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Chapter 25

            Pulling his eyes open, a hard large body laid beside him. The pain in his shoulder reminded him of what took place the night before. His vision wasn’t wrong after all. A joy swept through him. A small laugh slipped out as he blushed.

            “You’re awake,” a husky voice whispered in his ear. Tingles crept down his spine. Goosebumps went over his body. “What’s–are you cold?” Dalson moved close if that was possible.

            “No. Happy.” Tatom moved then paused, “I’m not sure.” Checking out his body, War wolves were rough. They liked pain on some level. He felt none of the above. Not even a bruise.

                “War wolves have healing emizimes in our salvia. It heals our mates.”

            “I did not know that,” a worry came over him. “You bit me.”

            “I marked you. There is a difference. My wolf understand that you are a witch. Witches are not to be turned.” Dalson placed a trail of kisses over Tatom’s shoulder to his neck.

“Wh-what about your friend?”

            “She knows the way back to her pack.” Dalson captured his lips. “I think you need to be claimed again as a reminder that no one else matters.”

            “I don’t learn so easily,” Tatom teased around the pair of lips upon his.

            This caused a pleasing growl within the wolf pinning him down.

            After a lovely shower, Tatom answered his phone as he tried to get dressed. His mother’s sweet cheerful voice caused a smile to ripple over his face. Dalson eyed him curiously. That better be someone of family on the other end of the phone line. Dalson growled to himself. His wolf hissed. No one was to touch their mate or call him without their permission.

            “Hello mom, how are you this fine morning?”

            “Okay Mister, spill it. Why are you sounding like every dream just came true?”

            “You’ll have to come and met Dalson.”

            “Oh my gosh! No way!” His mother’s laughter made him chuckle. “Please tell me I didn’t interrupt anything?”

            “No mom!” Tatom hung his head in embarrassment of the mere thought that his mother was thinking anything like that. The first clue should have been that he answered the phone. The rest was just plain gross.

            “Sorry sweetie, I was just making sure. Now tell me about Dalson. My ears are burning with anticipation.”

            “Well, we were eating with the Alpha and Dalson, hmm, well, heactually I don’t know what happened. All I know was he came to me and said ‘mine’.”

            “Oh no Tatom, you can’t do this to me. I want to know how my precious little boy ended up with the man of his dreams. A mother has the right to know.”

            “Why don’t you come when I give the legacy and you can met Dalson.”

            “Do you think for one moment I would miss my baby giving a wolf pack a legacy? Where in the world is your head child? I surely wouldn’t allow you to go through all that alone! How dare you think such a thought!”

            “Okay mom, I am sorry. I will speak to the Alpha and then I shall let you know about when we are going to do this.”

            “First sweetie, you need to get Langdon on board. You can’t give the pack a legacy without Langdon. I know his mind is all jumbled up right now. But you have to have a one on one with him. Allow him time to think.”

            “How do I go about asking Langdon if he’s ready to commit to a full relationship with the pack? I mean, the guy is actually ready to bolt if must be. Honestly Zero isn’t enough to keep him here. I really hate saying that. Then on top of it, Jalin and Dalson both would leave. That means Jalin would take Jace away from June. And I fear that Zero would follow and hand over the Alpha position to Aaron or Josh.”

            “Sweet you have a mate now, who just happens to be a older brother of Langdon. Tell him what’s going on and ask him for help. If you have to sit the three brothers down and talk with them. I know you can do it. Langdon is afraid to lose everything once again.

            “An Empathy subconsciously remembers the past. He’s probably subconsciously remembering his mother leaving, his brother, the nurse leaving him on Bailey’s doorstep. Have the brothers speak to him about what life was like not having a family. Not having a home to lay their heads at each night.

            “I really hate to say this, but Langdon is somewhat of a rogue himself. He’s use to living life a certain way. It’s always been him and Bailey. When they felt like packing up, they did. When a threat was too grand, they moved. Langdon is only use to having Bailey to protect. Protecting a whole pack, it’s scary for a guy like Langdon.”

            “I never thought of it that way. Thanks mom, I’ll talk with Dalson and Jalin. See if they can help me with Langdon. Then I’ll speak with everyone together. I know Zero’s asked him before. Plus he carries around the fear that Langdon will pack up and move.”

            “You do that sweetie, then you let me know. I will be there as soon as I can. Once I get to play mommy and meet the man who is in charge of taking care of my son. We’ll set up the legacy. Until then, Tatom be careful. Make sure your ears are always open to your surroundings.”

            “I will mom, thanks for everything.”

            “No problem. The only thing in this world is you my sweetheart. You are the most precious thing to me. No witch or wolf or man or woman is better. It’s only been you.”

            Tatom nodded with a swelling heart. His mother had always spoken the sweetest words to him. When he fell, she was there with arms of steel to pick him up. After I love you’s. Tatom hung up the phone and sat on the bed.

            “Tat, what’s going on? I heard you talk about Langdon.”

            “Langdon doesn’t know if he wants to stay. I can’t give a legacy to the pack if he doesn’t stay. That also means, we can’t tie our lifelines together.”

            “That’s fine by me. If I die, so would you.”

            “That also means, I will die of old age and leave you and Langdon.” Tatom looked up at Dalson. “You would live the rest of your life without me.”

            Blowing out a deep breath, a growl came with it. Dalson didn’t think of that. Tatom could be injured at any given time and die. Being tied to him, he would heal and recover like a wolf would only he would remain human.

            “What do we do?”

            “Mom said that Empathy’s subconsciously remembers the dark times in their life. Like when your mother passed away, he remembers that. This could be why he’s scared to give a full commit.”

            “Like he remembers Jalin’s energy there when he was born?”

            “Yes, and the nurse dropping him off. I never thought about that, but mom could possibly be correct.”

            “How do we get him to see by leaving Zero and the pack he’s making a big mistake?”

            “I was hoping you and Jalin could help on that.” Tatom rubbed his forehead. “Is Langdon considered a rogue?”

            “Probably. I mean he’s never actually belonged to a pack. He’s lived his own life the way he wants. No Alpha to tell him any type of rules. So yeah, Langdon’s just as much as a rogue as we are.”

            “Maybe if we speak with Zero about allowing him to let Langdon his freedom once in awhile, like taking him traveling. It might satisfy the rogue’s instinct to travel.”

            “Possible. It’s worth a shot.”

            “Feel like speaking to Zero and Langdon today? The sooner we get Langdon to commit, the sooner I can give the pack the legacy. And the sooner the pack might relax around me.”

            “Awe are they afraid of the witch?” Dalson teased.

            “Actually more like hate my guts, but we’ll go with that one just to make me feel better.”

            On the way out the door, a picture caught Dalson’s eye. There was a boy with black hair standing beside Tatom. Holding onto his waist. They both were smiling. What caught his attention was the way Tatom was holding onto the boy’s hand. Like a boyfriend.

            Pointing to the picture, Tatom swallowed. “My ex, Kagen. I broke up with him to come here.”

            “You still like him?”

            “I broke his heart.” Tatom took the picture off the wall. “Kagen is a witch but not. He holds no magical gifts at all. He actually helped me study about the wolves. I never lied to him, but you can’t help falling in love.”

            “Do you still love him?” Dalson growled.

            “Yes and no.” Tatom had to be honest with his mate. He refused to lie to him. “I will always remember that I once loved him. I will always have a soft spot for him. But I’m not in love with him anymore.”

            “Tatom,” Dalson growled again.

            “Please don’t. I know I’m human and not a wolf. But I know that you are my life now. I’m already feeling the love that a wolf can give. In time, it will all be a memory. I really broke his heart. Kagen won’t even say my name or speak about me. He turned his back on me when I left. Maybe it was wrong to date him. But I couldn’t help myself. There is something about him that draws people around him. Well, certain people.

            “The witches community hates him. They abuse him with words all the time. He isn’t allow to leave because they say so. Being with him made me see that anyone can take on the bad and survive.

            “His own family wants nothing to do with him.” “Because he doesn’t hold magical powers?” Dalson asked. “Correct, I don’t know what that’s like. My mother adores me. I had Liz and the rest of the community at my side. All he had was my mom and me. Then I” blowing out a deep breath. Tatom closed his eyes.

            “I knew that you were my mate. I seen it in a vision. I told him, never once did I lie. The heart can be so cruel at times. Making one love someone that you know you’ll leave them. When you showed up, I thought I read the vision wrong. Like it was my punishment for breaking Kagen. Then on top of it, I thought I couldn’t give the pack the legacy. I thought I failed.”

            Opening his eyes, he traced the picture frame. “Kagen didn’t deserve me leaving him. I know that I’ll always have you. But he has no one. The community will never allow him to get married or have children. I was his only happiness.

            “I’m sorry if it hurts. But I need to keep a part of myself just for him. A tiny part. I can’t let go of the guilt that I took away the only happiness he’s known.” The tears fell, “I’ll understand if you hate me now. I will not leave Langdon. I’ll find a way to teach him everything I know before I grow old.

            “If you want to reject me, I’ll completely understand. You and your wolf has a right to be mad at me. But I do love you. From the moment I seen you, my heart swelled. There was only you.”

            The air was silent for a while. Dalson kept the front door open, allowing the morning breeze to enter the hallway. His eyes scanned the woods surrounding the back portion of the house. Tatom just confessed that a part of him still loves an ex. His wolf was undecided about how to feel.

            In all the years that they’ve traveled, dealt with different walks of life. Dalson has learned a lot about the human world and they way they love and hate. He’s learned sometimes you just can’t let go. The witches community was one that needed a lesson in actual true loyalty. Even he remembered his mother speaking about that. Some witches were cruel just like the rest of the world.

            “Okay, listen to me before you act. I don’t like it. Not one damn bit. You’re suppose to be all mine. We’ll make a deal, for now I shall allow it. Only if you promise in time, you shall release the part of you that holds him for me. This is the only deal. I can’t have my mate tied to another. I want my mate fully for me. You belong to myself and my wolf, you are ours. No one else’s.

            “Personally I think it’s more guilt talking and feeling than actual love because you melt when I touch you. I can see how happy you are in this picture.” Dalson took the picture. Snapped open the frame. Took the delicate picture out and held it. “I’ve learned a lot in my life. I think this is why I’m so calm.” Handing it to him, “I don’t want to see this out. We’ll make new ones. This is Tatom, deal or no deal. I can’t wait forever for a mate to give all of themselves to me.”

            Tatom smiled stood up on his tip toes, “I promise Dalson, there’s only you. In time, I shall allow this to be a true memory. And when my mother gets here, she’ll defiantly be replacing these frames with pictures of us. I’m in this for the long hall.”

            “Seal it with a kiss.”

            “Better yet, my soul.” Tatom pulled the War wolf’s head down as his lips crushed into his. Dalson didn’t get a chance to ask for entrance, Tatom was too eager to please his mate. Which please the wolf very much.

            Calling Langdon to see where everyone was at. He stated that he was home with his mom. Bailey was making them stay in for the day. She was missing him too much. Stating they were on his way over, he told Dalson that they were at Bailey’s.

            When she answered the door, she handed off a duster and a broom. It was cleaning day. If this was the only way she could get her son to stay home, then everyone was going to join. When they walked in, she gave each of them hugs. Tatom held her hand, gave the look for her to start talking.

            “I’m nervous. Vera told me that Nathanial is heading out with Daren to a pack. Savage killed a smaller pack yesterday.” Bailey held onto her collar as she choked with tears, “I can’t lose him Tatom. He’s my son. He’s the only thing I have in this world.”

            Tatom slipped his arms around her, Bailey shook in his arms. “Shh, I won’t let that happen. I promise Bailey I’ll do what it takes to protect him.”

            “I know sweetie, I’m just so scared. For all of you.” Bailey pulled back, wiped her tears. “With Langdon getting his brothers, this helps right?”

            “It does.” Dalson snaked an arm around her, “I just got him, I’m not losing him now.”

            Bailey patted his cheek, “You know you don’t have to knock. You’re family. Our home is your home.” She kissed his cheek. “Now before Langdon yells at me for crying again, I’m going to go clean up and you two join the others.” She walked away to the bathroom.

            Amber stopped in the hallway to watch her go in. She wanted to help ease Bailey’s worries just like Vera wanted to ease hers. She just didn’t know how to help. Bailey had been through so much in her time, having this happen now just made all the bad come back.

            “Amber are you okay?” Tatom asked.

            “I’m okay. I’m just worried about Bailey. She’s trying to be so strong but doesn’t know how to. After her life, this might break her.”

            “She’ll make it.” Tatom smiled, “Bailey is a mother. What I know about mothers is they’re stubborn.” Realizing what he just said, “Sorry Amber.”

            “It’s okay, I’m learning to deal. Mom and Dad is making me talk with the pack theorist.”

            “Well, I’m here too. Don’t think I can’t loan a ear once in awhile. I’ve been told that I actually pay attention.”

            Amber giggled. “Thanks Tat, I’ll remember that.”

            They heard someone scream then a booming laughter. May and June was seen running out the back door with Langdon right behind them. Next they heard, “Langdon! You cheat, get back here! Traders!” Following Zero’s voice, they started laughing soon as eyes set on him. He was tied to a chair with pretty flowers in his hair.

            “My own mate!” Zero tried to keep from smiling. “Just wait Langdon, you’ll get yours!”

            Amber helped him out by untying his hands. The whole time laughing at her older brother.

            By the end of the afternoon, Bailey had a clean house from top to bottom. All the laundry washed, folded and put away. Dinner was in the oven, baking. A movie was placed in the DVD player. Max, Jen, Aaron, Courtney, Josh and Cherry had joined the Stark household. And Bailey was sitting on the couch with two little joker snuggled up to her. The living room was packed full of bodies and a very happy mother. She could get use to having a full house like this.

            With a plate full of food, Bailey waited on her children to return to the living room. She was enjoying the warm house and good movies. June and May came in and sat down beside her. She lovingly stroked their hair. These two had made their way into her heart a thousand times over. Langdon came in followed by Zero who took a seat on the floor in front of the couch where she was sitting. Once the rest of the wolves showed up, she hit play on the remote.

            As a joke, she had put in Red Riding Hood. All the guys looked at her while the girls found the joke to be very funny. By the middle of the movie they were in debate about how inaccurate the movie was. With all the clichés and false information going around, no wondered the human world would be terrified of them.

            “Now hold on, at one point in time. Werewolves hunted humans. Not to actually eat their hearts, but they were a food source.” Bailey countered.

            “Where in the world did you get that information?” Dalson appalled.

            “In my research it speaks of a pack that actually hunted humans.”

            “Blaspheme!”

            “It’s true. Not all werewolves spoke of honor or family. There is a dark history among all cultures.” Bailey’s voice was firm with confidence. 

            “I must see this research. A whole pack. You gotta be joking.” Dalson sat tall, “I will agree that we do have a wolf now and then who is a human killer. But not for food. They hunt them and depose of their bodies.”

            “Why would they hunt them if not for food?” Bailey countered. “Just like the vampire, werewolves have their own dark distorted history. Even humans have cannibals through our history. People have had to survive on human flesh in a time of crisis. Eat what you got.”

            “Ewe,” June wrinkled her nose. “No eating wolf please.”

            Bailey laughed as she patted her back. “No sweetie, well you’re fingers and toes would make a good snack.”

            “May she’s trying to eat me!”

            May laughed, “I would too, you’re soooo sweet.”

            Getting back on track, “No way a whole wolf pack would hunt humans. For one the Society would be down our necks, two other wolves try to kill off human killers.”

            “I’m just saying that it’s been own through history to have the disbelievers. I will show you my research tomorrow.”

            “I shall read every bit of it. There is no way in our history a pack of wolves hunt and killed humans for food.” Dalson wasn’t having the conversation ending with her last word. No wolves would hunt a human for food.

            “Beside even this ridiculous movie shows that he only killed the humans. Never once did he eat one. The village would give food and animals to him.”

            “Then tell me why he wasn’t allow to enter holy ground?”

            “Myth, plain and stupid myth. The human race has twisted our history so much over the years, wolves have been known to believe it’s true!”

            “A normal human wolf has been known to attack and eat a human. That’s if they are starved enough to hunt a human.” Cherry offered. “I’m not saying werewolves have. I’m just saying that there is a possibility that she’s correct.”

            Dalson looked at her and then hushed her. Bailey doesn’t need any help in this conversation. She was doing just fine on her own. Bailey’s laughter slipped out from between her fingers. Defending his mother, Langdon said if Dalson could take her down. He would be the first to do so.

            The night ended with Zero carrying asleep Bailey up to her room, while Amber undressed her a bit. Langdon handed out blankets and pillows. Max helped show everyone where they would be sleeping. The girls headed up to Langdon’s room and pulled out the air mattress. Under an hour, everyone was ready for bed. Bailey would find herself surrounded by them in the morning and Tatom has been able to figure out a way to break the conversation.

            Langdon wouldn’t leave this pack, he just had to get him to see how much he belongs here in the pack. His best friend was loved by the woman he’s called mother all these years. His brothers was finding a home with the same woman. Who has been playing a huge part in all of this. Like Langdon he was unaware of the magical mother who was helping ground him to the pack more and more just by being a loving mother.

            Pulse Zero was doing a great job by showing Langdon the pack life was one of the greatest security blankets to have. With the help of two brothers, it shouldn’t be too hard to get Langdon to stay.

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