then he turned out the lights so that the room had a soft romantic glow to it.
Chris went into the bathroom and came back out with something in his hand.
"Just something to ease the way, the first time will probably hurt a bit but this will help," Chris explained as he got back into bed showing her the lotion in his hand.
Chris had thought about condoms but he had not made love to anyone since Sarah died and he knew his new mate was untouched so he figured they were not needed besides he wanted to feel her without anything between them.
Slowly Chris divested her of her nightgown delighting in the blush that remained on her face as he looked at her with appreciation.
Chris loved how the long ash blond hair fell around her shoulders just reaching the perfect breasts. Chris raised his hands and cupped them gently as Constance gasped at the intimate touch.
Chris pressed her gently backwards until she lay on the bed with him on his side stroking her body with his fingers. Chris knew his beloved lacked self confidence so he wanted to assure her.
"You are perfect. Your breasts fit perfectly in my hands as though they were made for me. I love your gorgeous eyes and all that beautiful hair," he whispered as he kissed her shoulder continuing to let his fingers dance across her body arousing her, making her sigh with pleasure.
Chris moved his hand to between her legs nudging them apart so he could pleasure her further; he wanted to awaken his mate completely to the joy of making love.
Constance was awash with feelings. No one had ever touched her like this before it was sheer heaven.
Chris leaned over her kissing one pert breast then he slowly sucked on the sensitive tip causing Constance to arch her back as tingles of pure sensation rocketed through her body.
Chris slid upwards kissing her lips then nuzzling into her neck biting down until he knew he had left a love mark...his mark, letting everyone know she was taken.
By the time Chris slicked his fingers up and had loosened her passage she was writhing on the bed whimpering in need to innocent to know exactly what she wanted but she knew she needed something...she needed to be completed by her mate.
Chris almost growled at the sight of his mate begging for his attention...her wetness coating his fingers showing him she was ready to be taken.
Chris put extra lotion on his cock then spread her legs wider.
"Look at me Constance," he urged pausing before he entered her.
Constance looked up at him her eyes dark with desire.
"I am going to claim you now," he said then he slid inside her wet hot welcoming passage. He felt the slight barrier that told him she was a virgin but he pushed past that until he was buried in her.
Constance cried out at the sudden sharp pain but then as Chris began to slowly move the pleasure outpaced any discomfort she had.
As Chris thrust into her he watched the wonder and love cross her face. Chris didn't want the first time to be long as he knew she would be a bit sore come the next day.
Chris flicked his fingernails across the top of her sensitized breasts which sent her over the edge.
Constance screamed her mates name as she had her first orgasm and it was overwhelming.
Chris felt her channel tighten around his cock then spasm as she reached her fulfillment.
Groaning he thrust in as far as he could then cried out his own pleasure...she was his...no one else would ever have her...he had his mate.
Chris slumped thankfully to side of his lover who was staring at the ceiling in wonder.
"That was the most...awesome thing I have ever experienced," she said though she was unable to look him in the eyes.
"You are amazing my love," Chris replied as he snuggled close pulling her into his arms.
"Did...did you really enjoy it?" she hesitantly asked.
Chris put his fingers under her chin raising her head so he could look into her eyes.
"I loved it, you give me so much pleasure," he assured her.
"I loved it too, I love you so much, you make all my dreams come true," Constance fervently said.
"I love you and will for all eternity," Chris promised.
"How do you feel?" Chris asked.
"A little sore but I expected that, mainly I feel amazing," she answered truthfully.
Chris slid out of bed and returned with a warm wet cloth, he gently cleaned his mate up. Thankfully there was only a bit of blood which was to be expected since she had been a virgin.
Chris didn't want to bother with the wet spot he wanted to cuddle with his mate so he tossed a clean towel down over the spot. Quickly he got back into bed cuddling up to her.
After whispering words of love they two newly mated, bonded pair went to sleep held securely in each others arms.
The next morning Constance woke up first and just gazed her fill at the gorgeous man by her side. How did she get so lucky to have someone as perfect as Chris Larabee fall in love with her?
When Chris woke up he kissed her and again told her how much he loved her. Constance wanted to make love again but he gently explained that they would need to wait until that night as she would be too tender and it wouldn't feel as good.
Constance sighed but figured he was more experienced and would know more than she did. When she climbed out of bed she had to admit she was sore but it was a good sore to her it meant she had someone who loved her...she wasn't alone any longer.
As the morning wore on Chris insisted she do nothing strenuous though at times she ignored him informing him that she was not an invalid.
Chris just smiled enjoying his mate's new found confidence allowing her to speak her mind to him.
It was a little after noon when JD arrived telling Chris he needed to speak with him.
Constance said she was going to the barn to check on a pregnant mare leaving the two men to do their business.
JD said, "I got the stuff you requested Chris."
JD was very careful not to mention what stuff he was talking about.
Chris watched as his mate walked into the barn.
"Is it bad?"
"Well she had a real rough childhood but she survived it, she is one strong lady. I have a search going on for her step father he is a real piece of work, he is wanted for killing her mother and burning down the club that had been left to Constance by her grandparents. It seems the guy runs with a rogue pack that takes what they want and kill anyone who gets in their way."
Chris got grim as he thought about that bastard killing his beloved's mother and probably scaring her to death as she had been just a girl when he had been around.
"Thanks JD; I will look it over later. Raine is coming over later for some girl talk I guess. While they are busy I will look the folder over. Keep searching for any leads on that step-father."
JD nodded his head and left.
Chris put the folder in his briefcase and then headed for the barn. It looked like the only black spot on their future was this step father and Chris determined that he would be long gone as soon as they found him.
A few minutes after Chris entered the barn a beat up old car pulled in. The woman who stepped out was dressed to kill and certainly didn't seem to go with the car.
After glancing around the yard she headed for the barn determined to get this meeting over with. The sooner she dealt with business the sooner she would be out of this place.
Chris had Constance pressed up against the wall devouring her lips he just couldn't get enough of her taste, which could account on why he didn't hear the car pull up.
Loudly clearing her throat the woman snidely said, "Well, well looks like big sister finally got herself a man and a real looker too. Miracles do happen."
Chris whirled around placing himself in front of his mate prepared to defend her from any danger.
The woman looked the irate blond up and down like she would a piece of meat.
"Yes a real looker. I don't know who you are but I can satisfy you far better than my sister gorgeous."
Constance pushed back Chris to stare at the woman.
"Tory, what are doing here and will you please talk decently you are embarrassing me," Constance said.
Tory harshly laughed, "You haven't changed at all sis, still on your high horse. What else is new? Now who is the golden stud behind you?"
Chris stepped forward and growled, "I am her lover and will soon be her husband."
Tory then really laughed, "Well that shocks me, and my straight laced sister got a man who loves her."
"I need to talk to you Constance the sooner the better so I can leave and go back to civilization," Tory continued deciding that bantering with her sister was getting old.
Tory turned and walked out of the barn and into the house.
Constance sighed, kissed Chris and whispered, "I guess I need to find out what she wants."
"I am coming with you...no arguments she is not going to run all over you," Chris replied.
Chris put his arm around his lover's slim waist and they headed for the house.
Chris couldn't help but think that just a few minutes earlier the only dark spot on their future happiness was her step father now it looked like the step sister was just as bad.
As they reached the front porch they kissed again promising with their eyes that they would meet this new challenge head on and together.
Part III: Haunting Dreams
Chris stalked through the door behind his mate; there was no way he was allowing Constance to be run over by her sister.
Tory looked up a little taken aback by the fierce look on the handsome man's face. It looked like her sister landed herself a mate and a protective one at that. Carefully she deeply inhaled and picked up on the fact that they had already mated and that he was the alpha of his pack.
Tory contemplated telling her sister that she had recently changed but decided against it though she couldn't wait for her sister to see her in wolf form.
"While your mate is certainly nice to look at this is between us sister dear and I want it to be private.
Constance hesitated which made her mad. Tory had always been able to manipulate her and she hated it.
Chris saw the look on her face and then said in a tone that brooked no opposition, "I am staying, what you have to say to Constance you can say with me present."
Tory's eyes flashed with anger but she smiled in what she thought passed as seductive.
"Fine, I am out of money and need some more. I know this ranch is worth more than I got for my share and I want it. Besides you can sell one of those stupid smelly horses," Tory said tossing her head.
Constance gasped, "I am not selling any of those horses because you carelessly spent all your money."
Tory in a bored voice replied, "Oh I wasn't careless, I gambled, I drank, and I did so many men that I lost count. I had a good time so it wasn't careless at all."
"You signed the papers when you left, I paid you and that was all you were getting."
Chris spoke up, "Get the papers sweetheart."
Constance left to get the papers out of the small safe she kept in her closet.
Tory got up from the sofa and strolled across the room to lay carefully manicured fingers on Chris's shoulder.
"She will bore you inside of a week. Like I said before I can please for more than she can."
Chris felt his mate pause in the doorway clearly overhearing what her sister had said.
Very deliberately he removed Tory's hand from his shoulder and snarled, "You are not my type. I don't go for women who sleep with anything walking by. I love Constance and we will be together for the rest of our lives."
Tory shrilly laughed though inside she was furious at the brush off.
"How quaint, but oh so boring."
Chris took the papers from Constance who stood next to him; she even wrapped her arm around his waist needing to feel his strong body next to hers.
Chris glanced at the papers then looked up, "These papers are very clear. You got the only money you are getting. It was fair and you signed these papers."
Vin and Buck walked in the door just as Tory bounded to her feet snapping, "Now just a minute cowboy. Who the hell do you think you are to step into business between my sister and myself?"
Vin laughed he couldn't help himself as he saw the look of fury on his leaders face. Chris surely did hate to be called cowboy and in fact he was the only one who got by with calling Chris that...well now he figured Constance would get by with it too.
"What did you just call me? Furthermore anything to do with Constance is NOW my business. I work for the ATF and you don't want to threaten me. You need to leave," Chris hissed taking a step forward.
Tory flinched as she realized that she had seriously miscalculated the blond, this was not a man to be messed with.
Buck smoothly stepped forward figuring it was time for him to smooth out the situation before it escalated into something worse.
"Now little lady just to let you know Chris does not like to be called cowboy, in fact he hates it. How about you and I go to town for a bite to eat and you can tell me all about it," Buck said holding out his arm for her to take.
Tory glanced at him then at the younger man behind him. A flicker of recognition went through her when she looked at the long haired man. She knew him from somewhere but where? It wasn't like her to forget such a pretty face. Looking at Buck she acknowledged his words as she took his arm. Nothing more was to be gained at this house, but her sister and her mate would soon get theirs. She just needed to call her daddy then all hell would soon break loose, but first she would enjoy a brief dalliance with the good looking man in front of her.
Taking Buck arm, Tory smiled at him.
"Why thank you sir. I will gladly go with you. The air in this house is so stuffy and the odor is repugnant."
Chris growled in his throat taking another step forward only stop when Constance put her hand on his shoulder.
"Don't Chris, she isn't worth it," Constance whispered.
Tory overheard the comment and couldn't believe it. Her sister actually had the gall to say that. It wasn't that long ago when her sister was scared to say no to her and gave her anything she asked for. Well that would again be the case as soon as her daddy got here.
Tory turned to look at her sister who stood by her mate's side gripping his hand tightly.
"Not worth it, I am worth so much more than you. I always was and I always will be," Tory then tossed her head and headed out the door.
As she passed Vin she reached out and stroked her hand down his cheek causing him to jerk back out of her way.
Tory laughed, "My you are a pretty one. Maybe when the time comes I will claim you for my own that is if...well if someone else doesn't want you first. They do like blue eyes."
With that cryptic comment she sauntered on out the door with Buck following close behind.
Buck patted Vin on the cheek letting him know with touch that he would take care of the bitch make sure she left the area. The whole team knew that Vin didn't like to be touched especially by a stranger. It had only been the last few years that he allowed the team to hug or console him. Chris had been the first but it had been the blond leader who had found him and released him from the wolf trap that he fallen into. Vin had not had it easy and the team tended to look out for him perhaps at times even more so that JD.
Chris walked over to Vin slinging an arm around his shoulders.
"Buck will take care of her. She won't be around to hassle Constance or you," Chris assured his best friend.
Vin turned baffled eyes to the blond.
"What the hell did she mean, she will claim me unless someone else wants me first," he inquired more curious than worried.
"She is a little crazy, Vin. She always has been," Constance assured him as she patted his arm.
Constance gasped this was the first time she had really touched Vin. Now she knew why he had fascinated her in the barn, she knew why she felt so comfortable with Vin; she knew why his scent was so familiar. It was one she knew from childhood, one she knew from her dreams.
Both men glanced at her curiously when she gasped.
"Vi...Vin what is your mother's name?" Constance asked.
Vin looked at her with a confused expression on his face but he replied, "My mothers name was Maggie."
Constance was so excited she threw her arms around Vin while exclaiming, "Oh Vin we are cousins. Remember when you moved back to Alaska for a while when you were a child?"
Chris caught the look on Vin's face. His best friend was trying to remember his childhood but the blonde knew that Vin's memories were sketchy at best.
Chris ushered them both to the sofa and made them sit down.
Vin glanced at Chris who nodded his head letting his friend know that he could tell Constance anything he wanted or nothing if that is what he chose.
"Ah...Constance, I don't really remember much about my early childhood. My mother died when I was I was around 5 and my dad died in the war so I never knew him. I just remember bits and pieces of what my mother told me and that wasn't much."
Constance knew she would have to tread carefully but there was no doubt in her mind that Vin was her cousin.
"Where did you go after your mom died?"
"I lived in various foster homes until I ran away when I was thirteen, lived on the reservation for a few years then I got my GED and joined the Army Rangers as a sharpshooter."
Constance smiled as she replied, "Just like your dad, he was a sharpshooter too. Your dad and mine were in the same unit, they died together fighting the enemy. My mother told me that they died heroes, she was so proud of them. But after your dad died it was only a year later that your mom quickly left Alaska and we lost touch with her. You were my age around three years old."
When Vin just sat there dumbfounded by all the information coming his way, Chris asked, "How do you remember Vin when you were only three years old?"
Constance flushed but she knew that if they were going to have a successful marriage she had to be totally honest.
"When I was born my mother knew I was special. She said that if a cub is born that has bluish white fur and yellowish green eyes it will be special. I can see, hear and know things sometimes that others can't. It isn't all the time. I can sense if someone is dangerous and try to stay away from things that trouble me like my sister."
Chris gaped at the comments then he looked at Vin with wide eyes.
"Vin, you can do that too. Babe until you Vin is the only other person I know who has those special abilities."
Constance sighed as she realized they didn't think she was a freak.
"Mom said that it was more prevalent with the offspring of Artic wolves who bred with Timber wolves. Vin your mother like mine was an Artic wolf while your dad was a Timber wolf."
Vin finally found his voice, "I can't do it all the time either. It is like you can sense things on the wind. Sometimes it is like a haunting dream and you wonder if it is real. But I don't remember Alaska."
"That is exactly it, Vin. Wait a minute I'll be right back perhaps I can jog your memory."
Constance rushed from the room then came back in carrying an album filled with pictures.
For the next several minutes they all pored over the old pictures. Vin was speechless as he saw his mother growing up and then in pictures with his dad. Vin smiled as he saw how happy they had been together. The ones with his mother and him as a toddler brought tears to his eyes. Then there were the ones where he was playing with a little girl with long ash blonde hair.
"Wow Vin you inherited your eyes from your mother," Chris said seeing that his friend was almost spellbound by the pictures.
"She had pretty eyes, I remember that. My mother always said she wished she had the same blue eyes as her sister," Constance softly said.
Vin finally spoke up, "She said my dad died when they tried to save the crew of a helicopter that had gone down in the desert. The crew was saved but dad and I guess your dad died in the rescue."
"That's right Vin. Oh I am so happy to have found you again. I know you don't remember but we used to pretend that we were brother and sister. I was so unhappy when you left."
Vin smiled his blue eyes lighting up as he asked, "Was there...ah did we try to build a snowman in the kitchen because it was to cold to do it outside?"
Constance was delight as she yelped, "Yes...yes that was us Vin. Our mothers were not real happy with us. It took forever for them to clean up the mess."
"So that is why you looked familiar earlier, I wondered about that," Vin said.
"I knew you were familiar too," she agreed.
Chris left them alone for a bit as Constance brought up things they had done when they had been kids. This would be good for both of them. Vin would hear about the childhood he could barely remember at times and Constance had gained a brother. Clearly his new mate was the nurturing kind as she had been all but hovering over Vin as she had reminisced.
Chris was standing on the front porch when Buck had driven up with Tory in the passenger seat.
To everyone's surprise Tory was smiling as she walked up to the porch.
"I just wanted to say how sorry I was for the previous argument. I just don't know what gets into me sometimes," she simpered.
Buck had a funny look on his face and he was carefully watching the proceedings.
Tory sat down on the front porch swing and patted the seat next to her. Constance started forward hoping to appease her sister and get rid of her faster.
Chris beat her to the punch by sitting down next to the bratty woman.
"Why I don't believe we were properly introduced earlier. My name is Tory," she said putting a hand on Chris's arm.
Chris felt like snapping back but he felt Constance worry and bit the words back.
"I am Chris Larabee, head of ATF team 7 and the alpha for my pack. I am also your sister's fiancé," he stated very clearly.
"How absolutely sweet, I never thought Constance would ever find herself a man. Of course her mama had better luck especially when she hooked up with my daddy. Like I said before Chris dear, I can be so much for you and I am used to getting what I want," Tory purred as she put her hand on Chris's leg moving it up his muscular thigh.
At that point Constance had enough. How dear Tory come here and try to get more money from her, and now she was blatantly flirting with her man.
Constance gasped as a memory from her past slammed into her. Tory mentioning her father must have forced the memory to the surface.
Tory actually paled a bit and took her hand from Chris's thigh as her sister stormed across the porch yanking her to her feet.
"You bitch, it was your fault my precious mother is dead," she yelled.
Tory just tossed her head and smiled not caring at all that her sister had finally remembered that night.
Constance looked at the three men who now stood side by side.
"Mama put some money aside for me for college and the deed to a nightclub my grandparents owned in a safety deposit box. This bratty bitch cried and whined about it to her father, that it wasn't fair I had money and she didn't. The night my mama died Tory was at a friend's house; her demon spawned father got drunk and drugged up like usual and started slapping mama around. He was demanding part of the money for his daughter; you put him up to it by egging him on. My mother always told me to hide if I was around when he lost it. I hid but I saw it as he continued to beat on her, she begged him to stop but he just laughed. Finally he hit her so hard she fell down a flight of stairs and broke her neck. Thank God he passed out after that so I escaped from him. That money is mine, you are NO blood relation to me, and I wish we had left you in Alaska but Uncle John and Aunt Louise, my relatives felt sorry for you. I tried with you Tory but you have too much of your fathers blood in you. You said you wanted to come with us because you hated your father I don't think so, I think you just wanted to see what you could get for yourself."
Tory opened her mouth to say something but Constance slapped her hard across the face.
"Furthermore you keep your fucking nasty hands off MY mate. Chris is mine and I don't share. Also you stay away from Vin, he is my cousin NOT yours."
Constance was shocked at how angry she was but she knew she was in the right. Besides knowing that her new pack was behind her gave her added confidence.
Vin was shocked by his cousin's behavior but he loved it, Buck had a smile on his face as he watched his alpha's mate vent her anger. Chris just stood back his arms across his chest pride in his mate clear to see.
Tory shoved her sister back and then in an instant the situation escalated.
Vin felt the snap in the air first but before he could say anything the two women had changed into wolf form, their clothes in tatters lay on the porch. Constance lunged for Tory's throat.
Chris wanted to change as the two female wolves rolled around in the yard snapping at each other.
Constance was beautiful her bluish white fur was raised as she stalked her half sister, her eyes glowing with fury.
Tory was just the opposite, she was coal black with red and black eyes, the red more prominent as she snapped back at Constance.
Chris started to change to get between the two wolves but Vin stopped him with a shake of his head. Vin raised a shotgun he had retrieved from the front room and shot into the air.
Immediately the wolves turned back into human form.
Constance looked around the realized she was stark naked which embarrassed her as no man except Chris had seen her without clothes on.
Buck quickly tossed a blanket at Chris even as he and Vin turned giving her some privacy.
Chris stalked off the porch and wrapped the blanket around Constance pulling her into his arms.
"I am so embarrassed. I have never behaved like that before," she whispered.
Chris just smiled down at her his love showing in his green eyes.
"You have no reason to be embarrassed. You reacted in the right way, protecting what is yours," he assured her feeling a warm glow as he realized that she was as possessive of him as he was of her.
Tory calmly climbed to her feet, she had a bite mark on her shoulder due to the fight but was otherwise unharmed. To her consternation Constance only had a couple of minor scratches.
Buck and Vin were watching the proceedings now that Constance was covered by the blanket. They didn't care about Tory though Vin was blushing, women generally made him nervous and this one was naked.
Tory caught the blanket that Buck tossed her noticing how Vin wouldn't meet her eyes. How delicious the gorgeous man was embarrassed she just loved to toy with his kind.
Wrapping the blanket around her waist not caring that her breasts were bare for all to see she went over to Vin.
"Like I said before pretty boy, I will be back for you unless someone else claims you first. Of course he might share you, it will be so much more fun now that I know who you are," she purred as she patted Vin's cheek.
Vin flinched back right into Buck, who put his arm around Vin's waist in support.
"Back off bitch," Buck snarled wanting nothing more than to rip her throat out.
"Get away from my brother," Chris ordered for that was how he thought of Vin as his kid brother.
"And my cousin," Constance hissed.
Tory turned and had to admit that her damn sister and her mate were quite a pair but she would never admit it.
"I should have known pretty boy was your cousin. I should have remembered how everyone talked about his blue eyes. Oh yes I remember something being said about looking for him and not finding him. I think his mother had pretty blue eyes too, like your mother Constance. If you weren't so dense you would be putting two and two together. My family does like blue eyes. However I don't have time to play around anymore."
Tory smiled at Vin, "See you soon pretty boy."
Buck pushed Vin back further on the porch as he reached for Tory's arm to escort her to her car.
Constance rushed over to Vin with Chris right behind her. The three of them went inside, Chris poured four stiff drinks. They were all drinking when they heard the car squeal away from the house.
Buck walked into the house and up to Chris.
Buck looked angry and disgusted, "We might have problems. That woman is one angry bitch...excuse my language Constance...she is out for blood. I heard her say something about calling her daddy and then we would all pay."
Constance turned white at his words and promptly fainted; Vin caught her before she hit the floor. Chris picked her up and carried her to the sofa.
Several minutes passed as he put a cool cloth on her forehead.
Constance woke up to find Chris sitting next to her while Vin and Buck hovered in the background.
In a small scared voice she said, "If he comes here he will kill all of us."
"You mean Tory's father?" Vin asked.
"Yes Derrick Jamieson, he killed my mother, Tory's mother and tried to kill me. That is why we moved here and the Andersons adopted us, they were trying to protect us from him. Tory's last name is Jamieson but when she was adopted it was changed."
Looking at Chris then the other two men Constance whispered, "He is a horrible man, he is mean and very dangerous. Vin...I...I need to tell you something. Tory said something and it reminded me. I...I will tell you in a bit."
Chris pressed a kiss to her forehead and replied, "He has not met up with Team 7 before. We are probably far more dangerous than he is. I will protect you and so will the team."
Constance shut her eyes as she cuddled into Chris's arms.
"I hope so...I really hope so."
Part IV: Nightmares Revealed Then Wolf's Paradise
Chris went to call Nathan and Raine wanting them to come check on Constance but she assured him she was fine.
Buck poured everyone another drink. Vin sat nervously on one of the sofas next to Buck wondering what Constance meant when she said she had remembered something. His memories were pretty non existent about is life in Alaska. When Constance had been talking about it earlier a few memories had surfaced but not many, but he had a sense of deep foreboding and yes even fear when he thought about Alaska. Perhaps his mind had buried that part of his life deep for a reason.
After Constance had finished the second drink she took a deep breath. She leaned over and kissed Chris was sitting very close to her.
"Vin what exactly do you remember about Alaska?"
Vin was silent for a minute then he said, "Just bits and pieces. I just remembered about the snowman when we were talking earlier. I know mom didn't like to talk about it so I guess I blocked it out of my mind."
"I think I can help if you trust me. Your senses are very acute like mine, I think your memory is also as good as mine but you don't want to remember or I don't know maybe it never happened but I have to tell you just in case."
"I do trust you Constance but why would my mother want me to forget her sister and you?"
"I don't know for sure. I do know that something bad happened and one day you all were just gone. My mother was never sure what happened. When I was talking or I guess yelling at Tory about her father killing my mother I...well I remembered more of what he was saying to mom right before he killed her. At the time I was so scared that it didn't register with me, after all you all had been gone for so long that we figured you...well that you were both dead. Derrick was talking about...well I think he was talking about you and your mother."
Chris piped up, "I think you should let Constance help. After all Vin it might give us more information on what we are up against. You know Buck and I are here for you cowboy."
Vin finally nodded his head.
Constance got up and sat next to Vin taking both his hands in hers. Buck stayed next to Vin with his hand on the younger mans lower back in support. He wanted Vin to know he was there for him.
"When he was screaming at my mother he told her that she was so stupid she never figured out why her sister had left. Then he said...I am so sorry Vin...he said that there was nothing quite like taking an unwilling woman and that your mom was the best. She put up a fight but he still managed to well...I don't want to say what he said but he raped her."
Vin had paled but he didn't say a word, Buck was rubbing circles on his friends back soothing him but wanting nothing more than to kill the animal who liked to hurt innocent women.
Chris was watching his mate and so was Vin. Constance clearly knew something else but was hesitant to say anything.
"What else?" Vin quietly asked.
Constance looked at Vin then tears began to fall softly down her cheeks.
"He...he said that it was a shame she had run because he was just getting to know her son and wanted to continue his fun, he really liked blue eyes...I am so sorry Vin, he...it sounded like he...with you...I am so sorry," Constance sobbed.
Vin reeled from what he had been told. Why couldn't he remember any of what had happened?
"He...he raped my mother and he...with me...I don't remember any of that," Vin said paling even further and shrinking back until he felt Buck's arm go around him giving him the needed sense of protection he was craving.
Chris moved over until he was kneeling between his mate and his best friend.
Chris rested his hand on his mate's leg patting it gently. Glancing at Vin he saw that Buck had both his arms wrapped around Vin who had buried his face in Bucks shoulder.
Chris reached out but Buck shook his head motioning that Chris should take Constance and leave them alone for a few minutes.
Hesitating Chris finally took her hand and led Constance outside. He didn't want to leave Vin, he was the one who had always looked out after the younger man but he had Constance to look out for now. It wouldn't hurt to let Buck be the one that Vin turned to as long as his young friend knew that Chris would always be there for him.
Buck felt tears soaking into his shirt as Vin silently cried.
"It's going to be okay Vin. We are going to get that bastard for what he did to you and Constance and your mothers. He won't get away with it," Buck vowed.
Vin sat back wiping his eyes with his hands.
In a small voice he replied, "I know we will get him. Buck I don't remember any of that, I mean nothing. It's not like when Constance reminded me about the snowman, I remembered that but this...there is nothing there. You would think I would remember something like that."
Buck shook his head, "Not necessarily. The mind tends to forget things that could hurt us. Besides remember this is something that Constance says her step father said, it could all be a lie. He might have been trying to say that just to further upset your aunt."
Vin sat quietly for a minute, "That's true, I hadn't thought about that."
Buck looked intently at the younger man and carefully thought about what he wanted to say.
"Vin, I don't know if this guy did the things he bragged about or not. The thing is you don't remember it. The only people who know for 100% certainty are your mother and Jamieson. Your mom cannot tell you but we will try to get it out of that animal before he dies," Buck vowed.
"I guess maybe it is a good thing I don't remember it. I mean who would want to remember something like that," Vin said.
"I wouldn't but don't let it eat at you. We will try to figure it out and if we don't well, nothing has changed. You are still Vin Tanner, Chris's little scrawny brother and a member of the best ATF team out there. We all love you kid," Buck finished up.
Vin blushed at the sentiment, he knew the guys cared but to hear Buck come right out and say it was very special.
"Thanks Bucklin, I appreciate it," Vin said with a smile.
For the rest of the day the four people worked side by side at the ranch. Vin and Constance continued to chat about family but the issue of Jamieson was not brought up. Chris and Buck were keeping a close eye on Constance and Vin. Vin had talked briefly to his brother and cousin letting them know that while he was still shocked he was okay.
Chris had pulled Buck to the side and told him that Vin was not to be left alone for any reason. In case Jamieson had harmed Vin when he was a child there was no way Vin was going to be hurt again by the bastard.
That afternoon Ezra showed up with Mary and Evy Travis as well as Inez. Soon afterwards JD drove up with Casey and her aunt Nettie.
Constance was introduced all the way around and before long all the women were inside talking about wedding plans.
The women were blown away by the fact that Constance wanted Chris and the rest of the team to dress like the people did in the old west. She explained that she had talked to Chris about it and he loved the idea. That didn't surprise the women as they had all heard the story of how Chris's grandfather had been a leader of the Peacekeepers of Four Corners a long time ago and how he had lost his family yet had found another woman to love and they had raised six great kids, Chris's dad James Christopher Larabee being one of them.
"Have you talked to Chris's parents yet?" Nettie asked.
"No but they will be here for the wedding. I think his sister Samantha will be here too. I am not sure about his brother, I...well I don't think they talk a lot. Anyway Chris said he has the clothes his grandfather wore. He has a picture of the peacekeepers and his grandfather always wore black attire, Chris has it all plus the guns. Vin's grandfather was also a peacekeeper. They did some checking into their ancestors and Vin's grandfather worked with Chris's at Four Corners. They thought that was so cool. It is like time is repeating itself."
"What do the rest of the guys think?" Casey asked.
"Chris mentioned it when he stopped by work and they loved it too. I think they are already deciding what to wear," Constance enthused about it.
After getting the plans down the ladies walked around the ranch enjoying the horses as they frolicked in the corral.
Ezra strode up to Constance anxious to see if what he thought was true.
Constance smiled at the undercover agent, "Hello Ezra what can I do for you?"
"I was just wondering if your uncle made wine. There is a remarkable vineyard stretching for almost a mile I would say. It looks like the grapes are almost ready heavy with blooms and grapes."
"Yes Uncle John doesn't have his own winery a friend close by does and we get all the wine we want. My uncle has quite a wine cellar, he loved to buy wine, and some if it I believe is quite rare."
Ezra was thoughtful for a minute then he exclaimed, "I knew the name was familiar. Your uncle outbid me several times for bottle of wine. I would say that if those bottles are in your cellar then yes you have quite a collection, I am impressed."
"You are more than welcome to sample any that you desire."
Ezra was taken aback by the generous offer.
"That is very nice but I would not feel comfortable just doing that. How about at some point in the future we have a wine tasting here at the ranch; perhaps we can use it for a needful charity, one that will help kids."
"That is wonderful I would love to do that," Constance said.
Ezra smiled and strode off to gather his ladies to take them back to town. Yes he was very pleased with his alpha's choice of a mate.
JD gathered up Casey and Nettie and they had a happy journey back to town. JD had gathered his courage and told Chris that he and Casey had secretly gotten married a couple of weeks before. She was expecting and they were afraid that he would be mad because they had not checked with him first since he was the alpha of the pack.
Chris had just patted the younger man on the shoulder and told him it was fine but he best be good to Casey or else. Since it was said with a smile JD knew that his boss was just teasing there was no way he would be mean to Casey besides she would kick his ass.
Soon the only ones at the ranch were Chris, Constance, Vin, Buck, and Josiah. Nathan and Raine were at the hospital and couldn't get away.
The phone rang as dinner was being put on the table. Constance picked it up but then handed it to Chris since it was for him.
Chris talked for a few minutes his tone getting angrier and angrier. Finally he told the person thanks and hung up.
"What's wrong Chris?" Vin asked.
"Cal down at the bar and grill overheard some men talking about Constance and the ranch."
"Who is Cal?" Constance asked.
"A member of the pack you haven't met yet. We have about twenty members but some of them are not real active in pack life."
"What did Cal have to say?" Buck demanded.
"One guy in particular seemed to be fired up. He was talking about how Constance was a frigid bi...ah...woman but that given time he could loosen her up. He also was bragging about he killed John Anderson and made it look like an accident; he seems to think he should have inherited the ranch and resents the fact that he didn't. I think it was Roger the guy you fired; he is the only one that makes any sense. I mentioned the name to Cal and he said that one of the guys said that name."
"Do you think he will show up and try something," Josiah wanted to know.
"I am sure he will, Roger is a mean man and when he drinks he is even worse," Constance commented.
Just then the phone rang again.
Chris picked it up, listened smiled and hung up saying thank you to the person on the other end.
"Cal said Roger just left, he thinks he is heading here but he is without his buddies."
"What should we do? I will not allow him to hurt the horses. That is part of his issue with me, I have made Gambler into a winner without his help and he cannot stand it."
Chris smiled and it wasn't a nice smile. "I have an idea and justice will be served the best way possible."
Quickly he outlined plan and everyone took their places. Chris called a friend and another pack member who was a highway patrol agent to shadow the guy making sure that he didn't hurt anyone on the road. Once Roger turned into the driveway the patrolman left it was Chris's show now.
Sure enough about forty five minutes later Roger pulled up in front of the house, the sun was setting so the yard was in shadows. The trees making it seem later than it was.
Roger almost fell out of his car but then walked until he was in the middle of the yard.
"I'm back you stupid bitch. I told you I would be back, this fucking ranch is mine and I aim to have it," he screamed.
Constance and Vin walked out of the barn and stopped just staring at the man.
"You got yourself a man, do you...well he won't help you. I plan on fucking you raw then keeping you in your place. These damn horses you love so much, I will show them who is boss."
"I think you really should just shut the hell up," Vin said his blue eyes glinting at the foul language coming out of the guy's mouth.
"Fuck off, pretty boy. John Anderson told me the same damn thing and I put him six feet under. Stupid cops thought he died in a tractor accident...I hit him over the head and then made sure the tractor ended up on top of him. Idiot didn't even see it coming," Roger gloated not caring that he was admitting to murder as he intended on killing Constance and her man anyway. He was going to have some fun with her first though and hell maybe him too, he was certainly pretty enough."
Constance was scared but she knew she had her mate and the pack behind her. Besides she was not going to allow this animal to hurt her horses again.
"Uncle John trusted you and you killed him. You whipped my horses then you thought I would fall for you. When I didn't you got pushy that is when you got fired. I have done fine without you but justice needs to be delivered."
"Who is going to deliver you and pretty boy here," Roger sneered.
Just then there were several low growls coming from behind Constance and Vin.
Roger laughed, "You think those dogs of yours scare me, hell no they are not match for me."
Roger then pulled a gun out from behind his back. Constance flinched at the sight of the gun but Vin just laughed.
As Roger started to turn towards Vin the sharpshooter pulled his own gun and fired. Roger cried out in pain as the bullet his hand, his gun falling to the ground.
Roger looked up, took a step toward the two people not caring that Vin had a gun he was going to tear them both apart.
Just then three large wolves came into view walking slowly towards the bleeding man. The four dogs that belonged to Constance suddenly appeared they were not afraid of the wolves instead they circled their mistress until they sat down surrounding her. It was as though they were obeying an order only they could hear.
Constance looked at some of her pack, they were gorgeous creatures.
Chris was a golden color with just a hint of grey, Buck was grey also so dark he was almost black, Josiah was a much lighter grey wolf. The three had their teeth showing as growls reverberated around the yard.
Roger suddenly screamed as Vin changed into wolf form, he was a tawny golden color, but the blue eyes were gleaming with predatory intent.
Roger was so scared he pissed himself, babbling with fear he reached for the gun he had dropped when his hand was shot.
With a snarl of rage Chris launched himself at the man razor sharp teeth clamping down on the arm, the same arm with the bleeding hand. The force of his attack shoved Roger to the ground.
Chris backed off sitting on his haunches nonchalantly licking the blood off his mouth as though he didn't have a care in the world.
Josiah, Buck and Vin began to circle the bleeding man snapping at him bringing their sharp teeth within inches of him.
Roger finally screamed, shit his pants in total fear and scrambled to his feet.
The wolves stood between him and his car so that option was out.
Hearing a snort behind him he saw Midnight Gambler standing in the corral staring at him. That was his way out, stupid horse was afraid of him, he could ride to safety. With the wolves chasing him the horse was bound to run as fast as it could; besides the bitch wouldn't let anything happen to her precious horse.
Roger backed up until he could slip into the corral he was holding his bleeding arm up against his chest.
Summoning his last bit of bravado he screamed, "I am taking this fucking horse and leaving. You want to send your wolves or whatever the hell they really are after us fine, but the horse dies first. I don't...don't think you want him to die because of a wolf attack."
Constance just smiled and slowly walked to the corral, her dogs staying close to her side. The wolves had fanned out Josiah and Vin going into the corral but keeping their distance from the man and the horse. Buck and Chris prowled outside the fence snarling and growling.
Roger approached the horse keeping his eyes on the wolves. The man was so arrogant he thought the horse that he had abused would not remember how he had used the whip to rip into him. Midnight Gambler totally ignored the wolves his total concentration on the hated man next to him.
As Roger tried to mount the saddle less horse Gambler had his vengeance. With one swing of his massive head the horse sent Roger screaming to the ground holding his head in pain.
Midnight Gambler paused for a moment glancing at Constance who imperceptibly nodded her head. It was as though the horse had been given permission to rain hell down on the abusive man at his feet.
Roger tried to scramble to his feet but sharp hooves dug into his back driving him back to the ground. Shrill cries and whimpers filled the air as blood covered Roger's back the hooves slicing into human skin.
Roger glanced upward in time to see the horse rear up, it was the last thing he saw as the hooves came down to cave in his skull. Midnight Gambler continued to vent his rage on the body at his feet. The memories of the whip, the sharp spurs, and the slaps to his face spurring him on to make sure this man didn't rise again to hurt any other creature.
The men changed back, quickly dressed and began to take care of business. They didn't feel any guilt for the Roger's death as he had brought it upon himself by his actions.
Vin with Constance calmed the horse leading him back into the barn. The horse now accepted Vin as one of his so the man was able to care for the horse without worrying about getting hurt.
Josiah and Buck gathered up what remained of Roger preparing to take the remains to the far end of the property and let the animals take of it. Later they would take Roger's truck and leave it on a deserted stretch of highway, the vandals would strip it and since the man had no family or real friends his absence would hardly be a thing to talk about.
Constance left Vin with the horse and walked over to her mate.
Chris wrapped his arm around her and whispered, "How are you doing? I am sorry that was probably not fair for you to see that happen to someone no matter how horrible he was."
Constance smiled, "I guess I should be shocked but I'm not. I hated him so much; if he had lived he would have continued to mistreat people and animals both. I think it was justified."
Chris nuzzled into her neck, the smell of blood and the kill always turned on the wolf in him. Taking a deep breath he could tell his mate felt the same way.
"Let's go continue our bonding," he whispered.
Constance just nodded her head. The two disappeared into the vineyard when they were out of sight of the others they changed.
Buck watched them disappear envious of the love they shared. He was so thrilled for Chris for having found his true love, someone to share the future with. Now if only he could convince Inez that he was the man for her.
Vin was happy for his brother. The young sharpshooter also began to think about the future. Seeing Chris with Constance made him yearn for a woman to come home to and kids to fill the house. As he thought about it he remembered Fiona from Kojay's tribe. She was Kojay's daughter and had two brothers. Fiona was also a doctor and friends with Raine and Nathan. They had been around each other at other functions and have gotten along real well. Maybe it was time to pursue her harder and see what came of it.
Josiah too was smitten with the love bug. Unbeknownst to his team he had secretly been seeing a lady at the office, she was a two blood and the relationship was getting serious. He would need to introduce her soon to his pack mates.
In the vineyard Chris was hungry for his mate as he nuzzled her, their scent filling the air as the urge to mate increased tenfold. The fruity smell of the grapes filled the air.
Constance was nervous but stood still as her mate mounted her entering her sex quickly. She whines as he began pumping as fast as he could, growing larger inside of her thrusting as fast and as deep as he could manage. Chris lightly bit down on the back of his mate's neck holding her in place as wolves do as he shot his seed deep inside of her. They were still linked together so Chris lay down on her back for a few minutes. As he finally pulled out of her he licked her face showing how much he loved her.
They changed back to human form and Chris cradled her in his arms wondering if she was pregnant. He was would be so ecstatic if she were.
Constance lay quietly thinking about her life and where she had ended up. She would never forget the day mom had gotten he letter saying that her husband had died a hero; he had been her college sweetheart. Then Jamieson had come along and life had changed for the worse. Staying with her grandparents was nice as least it had kept her from being around her step father too much; he had made her skin crawl. When he had been away she had stayed with her mother but as soon as he came back she went back to her grandparents where she felt safe. It was really special when she began singing in her grandparents club they also traveled a lot and she had loved that. That had changed when they had died in a plane crash; she had gotten the club with mom running it. Jamieson had ended all that when he had killed her mother and burned the club down. Thank goodness Aunt Louisa and Uncle John had come for her and out of the goodness of their heart had taken Tory in also. Now she was mated to the alpha of the pack and had found her beloved cousin again.
Drifting into a light sleep Constance dreamt of her mother looking down at her. Constance told her mother how much she missed her and daddy. With joy in her voice she told her mother how she was in love with Chris who was the leader of his pack but she was scared she was going to lose everything when Jamieson showed up.
Constance mother smiled and told her daughter that everything would be fine, there would be a battle ahead but ultimately happiness would be hers.
Waking up Constance turned in her mates arms kissing him deeply. Chris was thrilled as he felt her touch him then urge him to enter her hot wetness.
They made love in the vineyard her favorite place on the ranch until both were completely sated and happy.
The couple knew they should get up and go back to the ranch but it was so peaceful where they were they decided to wait for a bit. Tomorrow would come soon enough and they would have to plan on how to deal with Jamieson and his pack but right now was for them and them alone.
Part V: Long Journey Home
Chris helped Constance to her feet wondering if she were pregnant, hoping and praying that she was. He would love to have children with the woman he loved.
Hearing someone coming through the vineyard Constance stepped behind Chris so no one would see her naked.
Vin and Buck wandered into the vineyard since their friend and his mate had been gone for quite some time. Hearing them talking they knew everything was fine and headed on back to the house.
Constance shook out their clothes to make sure there were no spiders or bugs in them. They quickly dressed then headed back to the house. Chris kept his arm around her holding her close to his side.
Constance was worried about her stepfather showing up and causing trouble. Now she was even more worried about Vin and what would happen to him.
Though Constance had been a virgin when she had made love with Chris she was not stupid about the ways of the world. She knew that while most couples were a man and woman it wasn't that way all the time.
While she had no problem with same sex couples she knew that Jamieson wouldn't want Vin as a loving mate he wanted to rape and abuse the younger man. There was no doubt that once he knew who Vin was that would be exactly what he would try to do.
Chris knew his mate was worried so he said, "Everything will be fine."
"Jamieson is an animal, once he knows about Vin he will want to take him in the worst possible way. I could pretend to take Vin as a second mate," she fretted.
Chris grinned loving her for her worry but knowing it wouldn't work, "I have a plan. Vin will be protected even if he doesn't think he needs protecting. It wouldn't work to pretend to have Vin as a second mate. Wolves only have one mate and Tory knows he is your cousin, they would never believe you would take him as your mate."
At the ranch Buck and Vin were walking towards the barn.
"What a fucking mess," Vin said shaking his head.
"Yes it is but Chris has one damn fine two blood as a mate. I am so glad to see him happy again," Bucklin replied not watching around him as he stayed close to his friend.
Jazz didn't like the big man walking so close to his new human friend and swished his tail in Buck's face causing him to jump back. One of the newest stud colts trotted over to check things out and stopped in front of Bucklin. The colt proceeded to check him out; Midnight Trouble was a buckskin and full of piss and vinegar. He tried to get Buck's attention. Finally Buck took his hat off and the horse grabbed it trotting off turning to see if the man would follow him as he wanted to play.
Vin laughed, "Looks like you still need to work on you animal magnetism Bucklin. I don't think the horses are impressed."
Chris and Constance walked up laughing because they had seen what the horse had done to get Buck's attention.
Chris decided to fill them in on his plan.
The blonde decided to just state it very plainly and bluntly, "Buck you are going to be Vin's mate."
Vin dropped the shovel he had in his hand, his mouth dropped open in shock.
Buck stared at Chris, and then caught Vin's reaction. The big man couldn't help it he busted out laughing.
Walking over to Vin he wrapped an arm around the slim shoulders.
"Well now Junior I never thought of you like that but you sure are nice looking."
Vin jerked away his cheeks bright red, his blue eyes glaring at all of them.
"I am not pretending that Buck is my mate. It wouldn't work, his scent is not on me and I am NOT having sex with him," Vin declared crossing his arms over his chest daring them to contradict him.
Buck pretended to be affronted, "Now Vin, most people would love to have my scent on them. Why I have been told..."
Chris saw that his young friend was about to erupt so he interrupted, "Buck quit teasing him. Vin I don't want you to have sex with Buck. However you need more protection than you think you do. I think if you two change and the two of you wrestle around like pack mates do his scent will be all over you. It wouldn't hurt to have him be close to you either."
Vin wanted to argue but the truth was the knowledge of what might have happened when he was a child scared him more than he wanted to admit.
"Fine, but you try anything funny Buck and I will cut it off and stuff it down your throat," Vin threatened.
Buck blanched at the thought.
"Damn Vin, that was just downright mean," Buck replied acting like he was hurt.
Vin then felt bad.
"I'm sorry Bucklin, this whole thing with Jamieson has me spooked, and I know I can trust you."
"I know that. How about you and I go on over to the ranch and check on your horses, I think we need some down time right now," Buck suggested.
Soon Vin and Buck had left. Chris was confident that the two of them would talk and his plan would go forward.
As Constance fixed up a snack Chris got on the phone with Travis and filled him in on everything that was going on. Nathan then called and told his boss that he had passed the word to the pack members that there was trouble on the horizon. Everyone would be on the lookout for rogue two bloods in the area.
As the Four Corners pack was making plans there were also plans being made in Vegas.
Derrick Jamieson was very interested in what his daughter had to tell him about his step daughter and her new found mate.
"So my late wife's bitch daughter has a mate does she? Isn't that interesting especially considering the one she has picked. Not only that but that adorable little boy I liked so much has grown up," Jamieson smiled rubbing his hands together as he remembered all those years ago.
Tory grinned, "Oh he has grown up all right. Vin is one gorgeous man, big blue eyes just like you fancy, pretty face and his body is slim but just right. I thought about trying him out but I decided to wait and see if there was anything left after you finished with him."
Derrick glared at her, there were times his daughter really irritated him, and at times he wondered if he should have killed her instead of his damn wife.
"You best know your place girl. You never touch what is mine, I claimed that boy when he was a child and once I want something it remains mine."
Tory ducked her head cowering back from the angry man.
"I know dad, I'm sorry," she whispered.
Just then a woman came into the room. She was naked; a dog collar was around her neck a leash dangled between her breasts. Her eyes were downcast and she flinched when she walked the whip marks on her back were fresh and they hurt when she moved. Her body was covered in bruises as she no longer had an easy or nice life.
Derrick walked forward and shoved her to the floor to kneel in front of him.
"Guess what my dear; we are both going to have some fun. It seems my step daughter has mated with the man you obsess over, Chris Larabee. I will allow you to see him before I kill him and skin him. I always wanted a wolf mounted on the wall in my family room."
Ella Gaines cowered on the floor once again wondering how she could ever have thought she loved this man. Once she had been a strong woman now she was just a shell obeying in everything in hopes she wouldn't get beat. Once she had arranged for Chris Larabee's family to die so she could have him but that fell through and she had settled for Jamieson, she would have been better off letting Chris catch her and kill her.
Just then a few of his pack members walked in. While he chatted with a couple of them making plans on heading to Four Corners Tory flirted with several of them. Tory loved sex and she enjoyed it as often as possible with as many men as possible even at the same time.
Jamieson watched with increasing fury as his daughter flaunted herself like a common whore. Hell it wasn't his men's fault; it was hers for behaving like that.
Finally the last straw was when she stroked down on mans chest rubbing her hand over the front of his jeans while he looked down the low cut blouse she had on.
Jamison let out a roar and stalked across the room, Ella couldn't move out of the way fast enough so he kicked her to the side breaking a rib but not caring.
Tory screeched and backed up but her father slammed her against the wall holding her there by the throat her feet off the ground.
"You nasty filthy little bitch, you are a stain to the Jamieson name. It ends now," he screamed.
Applying pressure he slowly strangled her to death, only when she was limp and her eyes were fixed on nothing did he let go. Tory's body dropped to the floor.
Jamieson kicked it several times for good measure.
"I want two of you to take this piece of shit to the desert and dispose of it, the animals will take care of the evidence," he ordered then he turned his back and began making plans for leaving the next day.
Ella curled up in a little ball hoping he would forget about her, but she figured he would remember her eventually. After all his sex drive was legendary and she would be lucky to be able to walk the next day.
That night Chris made slow sweet love to Constance until they both couldn't stand it as they reached their climax together. As she lay close to sleep she wondered what to get her fiancé for a wedding gift then she remembered. She was sure that whatever gift she thought of Chris would love it. Thinking along those same lines she wanted to give Vin a horse perhaps the Ace of Spades since they seemed to like each other.
Chris knew how much his mate wanted everything in the wedding to be Old West so he figured the old stone church outside of town would be perfect. It has been destroyed then partially rebuilt by one of Josiah's ancestors. It had since been restored as had most of the old town of Four Corners. It held a lot of memories and there were times he and Vin had camped out there and both of them had felt right at home.
It had always been a source of amazement that the guys that made up team 7 had found out that their ancestors had also been together as a team protecting the town of Four Corners. Josiah had said that it didn't surprise him as souls had a tendency to seek each other out.
The women again converged on the ranch to talk about clothes for the wedding and the reception afterwards. Josiah even brought his new girlfriend Sandi.
JD and Casey had arrived and shared the news that they were expecting twins in a few months. They then mentioned that Raine and Fiona, Kojay's daughter was going to deliver the babies at home.
Vin smiled at the thought that he would get to see the woman he was thinking of asking out and maybe making his mate.
Constance decided that was a good idea, when she got pregnant and it was time to deliver she wanted to do it at home also. She already trusted Raine and if Fiona was good enough to get her cousins attention then that was good enough for her.
The men arrived at the ranch right after the women. Chris caught Buck's eye and nodded towards Vin.
Buck walked over the Vin and though he was reluctant Vin followed his friend outside where they changed and raced off for the woods for the next couple of hours.
Meanwhile Jamieson was on his way. Most of his 20 member pack rode motorcycles but he did have 2 black SUV's following them. He had his guns stored inside of them as well as his mate. Ella had not fared well the night before. She had goaded him telling him that he would never be the man Chris Larabee was. Jamieson had raped her repeatedly then used the whip and knife on her. Right now she was tied down naked in the back of one of the SUV's; his men had been told she was now for the use of anyone who wanted to fuck her. They had taken advantage so much so that she just wished she was dead.
Jamieson had his sights set on the blue eyed man as his next conquest. Ella was dead as far as he was concerned. Maybe this boy would learn his place and he would last longer than his other mates.
As Jamieson crossed into Colorado with his pack he passed through a small town, a town that also had a pack of their own. The local law watched them then got on the phone to Chris Larabee and informed him that the rogue pack was on the way.
Vin and Buck came back to the ranch; Chris immediately stepped close to Vin and took a deep breath.
"Good you smell like Buck, I want you to stay close to him...don't argue with me cowboy or I will tie you up and send you somewhere safe. Constance is protected by me as her mate, you need protection and Buck is it," Chris warned as Vin went to argue.
Vin clamped his mouth shut but his eyes shot sparks of anger. Vin stalked to the barn so he could keep a watch on a mare about to foal. Constance insisted on going with him, Chris didn't like it but he knew that if he told her to stay in the house she would likely smack him a good one. So he decided to keep a close eye on the barn. After all it held the two people dearest to his heart.
Chris sent the rest of the women to the house with orders to stay there. The women all knew how to shoot and were prepared to do whatever to protect the pack and their mates.
Chris wanted to send them home but he knew better and it would be an insult to them. After all he didn't want anything to happen to Constance and Casey was pregnant but they were going to stay. Hopefully they would follow orders to the letter.
Chris was counting on Jamieson's arrogance to be his downfall. If possible Chris was going to try to make the fight one on one, alpha against alpha so that the rest of the pack would stay out of it.
Generally if the pack leader died the rest backed off simply going off and finding a new leader. Hopefully it would work that way this time. Since with a rogue pack there was no true loyalty to the pack leader it should work. With a rogue pack they are only loyal to the person strong enough to fight and keep the pack together. Chris was sure there were men in the rogue pack who would jump at the chance to take Jamieson's place.
As the day wore on more of Four Corners pack showed up. Even old Yosemite showed up to help out. Kojay's showed up with some of his people including his pretty daughter Fiona who when she found out Vin was in the barn insisted on going there instead of in the house with the other women.
Fiona had been watching Vin for quite some time and was looking forward to getting to know him better...much better.
Just then there was the roar of motorcycles and then all hell broke loose.
There were men changing into wolf form, guns going off, chaos abounded.
Inside the barn the mare had just given birth to a perfect colt. The little guy was coal black with a funny shaped white stripe on his forehead in the shape of a 7. Constance realized that she was looking at the perfect wedding gift for Chris.
Just then the back barn door was busted open and Jamieson stalked in, shotgun in his hand. There were two men with him, JD had been injured and was tossed to the floor. Fiona immediately went to help him.
"Get away from him bitch, he can die for all I care," Jamieson growled.
Vin stared at the man, he didn't remember him at all but his words pissed him off.
"Shut the fuck up asshole," he hissed stepping in front of JD and the women.
Jamieson smiled as his eyes roved over Vin liking what he saw. Yes this one would be the perfect mate, pretty to the eyes, strong to withstand his rough fucking and to take the abuse he planned on delivering.
"So little Vin has grown up, I am impressed. You were a pretty little boy and you are certainly a gorgeous man. You will look very nice on your knees servicing me," Jamieson said licking his lips.
Inside Constance was shaking she was so scared but she was furious also. Outside she could hear the screams of men and wolves alike. She knew Chris would be here soon...she knew her man.
"Vin is taken you bastard, his mate will not allow you to touch him...and where is my bitch sister?" she asked suddenly realizing that Tory was no where to be seen.
"That little whore. I got sick of her spreading her legs for anything walking by, so I killed her. Good riddance to bad trash. As for pretty boy's mate, I will take care of her real quick."
Suddenly a deep voice sounded behind them, "I think not. I'm not that easy to kill and no one is taking my mate away from me."
Everyone turned and looked as Buck walked into the barn. He had a gash over one eye and his clothes were torn in several places but his gun was out and pointed right at the rogue's.
Jamieson laughed, "So pretty boy has a taste for men does he, that is good he will be used to it then when I take him."
Just then Ella was dragged into the barn kicking and screaming. Her hair was tangled in knots, she was naked with blood running down her thighs and bruises over he body. The dog collar was still around her neck, the leash being help in the fist of the huge man who drug her inside.
Vin and Buck caught their breath at the sight of the woman who had killed Chris's family. Fiona and Constance didn't know who the woman was but her condition shocked them.
Jamieson took a couple of steps towards Vin with the intention of getting his hands on him when a cold, lethal deadly voice sounded throughout the barn.
"Get the fuck away from what is mine, my mate, my kid brother, my team, my pack...my property."
Everyone froze then their gazes locked on the dangerous man in black, the one with the glare that could turn a man into Jell-O or a woman to pass out.
Jamieson paused then hiding his sudden worry he laughed, "So you are the infamous Chris Larabee. Big deal, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Tell you what Larabee, I'll make a deal. You can keep your mate; she is of no interest to me anymore than her stupid mother was. I want money and I am taking Vin with me. How about it, all you lose is some cash and one man?"
Buck let loose a round of cuss words and was across the room in a flash grabbing Vin and shoving him behind him. Vin stumbled then moved as though he was going to shove by Buck. He didn't like to be protected he could take care of himself.
Just then he felt soft hands on his arms. Constance had hold of one arm while Fiona had hold of the other one. JD was awake and looked up at him with pleading eyes.
Vin sighed and stayed put, if something happened at least he could protect the women and JD.
"Vin is mine and he isn't for sale," Buck softly said menace in his voice.
"How about we sweeten the pot then, Ella for the boy?" Jamieson then added stepping back so that Chris could clearly see the cowering woman that had been huddle behind the rogue men.
Chris gritted his teeth. Damn Ella Gaines he had waited a long time to kill the bitch...but he would have to wait longer as the price was way too high.
"Vin is not for sale for any price," Chris backed Buck up.
"Guess she is worthless to me then."
With those words Jamieson turned and fired two bullets into Ella's head killing her instantly.
Everyone jumped including the men with Jamieson.
"Tell you what Larabee, let's fight one on one. Winner takes everything, the pretty boy, the women, the money, everything," Jamieson offered.
Chris glanced at Vin who slightly nodded his head. There was no way Chris could loose this fight unless Jamieson cheated and they had that eventuality covered.
In a second the men changed and the fight was on, alpha male on alpha male. The best one would win.
Part VI: The Promise of Love
As the two Alphas's fought the barn filled with others from both packs as they anxiously watched to see who would prevail.
Nathan appeared with Raine and they hurried over to JD. Nathan had not been happy when Raine had insisted on going with him to see who was injured. Now he was glad she did as Nathan helped JD to his feet then watched as Raine led the injured man out the door heading for the house where the other injured pack members were.
Nathan stayed back in case he was needed for Chris though he doubted that would be necessary.
Both wolves were scratched and had suffered bite marks but it was apparent that Chris was winning. Suddenly Jamieson changed back, lunged for the gun he had dropped on the floor pointing it towards Chris who was still in wolf form.
Team 7 brought their guns up but suddenly there was the sound of two shots. Jamieson had a look of stunned surprise on his face as his chest exploded with the impact, blood showering the area.
Everyone turned and stared at Constance and Vin. Both had been armed though the guns had been hidden at their waist under their shirts. Chris had known Vin would be carrying but his mate surprised him.
Four Corners pack immediately turned weapons on the rogue pack that lay down there arms, not in the mood for a fight with their leader dead. Besides in the earlier fight they had lost many of their members.
Chris changed back not caring that he was stark naked he stalked over to a dying Jamieson.
Constance and Vin were there at his side.
"Guess you...you win," Jamieson gasped as blood dribbled out of the corner of his mouth.
"I won before you even arrived," Chris replied putting his arm around his mate and his brother.
Constance with eyes flashing hissed, "I hope you rot in hell for what you did to my mother..."
Vin added, "And to my mother. You deserve to go to hell."
Jamieson opened his mouth to say something else but then blood gushed out of his mouth, his eyes rolled back and he died.
Constance stood there just staring down at the man who had haunted her for so many years. The man who had made her childhood hell and killed her mother not to mention all the other things he had done. She wished she could feel sorry for him but all she felt was relief that he was dead and couldn't hurt anyone else again.
Chris turned and faced what was left of the rogue pack.
"Take your leader, that bitch of his and the rest of your dead. They are yours to dispose of. If I hear of any of you in my state again we will hunt you down and destroy you like a rabid animal," he hissed green eyes glaring at them all.
In less than thirty minutes the rogues were gone, their dead with them. Chris didn't know what they were going to do with the bodies he didn't care.
Constance was in Chris's arms in a heartbeat kissing him as the knowledge that the danger was past sunk in.
Chris ached all over but he felt his manhood stir as his sweet mate pressed herself close to him.
Chris whispered in her ear which made her nod in agreement and head towards the woods.
Chris turned back towards his pack.
"You boys take of things here, I have a mate to take care of," he said with a grin.
With that he disappeared still not caring that he was naked as a jaybird.
Fiona stood by Vin, she smelled another person on him...a male but she knew they had been flirting with each other for a while.
Buck turned and saw the look she was giving Vin.
"Fiona, girl, Vin is not my mate; we did that so he would be protected a little by having a mate."
"Yeah, and we still haven't discussed that situation completely," Vin hotly said.
Fiona saw that Vin was embarrassed and that made her protective instincts rise.
"Well that is a good thing then because I want Vin for my mate. I would hate to have to take you down Buck but I would have because he is mine," Fiona firmly stated as she took Vin's arm.
Vin followed along cherishing the feel of her soft body close to his as they stepped into the stall with the new foal.
Buck grinned from ear to ear as he watched the new love unfolding before his eyes.
Ezra appeared by his side a little on the mussed and dirty side as he had pitched in right along side his pack brothers.
"Good for Mr. Tanner. Fiona is a nice young lady, they should be good together. Kojay thinks of Vin like a son so he will be pleased," Ezra stated wondering about his own single state. Perhaps it was time to start looking for his mate. It seemed the rest of the pack was starting to settle down.
After checking on the foal which was really an excuse for Fiona to snatch her first kiss from Vin she helped Nathan and Raine with all the injured pack members which thankfully weren't too bad.
Other than bites, scratches a couple of broken bones everyone had come through the fight pretty well.
JD had a mild concussion but he would be fine with a couple of days rest.
Chris and Constance planned their wedding for July 1st. The men had their clothes ready to wear, all clothing that their forefathers would have worn in the old west. Constance was sure that would make their namesakes very happy.
As the wedding plans unfolded Constance was sure she could sense the sprits of Chris's grandparents and great grandparents looking on as their grandson's future was looking so great.
Constance went to the old town with Chris to look around wanting to get a real feel for it. As Chris headed to the old jail she peaked into an old tavern. As she looked around she saw people begin to take shape. To her astonishment seven men appeared scattered around the tavern along with two women. The men were carbon copies of her mate and his team. Two women appeared dressed in boy clothes which was not all that common for women to do back then. The man in black gets up and pulls one of the women into his arms, knocks her hat off, long blonde hair spills down her back as he kisses her. The other woman looks over at Ezra who is playing cards; he pauses and gets up kissing her then heads back to continue his game.
Constance took a deep breath and gathered her courage close as she softly said, "I want to invite everyone to my wedding. I am marrying Christopher Adam Larabee III. He is your namesake Mr. Larabee, you all have namesakes, all your grandsons are in law enforcement and they are damn sexy looking too. Chris has your glare, wisdom, good looks and he holds my heart in his hands. Thanks to all of them I am no longer alone, my life is full. I just wanted you to know this." She smiled at the two women who she knew was Linda E. Ryan Larabee and Jo Standish, the two ladies smiled back.
Chris's family showed up a couple of days before the wedding. They fell in love with their soon to be daughter in law as they saw how happy she made Chris.
James Christopher spent a lot of time talking to Constance about the old west, stories handed down through the family. She was thrilled when he pulled out a book and gave it to her. Chris had told him how much his fiancé loved the old west.
It was a book written by James Christopher Larabee and his daughter Samantha. It told the history of Four Corners as told by several of the peacekeepers. The book was called 'The Real Peacekeepers of Four Corners Old West'; it had been a big seller at one time. There were even several photos in it. Constance recognized the pictures as the ghostly figures she had seen in the old tavern.
The day of the wedding as they were walking into the church Constance looked down the street and would have sworn she saw seven men walking side by side in ghostly shapes coming down the boardwalk. She looked hard and saw them head into the old tavern that had been named Standish Tavern after Ezra's ancestor.
Somehow she just knew they were going to celebrate her wedding day.
Josiah was still an ordained preacher so he was going to perform the service. Constance had asked Vin to walk her down the aisle as he was her only living male relative. That worked out well because now Buck would be the best man.
Ezra played the old organ that had been brought in for the wedding and turned out to be really good at it.
JD and Nathan helped people find seats in the church then sat with their wives as they watched two people they cared about begin their life together.
The wedding was beautiful the bride was radiant and Chris was beaming, they were both so happy and thrilled to finally be joined as husband and wife.
Chris had been thrilled with her gift. The colt was perfect and agreed with her that the 7 on his forehead was good luck for all of them. The fact that he had been born when he had been was also a symbol of new beginnings as far as the pack was concerned.
Constance wish after they were married was to take her aunt and uncle's ashes up to the place they called their slice of Heaven. The pack changed into wolves Constance had a pack on her back that carried her aunt and uncles ashes to their special place. John had bought over 100 acres completely fenced in with a high cyclone fence to keep the animals inside and intruders out. Inside the fence were wild untamed mustangs, Texas longhorns, wild burros and unloved, abused animals he couldn't stand to see put down for no reason other than no one wanted them. There were even zebra on the property. Hay was in plentiful supply for the animals to insure that they were well fed.
A few months after the wedding Constance found out she was pregnant with triplets. Raine confirmed for her that she was having two boys and a little girl.
Chris was ecstatic with the news. After talking about names they decided to call the little girl Sarah Eliza. The little boys would be named after loved ones who had gone before. One little boy would be named Christopher Adam after his father and Chris's first son. The second boy would be named James Michael after Chris's dad and her dad.
Constance no sooner found out that she was pregnant that she got an invitation to her class reunion. She had never had a reason to go before but now she wanted to show off her husband the fact that she going to have his children.
At the reunion her classmates were astounded at the difference in her. When they were in school Constance had been very quiet and shy wanting to stay in the background. Now she just glowed, dancing around the room in her husbands arms. Constance chatted with everyone her confidence and self assurance was a delight to all.
A few months later Casey gave birth to twins, a little boy John Daniel after his father and a little girl Nettie Amanda named after Casey's beloved aunt.
The team was flying high and seemed to have everything going well for it.
Epilogue:
When a bust went bad and sent two of the team to the hospital the men began to wonder if it wasn't time to quit while they were ahead.
Over the next several weeks the men did a lot of thinking about their futures.
It was then that Travis came forward with a deal for the men. Four Corners was becoming a booming town and looked to be the fastest growing community in the state. He knew that the men were getting itchy feet but wanted to keep them close in case he needed their expertise. The governor wanted him to set up some kind of a local police presence in the town.
Travis suggested that JD become the sheriff of Four Corners with Buck as his backup. Buck had made it clear that he would not do the job full time he had the horse ranch to help with. Two other deputies were hired to help out.
Ezra decided to finish his law degree and wanted to open his office in the town. Besides there was a new library in town and the head librarian was not only gorgeous but smart as a whip two attributes that Ezra loved. Jo Philips was a headstrong yet sweet lady who seemed to have her cap for Ezra. The team figured they were going to lead each other on a merry chase.
Josiah had eloped to Vegas with Sandi much to the shock of his teammates. They had informed Chris of their plans and swore him to secrecy. When they got back they explained that they were too old for a fancy wedding and had wanted to get on with the important stuff like the honeymoon. Josiah took up the collar again and had Sunday service in the old chapel his ancestor used to preach in. His chapel was packed every Sunday.
Buck had finally hooked up with Inez who kept him on a short leash though he didn't seem to mind at all. The fiery lady knew her man and kept him happy at home. Buck said they were trying to get pregnant but it took a lot of practice and they were both liked to practice a lot.
Nathan had been a part time EMT while working at the ATF but now he became one full time. Raine continued to work at the hospital even during her pregnancy. The two continued to keep the pack in one piece and with these guys it wasn't always easy.
Vin and Fiona were now together but taking things slow. Vin was shy and she was very busy with her career. Vin was also busy as he, Chris and Buck were raising horses on the combined ranches. The ranch was so famous they could hardly keep up with the demand. Fiona was urging Vin to put his poems into book form and try to get it published. She assured him that he wrote the best poems and they should be enjoyed by everyone. Vin's memories of his childhood as far as Jamieson was concerned never resurfaced and that was fine with him.
Chris and Constance couldn't be happier; the bad times were behind them. The future held all the possibilities they could yearn for. They were going to have a large family to fill the house. Constance was researching more of the old west ways. Also she was seeing if she couldn't locate her and Vin's aunt, perhaps even cousins. It would be nice to expand the family.
Four Corners had once again become a home and a haven for seven men who had become a family and that family continued to grow.The End
ladyhorsewhisperer44@webtv.net,Wgang16@aol.com