AMETHYST

By

Sharon R. Barrett

********

PUBLISHED BY

Sharon R. Barrett at Smashwords

Amethyst

By Sharon R. Barrett

Discover other titles By Sharon R. Barrett

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Sharwy

Smashwords Edition

copyright 2010 Sharon R. Barrett

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Adult reading material

The book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The Characters are production of the authors imagination and used fictitiously.

I also wish to thank all those friends who let me practice on them with all the revisions; a special thank you to my niece Melissa to whom I delicate this book too.

Cover picture by Robyn Swaim

Prologue

Casper, Wyoming, U.S.A.

In the corner of the office hung an old clock from the eighteen century which did not fit in to the ultramodern furniture of the high-rise office. A large glass desk sat near the floor to ceiling windows with the name plate Mark Hartman President. Two pictures on one wall gave way to a warped view of life with abstract paint marks on canvas. On another wall framed diplomas from UCLA. The walls painted a cream color to give the brown carpet a feeling of warmth. A door to a private bathroom was on the left. Double doors lead out of his office into the secretarial area.

The man sitting at the desk in a deep brown plush high back office chair looked like a weasel. His sharp pointed nose stuck out from to thin a face. His gaunt appearance made him appear shorter then his five foot ten height. His dark brown suit was tailor especially for him; Italian made shoes, giving off the outward aspect to having money. He said nothing as his mind dismissed plan after plan that would not work in his favor. From the sixteenth floor he could see all of Casper and the day proved to be a sunny day, but his mood was less than sunny! He was down right angry!

Two men stood waiting for their boss to speak. Finally speaking both men jumped slightly as his voice boomed across the room. "We have to get the girl!" Good he thought they were scared of him. Put the fear of God into a man and he will do anything you ask. Or put enough money in his pocket!"

"Her father is out of the picture now, nice and tidy; work well done! But he left a will with his only daughter Amethyst as beneficiary. I tried to find the damn will and could not, searched the entire house, found nothing, but then didn't find the money she had to have taken with her to get away. We have to get her to sign over everything to me then we can sell her off to some slave trade in Asia. I am sure I can make a nice tidy sum for her. To bad we cannot get the lawyer to bend to our will. The damn man is faithful to his clients I'll give him that. And his life has been clean; he has never gotten a parking ticket in his life. The man is a new description for squeaky clean and should be in the dictionary."

"Boss you want for me to rough up the lawyer a little?" The tallest man Big Red said with a sneer. Hartman looked at Big Red and thought, "he is really a big man, over weight by fifty pounds, must be six foot five. He had been in the minors as a wrestler and never made it to the big time. An accidental blow to his head left him slightly incapable of thinking things out. He was good at taking orders and nothing more.

The other man Ray was shorter, hot tempered, and just as mean as Big Red. The stupid man never thought first then acted. Just reacted to what ever was happening around him. The fool would get himself killed one of these times; maybe that would be a good thing the man was dangerous when out of control.

"No, damn it, that is too risky. As for Amethyst, after marrying her, I would have screwed her a few times, he laughed. Tried black mail, but she saw right through me. Now either way we are going to have to kill her!" A smile crossed his lips as he thought about how great it would have been to poke her a few times; maybe I could have kept her for a while, but I know I could not keep her for good. That would be too dangerous to do, she knew too much. People who know too much it is best to get rid of them, no telling when they might turn on you. Damn the bitch ruined all my plans!"

"The lawyer's telephone is bugged, there is a man watching him all the time. So far he has done nothing out of the ordinary. Hired a private investigator named Zanderland he specializes in run a ways and people in hiding. Told the stupid investigator she was my niece and she had run away from home. The damn fool believed me when I told him her father passed away and she was out of control. Told Zanderland I was worried about her and what might happen to her with her so distressed. I hired him because I understand he has special talents for his work. His rate of success is extremely high. It is as if he has a six sense about run a ways. He damn well better find her for what I am paying him a day! It will be well worth it when he finds her; I can then dispose of her. I have the house phone bugged, a man watching the house keeper Anna. Amethyst has not tried to contact her; Anna truly does not know where Amethyst is. I slipped her a drug; she talked about everything, but knew nothing about what I needed to know. Anna and Amethyst were extremely close; it surprises me that she has not tried to contact Anna. Amethyst will want to contact Anna after a while just for nothing else then to let her know she is well. When she does, then we have her! Now the two of you get out of here and get back to work," Hartman's face turned red with anger.

"Yes boss," Big Red said as he was leaving the room.

Hartman shuffled a few papers around his desk, then got up and walked out of his office. Stopping at his secretary's desk; "Miss Marshall I will be back in an hour I am going out to lunch." Miss Marshall was an older woman in her fifty's. Small amount of gray hair at the sides of her ears, very nice looking, but not to his taste she was too intelligent. She was smart enough to keep her mouth shut mind her own business. One of the reasons she had been with Hartman for ten years. Walking out the glass door that said Richardson & Hartman Company, he walked quickly to the elevators pushed the down button and waited; when the doors opened he stepped in side. Pushing the button for lobby the doors closed.

Chapter 1

Lifting her ass off the car seat for the tenth time and trying to move a little was impossible. "The next small town I drive into I am staying the night! My butt and my one leg is a sleep. Should have my head examined for being alone on this damn trip! But then I could not endanger another person. Darn how many miles has it been since I left the last big town heading north. Seems like days instead of hours. At least the roads are decent to travel on," she thought.

When her father had told her she was born on the dark of the moon moving to the waxing moon of the dark moon on an eclipse. She laughed then needed to know what it all meant. Her father had told her she was capable of thinking first then action. She was a warrior type. "Oh sure warrior what am I doing running not fighting. Father would say I was smart enough to run to fight another day. And he had said she was a survivor!"

Knowing you can't win where you're at then you move to a place you can. Laughing we are to make good mothers, great lovers and intelligent. Her father had nearly named her Sliver because that was what the moon was when she was born. Amethyst knew her father was teasing. She had been sixteen when they had the talk that all she wolves got from their fathers. She had been amazed at how much the moon effected were's and more so with her. Memories flooded her mind and a tear ran down her cheek to be quickly wiped away with her hand. "No time to cry now, oh a road sign."

Five more miles to the next small town, the bottom of the sign is obscured to see the town clearly, I've driven enough miles for one day; my eyes do not want to focus on the last part of the name! Was it Coyote Ridge or Coyote Run? I hope to God they have a motel, sick and tired of sleeping in this vehicle. At least there is some day light left to check the town out. Could be a safe place to stay for a couple of days", she said to herself out loud.

"Small northern town; damn right" she swore! "Population hundred and twenty-one is a really small town; yes Coyote Ridge." It is made up of two streets the main street she noticed had a gas station, diner, a bar, clinic, bank and, grocery store combination with a small hardware store, newspaper office and a few houses. The second street has houses and a saddle shop, dentist office, and an antique shop, fur traders' store, but no motel! At the bottom of the first street, awe yes cabins for rent that works for me since there is no hotel or motel in the whole town," she thought." Slowly driving to the northern end of the town to the sign saying cabins for rent she pulled her vehicle into a parking spot. "Well let's hope one is available."

Climbing out of the SUV she almost slipped to the ground. Hanging on to the door, waiting until her feet and legs could hold her. She grabbed her purse and slowly walked up the four steps and into the small building to a counter. Sitting at a table was a man who appeared to be around fifty and a woman who seemed to be around the same age playing crib. Both were in excellent shape for their ages. The woman was tall around five foot seven, slender with a pretty round face, she didn't appear to have any gray hair and it was not dyed. The man was more than likely six-foot, looked like a lumber jack from an old-time movie. Nice looking guy with brown hair that was a little to long. It looked more like the hippie style of the seventy's, the style suited him. The office was spotless, counter shined; floors looked as if they were cleaned after someone walked in to the office.

Looking at the couple Amethyst felt uncomfortable at first as if she was intruding on their date night. "Do you have a cabin available for me to rent?" Saying with more confidence then she felt, and her voice sounded tired, other wise OK.

The woman looked her way and smiled, "sure do. You could take your pick we have six. Too early for summer vacationers and hunters, so they are all empty."

"One bedroom will do nicely, thank you. How much for a week? I can use a break. Relax; see some of your beautiful country side. Take a picture or two."

"My name is Paula, husband here is Ned, rent is seventy-five dollars a week, have you been driving a long distance?" Paula asks with a big smile.

"Amethyst instantly liked Paula and Ned. Paula had a way of making a person feel relaxed and trusting. For that reason she felt it was safe to tell Paula her real name and where she was from. Yes, all the way from Wyoming!"

"My, that is a long drive! What brings you up this far north? Certainly not our weather this time of the year and there are no fancy or historical sites around here. Please sign the register".

Once Amethyst signed the register Paula turned it and looked, "so your name is Amethyst Richardson. Welcome to our small town Amethyst I hope you enjoy your stay. How long will you be staying?"

"I am sure I will like it here, thank you. Just needed to get away for a while, maybe take some pictures as I said before, take some home with me of the local wild life." Feeling as if she pulled that lie off the woman seems to believe her thank goodness. "Just a few days to a week is all."

"Cabin six has a single bedroom; here is the key, just drive around the back of the building here, and down the narrow road about a quarter of a mile. Bedding and everything is in the cabin. You will have to go up to the store and get some groceries otherwise; you will have to eat at the diner. Foods good, home style cooking, all you can eat on Wednesday nights. They open at seven in the morning and close around eight at night. If you want to eat after that you will have to go to Wylie's Bar, you can get sandwiches, hamburgers and fries there. People here are friendly, mind their own business and don't get involved in vacationers. If you need anything Amethyst just drop in."

"Thank you Paula, I think I will head up to the store and get groceries. Then hit the diner for something to eat, then crawl into bed and sleep for a day or so." Paula's laughter filled the room making Amethyst smile. She liked Paula she was warm, friendly and smiled the entire time she talked.

Walking out the door she stopped at the top of the steps and looked up the street then down. "Not much to look at but still it might be safe for a couple of days or so." Feeling as if someone was watching her, Amethyst pulled her long hair around to the front of her and slowly walked down the steps to her vehicle. All the while she searched the area but saw no one. Walking across the street to the grocery store the uneasiness continued, but it was not a feeling of being in danger. A feeling of being watched, her senses were on over load, she wondered why.

Rain moved away from the front door, down one of the aisles and out a side exit. His heart was beating out of control, "Darn it any how, she is the most stunning woman I have ever seen. I will have to get a better look at her! She knew she was being watched; sense females seem to have with all the other little quirks, idiosyncrasy and idealistic attitudes they have. Things about the fairer sex he loved so much! Females don't think like men, sometimes they don't make sense, and they can irritate us no end, but the trip down the road is always well worth it, pot holes and all." He laughed out loud!

After shopping for some groceries to make sandwiches, she slipped over to the diner. She looked around the diner not to many people in to eat. So taking a seat at the bar instead of a table or at a booth seemed like the thing to do. Booths ran down two walls and the floor was filled with tables.

A waitress in jeans, blouse and an apron came to her immediately. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, a bacon and lettuce and tomato sandwich with mayo and a cup of coffee please."

"Sure thing," the waitress moved to a small window behind the bar, gave the order to the cook. Susan returned with a pot of coffee and a cup. "My names Susan if you need anything just yell."

Susan seemed really friendly, young around her age twenty-one or two. Light brown hair that was short and curly, straight white teeth showed when she smiled. It suited her perk little nose and brown eyes. She had a small figure and stood about five feet tall. Making small talk was fun. Well not in a bad way. She had good things to say about the community, and the people who lived here. She truly did love the society she lived in. She seemed as if growing up here in this small town was her entire life. Maybe it was she was happy with it, most young girls would rather leave and head out to the larger towns. Myself I could leave the big city and settle in a small area.

Listening to the waitress chat was refreshing. Her mind now concentrating on what Susan was saying. "A little over four years ago, two guys moved in named Rain and Pend, they purchased some land five miles north and west and east of town. Rain is single, Pend married a while back. Then some more guys moved into the area. They are all to die for. Joe, Matt and Raw, are single and Markus is engaged. The rest of Rains friends are married I believe. It seems they attract women like sugar attracts ants. I dated Matt for a while, but it did not last. They all have this animalistic wild aura about them. They have a way of making a woman feel like she is the only woman in the word that means anything to them." Susan laughed when Amethyst gave her a raised eye brow.

Amethyst spoke softly and sweetly saying, "They sound absolutely yummy! Not interested in getting to know any of the men in the area. I am here on vacation; won't be here long, only couple of days more, then I will be moving on. Then on the other hand, maybe I should; have some fun. It sure cannot hurt, but nothing permanent," she said to Susan with a change of the mind

Susan laughed, and said, "Men do not grow on trees in small towns like this one. Most of the young men head south to the bigger cities where all the excitement is. Myself I love small towns, you know everyone, and the crime rate is low if nonexistent."

"If the young men leave, head south to the larger cities, then why did Rain and Pend move into the area?"

Susan smiled," they came to work in the lumber mill south of town. The lumber mill put an advertisement in the big city papers for lumber yard workers."

Handing Susan cash for the meal and a nice tip she thanked Susan and walked out. Getting into her vehicle it was not long she was on the small road to the cabin. The cabins were back a ways from the main house. "I suppose people like to be left alone when on vacation. In a way kind of lonesome, but that suits me just fine." She thought as her SUV moved towards cabin number six.

Cabin number one set far to the left in the woods a little and cabin two and three to the far right. There was plenty of room between the cabins for privacy. Jack pines were over eighty feet high and were cleared of lower limbs. Further down the lane she came to cabin four and five off to the left and then saw cabin six to the right and further down. Cabin six looked lonely since it set back in the woods and further apart from the other cabins. The cabins were actually real cabins made with logs and mud. They were well taken care of and even had porches. In places it appeared that mud had been replaced or repacked. The roof looked as if it had been repaired recently with new cedar shakes. Looking around a little more she expected to see a teepee or two. Then she laughed at the thought of an Indian coming out of the woods heading to his teepee. She could almost imagine an out-door fire and a deer roasting over it; an Indian maiden waiting for her brave with a child in her arms. Beyond the cabins was a medium size lake. More then likely people fished in the lake.

Taking the key out of her pocket that Paula had given her she unlocked the door and walked in. The floors were bare of any rugs. The kitchen and living room made up one large room with the table making a divider between the two areas. Dishes sat on open shelves above the kitchen sink. Off to each side of the open shelves were empty shelves, "she would place the groceries there." A small frig finished off the kitchen. A picture of a bear hung on one wall, and on the wall towards the bedroom hung the head of a deer. Eight point to the antlers. "It suits my purpose for the time being." she thought. "Hartman sure would not be looking for me in a cabin that looked like it was built in the seventeen hundreds," speaking out loud to the walls! She began to giggle then frowned when she realized that these cabins could not possibly be mouse free. Checking around her found no mice, or mouse traps. Maybe to far north for mice it is suppose to get really cold up here in the winter time.

The bedroom was behind with a bathroom off to the right. The bedroom was large enough for a double bed and one small dresser. A small throw rug was beside the bed. Everything was very home like with flowered wall paper on the walls. A picture of flowers hung on one wall. "It will do nicely for a time; it wasn't going to be home for the rest of her life," she thought.

Heading out to the SUV she took her suitcases from the back seat, suddenly she felt uneasy. And she did not feel alone! Looking around carefully, placing her eyes on places, someone could hide, she saw nothing. She wondered about being watched. Dismissing the feeling, she dragged her suit cases and camera bags into the cabin; closed the door and locked it. After locking the door she leaned against it and thought," well; what is the worst thing that can happen to you up here? Hell you're probably the worst thing that can happen to the people." The thought made her laughed."

Zand stood hidden out of sight as he watched Amethyst take her luggage into the cabin. She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Her amethyst eyes sparkled. He had just got into town when he scented her coming out of a dinner and watched her drive up a lane behind a cabin rental. Zand thought well this job is over; he would call Mr. Hartman in the morning and tell him he had found his niece and where she was.

After putting the groceries away, a good hot bath to relax the muscle she felt better and not so exhausted. The tub was pink as was the bathroom sink that sat in a wooden stand. The design was from the seventy's. She slipped into her pj's and crawled into bed. The bed was shear comfort it made her feel lazy and she smiled. Thinking about the uneasy feeling she had earlier she thought, "It is way too soon for anyone to have found me. I had not stopped at any hotels or motels. Sleeping in the vehicle and I paid cash for everything. Should be safe for a little while, or will I?" She thought has her eye lids slipped shut.

Around two in the morning Amethyst woke with chills running down her body. Slowly opening her eyes she searched the bedroom, saw nothing and she heard nothing. The moon light filtered through the sheer curtains on the window that hung open. She did not feel alone someone or something was near. Slipping out of bed and moving to the only window in the bedroom her eyes searched the area outside. A slight movement of a shadow by a bush her eyes began to focus on it. Starring she could almost make out an eye, then two then one then none. "They were blue eyes, eyes not easily forgotten." Shaking her head she moved back away from the window but kept her eye on the bush. A flash of something moving off to the right and it was gone. "I should shift and go check out what is out side," she thought. The feeling that some one or some thing was watching her was gone. Checking all the windows were locked and double checking the door she slipped into the bathroom, then back into bed. "Probably just a dog or some other kind of animal, shifting and heading out the door to run into to a skunk did not appeal to her"

Rain could not sleep so he took his truck drove for two miles and parked. Deciding to take a run, once he realized he was so close to the cabins he just had to get one more look before he headed home. Sneaking up to the window and looking in Rain felt like he was looking at sleeping beauty from the fairy tale story. His jeans grew tighter in front as his male parts began to swell. Even his inner wolf seems to be panting and wanted to howl at the moon. Then he noticed her body flinch and her eyes opened. Rushing away from the window he hid in the shadows and behind a bush where he could watch the cabin, yet not be seen by her.

Rain could not take his eyes off the woman he saw in the window. Her being at the window had taken him by surprise. She had the longest hair he had ever seen when he saw her earlier coming out of Paula's and Ned's Cabin Rentals. He was in the hardware part of the grocery store picking up some light bulbs and was about to leave. As he reached the door handle his eyes saw the woman leaving Paula's and Ned's. He stood there watching her as she glided down the steps and to her vehicle. Then she had turned towards the grocery store. At first he had thought she had seen him through the small class window on the door. But when she had just started picking up items to purchase he realized she didn't see him at all. He wondered about the disappointment he felt at that moment. She finally left the window he made a dash for the forest.

"Some how tomorrow, he would find a way to meet her, by accident," he thought has he trotted through the woods at an easy gate. Heading back to where he had left his truck three miles down the road. He shifted back into human form before reaching the truck. Opening the door he jumped in with a smiling, he knew would cause most women to want to be near him. Laughing to him, they do not even understand why; they are attracted to me. He didn't have to work at getting dates they seem to fall into his lap. That was why he dated a girl name Kathy. She actually had fallen right into his lap at the bar after she had tripped. Kathy was getting to serious and it was time to move on. When he settled down he thought, "It would be with a female wolf not a woman who was all human."

As Rain drove back to the alpha house he wondered "what was a beautiful female alone was doing so far away from her pack. It surprised him that her father would even permit her to travel alone. Some unanswered questions he wanted answers too. Rain knew from experience that females in a pack were protected within the pack. They were not allowed to run as they saw fit. Their virtue was highly valued. No male wolf would ever commit himself to a female wolf that slept around." To great a chance that she might carry another wolf's cub. If a female was carrying another wolf's cub then it was shamed the male mate would carry for the rest of his life. No alpha would consider a female who was free and easy.

The sun was streaming in through the window! Waking slowly Amethyst felt so relaxed. "More relaxed she realized then she had felt in a long time." The bed was so warm and comfortable she turned over and closed her eyes. Memories began to flood her mind. "Father your death was so unexpected, some considered it murder; others an accident, no proof either way. The funeral was large, father was loved and respected by so many. Her attorney had taken care of everything for her."

Hartman, her father's business partner was with her all the time. She appreciated it in the beginning, but then he would not leave her alone for five seconds. He had become possessive of her and her time. Then Hartman had cornered her in the study; the day before her father's funeral. Hartman had asked her to marry him, as if he were the last man on earth that would have her. She had refused his proposal, had rushed up stairs to escape him, to the privacy of her bedroom.

The day of the actual funeral her father's urn was lowered to the ground as she turned towards the limousine, Hartman put his arm around her. She moved a few feet away from him. She had refused to marry him for the second time that morning, and then he tried strong arming her.

Hartman was pushing her out of sight behind a mausoleum. Telling her she would marry him whether she liked it or not as he twisted her arm to make sure she understood. Oh she understood alright he was leaving her with no choice. Or so he thought at the time.

The fear she felt was so over whelming. He was going to force her into a marriage she did not want. If she agreed to marry, he would leave the business shares in her name otherwise, he would take control of the company. He would take her fathers shares by any means including blackmail. It was that moment she knew; she had to run and began to set in motion her plans. As if reliving it her body began to tremble and she pulled the covers up closer to her chin. Truth was she wanted to cover her head and hide. She knew she was stronger then that. Her father had taken a great deal of time teaching her to be independently strong. She could not let her father down; if she did it would taint her father's memory!

Saying good-bye to Anna her house keeper and nanny had been hard. Anna had been with her since she was born. She was a second mother when her own mother died in a car accident. "Poor Anna with tears in her eyes said she understood. Thankfully father had cash in the house hidden just in case it was needed. The old safe was broken into and cash taken papers destroyed. It would have been a nice addition, but she had enough money to do her a long time if she spent it wisely. Thank God her father put his last will with the money he had hidden. Crawling out of bed for the bathroom a quick bath to wash away the tears, they could not change a thing.

Chapter 2

Feeling somewhat better she stepped out side the cabin deciding to look around the area. Going back into the cabin she grabbed off the dresser a light jacket. Returning outside, locked the door and headed down a path behind the cabin towards the lake. The path ran along side the lake fifty yards then moved in to the forest.

The path was narrow but well used. Some mud here and there but the snow was melted the run off had slowed down. Small streams were not flowing over their edges.

The lake water was clear; a person could see the bottom clearly down to ten feet. The forest was mostly jack pine trees. Most stood over a hundred feet easy. The pine needles made a wonderful carpet to walk on. The jack pines had been trimmed of branches to about twelve feet above the ground. It made walking easy, no ducking branches.

Moving slowly down the path in search of anything interesting she could find. Amethyst nose picked up a small scent not close but not that far away. The scent seemed to make her heart flutter then suddenly beat faster as the scent got stronger. Moving slowly behind a jack pine tree she stood and watched and sniffed the air. "It's getting closer, part of her wanted to stay hidden part of her wanted to run and yet another part of her wanted to confront the scent". A mixture of emotions she was not use too, ran crazy ideas through her head."

"The scent was even closer now; warmth began to pool at the center of her being. Her senses were on full alert. Mm; she felt a small tingle between her legs and pulled them together to still what was happening to her. Then she saw it, a very large male wolf walked up and stood by the stream looking around then drank some water. Sitting down it seem to be staring in her direction then his nose lifted into the air and she realized he was scenting the air. Then moved down stream a little ways and disappeared into the woods. "The eyes were blue the same blue as she had seen outside her cabin. Damn he had blue eyes!" she said in amazement. "It had to have been the wolf that was out side the cabin." The realization made her feel like melting into the ground like the first fallen snow flake in winter."

Finally realizing that she had not taken a breath the entire time she stood there she gasped for air. As her lungs filled with air her brain seem to begin to work. Turning quickly nearly falling she hit the tree with her hand to steady her self, "and cried out, "ouch!" The bark of the tree had dug in and small scrapes were seeping blood. She looked up from her hand; there stood the most amazing man she had ever seen. Black hair, blue eyes, about six-foot three, standing there, he was looking at her. With this smile on his face that would melt any woman's heart. "He was not moving star handsome he was rugged handsome and new immediately he was dangerous. There was something about him; he knew he was all that and a bag of chips as they saying went." Her favorite saying for great looking guys who new it"

In one total look from head to toe she looked him over as if he was a dream or some thing that walked out of her imagination. His black hair was cut to perfection. His blue eyes were a deep ocean blue. His nose was straight and slightly flared at the tip. His lips were full and smiling. His muscled arms and chest were covered with a blue western shirt that fit snuggly to his body. She wondered," what would it would be like to be held in his arms pulled into his chest and feel safe?" He had narrow hips and strong muscular legs. He wore blue jeans that hugged his hips. On his feet he wore cowboy boots that were black. "She liked what she saw and he knew it."

Rains smiled deepened and he voice was warm and comforting, "See anything you might want?" Rain stood looking at her then did the same thing to her as she had done to him. He started to look at her from head to toe. Her hair was dark brown and long in a long single braid down her back that reached her knees. Her lips were full and warm he wondered what it would be like to kiss them. Her eyes were blue amethyst in color, shining gem stones with a sultry look to them. Her face was heart shaped, her nose was small and her skin was flawless. He moved down to her breast and decided a little large for her size but perfection in shape. She had a small waste, nice hips and beautiful long legs and small feet. And an ass any man could not help but love. He liked what he saw and it showed. She wasn't very tall more than likely five foot two or three. He liked looking down on women and placing his chin on top of their heads and pulling them in tight to his body. They seem to fit so nicely and melt into him. He felt his male parts growing in desire and his inner wolf wanted to howl. Calming his inner wolf he did not want to scare her off he told his inner wolf to be silent."

"My, my name is Amethyst" she spoke almost in a whisper but his excellent hearing heard her name as if she spoke normally. "Why are you looking at me like that? Haven't you ever seen a female before?"

Rain laughed, avoiding her question as she had done with his. "He thought, her voice was sexy and soft, it was inviting to him." Rain stood there and said nothing; he just smiled at her trying to bring some kind of control over his inner wolf. "For his sake he had too, he could not let his wolf run things at this time. “Rain; you're trespassing." Walking towards her she backed up until her back came in contact with the tree, but her eyes never left his. He thought her name suited her because of her eyes." Picking up her hand his eyes lowered. "You have hurt your hand it needs attention!"

"What?" Amethyst said as she stared up at him.

As he pulled her towards the small stream, "she could not seem to gather her wits about her." She just let him lead her. "What the hell was wrong with me?" she thought. When her hand hit the cold water she suddenly seemed to come awake from some sort of romantic dream and pulled away quickly. Standing she turned to run, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back and into his arms. Looking down at her; his lips moved towards hers, she began to kick, but he avoided her feet. Then his hand came up and held her by the back of the head, his lips came down on hers. All the struggles inside her came to a slow stop as his lips began to possess her heart, mind, and body. Her body melted into his and she felt warm all over inside. The experience was leaving her breathless. She had never felt like this before.

Pulling her hands free she placed them around his neck, opened her mouth to his. Rains arms pulled her closer. His lips were hard at first, demanding, then softened, and quickly persuasion took over. Where his lips bruised now caressed and soothed, she could not help but move deeper into his arms. She had felt like she was lost and finally came to a place that she no longer felt she was alone. She could feel warmth flowing into her body and centering between her legs and then moving up into her tummy. Putting here entire self into the kiss she could feel his warmth seep into her. Some where back in her mind she heard herself say, "what, the hell are you doing?"

"Rains mind told him she must be experienced to kiss him the way she was. No innocent female could ever kiss like that." Then he began to grind his maleness into her belly and suddenly she pulled back. Slapping him in the face and kicked him in the shin. She began running for the cabin as fast as her legs could carry her!

"He yelped like a wounded dog and she could hear him growling."

Amethyst smiled to herself, "it served him right!"

His inner wolf wanted the chase and to dominate her till she whimpered and accepted his dominance. Instead he stood their smiling, knowing she was unpredictable smart sassy woman. "The inner wolf began raging and it took all his will power to calm him down. His inner wolf settled, and then tried to reason with him. She is perfect for us. Now let's go get her! Be still; patience is required with her." Turning shifting into a wolf he headed back to his home and his pack. The smile on his face did not leave the entire evening.

Once Rain reached home he headed into the kitchen. "Hi Willow, I could use a sandwich do you mind?" Willow was a small woman and not very tall. She was in her fifty's and sweet mild temperament female. She kept house and did the cooking and washing. She was like a mother hen to him and the rest of the pack. They didn't mind and it seems to make her happy.

"You know I don't mind. What has you smiling, and your eyes sparkling?"

"Am I smiling? Eyes sparkling, he laughed."

Taking his ham sandwiches he headed into the den sat down and proceeded to watch TV. In truth he saw nothing, his mind was on Amethyst and how delectable she was. "She sure could kiss. One of her kisses could melt any man's heart and turn his reserve into butter. He had better be careful before she had a ring in his nose." His inner wolf growled and said "what is so bad about that? Wolf the ring would be in your nose too his inner wolf growled in protest, don't like it do you?"

Once Amethyst realized that Rain was not following her she shifted into wolf form and ran towards the cabin. Just inside the woods she stopped and shifted back into human form. Then she silently walked until she could see the cabin, "nothing seemed out-of-order, no unusual scent, she thought." Then walked to the cabin and opened the door slipped inside. Locking the door then leaning against it she could still feel Rains lips on hers. Touching her lips with her finger a thrilled ran down her entire body.

"Could she stay here?" Feeling her heart drop she thought," more than likely not!" If her father's business partner Hartman had anything to say or do about it. The thought was so over whelming she cried out," I want to stay! Maybe she could come back once things were settled! What is the use he more then likely won't stay single forever, not with his good looks."

After a shower and deciding a trip to the diner would be better than cooking for herself, off she went. Thinking," I am pretty useless in a kitchen at the best of times". Deciding that since the diner was only a little over a quarter a mile away she could walk, and then thought better of it, "I will drive just in case of a need to get out-of-town quick. Now is not the time to take chances."

The diner was busy it was Friday afternoon and made a metal note not to come in on Friday afternoons ever again. Finding a spot at the end of the bar she took a menu and looked it over. Susan came up with a cup and some coffee and said she would be back to take her order. Five minutes later Susan walked up, "Sorry it took so long. Have you decided what you would like to eat for lunch?"

With a smile she said, "how about the veal dinner for one? Susan do you have an internet hook up here in the diner or are there one in town some place? I need to hook up my laptop and read the Globe and Mail."

"Goodness no internet in this town, we get the paper here! I'll just get it real quick so you can read it as your waiting for your lunch. The owner likes to read the Globe and Mail that is why we get it."

"Yes, need to check out how the stock market is doing on a certain stock. Invested a few dollars on the suggestion of a friend, hoping it pays off."

Susan walked away and set the order into the cook, Susan returned and said, "Sorry no veal left, but here's the paper."

What is left Susan?"

"You can have any sandwich you like, she said with a smile."

"OK I'll take a hot chicken sandwich with fries. Can you take a break and sit with me and chat for a while?"

"No break right now to busy, maybe when things slow down I can."

Picking up a newspaper Amethyst worked her way towards the announcements. Read a short poem.

Purple flowers in total are left to you in bloom; those in power have cleared the way. All that is yours access will be soon, I for see at this time absolutely no delay. (Putter)

Smiles broke out all over Amethyst face. Her day just got brighter. "The lawyer was making progress; the will had been read everything was left to her. The investigator is working on the case. Now all she had to do was wait for the money. Every thing has to be placed in her name and some money transferred over to a bank that could be accessed by her. She had to wait for another poem to find out how things were progressing on the blackmail scheme that Hartman had devised. If she could just relax take a breath and hang on for a little while longer things just might work out for her. Or at least she was hoping.

Susan smiled at her as she walked up to her and said, "What has made you so happy? You're smiling all over and your eyes are bright as a light. Did your stock go up?"

"Oh just a silly poem is all! Stock went up a little so no big profit, yet!"

Susan smiled as she set the hot chicken sandwich down on the table and said read it to me. So Amethyst read the poem and Susan said, "Well that is silly and does not make a lot of sense."

Laughing she said, "Susan that is why it's so amusing. No sense at all to anyone." She thought, "no one would even think the poem was meant for her. Putter was a nick name her father had given to her best friend, no one knew about it but Putter, herself , and her father and now of course her lawyer. She had met Putter when she was twelve. There parents owned homes on the same lake. Each year they met and spent their summers together. Emily got the name Putter because she loved to get on the golf course and putt balls into the cups on the greens. Her eyes began to water slightly, she missed Putter. Right now she could not dare call her." Blinking quickly to get rid of the tears that were about to erupt she looked up at Susan she said, "Are you working tonight at Wylie's Bar?"

"I'll be there it is Friday night and it's the best tip night of the entire week. Everyone gets paid on Friday; I only work Friday nights at the bar. Are you thinking of dropping in tonight?"

Yes, will pop in, must check out those yummy guys you mentioned. So I'll come in for a little while! Finishing the last of her chicken sandwich, leaving the money on the counter she said, see you later Susan."

Stepping out side she looked up and down the street she decided to pick up a couple of things at the local drug store and head back to the cabin and relax. The drug store had two customers. She moved around the isle picked up some aspirins, shampoo, and cream rinse. Went to the soap isle picked up some bubble bath, and a bar of soap.

Driving up to the cabin she saw some one sitting on the porch a silver colored truck sat in front of the cabin. The smiles left her face and for a moment fear replaced her smile. She slowed her SUV down trying to get a better look at who was on the porch. Finally he turned and she saw it was Rain. Thinking, "oh great what the hell does he want? He probably wants to warn me to stay off his land or sue me for assault? The jack ass! Oh but, what a handsome jack ass he was, she purred to herself. Oh I have got to stop this!"

Stopping her vehicle and getting out she grabbed the bag from the drug store and marched up the steps of the porch. "And what brings you to my door this day, she said in a huff?"

Rain put his arms out and she handed him the bag and unlocked the door. Then taking the bag from him set it inside the door on the floor and stood there looking at him. "Damn he had no right to look so handsome, her inner voice said. Then stand there and say nothing. She decided to just stand there and say nothing herself. Let him be the first to speak after all he came to see me, I didn't go see him."

Dismissing Amethyst irate voice at seeing him standing on the porch he smiled. He knew his smile could melt the heart of most women, would it melt Amethyst's heart, and it was a wait and see. "She was so different from the women he was used to, or ever met come to think about it. If her looks could kill there wouldn't be a male within a hundred feet of her." Rain put on his most charming smile and smoothly spoke. "I came to ask you if you would like to go out with me this evening. It's Friday and Wylie's bar is having fish, instead of his usual hamburgers and fries. We got off on the wrong foot and would like to make it up to you."

Thinking fish dinner would be a nice change. She did not want to agree to easy or to quickly she stood staring at him. She watched the smile leave his face and a frown begin to appear. "Good she thought he thinks I am going to say no;" Then smiling and without thinking further "I will meet you at Wylie's Bar at 7 P.M." Leaning in towards her he kissed her quickly before she knew what he was going to do. Then moved off the porch and down to his truck hopped in and drove off.

Thinking to her self "I feel like a run in the woods, a roll in some leaves and barking at some small animal."

Running into the cabin she put the bag away then locked up and headed behind the cabin. Walking down the path a ways she shifted into a wolf and began to run she leaped over a log came to a small stream and jumped over it. Then stopped and smelled the ground then began to roll in some leaves and whimpered in delight. Catching a small squirrel on the ground she bounced towards it barking. Then laid down on the ground, placed her face between her paws, and enjoyed the different scents around her. After a few minutes she raised herself up stretched and headed back towards the cabin. Wagging her tail; happy as a bird in a field of grain."

Rain had decided he would sneak back to the cabin via the woods to take a last look at Amethyst before heading home. Rain stood watching Amethyst as she ran through the woods, rolled, and barked at the squirrel and thought even in wolf form, "she was beautiful. Her fur was black and shinny it appeared marbled in places, he wondered about the unusual coloring for a wolf. She was remarkable female. He had to get to know her there was no such word as no in his vocabulary when it came to her."

Rain headed home showered, changed into a pair of jeans, shirt, and boots, and "told the pack he was heading into town." His beta Pend teased him about going in to see a certain lady. Rain laughed because "they thought it was some one else other than Amethyst. They did not know a new wolf female was in town; he wanted to keep it that way, just for a little while longer. "Not seeing Kathy any more! Told her yesterday it was over, she was getting far too serious for my liking. Don't want to settle down with a human. Not fair to her or to me to keep the relationship going."

Turning, out the door he went hoped into his truck and pulled out and headed for town. Rain felt a challenge in Amethyst demeanor at times and could not help but quirk his top lip to one side. She would never be boring he thought. Maybe a relationship with her would not be such a bad idea. His inner wolf agreed and wanted to howl. Then thought he was just being foolish.

Raw one of the men staying with Rain got up from the table, "I think I will head into town and check up on our alpha, he's up to something. I am thinking it is a new female and I should check her out. He might need some help" he laughed. Raw stood five-feet ten, black hair that was kept in a style that made him appear younger. Smile lines filled his face, his happy go lucky attitude showed as he left with a big grin on his face.

Amethyst had gotten back to the cabin and took a long hot bubble bath, washed her hair. Her soap made her smell like flowers in a field. She was actually looking forward to her date with Rain. "He was exciting! There was this animalistic odor to him she couldn't seem to think when he was near her and he filled her senses putting them on over load." He had this body that was to die for. He looked like a body builder, but knew it was from working hard. She began to wonder, "Could he accept me the way I am or would he think of me as a freak of nature and would he be angry. He would more than likely shun me once he knew what I am. It does not matter tonight I am going to just have fun and see where it would take me. After all I am wealthy, carefree, and; still in danger."

"Need to set up a will just in case something happens to me. I will do that tomorrow, making a mental note." Slipping on a denim wrap around skirt that was knee length, high healed black boots, and a light loose top that showed a little cleavage and high in the back, the color of purple to match her eyes she smiled. "I look pretty darn good." Brushed out her hair took two leather laces tied them together into a knot then a bow she centered it at the back of her neck and then crossed over and under her hair to hold her hair in place working to the bottom of her hair. She was ready and it was fifteen minutes to seven she grabbed her purse locked the door and headed to the bar.

Walking into the bar letting her eyes adjust to the dim lights, she looked around and then felt someone right behind her turning around a man of about six feet was standing there smiling at her. "Want to dance sweetie?" He said with a purr.

"No thanks I have a date! I expect him any minute now! That is if he is not already here"

"If he does not show I'll be at the bar; Am, ah lady!" He purred as he walked away.

Then she saw Rain at the bar talking to the bartender, he had not noticed her at first and she stood there watching him. Then she slowly moved across the room between the tables just about five feet from Rain he turned and smiled. Looked her up and down and his smile widen and she could see a beautiful set of straight white teeth. Smiling back at him he rose from his seat and walked to her. Placed his arm around her, lead her to a table in a corner. Pulled out a chair for her, and then took a seat across from her.

Still smiling, "your beautiful Amethyst, and you know it; you're so secure in yourself it makes you even more beautiful. You walk with such grace it is like you float across the floor. Every man in this place saw you when you came in; including me. I am surprised I have not had to fight them off one by one."

"You may still have too before this night is over! Rains laughter made her laugh. Tell me about your self Rain who are you really? I know you live close to the cabin I am staying at, but where is your home?"

"My home is five miles to the north of the cabin you're staying in. My land borders on Paula's and Ned's land. I actually own the lake behind the cabins. I live in a large house with eight bedrooms. I have some friends that live close by and a couple who live with me. Pend and his mate Kelly married not long ago and she moved in. Markus also stays in the house; he is getting married next week. A house is in the process of being built for them. I have a house keeper her name is Willow she stays in her own house on the property. A couple more friends live in the house. There are a couple of small families that live in their own homes very close by. I own ten sections of land in total and it borders on Government land, to the north and west. Now tell me about your self?"

"She wondered about the use of the word mate instead of wife. “More than likely just a Canadian way of speaking," she thought. Nothing to tell I am here visiting; I am from the State of Wyoming. I love taking pictures had some published. Worked for my father he had a company in Casper, Wyoming. Keep pretty much to myself. I have never been married, no boy friends to speak of. Have dated in the past, had one serious bow once. With those words Rains eye brows came up and he smiled. And I have never really got close to anyone since. That is the full story!"

"I think there is more to you then what you said Amethyst, but I will respect your privacy. For now; that is!" Rains mind could not accept the fact that a woman with her beauty and grace had no boy friend and never got close to any one but one man. And he wondered why that was. "Could be because she is a werewolf or was it something else. Females are very picky when it comes to a life long commitment. So not being mated did not surprise him. And he wondered why she was not part of a pack some place, than maybe she was and was not saying for some reason. If she was part of a pack then she would be protected. Females were prized possessions and were not permitted to sleep around. Fathers made sure their daughters remained virgins. No male wolf would mate a female who was of loose morals. So she can't be apart of a pack. Well if she had one serious relationship then she would not be a virgin. That won't stand in my way.

"Susan walked up to the table and smiled what would you like to order?"

"I will have a Cosmo and a fish dinner, smiling at Susan warmly.

"Make that fish for two Susan and bring me a beer," Rain said.

Susan smiled, and leaned in and whispered to Amethyst. "He's a looker, is he not? And if you haven't noticed he's got a great butt." Susan laughed when Amethyst turned to her and said, "I've noticed!

Rain rolled his eyes, and then looked at the two women. "They think I didn't hear," he thought. "Well it is nice to be appreciated by the fairer sex even if it was for my looks and my ass. Wait until Amethyst finds out there is more to me then good looks, and charm!"

Dinner was delicious the fish was not over done. The fries were hot and she had to admit so was her date. Dancing turned out to be a couple slow songs played on a juke box. Rain surprisingly was a great dancer. Rain sang along with a song on the juke box. And she found him extremely good. He has a wonderful voice. A few drinks later and some small talk they left the bar.

Rain found her to be a challenge at times; she was quick-witted, and intelligent. Some of her smart remarks left him either laughing, or confused. Not one moment of boredom in her company. He really enjoyed his time with her. He didn't want the night to end. Even his inner wolf was delighted, lusty as hell, but still content with her company.

Rain was walking her to her SUV. "I had a wonderful time Rain!

Rain moved forward took her in his arms and kissed her and she melted against his chest. Opening her mouth she placed her tongue against his lower lip and rubbed it gently. His tongue slipped into her mouth rubbing against her tongue then the roof of her mouth. He broke the kiss and began kissing her neck, then over to the order side then up to her ear back to her lips. Heat began to form inside of her consuming her body entirely. She could barely stand, he held her up against the vehicle so she could not fall or escape.

As he grew harder and harder, he began to move it against her core until she was whimpering in need. "Rains mind told him take her back to the cabins. Here on the street anyone could walk by and see them, plus he wanted time with her. She was well worth more than a quickly, and see you later beside a vehicle."

He pulled her away from the SUV and over to his truck parked two vehicles down. Slipped her inside on the driver's side all the while he kissed her. Sliding her over to the passenger side he turned, started up the truck said, "I'll drive you to the cabins."

When they arrived at the cabin he shut the truck off. Jumping out of the truck he moved around to her side of the truck and opened the door lifting her out then carried her to her cabin. The key in her hand unlocked the door.

The cabin was dark except for the moon light. Rain could see without any trouble, he moved her towards the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and then lay next to her. He began kissing her lips and slowly moved down her neck which she made available to him. He ran his tongue into her ear and she whimpered with delight. His hand roamed her body. Rains hand moved to one breast to the next down her rib cage and back up again; just to repeat the moves over again. He slowly removed her top and then her skirt leaving her bra and panties on. His kisses took on a whole new meaning for her as he moved down her body. First the top of one breast and the other he pulled her up slightly ran his hand behind her removing her bra. His mouth took one nipple that was already pebbled and waiting for him. She growled with delight, and then she whimpered when he moved away from her breast but quickly growled again when his mouth took her other nipple in his mouth and he sucked slowly. Rains tongue ran over her breast and down her stomach to her belly button. There he made little circles with his tongue all the while his hand were moving all over her body. He began nipping her gently at first one side then the other. His tongue moved down to the black curls at the apex of her legs. She spread her legs to him like a flower opens to the sun. He took in a deep breath of air through his nose and scented her arousal. The scent drove his need for her beyond his limits.

"She cried out with a yearning desire for something more, but did not understand what. She began to beg Rain for more and he worked his hands down to her core and when he touched it, she cried out lifting herself to him. Slowly he worked a finger inside her to work the nerves driving her to beg for Rain to give her what she so badly needed. She cried out when his finger left her and then he was back with two fingers inside of her working them in and out and she lifted herself with each stroke. A driving need to reach some higher peak took over her body. She kissed his lips when they came to her. She put her tongue into his mouth caressing his tongue and the roof of his mouth. She held on to him with her arms trying to pull him into her.

"She was tight and she was small he wondered how long it had been for her." Removing his fingers she was wet and ready for him, and he licked his fingers and smiled. Rain removed his clothes, moved onto her. Spreading her legs with his knee; he then lifted her legs slightly bending them so he could have full access her tunnel. Slowly he drove himself into her and stopped at the virginal skin that he did not realize would be there.

Amethyst cried out, "please," in fear he would go no further. She lifted herself to him and he drove deeply into her. Her cry of pain caused her to try to escape but his arms and the weight of body held her in place and she, "whimpered." He was to large for her and for a moment she was frightened, but as the pain subsided a renewed yearning took over her mind and body.

He drove into her three more times each time driving himself deeper. Then lay still in side of her," it will be OK the first time is painful after this you will feel nothing but pleasure, I promise you. Your body will accept me; let me know when it stops hurting."

She did not move for a couple of seconds then nodded her head, he slowly began to move in side of her. After four or five thrusts she felt herself once again trying to reach some unknown feeling. Desire had her spiraling out of control. It felt so good and her body felt each thrust going deeper. Her nerve endings were alive and she felt every inch of him. She needed more of him, and she growled her pleasure to him and he began to work himself faster in, and out, in and out of her. Suddenly it was like a dam broke and she screamed out Rain's name and her body quivered all over. Her legs and arms felt heavy. She couldn't move and still Rain thrust himself into her several more times before he reached his release inside of her body. Her body was still in release of her orgasm and he stayed with her until her body stopped quivering. He slowly moved off her and pulled her into his arms. Rain held her tightly as if he expected her to get up and run and escape.

Rains mind began to clear he realized he had let his inner wolf take over. Now he realized what he had done could not be undone, she was going to expect a relationship with him. Hell she probably will expect mating, kids, and settle down. Damn, now what the hell am I going to do? His inner wolf said," lets keep her. What is so bad about settling down with her? Except, I don't feel like I am ready to settle down; commit myself to just one woman at least not right now," he thought. Even if she was the most captivating woman he ever laid eyes on. And the sex was amazing with her. Her innocence turned him on beyond anything he ever felt before with a woman. Rain frowned slightly with the thought of having an actual mate. He had too many responsibilities with the pack. Do I want to settle down after all I am only twenty- five years old?" He felt Amethyst move beside him. He looked at her. Her smile was breath-taking.

Amethyst noticed the frown on Rains face, at that moment she realized he must be sorry they made love. "She was inexperienced; maybe that was why he was unhappy. Maybe he feels trapped because I was a virgin." She wanted to cry, but instead lifted her chin. She moved from the bed her heart breaking into a million pieces. She grabbed a bath robe near the bed, turned to him. Speaking firmly in a no fooling school teacher tone of voice and said as she got up, and slipped on the robe, "Rain I am sorry if you're expecting more from me then this one night stand. But we are two different people from totally different worlds. You cannot be in my world, I cannot be in yours. She was thinking because she was a multi shape-shifter."

"Rain was thinking it was because she lived in the big city of Casper and would not want to live out in the middle of no where, plus she had wealth and looked down on him."

"I do want you to know I am glad it was you who was my first, Amethyst said. It was wonderful, you were amazing! I however, suggest you get dressed and head home please! She felt she had to protect herself be the independent woman her father wanted her to be after all she had her pride.

Rain laid there in shock, "it was something he had said a few times to women himself. And never dreamed a woman would say the words to him. Damn this woman any how. "Fine, I'll leave now, and you're right it was amazing. Any man would be delighted with a roll in bed with you!"

Amethyst's head shot up, and the pain of his words were written all over her face.

Rain never saw her face, because he was picking up his pants off the floor at the time.

He slipped into his clothes, and marched out the door slamming it behind him. "Why, had she given up her virginity to him, he swore. Then realized it was mostly likely due to her coming into heat in a week or two. Rain's inner wolf began to rant and rave. You can't let her walked out of our lives you damn fool. Go back there and tell her we are not going anywhere. Shut up will you? No I am not shutting up this time she is perfect and I want her for a mate! Well she doesn't want us! You can't force her into being our mate. Wait, where did that thought come from? This is the second time the thought came to him. First time he dismissed it as a foolish thought. You know; maybe you're right. We are not giving up that easy! Good now go back and tell her. Slow down we cannot go barging in there right now. Tomorrow night will be soon enough. She might not want us but she is physically attracted to us. The desire is there we can work with that. Her coming into heat soon won't hurt either!"

Rain opened the door to his truck, slid in, started it up, and headed towards home. While he drove his mind was racing, "I have to find a way to get her to agree they belonged together!"

Chapter 3

After a fit of crying half the night she woke with the feeling of dread. She dragged herself out of bed saw the blood on the sheets and wanted to start crying all over again.

"She had given up her virginity to a man who didn't love her" she thought." After changing the sheets on the bed she thought, "Stupid, your just plain stupid especially when it comes to Rain!"

She walked into the bathroom, and showered. Putting on some make up to cover the fact her eyes were slightly swollen from crying. Dressing she decided she would go to the diner and have breakfast and check on the newspaper to see if there had been any more results from her attorney. "Then pack my bags and get out-of-town.! The sooner the better," she thought. "Rain didn't care one ounce for me; he was just interested in me for sex. Well he got what he wanted and now he would toss me a side and prowl else where. I sure beat him at his own game I tossed him out first. What a jerk and I was such an easy conquest. I certainly made a fool out of myself this time. More then likely it was because my heat was going to come in soon and I like a fool didn't reason things out. Thankfully I remembered to bring the medication to stop my cycle. It is just too soon to take it."

Slipping out the door and locking it and then realized her vehicle had been left in town, she started walking. Walking in the door of the diner Susan was sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee. The diner was empty for a change. "It is certainly the right time of the day on Saturday to come in," she thought.

Looking up Susan smiled and said "you know you really have to check out this announcement in the paper today. Same person sent it, but it makes no sense at all. I don't think this man knows what a poem is supposed to be. What's wrong Amethyst you've been crying?"

"Oh nothing just home sick it made me cry. Now about the poem let me see the paper."

Poison Ivy climbs near, at sun rise, Be on your way, this very day. Stay safe, as hell begins to rise. Court the flowers in a week and a day. (Putter.)

Her eyes widen, and she began to tremble. Fear crossed her face as she read. Then her eyes filled with tears, her hands could no longer hang on to the paper. Her entire minds seem to go blank for a few seconds. "Susan I have to go! And please do me a favor and tell Rain when you see him, I love him and I didn't mean what I said. Bye Susan!"

"Amethyst, where are you going? Are you coming back? Why are you so scared?" Not getting any answers to her questions she watch as Amethyst ran out the door. Got into her vehicle slammed the door and locked it and put it in gear and left.

Rushing to the cabin she began packing things in a rush. She stopped packing when she heard a vehicle driving into the yard. Rushing to the window she peeked out. "Oh no it's Hartman I have to get the hell out of here!" Grabbing what she could in her arms which consisted of the briefcase full of money, laptop she went to the back room. Silently she opened the window looked around then slipped out, closed the window part way. She rushed to the woods just in time to drop to the ground as a man came around the cabin.

She could hear him yelling "nothing here boss. She is not here! What do you want to do now boss?"

Hartman came around the other side of the house, said, "We will wait for her. She is still here; her clothes and things are still in the cabin her SUV is here too. Stay out of sight. She is probably in town or out for a walk. We will catch her when she comes back. I'll wait inside the cabin for her."

Moving slowly on her belly she crawled into the woods far enough she could stand up, not be seen. She ran staying off the path, but near it so as not to get lost.

Running down the path and through the woods not knowing where it leads, she new she had to get away. She prayed it led some place other then an animal path. If it turned into an animal path; she would more then likely die lost in the woods, and her body would never be found. Not a comforting thought. All her work to keep control over her father's estate, and company would have been for nothing. Walking and taking spells of running for what seemed like miles she was hungry and cold. She sat down by a tree and began to cry. After crying for about an hour she felt better but it did not improve the situation she now found herself in. Feeling sorry for herself would not help. She had to keep moving, keep out of sight. She had to keep her mind on what direction she was traveling in, and protect herself at all cost.

Susan was suddenly frightened for Amethyst, and she asked for time off to head over to the saw mill, and see Rain. First she ran up to the corner looking towards the cabins where Amethyst was staying. She saw some men and two vehicles there. Who ever they were she watched one man go into the cabin and not come out. The rest of them men hid in the woods out of sight. Maybe Rain could help or new something. Rushing to her beat up old car she put the pedal to the floor and was at the saw mill in twenty minutes. She asked the foremen if she could see Rain.

As Rain came out from behind a large pile of wood stacked eight feet high, he walked towards the office to see what the boss wanted Susan rushed up to him. Rain had an awful feeling something was wrong.

"Susan what brings you to see me? Trying to remain calm, after all he was an alpha and had to think first, and act later."

"Rain it is Amethyst, she read the announcement in the paper and became frightened. She ran out of the diner. I watched from the corner of the street she went up to the cabin. There are men in town looking for her. They went up to the cabin after her. I don't know if she got out of the cabin before they got there or not. People aren't saying anything except she was here kept to herself made no friends that they knew of and have no idea where she might be."

"What was in the paper that caused her to be frightened?"

"Here read." Susan said with trying not to cry.

Rain took the paper looked at the poem, then looked at Susan and read the poem.

Poison Ivy climbs near, at sun rise, Be on your way, this very day. Stay safe, as hell begins to

"Hell this doesn't make much sense."

"Yea it does look at it. Poison Ivy climbs near at sun rise. Those men came real early this morning. Be on your way this very day, she was told to get out-of-town. Putter who wrote the poem knew these men had found where she was. They knew she was here in this town, they have come for her. The rest, I don't understand. Oh Rain we have to do something to help her. Amethyst has become such a good friend."

"I will see what I can do." Hugging Susan he said; "go back to the diner pretend nothing has happened. Can you do that honey? And I will find her, don't worry Susan!"

"Rain something else, I need to tell you, Amethyst said, to tell you she loves you and she didn't mean what she said to you." Susan ran for her car and headed into town.

Rain's heart jumped from her words, and his inner wolf cried out for Amethyst. She loved him, and he smiled.

Talking to the boss and getting the day off was no problem; hell he never took a day off for any reason, not even when his brother Storm came to visit three months ago. Jumping into his truck he drove for town and he kept his speed up and got there in twenty minutes. He parked at Paula and Ned's. Walk around, and off to the far left into the woods. Rain shifted into wolf form so that concealing his present would be easier for him. Moving deeper he then turned to circle the cabins. Keeping well out of sight he began to check out cabin six and the surrounding area.

Rain wanted to see if anyone was at the cabin staying just out of sight in the woods he slowly moved around to the back of the cabin then towards the front again on the other side. He noticed four men out side the cabin hidden out of site, one moving around inside. Amethyst was not here he felt it inside him; the scent of her was not strong. She

Stopping, looking down he noticed the ground had been moved slightly. A normal person would not have noticed. He moved deeper into the woods picking up a slight trail, it wasn't much. His wolf scented the ground and his wolf cried out where is the female, "Damn if I know. But we have to find her." Running into the woods heading deeper and deeper his nose kept her scent in his mind. Rain was angry and he wanted rip someone into small pieces, he would if Amethyst was not alright. If she is not alive someone was going to pay dearly with their life. "How dare they cause his female to run, and hide even from him? He would let his inner wolf out with it in total charge of the results!

Amethyst needed shelter, the nights were still cold, and she had to find a safe place of some kind. Then she would shift into a wolf. The weather would be tolerable than. Walking and taking spells of running a few more miles or so she stopped at a stream for a drink of water. "At least I will not die of thirst. If worse comes to worse I can shift and kill something to eat." Then eating raw meat did not appeal to her. Just the thought made her stomach turn. "I will always be a city wolf at heart; Mm! Maybe it is for the best when this is over to go back to Casper."

Moving past a bush she came to a large tree. Amethyst saw just what she needed, a hole at the bottom of a tree, just large enough for her briefcase, laptop, and herself to fit into without being seen from the outside. Once inside the hole she found it to be much larger than she originally thought. Leaves were piled up inside, likely blown in during last fall. She would move them towards the opening and it would help keep the wind out, and conceal her, should anyone notice the hole and look inside. A squirrel had made a home above her and some seeds spread out on the ground. She took her paws and moved them to the entrance. Moving back as far as she could she curled into a ball and fall asleep.

Damn been on this trail for hours, and it is dark, but Rain saw perfectly, moon light and his wolf vision. "How far has she traveled, he wondered?" If she left at seven this morning as Susan said, she can't be too much further a head of him." Stopping at a stream to drink some water his nose picked up a stronger scent of her; "she was near!" Turning around in a circle he began to search, "her scent is stronger here. I can smell her but I don't see her. Where the hell is she?" He started to growl then a slight sound so low an ordinary person would not hear it.

It was a whimper like a small cub would make. His ears alert, he listened for another sound. Was there a female wolf in the area with cubs? There was no scent of them. Then he heard it again. Moving slowly, and silently he worked his way past a large bush to a large tree. The whimper came again, this time he realized it was in the tree. Moving around the tree to the other side he saw a hole, but it appeared to be full of leaves. His wolf began to fill with joy as Amethyst scent filled his nose when he sniffed at the hole. She was in side the tree. Rain thought, "Smart real smart hiding in a tree in wolf form no one would suspect it was Amethyst." Moving slowly as not to frighten her he slipped part way in side pushing the leaves aside. Amethyst in wolf form, was shivering, and curled into a ball at the back of the tree. He moved the rest of the way in. "He growled to awaken her."

Slowly her eyes opened, and she cuddled closer to him he licked her face then she slept. Having what she thought was the most wonderful dream. Rain was with her in wolf form. He was happy to see her; he licked her face to let her know she was safe. The dream would have been perfection if it would just become true.

"His wolf was content, so was he in this hole at the foot of the tree curled up next to what he knew now would be his mate! Whether she wanted to be, or not she was going to be his. He would charm her what ever it took to make her his mate. Love swelled in his heart for her."

Morning came quickly, and Amethyst was warm, the scent of "a; oh my, a wolf and it smelled like, like Rain. Could he be? That is why she was so attracted to him. It is why she gave her self to him. Why being so dominated by him turned her on. His were the blue eyes she had seen behind the bush at the cabin that night. He had scented her, and was checking her out. It all made sense. Oh God what have I done we can fit into the same world, almost" she said with a sigh.

Moving slowly towards the entrance, her eyes searched beyond the hole. She saw nothing even with the sun rising. "Where was Rain, or was she dreaming, no his scent is here she was not a sleep and conjuring him up out of her imagination. Then she heard a vehicle not far off maybe a mile is all, sounded like a truck. Then it stopped! Moving back into the hole, she prepared to attack anyone coming near the entrance. "Yes she could defend herself. A tiny voice in side of her said no escape. She listened, nothing, not a sound. The birds had not stopped singing as they would with a human." Then a growl sounded outside the tree she knew it was Rain. Crawling out and looking into his deep blue eyes they both transformed into humans.

Rain spoke in his alpha mode, and would not accept any other terms then she was going to do what she was told! His voice was stern. "Get your things and let's get the hell out of here before we are found. I have the truck about a mile from here. I know a place we can go! Then you're going to tell me everything that is going on, and I mean everything, Rained growled."

Lowering her head tilting slightly baring her neck in submission she spoke softly, "yes Rain!" Then quickly through herself into his arms and hugged him. He hated to move her out of his arms, but he had no choice. Taking her laptop from her he took her hand.

Moving at a slow run they made for the truck. Once they were close enough to see the truck Rain said, "Stay here while I make sure everything OK. I don't scent anything, but you never know." Finally he waved to her to get into the passenger side of the truck! Rain drove down the gravel road and hit payment headed north. About six miles down he turned left drove down another gravel road for a short distance, then pulled off on to a road that was more like a cow path. Amethyst sat and said nothing. Then he pulled into a small open area where a cabin sat. Rain shut down the truck. Turning to Amethyst he said, "Come its safe here at least for a while!"

The cabin was made of rough boards on the outside with cedar shakes on the roof. A single big room that was kitchen, living room and bedroom rolled into one was also rough boards. She looked around saw one big bed off to a corner. A bath room with a small tub and shower stall, the toilet made up the other room. It was clean, neat, well cared for. Five cots were leaning up against one wall for additional people to stay. The floor was sawed boards, and so were the kitchen cabinet doors. There were no pictures on the walls. The only light seem to be a couple of oil lamps that sat on the kitchen counter. A small table large enough for four people sat near the kitchen sink. The sink had an old pump well handle on it for water. A gas stove finished off the kitchen area.

"This is a lumber jack's cabin I stayed here before buying land and building a house." I'll make some coffee if there is some and you can tell me what the hell is going on!" Rain said as he turned to the cabinets. Rain flipped a switch and water came out of the old pump, interesting she thought a fake pump with a handle.

While Rain made coffee she kept sneaking peeks at him. He was angry, and he had a right to be. He more than likely felt used and lied too. Rain was going to feel a lot worst when he hears the truth about her. The feeling of dread worked its way through her body.

Sipping on a cup of coffee Rain waited patiently. He knew she would tell him once her nerves were settled. But his patience was growing thinner, by the second. He knew his face wore a scowl but could not help it.

Amethyst looked at Rain, began a prayer in her mind for acceptance. Lowering her head she stared at the coffee cup. "Rain my father was murdered by his business partner! I have no proof yet, but it is being obtained slowly by my attorney. My fathers partner Mark Hartman, could not talk me into marrying him. I didn't love him, I knew he didn't love me either; he just wanted my inheritance, and my share of the company. When I refused to marry him, he tried to black mail me into giving up everything to him. I knew if I did marry Hartman to save my life; he would have me killed. I am not sure if he knows I am a shape-shifter or not. If he knew he would make a side-show out of me! Sell me off to a circus, or freak show, or at least to the highest bidder. So I went on the run, my attorney lets me know what is happening, via the poems in the Globe Mail Newspaper. Peeking up at Rain, through her eye lashes, tears began to fill her eyes, over flowing, and running down to her chin. You will hate me if I tell you the rest. You won't want me! You will hate the thought you made love to me. You will feel I made a fool of you. I cannot bear to have you feel that way; please don't force me to tell you the rest."

"What the hell was she talking about making him feel like a fool? Why would I hate her for making love to her? I am totally confused by her words! Complex females, their quirks; this one was driving me crazy." he thought.

Tears streaming down her face Rain felt like his heart would break for her. Moving out of the chair he sat in and pulling her up and into his arms. "Amethyst tell me the rest. I'd never hate you, when I made love to you it was amazing. You were sweet innocent, and beautiful. I want you to be my mate. We have to be honest with one another, and you have to tell me every thing before we can have a life together. Not saying a word Amethyst moved out of his arms began to pace the room. Damn it Amethyst tell me!" Rain growled a warning.

The words rushed out of Amethyst mouth," I am a mufti-shape shifter!"

"What the hell are you talking about? I have never heard of one before. Sure I know there are werepanthers, werebears and werewolves. Before Rain's eyes Amethyst shifted into a black panther, then a leopard, then a wolf, back into human form! Rain's eyes grew large his facial expression was in awe of what he had just seen. If he had not seen it for himself, he would have thought someone was crazy telling him they existed. She was an amazing shape-shifter. I have never seen someone like you. How may animals can you shifted into? Are there many of your kind in the world? You shifted from one to the other without shifting to human form in between each animal. It is an extraordinary ability. You are truly gifted," he said in awe.

"I don't know Rain if I am, or not the only one in existence at the moment. I can shift into the ones you saw. I never tried anything beyond those three. I know it only happens once in a million were's. My father was a werewolf, my mother a wolf. I know my father loved my mother more than life it's self. And my mother thought the sun rose because of my father. My father broke when my mother died. He was never the same man ever again. They were happy and when I came along. When my parents found out I could multi-shape shift they were overly thrilled. I was taught at a young age to keep it to myself, and not to change in front of any one. I know it has some thing to do with some law to keep shape-shifters safe from humans. I also found out that it is not normal for a werewolf to fall in love, and marry a cat. So one or both of my parents must have had the dormant gene. There is no way of finding out with both my parents dead. I haven't a clue to whom to ask about it. If you have any suggestions, I certain am glad to hear them, or know some one with the answers that will work for me."

Rain thought "this is extraordinary." "Wow, do you think Hartman and these men know?"

"I don't see how they could, but someone knows; because it is how they found me. It had to be by scent, because I used cash for everything. Not one single credit card. I even dropped a few credit cards on the street in the larger towns I passed through in hopes others would use them. Do you hate me! Do you feel like I made a fool out of you! Are you sorry you made love to me? I am sorry; I didn't mean to make a fool out of you. I was just so attracted to you, and wanted you! You stole my heart."

Rain then at that moment realized he had made love to a cat, he was a wolf. She was part cat, "Damn! What a hell of a mess this situation is. I am in love with a werecat.

Until now, I had not seen her in cat form so she must be mostly wolf!" Then it stuck him like a slap in the face, "her coat, the marble appearance of her wolf coat was the cat color coming out. And for one moment his inner wolf seemed to be laughing at him. The inner wolf new, and didn't care, he realized neither did he." "I knew you were a werewolf by your scent the rest I am surprised, but it makes no difference in how I feel about you. I want you as my mate, if you will have me. I am an alpha of my pack and I work part-time at the lumber mill as do others in the pack. We can have a great life together if you can put your life into my hands, and trust me to get you out of this."

"Rain if we have pups they will have this dormant gene as well. We could have a pup just like me. The chances are lower since your pure werewolf. Remember it is still possible. Can you accept a pup that might be a multi-shape shifter?"

"Yes I can accept a pup of ours no matter what he or she maybe. Werewolf is great but so is a multi-shape shifter. I know my pack will also accept the pup or pups. I love you Amethyst and any cubs we have will be ours to love."

Breaking into the biggest smile she rushed into Rain's arms and kissed him over and over again until they were both breathless. He held her against him trying to take her inside his body. He held her for a few more minutes then said, "Sweetheart we have to stop before it goes any further. We have to figure this out, and see what we can do to fix things."

Amethyst felt disappointed that she had to stop, her body wanted him, her mind turned over and over, "I love you I want you I need you now!"

Pulling his cell phone out of his pocket, he called Pend. "Yea Rain what's up?"

"Can you get the guys together I've got a problem we have to get fixed right away. And also I have chosen a mate, and want you all to meet her."

"Rain, is it that real pretty dark hair girl with the long hair and amethyst eyes?"

"How the hell did you know? Rain asked"

"Rain you should know our alpha doesn't do anything, we don't know about." Laughter echoed from the phone, and Rain was smiling. Pend went on to say "Raw was in Wylie's bar having a few drinks, and he saw you with the girl. You were so involved with the woman you never noticed Raw. When Raw got back to house he told us all about her. Where are you Rain?"

"We are at the one lumberjack cabin."

"OK, I know the one be there in half an hour."

Reaching for Amethyst he said, "We have a half hour sweetness before the guys get here do you think you can rest for a while?"

"Only if you rest with me," she cooed at him with a smile. Ran her hands down his chest and then around his back to hug him. "I want you, need you now!"

"I want to spend more than a half an hour with sweetness. I want to hear you moan and cry out my name, when I make love to you. That; dear heart, takes more than a half an hour, I don't want a quickie. You deserve far better than that so get some rest. I have to keep watch." Rain kissed her on the forehead and headed out side.

Amethyst was sound a sleep in seconds of hitting the pillow. Even if the bed smelled musty, it did not ruin her happiness, or the fact she was sleepy. Her thoughts before falling asleep, "what an amazing werewolf Rain was."

"Amethyst wake up the guys are here."

With her eyes closed, and smiling Amethyst spoke softly, "I don't want to wake up I was having the most wonderful dream. You accepted me for the way I am, and still wanted me as your mate. Leave me alone to sleep please; I want to go back to that dream"

"It's no dream sweetness now get up." Rain said with a smile on his face. Then bent over her and kissed her lips.

Just then a knock at the door, and Rain walked across the room, and opened it, and Pend stood there with seven other men. Pend was six feet three like Rain. Pend had green eyes, and dusty brown hair. "Come on in! Boys this is Amethyst, they all removed their cowboy hats. Rain introduced Pend told her his mate is Kelly and his Beta then introduced the other men one at a time. This is Sparks his mate is Lilly, don't let the name fool you he is as calm as they come. Then introducing, a blond haired man Matt, Joe was the youngest of the men he was tall lean and shy. Joe had chocolate brown eyes and reddish blond hair. Raw was the shortest of the men at five foot ten, with hazel eyes, warm smile and black hair. Mike had brown hair and eyes stood six feet, his mate is River, and they have two cubs. This is Markus he's engaged to a female name Silver. Markus was six foot one and handsome. This is Smitty and his mate is Fire." Smitty was also six foot one had light blues eyes, a smile that was warm, friendly.

Smitty smiled and said, "Her name fits her too, she is a regular little fire-ball." He laughed and slapped his knee. I love her any way you'll see why.

Amethyst smiled and nodded her head as each man said hi or hello to her. "Wow, these men all have six pack abs, strong muscled chest, I feel like I am at a Mr. Universe Contest and the men here were winners. Looking at the men and then to Rain, she decided that Rain was the champion."

Walking over to the table Rain filled in the men about the situation as he filled their cups with coffee. "That is it in a nut shell boys we have to protect Amethyst and take care of this situation she is in."

Raw spoke up, "I met a man last night at the bar he was about six feet, dark brown hair, smiled side ways Asked questions about where Amethyst was staying, who she was with. I knew you had a date Rain with Amethyst but nothing else. I didn't tell the guy anything, didn't think you would like it since you were keeping her a secret Rain."

"Looks like I didn't keep the secret to well, Rain laughed. Did he ask anyone else at the bar?"

"Yea he asked Wylie about her but he said he never saw her and he sees everyone in town at one time or another. Or at least he never waited on any women who looked like her description, Raw said.

"Good old Wylie sure knows how to keep his mouth shut! Rain smiled knowing he could count on his friends in times of need."

Rain walked over to Amethyst took her by the hand moved across the small room. "Amethyst I know this is sudden you said you would be my mate, normally we would be married by an Elder of a pack in the old traditional way of being binded. We don't have an Elder yet. So we need to use the Reverend in town. Will you be my mate today by law?" Rain pulled her into his arms and whispered into her ear, "I love you!" He held her as if she were fragile flower that would break with the slightest of pressure. "Please say yes Amethyst! If you say yes, it will be my place to keep you safe from harm. If anyone tries to hurt you, he is as good as dead. The guys will also see to your safety as a member of the pack."

Amethyst looked into Rains eyes, saw the uncertainty. She knew it had to have taken great courage to confess his love for her in front of his men "I have never been a member of a pack; I do not know what to expect, or what is expected of me! You want to undertake the responsibility of my welfare. Then expecting the pack to also put my safety in their hands seems like a lot to ask. You have no idea who or what kind of man Hartman is, and what you're going up against. Rain, he is a dangerous man. He will kill you, and me, and anyone else who stands in his way. I don't want to make any of the females in the pack widows."

Rain spoke softly, "there may come a time when the safety of the pack falls on your shoulders; you will be expected to protect them, as well as yourself. As for Hartman, I have come up against some mean men in my life. He can try, but he won't succeed."

Amethyst new Rain was not bragging, just stating a fact. She realized in his twenty five years he must have come up against some pretty nasty men, and was thankful he survived it. "If it only takes love to hold us together, and then we will last an eternity. I love you Rain more than life it's self. I would be proud to be your mate by law, now and always." Amethyst said in awe of the man who stood before her.

Rain lifted her into the air and swung her around with a big smile on his face. "Then that settles it!"

Rained turned to the men sitting at the table. All of them were watching him with big smiles on their faces. "Smitty run into town pick up Reverend Davenport bring him out here, tell him there is to be a wedding, tell him to bring all the necessary papers, and to tell no one. Pend go home get Kelly, the rest of the females to come back here. The rest of you keep watch until Pend gets back."

Pend left for the alpha house, Rain turned to Raw, "after the wedding get on the internet, and get me as much information as you can about this man, name Mark Hartman. Also Raw when on the computer check to see what packs are near Casper, Wyoming. And Joe head into town, and see what you can find out about this guy asking questions about Amethyst."

"No problem Rain each man stated." They went out side and shifted into wolf form and kept watch.

Half an hour later Reverend Davenport and his wife drove up the lane. The Reverend Davenport was a stocky man standing five feet eleven. He wore lifts to make him appear taller. He had gray hair that was kept trimmed neatly. The Reverend stood with his back in an arch, as if lecturing, or giving a sermon at the church. His chest was puffed out like a roaster trying to impress some hens. Talking to each one of the men then turned to Amethyst. He had a friendly smile and made her feel at easy immediately. Smiling he said leaning over, "child you are a delight to these old eyes. I do not think I have ever seen such beauty as you possess." Amethyst blushed and smiled up at him.

Kelly was five foot five; beautiful light brown hair with blond high lights in it from the sun. She was well formed with long slender legs. Kelly wore a plain skirt, and white top. She was very pretty, and kept glancing at her mate Pend. She also noticed Pend kept and eye on her as well. "Awe must be love." Once Amethyst was dressed she decided she looked elegant! The skirt Kelly lent her was splashes of multi-colors. The top was tucked inside which was white lace. Her hair lay down her back free with little waves in it. She refused to let Rain in to the cabin to shower; she didn't want him to see her dressed up before the wedding. He had to clean up in well water that was heated on the stove and sent out to him. Pend had brought him clean jeans, dark blue shirt, and his favorite cowboy boots. He looked handsome in his western clothes.

An hour later Pend was best man Kelly his mate was maid of honor, and Rain stood by her side, and promised to honor, and keep her, and love her. And she in turn spoke the words that bonded them by law. Reverend Davenport signed the papers and said, "I will take them to the court-house, and have them registered." The Reverend handed Rain the originals and he took the copies for the court-house.

Rain spoke softly and told the Reverend Davenport to call him once the papers were registered legally. Rain handed the Reverend a hundred dollars. "Thank you for marrying Amethyst and I."

As Amethyst hugged the Reverend Davenport she handed him a piece of paper, asked him to have it taken to the court-house, and register it, to tell no one about it. He whispered he would and hugged her back told her to tell Rain about the paper she gave him.

Speaking to Rain and Amethyst he said "I will say prayers that your lives be filled with happiness." With that he stepped out side the door and drove away.

Smiling she thought, "Hartman will never know what she had done. Rain had left her to go out side to speak to his pack members before they were mated, she quickly wrote up a will leaving everything to her husband Rain Walker with a nice sum to keep Anna her nanny well off for the rest of her days. She made a quick hand written copy of it and stuck it into the brief case. She would tell Rain tonight about the will."

The Reverend Davenport drove his own car, when he left the cabin he did not drive into Coyote Ridge as Rain had instructed him to, instead he drove north to Spring Water a half an hours drive north. He had thought to call a friend who worked at the court-house an hour later Paul his friend had everything taken care of. Paul had registered the marriage certificate and Amethyst last will and testament. Paul was a tall lanky man with dark red hair side burns that were down to his jaws. His smile was the most charming thing about him. He loved doing favors for people, it made him feel important, and it showed; any one who was his friend was significant.

With the papers registered Davenport walked to his vehicle smiling. An hour later he called Rain on his cell phone, and told him what he had done. And the reason for not going into Coyote Ridge in case those men came to see him plus having to wait a day more to register the papers could ruin things. He also told Rain he would not return home until Tuesday night, so he would not be at the church before then. This way no one would know the difference. Copies of the papers Amethyst gave him were mailed as per her wishes to her attorney. "What papers did Amethyst give you?"

"You will have to ask her yourself son, she said she would tell you this evening when I ask her if you knew. Give her a chance to tell you herself, without asking son. See you at Markus's and Silvers wedding, bye Rain"

"Thanks Reverend." Rain clicked off his phone.

Pend and Kelly had brought food and drinks for the occasion. Kelly held Pend's hand the entire time and could not stop smiling. "Amethyst I want you to know how thrilled Pend and I are to see Rain so happy. He has been a lonely man for to long. I know he's only twenty-five now; he has been on his own since he was fifteen. He met Pend, when they were twenty, and they set up the pack just four years ago. They have worked hard, welcomed new comers. In two weeks we have a nurse coming, we are building a clinic for her. It's a great time to be joining our pack. And there is going to be a wedding this week. Markus is getting married to a wonderful girl name Silver. She is from the same pack I came from. Rain sent Markus with a message for my father, and that is when they met. They have been dating for four months. Markus ask her to mate about two weeks ago. Markus starting building his home shortly after joining the pack, always wanted a home of his own."

"If Pend and Rain came here to set up the pack, when did you meet Pend" Amethyst asked?

"Our marriage was arranged in away. My father is the alpha with the pack east of here. The marriage between Pend, and I secures our lands together giving us lots of space to grow. I love Pend, have since the moment I saw him, we are one in thought, mind, body, and soul."

Amethyst looked confused then said, "I thought arranged marriages were between alpha's daughters, and an alpha of another pack. So why didn't you marry Rain?"

"Rain was notified by my father of his request for a political pairing. When Rain came with Pend to visit my father; I talked my father into letting me marry Pend, when I saw Pend, I just knew we were meant to be. There was no one that made my heart flutter, then beat faster, not even Rain with all his good looks. I cannot explain it; I lost my heart to Pend. My father agreed to the marriage. Just as long as Rain agreed, and he did, so I married Pend. We didn't mind bond for the first week. He wanted me to feel I was a part of the pack first. Pend and I have been mated for all most half a year now. Pend admitted to me later, he didn't want to mind bond right away, it didn't feel like the right time to him. We were mated a week when he finally felt it was the right time," Kelly giggled. "I am glad we waited it was amazing. You just wait and see when you and Rain mind bond."

Smiling she hugged Kelly, "I am so glad you married Pend." Laughing, sneaking a peek at Rain across the room while he spoke with the other men.

As if he new she was looking at him Rains eyes moved from Pend and he looked at her. Rains smile was warm and loving. His eyes were shining, she thought, "he's happy, really and truly happy. The lines in his face were gone from stress. It is as if the challenge that Hartman was giving him heightened his awareness. Gave him something to focus on besides his pack; he new he could trust each and everyone of them to back him up and he's be there for them! An inner strength seems to be seeping from his body. The scent of him caused her insides to quiver slightly."

When Pend and Kelly left they took Rains silver Ford truck. Parked out side was Pend dark blue Ford truck. The other men and women in turn loaded the remaining four trucks.

"Why did Pend take your truck and leave his?"

"You said that you used cash for everything and then you stayed in your vehicle instead of using motels and hotels. We are reasonably sure you had to have been scented for someone to find you so quickly. Even you thought you must have been scented. So we are going to make sure your scent gets lost or mixed into with others so it can't be found so easy."

"Where did Pend and Kelly take your truck if not back to your house Amethyst asked?

"They went to Spring Water; they took your jeans, and are going to leave a trail there in town. Then come back the long way. They should get back around midnight or so."

"If any one is scenting us it will throw them off for a time. Pend's truck parked next to the porch, and I am carrying you out of here, and placing you into the truck, and taking you home to my house. So get your things, and let's go." Rain drove different roads in different directions in hopes to make tracking more difficult.

Amethyst set next to Rain and he had his arm around her shoulders. The ride back to the alpha house was accomplished in no time. Rain crossed graveled roads and slipped up a cow path at one point and back onto another gravel road. She was actually enjoying the ride and loved how Rain gave her shoulder a squeeze every once in a while. Both seem to be lost in the pleasure of the ride and didn't speak. Amethyst realized how much her life had changed over so short a time. There was no turning back, she had to face what came next in her life, and she didn't have to do it alone. The thought gave her a lot of comfort. Her father crossed her mind and new he would be happy for her. It was all he ever said he wanted for her out of life. With the thought of her father her mother came with him. She knew her mother was happy for her, but missed her deeply. She would be so proud of her right now. It gave her comfort deep inside to know both her parents loved her so much when they were alive.

Chapter 4

Driving up the drive away towards Rains home she was shocked to see it. The house was huge. It was painted white on the out side with medium green colored window frames. It had several large windows in the front of the house. The yard was at least five acres mowed. With tall jack pines here and there, a coupe of apple trees were planted in the front yard. Several cherry trees had been planted off to the right of the house. Flowers were planted under the windows. She could see the front door was a jar. Amethyst voiced her concern to Rain when he came around to her side of the truck. "Rain the front door is open."

"Welcome to our home sweet heart, he slide across the seat and kissed her warmly on the lips Stay in the truck until I come around the other side. Slipping out of the truck he walked around opened her door, put his arms under her. I ask Mike to leave the door slightly open so as not to have any of your scent on it. She picked up the briefcase; laptop and he carried her to the house. He pushed open the door with his foot, kicked it shut behind him, turned and locked it. Walked in setting her feet down on the floor once he reached the stair case. Kissing her gently on the lips he said come sweetness and I will show you our rooms. You can see the rest of the house tomorrow."

Up stairs and to the left he led her down the hall passing doors as they went. When they reached the end of the hall Rain opened a door that led into a medium size room. A small wooden oak desk set in one corner and a couple of chairs and a brown leather chair with an ottoman set in a corner with a reading lamp. A CD player set on the floor with a dozen CD's sitting on top of one of the speakers. A small TV set on a small TV stand in another corner with DVD's sitting next to the TV on the stand. The walls were cream-colored with golden trim at the top. A large picture of a black wolf standing next to a jack pine was on one wall. She thought, `the picture was beautiful."

At that moment Rain smiled, "If you want to change this room around feel free. You want to add a small couch or another chair or small tables the house is yours to do with as you please. Rearrange furniture to your hearts content.

Amethyst smiled at Rain, "why the room is so you?" Then she laughed and so did Rain.

"I never got around to doing much with this room, it is just sort of here. I thought of adding a small book shelf for my personal collection but that was all I gave thought to as far as this room is concerned.

Following Rain through a door way. The bed was a king size bed with oak frame, head-board had carved flower designs on it. At the foot of the bed was a hope chest made of oak. Several matching dressers lined the walls and a large oval rug on the floor. "Rain it is beautiful!"

"I am glad you like it," as he raised and lowered his eye brows several times then smiling

The next room was the bathroom, which had a shower inside a tub that had feet on it. She realized that two would fit into the tub at the same time and looked forward to sharing it with Rain.

The smile on Amethyst face, "Rain knew she was pleased with their rooms. He hoped she would be equally pleased with the rest of the house. "Tomorrow after I show you the rest of the house I will let you in on our plans on how to deal with these men. I assure you they won't bother you again. Also tomorrow I will get on the internet and have you registered with our pack and that you're now my mate Mrs. Rain Walker with the Lycan Registry. I will need your full name Amethyst."

"There is simple answer to that question it is; Amethyst Shimmer Richardson Walker." She smiled up into this face. Her eyes were glowing with happiness, her smile reached his heart.

"Tell me did you belong to a pack in Wyoming," Rain asked? "They will also need to be contacted."

"No my father kept me pretty well hidden from the world. He did not want me mixed up with humans. It was important way to protect me since I can multi-shape shift.

He was concerned I would not be accepted by a wolf pack. It was a lonely life, I was spoiled rotten and it helped to make up for it. Once I got older my father explained things in great detail, how I might affect a pack, not be accepted. Some would fear me others might be jealous; still others might see me as a freak of nature. He also said that I might be killed. So I accepted my fate, and never got close to any one. I told you about getting close to someone once; well when he found out what I was, he said I was a freak of nature, and that the sight of me made him sick. He was a wolf from a pack close by. I never saw him again. After that I never told anyone what I was or capable of."

Amethyst move towards the window and looked out and saw a jack pine tree. It limbs could not touch the house but it did rise above the second floor window, and past the roof. It made her smile. Rain stepped up behind her, and pulled her back against his chest. "You are breath-taking standing here, but come away from the window sweetness!

Turning in Rains arms, and away from his chest she looked up into his blue eyes, and her heart began to flutter then beat so hard she thought he could hear it. Placing her arms around his neck she pulled him down until her lips met his. She opened her mouth letting his tongue slide in. His tongue teased and caressed the in side of her mouth. Until she was breathless then slowly began to undo her skirt and it fall to the floor. Moving his hands up inside her top he undid her bra and then lifted the top over her head leaving her breast bare to his eyes. Slipping his arms under her he picked her up and carried her to the bed.

"Amethyst you are so beautiful, you make my blood run hot, and everywhere you touch leaves me burning for you. Your skin is soft as goose down and creamy white. I want you so much."

He laid Amethyst on the bed after pulling down the sheet and kissed her lips until she, "whimpered with delight. A purring sound sounded from her throat" Rain smiled. "This should be one hell of a turn on to make love to such an enticing minks; she could be herself completely." Rain was looking forward to her letting go of the control, she had over herself.

Amethyst ran her hand up, and down Rains back moving them in small circles. Then moved her hands around to his chest pulled the snaps to his shirt open, and ran her fingers through the chest hair, and smiled. Rain was full and hard and strong. He lay back giving her access to him. She slid up kissing his lips, then his ears, and neck, running her tongue over his nipples. She pulled at his shirt and he removed it then removed his jeans and boxer shorts. Slowly she moved down towards his shaft lick here and there with her tongue. Her tongue was ruff and it made him moan then growl. She heard Rain moan and felt his body shiver with delight. Growling out her desire, her tongue moved down one leg then the other. Turning Rain over she ran her tongue up one leg and then up the other. When she reached his butt she nipped him on each cheek. Smiled when Rain moaned deep and then turned into a growl. Slowly she moved up his back, began to kiss his neck and then placed her tongue in one ear then the other.

Rain could stand no more of the exquisite torture. He flipped himself over and looked at Amethyst leaning over him. Rain looked into Amethyst eyes they were black as the pits of hell, glazed over with desire and all sultry looking. Pushing Amethyst down so that she lay before him, he moved down her body. Running his tongue over each of her toes then made circles on each leg as he worked his way up to the apex of her legs.

Ripping her panties from Amethyst quickly, he smiled. Rain buried his face in her black curls, and then stuck his tongue between the folds. Amethyst cried out in pleasure. She lifted herself to him wanting more. Rain welcomed her with his mouth, and then slowly she opened her legs to him. Licking her with his tongue until she was wet, and hungry, Rain moved up, and over her slowly while kissing her lips, then he sucked on the bottom lip. Moving his lips to her ear he spoke in a whisper. "Take the blood binding ritual with me Amethyst, be my mate in body, heart, mind, and soul?"

Amethyst eyes flew open and she stared into deep blue eyes that were glowing. She was speechless. As she looked at Rain his face began to change to a frown and then his eyes no longer glowed. She wanted to see him smile again she wanted to see his eyes glowing at her with love. And she whispered, "Oh yes Rain I will do the blood binding ritual with you and be yours for ever. The smile returned, and his lips began to possess her lips then her neck.

Rain moved towards the small night table on his side of the bed. Reached in took out a small leather pouch. Opened it up, and took out a very old knife that was extremely sharp. It had a design on it of to hands, held together with a leather strip. Rain cut his wrist at an angle, and then hers. He placed them together so the two cuts matched perfectly and they each took an end of the leather strip, and tied their wrists together.

"As our blood flows together we are one, purity, love, respect, and honor are yours. I love you I am yours now and always Amethyst."

Amethyst looked into Rains eyes and spoke softly, "As our blood flows together we are one, purity, love, respect and obedience. I love you I am yours now and always Rain!"

Rained kissed Amethyst on the lips placed her on the bed. Rain pulled Amethyst legs up, and bent them at the knees so he would have better access to her. He dipped two fingers in side her and found her wet, and ready. He removed his fingers, and placed them to his lips and licked the juice from his fingers. She tasted wonderful, and she was ready for him. Slowly he entered her until he was buried deep in side of her. Still he was not fully sheathed. He was huge; he needed to drive himself fully into her. Working in, and out of her she slowly stretched to allow him to bury himself fully inside her tunnel. Then he began to pump in, and out in, and out. She moaned then growled like a cat, and he pushed deeper, and harder. Sweat began to form on his body, and he smelled of musk, the woods, a wolf, and after shave, mixing into a scent that was driving her wild.

Amethyst began lifting, and pushing against him, demanding more, wanting more. She suddenly felt herself shifting between a wolf, and a panther and then shimmer caught in mid shift from human to panther, and wolf, her nails grew longer like a cat's, and the one hand dug into Rains back, then her eyes looked at Rains. She had no control over herself. Her body shivered, and shimmered, she bit into Rains shoulder. It excited her even more. She was out of control the animals inside her were taking over the muscles inside her tunnel, seemed to clamp down on to Rains shaft preventing him from totally removing his shaft from her.

Then suddenly Rains thoughts were there in her head, his emotions were on over loading she heard drive deeper, faster, yes more, more. His feelings were mixed in with hers, she felt his love, his desire, his joy, his anger, every emotion possible to possess. She felt his needs rising, she felt his desire consuming him, and the skin around his balls grew tighter. She cried out his name her body convulsed into a million pieces once then again, and again. The orgasms took over her entire mind and body. Thoughts began to get mixed up, and still the release went on and on. Then she felt Rains body releasing his seed into her it felt warm. His body shivered, shimmered, and fall totally relaxed. Once Rains body relaxed, then her body taking it cue from his also relaxed as the tremors subsided. Her arms, legs, and body were sore. Her feelings and Rains feelings all mixed up, she could not sort them out. He was content, his words I love you Amethyst. Her last memory before falling into an exhausted sleep was she loved Rain with all her being. And his voice whispered in her mind I love you Amethyst you are now mine, now and always.

Rain moved from Amethyst body lying next to her he pulled her into his arms, kissed her forehead and thought, "the world just got to be a whole lot happier and less lonely place for him." Smiling he fall into a deep sleep.

During the night Rain woke several times, the first time he woke he took the knife and cut the binding leather strip beside the knot and placed it in a hole in the head board, smiled and went back to sleep. He woke Amethyst once to make love. "Making love to her was a remarkable experience and he could not get enough of her." he thought. And it was one he wanted. His inner wolf was contented, and happy, and thrilled with the pain Amethyst had inflicted on his back during their mating. The second time he made love to her he held her down dominated her, and released his inner wolf, and she had been turned on by his dominance beyond words. She had orgasmic orgasms the first time and had even come three times the second time they made love. He had chosen wisely this woman for a mate. There were no words in the world that could even come close to expressing his dept of feelings for her. She was remarkable and very rare.

The sun was rising and Rain lay in bed looking at his beautiful mate. Smiles took over his entire being. His thoughts ran wild with thoughts of running with her in wolf form around his land. And pups from their union would be wonderful. He would never close her out of his mind he would let her tip toe through his mind when ever she wanted too. He hated secrets and would demand that she permit him to tip toe through her mind as well. There were just too many secrets between his parents, and in the end it had destroyed them. They were unhappy apart, but were unhappy together. His mother lived in a small house not far from his father's home. They remained friends but nothing more. He often wondered since there minds were connected if they ever spoke or did they shut each other out completely. Neither one could mate again since they had taken the blood binding ritual together. His mother seems to like it that way. His father slept with human women for the release. Rain didn't want a life-like that for himself. He wanted more, he wanted a mate who loved him, obeyed him as an alpha, someone who would be there for him. Someone he could be there for, and love, and crawl into bed each night with. Some one he could be one with completely. Amethyst was that female.

"Really I can drop into your mind any time I want too?" Amethyst said smiling.

Then let's see what is on your mind lover boy, oh, so you want to make love to me again do you. Well here I am, and I am not going anywhere." After a nice hour and a half interlude they showered and dressed. Amethyst had agreed openly to leave her mind open to him, total free access to her thoughts. She knew he would not drop into her mind all the time, and she would not do it to Rains either. But they both knew they would have free access to each other. They had enjoyed sharing each others feelings, idea's, memories, thoughts and emotions as they lay in bed.

Walking down the stair case Rain stopped to kiss his bride one last time before they entered the kitchen. "I love you Amethyst," had said. Kelly was fixing breakfast. Rain went off to find Pend, and Raw to find out how things were progressing with their information search on Hartman, and the man in the bar.

With a big smile on her face Kelly flipped over an egg and turned the bacon. "You're up earlier then I thought you would be this morning," Amethyst said. "You got in late last night I am sure. How was your trip to Spring Water Kelly?"

"Well, we actually got in this morning," Kelly said with a sheepish smile. "We stayed the night in Spring Water; I am in heat, and could not bear to drive home to satisfy the lust I was feeling. Pend took your pants, and dragged them up and down the side walks before we left town. We made sure that a few threads were left at the hotel. She laughed! And your jeans are in the wash. In the meantime, Fire sent over some clothes for you to wear. We thought you were both the same size. They are in a bag next to the stair case."

"Where does Fire live? Is it near, here I want to thank her Kelly?"

"You my dear lovely mate are not leaving this house for a little while. I will have Fire come over, and see you; is that clear sweetness?" Rain stood leaning against the door frame as he spoke with a stern look on his face.

Amethyst looked up, and her breath left her lungs as her eyes ran up and down her mate. "He was so handsome that she felt this tinkle between her legs. She wondered if she was getting addicted to Rain's touch, and would be lusting after him all the time. It would more then likely delight Rain to know I wanted him so much so often"

Suddenly, he smiled when he read her mind. Then she heard words in her mind as Rain sent her a message of, "later after breakfast, and I have talked to the guy's sweetness. Then I am all yours to do with as you please." Rains eye brows went up and down, and Amethyst laughed. The first promise from her mate was a memory to be cherished.

Kelly looked at the two of them and smiled. "I am so happy for the two of you. It is a shame you have such troubles, Rain, Pend, and they boys will fix things you wait and see. Do not worry about a thing Amethyst everything will be OK. I just have this feeling that you and Rain will be as happy as Pend, and I are. Now come eat your breakfasts is ready."

Pend and Raw came into the kitchen grabbed a cup of coffee, and sat down. Pend told Rain all about dragging Amethyst jeans around town. Raw said he was on the computer all morning. "Did some checking with Lycan registry for any wolves that does investigation work, and came up with one name Alexander Zanderland. He is not the man asking about Amethyst that I met. Does he look like someone you have seen Amethyst?"

Amethyst took the picture from Raw, and looked at it, "that is not the man I saw in Wylie's Bar. The one who asked me to dance; I told him I had a date, he said if my date didn't show he'd be at the bar."

"Do you remember anything about him that might help, something that stands out in your mind," Rain asks?

Thinking back to that night Amethyst frowned then it hit her right in the face, "he purred." He actually purred several times. I did not pay attention to it at the time, but yes I remember; he purred at me! Maybe he is a were-panther!"

"Now that is odd, maybe he is a were-panther, Raw check into the werecat registry and see what you can find out?" Rain said. Rain stood up walked over to the coffee pot filled his cup and said, Well that answers the question on how quickly you were found; a Lycan investigator. He scented you the entire way. We have to have some words with him. Now for the other man, we have to find out where he is, and who he is working for. Raw did you find out anything that can help us with Mark Hartman? Even if you think it is not important tell us."

Raw looked up and frowned, "not as of yet, but I have the word out in Casper with a couple of local packs to see what they can find out for me. There was nothing on the internet about him other than the usual things like he is president of a company. I found nothing on his personal life at all. Not even who he associates himself with after business hours. It is like he does not exist beyond the company."

Fire walked into the kitchen just as Rain said, "See if there is a way of contacting Alexander Zanderland maybe if we talk to him he might give up on Amethyst."

"So what is this about Zand" Fire asked?

Rain looked up quick, "you know Alexander Zanderland?"

"Sure I do, him and my brother are friends. And his name is actually Zanderland Alexander. Laughing with delight, at the looks on every ones faces. He never did get around to changing the error of his name on the Lycan Registry."

"Fire can you contact him, and tell him I want to talk to him?"

Hand me a cell phone, and I'll call him right now!" Fire dialed the number she remembered from seeing Zand a couple of years ago. The phone rang about six times and at the end of the phone a voice came on, "Zand here!"

"Zand this is Fire my alpha would like to chat with you if it's OK."

"Sure sweetie anything for my special girl; put him on! Zand said"

Rain took the cell phone and walked out of the kitchen across the entry way and into his office. About half an hour later Rain came walking into the kitchen with a big smile on his face.

Amethyst rose up biting at her lower lip. Rain seeing the worried look on her face came right to the point. "We do not have to be concerned with Zanderland, he has agreed to drop the case and let Amethyst alone. He said he was after a cat not a damn wolf. A sheepish smile crossed Rains face. And Amethyst face turned red. He does not search down wolves. I explain in detail what Mark Hartman was up to, and he started swearing up a storm. Said that was not the damn story he was told. He went on to say that Mark Hartman said Amethyst was his damn niece, and a run away. So he accepted the case. Zand is also in Coyote Ridge. Said he would meet me if I wanted to, but said it was not necessary. So I told him if he got the chance to come out and see us."

"That sounds like Zand, swearing every other word when he gets mad, or figures he got used," Fire said. "Zand does not rile easy, but when he gets angry watch out, all hell breaks loose. Zand makes a great friend, he will do anything for you, if you make an enemy out of him, and he makes a dangerous one."

"Zanderland is working for us for free. He will see what he can do about Hartman in Casper. And Fire, I gave him your love, Rain said with a snicker."

Laughing she said "don't let Smitty hear you say that" Walking into the kitchen at that moment Smitty said, hear what?" Then walked over, and kissed his mate on the lips then took her in his arms, and bent her back wards kissed her soundly on the lips to make his point, she belonged to him. Then stood, and smiled, "point made?"

Rain broke out laughing then everyone was laughing. Smiling at Amethyst he spoke softly and lovingly, "Amethyst are you sure you do not know this other man. Raw said he was six foot dark hair with gray at the ears, and his smile was side ways. Did you see him at your father's funeral, or at your home? Maybe he was someone you father new?"

"No I do not remember anyone that even comes close to that description. And some one with dark hair, and six foot could be anyone. I am so sorry; but if I do remember something I'll let you know right away."

"That is OK we will find out who it is. Raw get on the phone, and call Wylie. Ask him if he know where this guy is staying. And ask him to see what he can find out."

"Sure Rain I'll do it right now!

During breakfast teasing Smitty, and Fire over, Zand brought laughter to the kitchen. Everyone was having a great time. And Amethyst was even enjoying the comradely. The feeling of belonging was one she thought she would never experience. She could not remember ever laughing so much in her life. She finally new what the word joy meant.

Rain and Amethyst finished breakfast, and he had laid his hand on her thigh which made her feel more relaxed. She found it so comforting. "Come Amethyst, I'll show you the rest of the house. To the right of the kitchen was a large dinning room that held two very long oak tables with chairs. Moving out to the entry way to the west was an arch way leading into what appeared to be an extremely large den with a TV. A book shelf ran on one entire wall and it was full of books. Leaving the den they moved on to the next room it was Rain's office, a fair size one with a large desk, filing cabinets and several chairs.

Raw was just hanging up the phone, "Rain Wylie says the guy is staying in Spring Water not in town. And no name was given by him to Wylie. I'll make a call to Wayland in Spring Water see if he knows anything."

"Sure that would be fine let me know what he comes up with or has to say."

Moving to the next room they stepped down two steps into a laundry room, two washers and two dryers with a folding table, several ironing boards with irons sat off to one side. The room was spotless. Leaving the laundry room he took her down to the basement. The basement had been finished off over half of it was a room with a pool table, play area and nothing else. The rest of the basement was two bedrooms and a bathroom. Moving up the steps to the entry way Rain took her by her hand and moved behind the stair case opened a door inside was a pantry of sorts, more like a storage room for canned goods. It was like a mini grocery store. The shelves were packed. "In case we get snowed in and cannot get into town we have plenty of food to do the entire pack for a few months!" Rain smiled. There are four bathrooms up stairs and two down stairs.

Moving up the stairs and straight across from the stair case Rain opened a door in side was a room filled with pillows, sheets, towels, toilet paper, shampoo's and cream rinses, deodorants both for women and men, saving cream, razor sets. This Rain said smiling, "our storage room for other necessary items." Taking her by the hand he pointed down the hall way opposite direction of their rooms and said behind the doors were bedrooms except that Pend and Kelly had a set up much the same as they had. Two doors went to bathrooms.

Rain pulled Amethyst into his arms smiled down at her. "Come my love and lay down with me for a while."

Amethyst looked at Rain, "I am not tired Rain, I do not want to rest."

"It is not rest I have on my mind sweetness." Amethyst smiled as her mind opened to Rains, and realized he had making love on his mind at the moment he picked her up smiling.

Just then Raw called up to Rain asked, "Do you have a minute it is important?"

Setting Amethyst down on to her feet he smiled warmly at her and said, "Later sweetness." To Raw he said. "I got a minute."

Amethyst followed Rain down the steps, Rain went to his office with Raw and Amethyst decided to head back to the kitchen. Kelly was sitting at the table having a cup of coffee. Grabbing a cup off the counter, and poring herself a cup she sat down. "Kelly; do you do all the cooking here for everyone? I know there is a house keeper to clean the house."

Kelly smiled, "no thank goodness today is Willows day off she does the cleaning and the cooking, with one day off a week. On her day off I make breakfast for boys, and lunch will be an order of pizza from the diner, which Pend will pick up. Dinner with the warm weather would normally be a barbeque, but since you're not permitted out side we will do something special for your first day in the house, and use the dining room."

"I will gladly help as much as I can, but must admit I am worthless in a kitchen, except for making a sandwich," Amethyst said with a smile. Some day maybe you can teach me to cook?"

"Don't worry about a thing Fire is making a potato dish, I am going to make desert, Willow will come for the occasion she is roasting half a pig on a spit behind her home. Markus is bringing Silver and she is bringing salads. And Sparks mate Lilly, is bringing veggies. So it's all taken care of. Go up stairs, and rest it will be a long night of celebrations. I'll call you, or Rain can get you for lunch. Right now I am going to send Pend a message to meet me up stairs" she laughed, and took off out of the kitchen.

Finishing off her coffee, rinsing out her cup Amethyst thought "it might be a good idea to rest after all." So up the steps she went. When she entered the outer room to her bedroom she looked at several books sitting on a small table and decided against reading until she looked at the cover of the book on top of the pile. The title of the book was "Lycan's." Walking into the bedroom she propped her self up with the pillows, began to read. In a few minutes she was sound a sleep.

She could hear someone calling her, "Amethyst, Amethyst, come to me child." The voice made her feel warm, and in a dazed state between sleep, and being awake, she lifted herself from the bed. Still half a sleep the voice continued to call. "Amethyst come to me child you know who I am come to me." The voice made her feel like a little child again thinking everything and everyone in the world was safe. Sliding off the bed she moved towards the window looking out. She could see no one. Suddenly a shiver ran up and down her body. Fear instilled it's self in her mind. She could not help herself, she opened the window. Amethyst thought she was dreaming, thinking, "what an odd dream." She heard the voice again. "Rain I am so scared," she sent him a message. Her subconscious reached out to her mate.

Rain looked at Raw from his desk and said, "Well it's a good start lets see what else you can." Suddenly Rain stopped in mid sentence, jumped from the desk, and ran out of the room. Raw watched for a second then raced after Rain. Up the steps, towards his rooms they ran. Rushing into his bedroom he saw Amethyst opening the window, fear was rushing through her body. In a few steps he grabbed her and pulled her away from the window. Then a bullet flew through the glass, and struck the wall behind Rain. Raw jumped from the sound, and hit the floor. Rain fall to the floor pulling Amethyst with him, he covered her body with his to protect her. Rains mind cried out his heart stopped beating, "No, no you can't be hurt, please no." Not a sound came from Amethyst; her eyes were wide open unblinking, and staring at the ceiling. Raw crawled towards Amethyst, and Rain trying to avoid the glass from the window then asked if they were OK.

For a moment Rain looked at Raw, and nodded his head to let him know he was OK. Sliding off of Amethyst he checked her for blood, and found none. His heart seemed to begin to beat once more with the realization she was alright. He called her name, and then her eyes blinked several times. Then she suddenly broke into tears cried as Rain held her to him. Another shot rang out then silence. Speaking to Raw he said," go see if you can catch who ever fired that gun!" Pend, Kelly with robes on, and Mike came running into the bedroom. Once they realized Rain, and Amethyst were OK. Pend, and Kelly returned to their rooms.

Amethyst cried in Rains arms, he kissed her lips, her forehead, and her cheeks. He whispered his love to her. Her tears stopped, and she hung on to Rain thinking the world would stop spinning, and she would fly off. Having Rain as an anchor to the world felt so good; he was all she needed.

Raw jumped up ran for down stairs out the front door with Mike, and to the side of the house. Just in time to see Joe coming from the woods. He had blood on his clothes, and looked at Raw, and said in a quivering voice, "I heard the shot I came running. I saw a man rushing through the woods. I shifted into wolf form, and chased after him. He shot at me so I attacked him, and tore out his throat. I didn't mean to kill him I just wanted to stop him."

Raw spoke softly, "its OK Rain will understand. Your young you wanted to protect the pack. You did what you thought was right at the time. And maybe if you had not killed him, he would have killed you with that gun. Come in the house Joe, we'll get you cleaned up, and then you can tell Rain what happened." Matt walked in with Joe and Raw, with a feeling of this can't be happening. Knowing he would have to keep a closer watch on the house, and it's surrounding area.

An hour later the man's body was disposed of, buried where no one would ever find him. Musk kegs were a perfect place to get rid of a body. A few weights and he would sink deep into the floating marsh. Some musk kegs were thirty to forty feet down, some even deeper. They found a rifle, and a hand gun near his body. There was also a tape recorder with a woman's voice on it calling Amethyst to come to her.

When Rain had described the man to Amethyst she said, "His name was Big Red. He works for Mark Hartman. I have no idea what his last name is. But that he was big, mean, nasty person, "I do not think he would bat at eye, at murder." She went on to say "Big Red was here then so is Ray his buddy." Ray was a small man about five feet eight inches has a nasty temper, acts before thinking. The other two men she didn't know anything about without a description of them that might be with Big Red and Ray.

Pend, Raw, and Matt sitting in Rains office discussing what to do next. Rain spoke up and said "there had been four men at the cabin, and one in side. So we know that Zand wasn't with them that means there are three more men plus Hartman. "We will take them on one at a time. Starting with Ray, if he doesn't think first then his temper will be his down fall. Pend you have Fire, Lilly, Silver and Willow stay here in the main house tonight. Raw, Matt, and I are heading into town to Wylie's bar tomorrow night, and do some drinking. A little celebrating my matting won't hurt any, but we won't over drink. No use in losing control in town. That just would not be worth the fall out. See if we can catch this guy that's staying in Spring Water."

A knock at the door caused Rains head to come up. In walked Markus, "got the window all closed up with plywood until I can get into town for some glass tomorrow." Then Markus walked back out, and closed the door behind him. "Markus sure is a man of few words." They smiled. The rest of the pack can keep watch here, and keep Amethyst safe."

Another knock at the door and Kelly opened it stuck her head in and said, "If you do not want to miss your own party Rain then you better come out now." She said with a smile. Turning to Pend she smiled winked at him."

Well we had better go to the party it's getting later than I had thought it was," Rain laughed. As the men filed into the dining room Rain said he was sorry that they were so busy, and had for gotten about time. Rain taking his seat at the head of the table, Pend stood and said, "A toast to the happy couple, may your lives be filled with happiness and many cubs." Markus stood and said, "And no more missed lunches." Everyone laughed. That seemed to set the mood for the evening.

The party was fun after dinner everyone headed to the basement. Markus was cuddling Silver in his arms, and talking about their last date. Amethyst thought they made the perfect couple. Markus's black hair, Silvers so blonde and fair seem to go well together, him tall her short. Smitty sat with Fire with his arm around her watching everyone else, and every once in a while she would laugh. Smitty and she were talking in their minds through the mind connection. Sparks and Lilly stood by a small bar that had been erected for the occasion. Everyone once in a while he would lean over her and kiss her. To Amethyst, Lilly could not get enough of Spark's kisses. Joe and the rest of the guys were at the pool table taking turns. Pend was mixing drinks for Rain, and Kelly was putting ice into them. Once Rain had the drinks he headed over to Amethyst. Pend and Kelly took drinks, and sat on the floor. Pend had his back to the wall, and Kelly was between his legs with her back against Pend's chest. Amethyst was surprised that they joined in long enough to leave their bedroom. Then smiled to herself, wondered what it was like to spend so much time making love. The thought make her feel warm inside.

Kelly in heat, her demands on Pend would be; when, where and how she wanted to mate. Pend went into alpha wolf protection mode. Damn any male coming near his mate; Pend would not leave her for long. In the past when a female went into heat, and the male was not around to service her, she would hunt down a male. Now with the modern ways of doing things this was no longer permitted. The males stuck close to their females.

Rain handed Amethyst her drink, and said come, she got up from her chair and Rain sat down on the floor with his back to a wall, and Amethyst sat beside him until he pulled her over to sit between his legs like Kelly was with Pend. The lights were turned down until the only lights on were those over the pool table.

Amethyst realized that Pend, and Rain were much alike. They sat the same way with their females between their legs. They liked the same drinks, sports, and many of the same foods, thinking a like. "No wonder Pend was Rain's beta," she thought.

Rain moved her hair to the front of her, and kissed her neck. Then Rain flicked his tongue into her ear. She turned red with embarrassment, and looked around but no one was paying any attention to them. She began to relax against Rains chest and he kissed her neck. Rains hand came around her waist pulled her back closer until her butt was up against his male parts. He was hard, and made it clear he wanted her. She quickly drank her drink down. Rain pushed against the back wall lifting her as he stood. "We heading to bed good night everyone, and thank you for the wonderful party."

"Amethyst whisper they are going to know what we are going to do." He laughed at her innocent embarrassment, and sure enough. Along with some wolf whistles and good wishes Rain turned, and carried her up stairs. Just as Rain reached the top of the cellar steps she saw Kelly, and Pend right behind them. She smiled at them, and winked at Kelly. Kelly winked back and smiled.

When her and Rain reached the bedroom Amethyst found the glass gone the window boarded up and the room in total darkness. The bed had been turned down; a quilt laid across the hope chest a gift from Fire and Kelly. Setting Amethyst on her feet

Rain proceeded to remove his clothes walking to the bathroom for a shower with nothing on. Amethyst watch as her mate with his six-pack abs, and tight ass and strong legs moved across the room. The muscles in his back rippled with each step he took.

Then the bathroom light went on, and Rain turned looked at Amethyst and said, "You can join me you know!"

Smiling she walked at a slow pace to the bathroom, as she walked she began to slowly take one piece of clothing off at a time then dropped it to the floor. It was like watching a stripper in slow motion teasing with each piece of clothing that landed at her feet. Rain could feel him self growing hard, and when she noticed she smiled, clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, and then purred with delight.

Taking a deep breath he grabbed Amethyst pulled her into the tub, and turned on the water, when the water warmed he stepped into the shower with Amethyst in his arms. Taking the soap he began to wash Amethyst from head to toe. Making sure he paid her breast, and her female parts special attention. As his fingers reached her core she leaned into Rains body. Her eyes were dilated she wanted him. Then he handed her the soap. She looked at it in her hand then she heard him say in her mind, "Wash me."

She took the soap and rubbed it down his chest and across to his sides. Moving slowly down his body to his male parts she ran her hand with soap over his shaft and it jerked from her touch. Then she moved deeper to the sack that hung down in front of his legs and soaped them up and began to lift them with her hand. Rain's body shivered and he grabbed her hand pulled it away rinsing quickly he lifted Amethysts legs placed them around his waist. He stepped out of the tub pushed her back up against the bathroom door entered her quickly and deep. Amethyst purred, and then he began to thrust himself into her over, and over again until Amethyst cried out his name, and her body jerked as the orgasm took away all reason. And still he thrust in to her forcing her to throw back her head, and cry out deeper, more, please more, and her body once again jerked with orgasm and Rain rammed his shaft deep inside her, and spilled his seed within her tunnel. Slowly their breathing returned to normal, Rain kissed her lips then kissed her face. He smiled at her. His shaft was still hard in side of her. And he began to move within her and ten minutes later came in a whirl wind of purring and growling, mixed with moans, groans, and whispered words of love. Rain with Amethyst legs still wrapped around his waste, stepped back into the tub turned on the water, and he set her legs down in the tub. He washed her between her legs making sure to avoid her core. Then she washed him off. Then they toweled off.

Carrying Amethyst to their bed he laid her down crawled in next to her pulled the covers up, and over them, and watched her as she fall a sleep. Rain thought it would be him who would decide how their love-making would be like, but he realized it was not him, but Amethyst who decided if it was going to fast, and furious, and lustful or slow, and warm mixed with love. He decided he loved that about her. Sex with her wasn't just an experience of satisfaction; it was a deep knowing of ownership, and a connection beyond anything else in the world. Closing his eyes, sleep came instantly.

Chapter 5

Amethyst woke to an empty bed, Rains side of the bed was cold, and so he must have left early. She turned and looked at the clock it was seven in the morning. Crawling out of bed she realized she was slightly tender between the legs. She smiled, "her mate was always hungry for her, and it delighted her to tip of her toes to the top of her head. It thrilled her to know that Rain found her so tempting, and a good bed mate. Moving out of the bed she quickly made it, and then headed to the bathroom for a bath. She filled the tub and put some bubble bath in, and then sank deep into the water until nothing was out of the water but her neck and head. After washing she added a little more hot water and closed her eyes. Her body was relaxed some of the tenderness was melting away. Memories of the night flooded her mind; "Rain had woken her three times to make love each time was sweeter than the last; each time she had orgasm several times. Rain was the perfect lover, making sure her needs were met before his." But it left her muscles sore and she was tender between the legs and the hot water felt so, so good. After half an hour in the tub she pulled the plug climbed up, out and dried off. Moving to the dresser she picked up her jeans, and looked at them. "Torn, well OK I will make shorts out of them; it wasn't like I cannot afford a new pair". Going to the bag of clothes that Fire had left her she opened it took out a pair of jeans, they fit to a tee. Then put on her bra pulled out a T-shirt slipped it on. Finding a pair of socks at the bottom of the bag she put them on.

Heading down stair she was going to turn towards Rains office but the door was open, and no one was inside. She turned headed to the kitchen and found Willow there. Introducing herself to Willow she asked, "Do you happen to know where Rain is?"

Willow said with a big smile, "yes Rain and some of the boys have gone to see who might be is sneaking around the grounds. You want I will make you something to eat"

"Just coffee and a couple of pieces of toast will do this morning thank you." Amethyst smiled. After breakfast she headed to the room with the computers in it. Set her laptop up and got on to the internet. Looking up the Globe and Mail she searched the announcement page. Working her way down the page she saw another poem from Putter.

The flowers sent arrived OK! A bank of flowers is ready to send your way

Heart of Man charges filed this very day. Decisions I have made worked out OK.

Putter.

Amethyst began laughing, than yelling, and cheering with delight. She ran from the room to the kitchen screaming, "Has Rain returned yet Willow?" "No he has not returned that I know of." Rushing out of the kitchen to Rains office she looked in he was not there. Rushing up stairs to her bedroom she grabbed the briefcase then rushed down to Rains office. Willow rushed in, "Are you all right Amethyst she wailed?"

"Yes oh yes I could not be better." Once Willow left she started laughing again. She sank down into Rains office chair opened the briefcase. She pulled out pack after pack of money. Most were twenty's and tens, but a couple of packs had fifty's and hundreds in them. She rummaged around until she found the envelope at the bottom and pulled it out. The poem had reminded her of the will she had written out, and not shown to Rain. She had to do that today. He will be surprised she thought. She had meant to tell him before now, but with everything that happened since they married she did not get the chance. She snapped shut the briefcase. Leaving the will on the desk she ran up stands to put the brief case away in her dresser.

Amethyst turned around to rush down stairs so she could tell Rain the moment he came in about the will. There in the door way stood Rain she smiled up at him. Then the smile left her face, he was angry. She had never seen him so angry. Every muscle in his body seemed to be straining, and tight. His hands were in fists. Then she saw the paper in his hand. Between his teeth he hissed, "You kept a secret from me. I told you to never keep secrets from me. How dare you! You're just like my mother! She kept secrets from my father and it ruined their relationship!"

The smile left her face, she began to get angry then calmed herself. "I didn't do it on purpose, just so many things happening, and I forgot. I am not trying to ruin things between us."

"You conveniently forgot you mean! How could you forget something this important as your will, and not tell me?" Amethyst was getting a taste of the alpha side of Rain and she didn't like it much when it was turned on her. Suddenly Rain slammed his fist against the door of their bedroom causing the wood to splinter. Amethyst jumped her eyes opened wide, and she suddenly filled with fear. Rain felt her fear, but paid no attention to it. Then he felt her anger rising, and she screamed,

"Don't you dare compare me to your mother? I am not at all like her, I honestly forgot! I put the will on your desk so you would see it! I brought the brief case up stairs, and was returning to the office so you would see it first thing!

"Liar, you're a damn liar, and your ruining our relationship" Rain raged. "I am your alpha not just your mate damn it! The Reverend said, you gave him a paper, he said to wait until you told me. You had no intentions of ever telling me did you Amethyst?

"Reverend told you about the will? He said he would let me tell you! I was going to tell you that night, but getting me here seemed more important at the time!" Amethyst felt as if the Reverend had betrayed her. She knew he was Rains friend before her friend. She thought he would keep it to himself. She would never trust him ever again. Anger seemed to be rising inside of her, and she was losing control. She wanted to shift into a panther and claw something up or was it someone?

Rains sensing her desire to shift made his body fill with rage. If she dared he would certainly put an end to her ever doing that again. "You won't keep any secrets from me do you hear? I found it on the floor where you dropped it by mistake. If you had every intention of making sure I saw it then you would have showed it to me not left it on the floor of my office. I hate, sentence stood there unfinished!"

Rain turned walked out the door and slammed it as he left the room, the door hit so hard it bounced back open, and hit the wall behind it. The door knob left a hole in the wall. He wanted to strike out he had to get away from Amethyst before he lost complete control. Down the steps he went, and out the front door jumped in his truck, and headed for town. Rain drove faster then he should have, but reached Wylie's bar with out incidence.

Amethyst stood there blinking her eyes, then tears over flowed she turned to the bed threw her self on it. She cried until she felt sick to her stomach. Her heart felt broken. He hated her, he felt deceived, lied to, and secrets kept from him. He had no right to feel that way. She had truly forgotten, and when she remembered she wanted to show him the will immediately, but he wasn't home.

The afternoon turned to night, and still Rain had not returned. She moved out to the outer room looked out the window, and saw her vehicle parked in the back. She wondered, "When was it brought to the house. I see secrets on his part, but not on my part!" Grabbing her brief case she rushed out picked up her laptop, and then she began to sneak down the stair case. She heard someone coming and hid behind the stairs. When she saw Willow she stepped back and watched her leave. Once Willow was gone Amethyst started moving to the kitchen she went out the side door. Ran across the yard, and jumped into her vehicle. Opening the brief case she grabbed the spare keys. She closed her eyes, and tried to reach Rain, but she was shut out, and he was angry with her for intruding.

Tears ran down her cheeks and she closed her mind. "So much for you can tip toe through any time you want too! He hated her so much he wanted to strike her. She couldn't stay with a man who hated her, life would be unbearable. Rain was going to say he hated her, but didn't finish the words; "doesn't matter now any way." Rain had closed her out of his mind more then likely once, and for all. Starting up the SUV she pushed the gas pedal down the tires spit dirt, and gravel as she left the yard. She saw Joe running behind her waving his arms. Then he was out of sight. "If Rain was going to shut her out, then she would shut him out of her mind as well." Then she wondered, "Am I able to shut Rain out of my life." Screaming, "I love you Rain, I won't stay with you hating me. A life like that would be unbearable; it would be the worse kind of nonexistence."

She could not remember how she got out to Rains house. At the next cross-road did she turn left or right or go straight. She decided to go straight. The next cross-road she turned right, it came to nearly a dead-end, but there was a sharp turn to the left. She didn't remember any of this. The next road seemed to be getting narrow compared to the ones Rain drove earlier. Then suddenly lights appeared behind her. She sped up faster, the vehicle caught up to her so she slowed in hopes they would pass. The vehicle came up a long side then rammed into her SUV. She held the road, and tried to speed up. It was no use they kept smashing into her vehicle then just as they hit her SUV; she hit a pot hole, and went off the road.

Her head hit the side window, pain filled her entire body. The vehicle went over an incline, and she opened the door, and jumped out with the brief case. As she jumped she shifted into a panther. Amethyst landed on all fours, then rolled four or five time, and then slid to a stop next to a bush. She quickly hid under it. Two men stood at the top of the incline, and watched the SUV rush down the incline, and hit a large jack pine, and burst into flames. She recognized one man name Ray. He started laughing then said, "Well that takes care of the damn bitch. Mr. Hartman is going to be happy about this. We didn't even have to go get her, she came to us. Maybe we'll get a nice little bonus out of it. Now let's get the hell out of here before someone comes along see the flames and decide to investigate.

Amethyst stayed under the bush until she heard the vehicle leave, and could not hear it any more. Shifting back into human form she crawled out. Standing the pain shot through her head like a lightening bolt her vision left her, and she collapsed. When Amethyst woke her head was aching, and her vision was blurred. As she tired to stand her hand came in contact with the briefcase. Picked it up; climbed up the incline, and looked first to the left then the right. Her vision was too blurred to know what direction to go in, it was more then likely from the pain in her head. Not knowing what direction to go she just walked. Hours passed and she wondered, "What day is it? How long have I been unconscious on the side of the hill? Had it been minutes, hours, or an entire day, I have lost all sense of time?"

Rain sat at the bar nursing a beer feeling pretty sorry for himself. His anger was gone. He thought of getting drunk, but alphas in charge of a pack couldn't just drink their Problems away. After he got to thinking about it he had forgotten about what the Reverend had said. He had gotten so wrapped up in loving Amethyst, and wanting her. Trying to keep her safe from nut cases that were after her, Things slipped his mind as well. He had been unfair to Amethyst, he over reacted. She really was not at all like his mother. His mother lied about everything, she could not help it. Then the secrets began stupid silly ones at first, but then they got worse. He knew he had to go home, and face Amethyst, tell her he was sorry for the way he acted. He had to admit his personality bites sometimes, grinning he thought it actually bites. He had felt Amethyst reaching out to him earlier, but shut her out.

Pend came rushing into Wylie's bar. Pend grabbed Rain by the arm, "she's gone Rain."

"Who's gone?" Rain said as he stared into his beta face.

"Joe saw her leave in the SUV followed her, short ways but then lost her. Amethyst drove out like the devil was after her."

"Where did she go?" Rain swayed slightly when he rose off the bar seat. Not from drinking, he had only three beers, but from exhaustion.

"I don't know I've checked around town she is not here! And those men left that were after her. No one has seen her. I ask Susan thinking she would go there, she hasn't seen her. Stopped in and talked to Ned and Paula, nothing to report."

Suddenly as if getting hit with a bucket of cold water his heart raced Rain jumped. "We have to find her!" Pend and Rain took different directions back to the house. As he stood on the steps Rain turned to Pend. "It's my fault we had a fight I was so angry with her. Said some pretty cruel things to her, and then accused her of lying to me. We have to get the boys together, and search for her. With all the back trails I traveled bringing her to the house she won't find her way back to town. With all the logging roads she is going to get lost. This time of the year the musk kegs have thawed, and she could end up in one of them, and we would never see her again.

By morning all the boys returned to the house exhausted. They decided to get a couple of hours sleep and then start the search again. Rain kept trying to reach Amethyst in his mind. He knew she was in pain, scared, and cold. Every time he tried to contact her pain shot through his head, then she shut him out. Rains heart broke as he realized he had gone too far with Amethyst, her fragile heart had been broken, and the love that was blooming may have died before it truly got the chance to grow into a love that would last a life time. The mind bond would hold them together he new that, but if loved died within her for him, he would be in the same situation as his father, a loveless, lonely life. "No; I won't let that happen! She loved me once, she can love me again! No matter what it takes you will be mind!"

Amethyst kept feeling this tinkle in the back of her mind, and wished it would stop it made the pain worse. She could hear this voice in her head asking her where she was. She screamed "I don't know shut up, please; just shut up!" With her screaming at the voice, the pain began to get unbearable, and she moved off to the side of the road walked in a ways, and laid down. Her head throbbed, she moaned, her stomach turned over, and she vomited onto the ground, then all was turning black, and she felt no pain. Her breathing became shallow, unconscious she laid there for hours. A blessed nothingness over took her. Several coyotes sniff her during the night, and wondered off in search of food. They knew better then to take on a wolf even one that was hurt would kill them.

The sun was up high in the sky it must be passed noon she thought. She felt cold; her body shivered, the pain in her head returned. "I must be running a fever to feel so cold in the hot sun." The pain increased until she was clinching her teeth to stand it. She tried to rise, and fall limp to the ground. She welcomed the darkness in it was peace no pain at all. Some where in her mind the darkness faded, and she heard a voice telling her to get up, "get up Amethyst." she heard her inner wolf say. She moved her legs, and then her arms. She turned herself over got up on her hands, and knees then stood up by holding on to a tree. From there she walked from tree to tree. After an hour of searching to find away out of the woods; she knew she was lost. She moved towards a small animal trail and sunk up to her waist. She was in one of those floating marshes. She had to get out. Trying to shift into a cat caused unbearable pain in her head, she stopped. She clawed the ground near by kicking her legs, she slowly moved out of the musk keg. Feeling extremely lucky it was not deeper. Back to wards the trees she stepped; all the while trying to brush off the weeds, mud, and small crawling things. Moving just a few more trees she stopped. A voice spoke to her in her mind, "what do you see Amethyst?" This voice was different; it was not her inner cat or wolf, but a male voice.

"Just stupid trees every where trees," then she slid down the tree she was hanging on to. Closing her eyes, and talking to the voice inside her head,

"Do you see any roads" Amethyst? Rain said with worry in his voice.

"No, no roads, just trees." Amethyst said in a weakened voice.

"Do you see and paths Amethyst," Rain spoke softly

"Paths, no just trees," Amethyst said confused.

"What do you hear Amethyst?" Storm whispered, because he was feeling a great deal of pain from Amethyst.

"I hear birds, no vehicle, and no, no other sounds."

"How close are the trees Amethyst?" Hoping that if the trees are close then it is a spot not cut if they are spaced then a cut spot.

"Tall pine trees spaced out so sun can reach the grown."

"Tell me if you hear a vehicle coming close to you Amethyst." Storm whispered.

"Sure if I hear one I'll tell you." Amethyst whispered.

What are you doing now Amethyst?"

"Resting, just resting, I need to sleep, so tired, so cold, so dirty, too much pain. I don't want to wake up. Please leave me alone I don't want to talk to you anymore!"

Storms heart jumped in his chest his inner wolf howled wanted released. As if racing to her would be faster then a vehicle. Rains heart felt like it falls out of his body, she was giving up he had to find her. "Listen to the voice Amethyst," she heard the voice say.

"Leave me alone to die in peace. I don't want to talk any more. Don't want to feel any more pain, go where the blessed darkness is?" the words faded away.

Amethyst moved to lie down. When her head lay against the ground she heard something. "I hear a vehicle coming far off, it's getting closer", she said to the voice in her head. "The vehicle is closer now, no it's moving further away. It's stopped its backing up" she said to the voice. Amethyst smiled and then frowned. She fell into a dark pit. There was nothing, no light, no pain, entire new world of nothingness. A sheer blessed darkness, she did not want to leave, at that moment decided she would not leave she would stay. This she thought must be death.

Rain jumped out of the truck shifted into wolf form scented the ground picked up her scent and rushed into the woods. Four hundred yards in he found Amethyst lying next to a large jack pine unconscious. She was wet and dirty looked as if she had gone swimming in a swamp she smelled like one. He checked her for broken bones. Then Rain checked her head, "she had complained of pain." His hand came away with blood. Her hair was wet with blood, dirt, pine needles, and leaves were matted into her blood and hair. The bleeding had not completely stopped. Her breathing was shallow. "She should have healed completely by now this isn't good," he thought to himself. "If she doesn't make it I will never forgive myself!" Rain felt pure despair in its deepest depths. He new at that moment how it felt to lose for the first time in his life; he was losing this battle. His inner wolf growled said, "We are not losing her, I don't care what we have to do."

Amethyst's body felt cold, for a moment she thought she was rising off the ground; yes she was rising. Heaven must be near. And her mind reached out in search of her parents. She felt warm, a voice far off was saying, "I love you!" The voice sounded like she had heard it a hundred times, she new there was no one in the world left who loved her. Her mate hated her for? Mm hated her for? Parents gone she was alone!

Rain picked her up cradling her close to his body. Running back to the truck he kept saying "I love you I am so sorry, please for give me." Rain turned the truck headed back to the house. When he got there Kelly ran out on to the porch. Rain rushed over to the other side opened the door lifted Amethyst up, and carried her into the house. The new nurse Sadie had come early, and she was waiting for him. Rain carried Amethyst up stairs to their bedroom laid her on the bed. Sadie said, "Rain leave; Kelly, and I will take over at this point." The nurse left Rain with no choice in the matter. He kissed Amethyst on the lips and walked out of the bedroom with his head hanging down to his chest.

Two hours had passed when Kelly and Sadie came down stairs to the office. Turning to Rain the nurse spoke softly, "she has a concussion; I stitched her head after removing a large piece of glass. She is running a slight fever. I gave her something to bring down her fever, but that is the least of our worries right now, she seems to be in pain. I gave her a shot for pain, and that should help. She needs rest, and food. I put her on IV to build her fluids up she is dehydrated. I am sorry to say it is a wait, and see situation now. The sooner she regains consciousness the better. The longer she is unconscious will mean brain damage even with our healing powers it may take some time for her to be back to normal. The glass in the wound preventing her from healing is a major problem, there maybe complications. I gave her some antibiotics for infection. Keep her warm. I'm going to my room to rest now if you need me for anything please call me, and/or come get me." With that Sadie left for her room.

Rain got up out of his chair walked towards the door of his office. He started for the stair case when Kelly said, "Rain it's not your fault, things happen. Couples argue sometimes. It doesn't mean that love dies with each argument. I know you thought she kept a secret, I don't think she did it intentionally. Amethyst doesn't seem the type to keep secrets. She is not your mother Rain."

Rain nodded and headed for his bed room to be with Amethyst. Rain never felt so down, things were now out of his control. He didn't like it much. He always had control of everything that was going on around him. It was his duty as the alpha of the pack.

As Rain walked up the stairs he remembered the time he got drunk with Pend; he told Pend about his parents. That he wanted more out of life when he finally settled down. He had told Pend he wanted a mate that never kept secrets, never lied to him for any reason at all. Rain rubbed his forehead and moved down the hall way to his rooms. Rain was lost in side. His heart lay in bed and she was not responding to him in any way it was like the connection between them was severed some how.

Rain opened the door took in a chair from his private office set it beside the bed and sat down. Even in the darkness with the curtains pulled tightly shut he could see the bandage around her head. Her eyes were closed, "you are so beautiful. I love you sweetness!"

Kelly and Sadie had washed her clean, and she smelled of antiseptics mixed with strawberries. Her hair had been undone from the leather strips that held it together down her back. It lay at her side down her body. "Her breathing seemed more normal. His mind tried to touch hers saying over and over again that he loved her. But there was nothing, just silence. His inner wolf wanted to howl at the moon for her. Chase something down and tear it apart to rid him of his frustrations, guilt and anger." Markus had repaired the window, and Rain stood walked over to it pulled the curtains apart a couple of inches and looked out. He could not imagine his life without Amethyst. She had woven herself into every fiber of his being. If he lost her now, he knew his life would be a lonely long unhappy one. He sat back down in the chair, and fall a sleep. Rain slept through the night. Just from sheer exhaustion, he never heard, or knew that Sadie had come in several times to check on Amethyst. Sadie had been so quiet, not wanting to disturb her alpha.

Chapter 6

Bright sun light streamed in the window. Amethyst blinked her eyes and finally her vision cleared. The pain in her head was extreme so she tried not to move. Breathing sound caught her attention near the bed and she moved her eyes then her head slightly. She clenched her teeth as the pain shot through her. Her eyes focused on Rain a sleep in a chair next to her. He had a day's growth of beard, his hair was a mess. "Damn how can a man who looked like he had not slept in days be so damn handsome," she thought. Feeling warmth begin to swell between her legs she pulled them tight together. Amethyst inner wolf spoke, "how can my body desire him when my head is in such pain, maybe it was the wolf or cat inside her that wanted him," she wondered. She watched the rise and fall of his chest never realizing her breathing matched his. "He sure was a major cup cake, revise that thought, he was the entire cake!"

Rain woke then jumped up out of the chair, the chair fall backwards and hit the floor. The nurse was bending over Amethyst. She was checking her blood pressure, temperature, changed her IV bag. The nurse smiled, and said, "She is resting comfortably and is sleeping. She should wake soon. Her temperature is normal as well as her blood pressure she does not seem to be in any pain. I added another IV bag it will be the last one. It is nothing short of a miracle that she survived. It is still a wait, and sees if there's been any brain damage." Smiling at Rain, "you should get cleaned up Rain, and get some proper rests. You could not have slept well in that chair all night. Once you're cleaned up slip into bed next to Amethyst, it will be ok." Then she turned, and left the room.

Rain nodded his head, and walked into the bathroom for a quick shave, and shower. He toweled off walked into the bedroom with nothing on, but the towel. Walked over to his dresser picked out some boxer shorts, jeans open the closet picked out a shirt. He turned around to see Amethyst staring at him. He opened his mind to her sending nothing but love, and warmth to her. She turned to her side, and in that moment she cried out in pain. And tears filled her eyes. Then she closed them shutting out the world and Rain.

Rains heart fall; his inner wolf wanted to be released. Then he marched over to the bed looked down at Amethyst, and said in alpha mode, "Look at me Amethyst. You can shut me out of your mind, you can never speak to me again, but I am not giving up on us. I love you damn it, and you're my mate now, and always no matter what. I am your alpha and you will do what I tell you too!" Rained growled, his inner wolf approved.

When he felt Amethyst in pain his heart softened, so did his voice. He leaned down to her and whispered, Amethyst I love you, and we are meant to be you and me. Please don't say you hate me, please tell me I haven't lost your love. Don't shut me out forever. Losing you would be unbearable!"

When Amethyst said nothing, he kissed her lips her mouth opened to him and he deepened the kiss. Then he pulled away stood, and went to walk away. "He could not make love to her she was recovering from an ordeal that would have killed most women." Suddenly he realized that Amethyst had opened her mind to him. He felt her heart, and he turned and looked at her. She lay with her eyes closed. He slipped on a pair of boxer shorts, walked back to the bed. Rain leaned over the bed looked at her, then laid down and put his arms around her. He felt the pain in her head lesson, and her teeth unclenched, and her body relaxes. Rain smiled to himself, and continued to tell her he loved her in his mind. He knew he was reaching her, flashes of words here, and their drifted back to him. She may have shut him out, but he was reaching her on some level of her mind; maybe through one of the animals she could shift into, he was not sure. Anything at this point was worth a try.

An hour later and Rain moved from Amethyst slipped on his pants, shirt and a pair of socks. Left the room, and headed to the kitchen. Ten minutes later he returned with a bowl of soup, and some warm tea.

Rain touched her cheek, and called her name. Amethyst awoke and tried to move and couldn't without pain shooting through her head. Rain gently lifted Amethyst and propped her with pillows. She ate half the bowl of soup, drank all the tea. The entire time she ate her mind kept touching his, reading his thoughts! It was all so good, so comforting, tears sprang to her eyes. Rain loved her when she thought he hated her. Yes she had made him angry, but it didn't break his love for her. She knew at that moment that second, that no matter what, her heart belonged to him, and no other. She would love no one else for the rest of her life.

Another day had passed Amethyst felt stronger; the pain in her head was gone. Rain had begun to leave her alone for short periods of time during the day. He had said he hated to, but Markus was getting married tomorrow, and Markus's house had to be finished. Rain had gone out to the woods checked to see where her SUV went off the road. It was sheer luck that the SUV and the one tree had burned and not the entire forest. Rain searched for the brief case in the woods. It had been easy to find only twenty yards from where he had found her. Rain had placed it on her dresser when he got back.

When Rain left moving slowly Amethyst slid out of bed, placed her feet on the floor and stood; she was relieved when she was not hit with pain. The IV bag had been removed during the night. She walked towards her dresser. Opening the brief case she took out a small envelope, and two thousand dollars. She slipped the money into the envelope sealed it, then put Markus, and Silver on the envelope. A wedding gift for them, she felt bad that she could not go shopping for something special in addition. Maybe she could do that later.

As she closed the brief case she took the envelope placed it on Rains dresser. Slowly she dressed. She slipped on a skirt, and top. She brushed her hair then looked at the slash in her hair it was four inches long, "she wondered how deep it went probably to her brain, the stitches were removed this morning only thanks to quick healing of were's. The scar would disappear, and no evidence she was ever hurt. She would have healed sooner if not for the glass in the wound." She moved to the bed, sat down and braided her hair tying the end with a rubber band she had taken from the brief case. She looked at her hair when she was finished and wondered if she should cut it! Second thought she could never do any more then trim the ends it was so much apart of her appears for so many years. She could never cut her hair.

Amethyst knew things were strained between her and Rain and she knew it was her fault. She knew she loved him with all her heart, she knew he was not perfect well as a lover he was. He did not anger quickly, when he did; watch out. He was a wonderful alpha. He stood, and listened to Joe, when he had told of killing a man. Told Joe he understood, and it was alright. He had patience's; he loved his pack members, and trusted them. He had compassion for others. And his stern ways made him a great alpha. So why couldn't she get passed what happened. Her inner voice said, "You want to punish him, you want him to feel the pain you felt" She had to stop this or she may lose him for good.

She picked up the Lycan book took it out to the small office adjoining her bedroom sat in the chair with the ottoman and began to read.

Two hours later Rain found her a sleep he stood watching for a moment. The book she had been reading lay in her lap. His heart filled with love, "I have to win her back, get her to trust me again. If I had not lost my temper she would have never run, never have gotten hurt. Oh I know she desires me but I want more than just sex from her, I wanted all of her; I will settle for no less". Carefully he sat down beside her leaned in and kissed her lips softly.

Her eyes open, he drew back said "dinners ready would you like to come down stairs for a while".

She looked into his deep blue eyes then dismissed the feeling rising deep inside her. She closed her mind to nothing but rising from the chair. Rain felt disappointment, and despair, when she did not seem to acknowledge him. He put his arm around her and he walked out the door into the hall way. Thinking as they descended the stair case, "I have to reach you some how, there as to be away.” He pulled out her chair, and she sat. Everyone at the table ask how she was feeling. She told them much better. Then the topic moved to the wedding. Silver and Markus kept glancing at one another in silent little signals to each other.

Amethyst mind kept going back in time to when her, and Rain were doing the same thing as Silver, and Markus were doing now. She felt a little jealous of them. Amethyst thought she should have joined in the conversations, but did not feel like talking. The others at the table seem to understand and left her to her thoughts. Right at that moment it was really for the best!

After dinner she wanted to help clean up but no one would hear of it. But wanted her to come into the kitchen and talk with the rest of the woman. Amethyst agreed to do just that. As she sat at the table and watch the women do dishes put them away, put left over food into containers in to the frig. Smiling at Willow as she refilled her cup with tea, she said, "Tell me about yourself Willow if you do not mind."

Rain went into the den and turned on the TV and watched it, but truly didn't see anything until some names and pictures came up on the local news channel. Raw said, "Damn, it's those men who were after Amethyst, Rain."

Willow smiled and said "certainly, my mate Peter was killed by a hunter eight years ago. I was so lost for so long. Then Rain and Pend came by the pack I live with. They were in to see the elders. While there we talked they said they were starting a pack up here and I told them I wanted to join. They said when they have things set up they would come get me. They kept their word both men came picked me up and I moved in as a house keeper. A year ago they built me my little house. There is nothing else to tell you. The last four years have been happy for me and I would not want to live anywhere else."

Amethyst realized just how valuable Willow was since she herself knew nothing of keeping a house, let alone an alpha house with people coming, and going all the time. Smiling she said, "Willow you can be the house keeper as long as you wish."

Willow rushed over hugged her said, "I was scared you would want to take over my duties since you are now woman of the house, and the alpha's mate. You have made me so happy."

Amethyst hugged her back then looked up as she felt she was being watched. Rain stood in the door way with a smile on his face. He thought, "Amethyst has so much compassion, and understanding to give; he just wished she would just give a little his way."

"I need to talk to you Amethyst come with me to my office." Amethyst felt anxious, her eyes widened. He was angry. "He thinks I kept the envelope with the money in it for Markus, and Silver a secret." She shivered her eyes went down, and her head leaded to the side in submission.

Then Rain realized "he had spoken a little harsher then he intended to." He smiled. "Just for a few minutes; I need to inform you of new breaking events." Rising she walked past Rain towards his office. He slipped up next to her took her arm, and pulled back. She stopped she did not look up at him, but stood still. Waiting! Then he took his fingers placed them under her chin lifted her face to his and kissed her ever so sweetly. Not a kiss of desire, just a warm sweet kind that was gentle and to make her feel at ease. He walked her into the office pulled out a chair for her in front of his desk. Then Rain sat down beside her.

Rain hesitated for a moment just to look at Amethyst. She was looking into his eyes and touching his mind. "She did a lot of that lately, but when he tried to touch her mind she shut down. She was searching for something, and hadn't found it yet. He would continue to keep his mind open to her. He would no longer try to reach her mind, giving her time to heal, and trust in him."

"Amethyst I want to tell you myself before you hear it on the news. Those men Ray Sanjel, Dean Goodman, Douglas Claymore were found this morning dead. It appears all three men were shot in the head with a nine millimeter hand gun. The police think it was a mob hit. Ray, and Douglas was in side the vehicle, and Dean was out side on the ground. He must have been trying to escape. The bodies were found east, and south three hundred miles from here, some place on a back road. Mark Hartman was arrested yesterday and is out on bail. He has disappeared, and the authorities cannot find him at this time. If Ray had contacted Hartman, and told him your dead then your safe. However; if Ray didn't get in contact with Hartman before he died, your still in danger and we will have to be more careful now then ever before."

Amethyst sat stunned said nothing, she got up from the chair turned to Rain, and said, "There is an envelope on your dresser made out to Markus, and Silver, and it contains two thousand dollars as a wedding gift. I thought you wanted to see me, because of it. I did not keep it a secret that is why it sits on your dresser."

Rain moved towards Amethyst looked her right in the eyes and said, "I saw it; I know it was not a secret if it had been you would not have put it on my dresser for me to see." His lips moved towards her, and she backed away.

"I need a little more time Rain." Amethyst walked out of the door and headed off to their room to be by herself.

Chapter 7

Rain walked out the office and out the front door, and sat down on the steps. Smitty walked over sat down. "Rain I know something is really wrong with you, and Amethyst.

"I think I have lost Amethyst, Smitty. She has shut me out of her mind I can't seem to reach her. I lost my temper, and smashed the bedroom door. I said some nasty things to her." Rain put his head into his hands, and rubbed his forehead.

"I suggest if you want things right try courting her," Smitty said.

Rain looked at Smitty. "What like give her flowers?"

"Yea; flowers, jewelry, candy buy her some gifts." Rain looked at Smitty, and his face began to crease with a smiles.

"Tell everyone I'll be back after a while I am heading up to Spring Water to do some shopping. Do me a favor, make her a jewelry box."

Smitty smiled his eyes twinkled, "sure Rain I'll do that he whispered."

Rain picked out two dozen white roses tipped with purple. Then went to a jewelry store picked up a bracelet he liked had it engraved with the date of their mating. Then walked into a women store, purchase a pair of shoes size six, a denim jean skirt, and three tops all in different shades of lavender, and had them gifted wrapped. With purchases in hand he headed back to the house.

He sneaked up to the front door opened it slightly looked in discovered Willow at the stair case placing flowers down the railing for the wedding tomorrow. He walked in said, "Willow where Amethyst?"

Willow looked up and smiled, "She is in the basement with Fire."

If Amethyst tries to come up stairs delay her." Up stairs he placed the shoes, skirt, and tops in his side of the closet, then placed the box with the bracelet in it on her pillow. Then he ran down stairs grabbed four vases headed up stairs placing a half a dozen roses in each vase. He set one on his dresser, one on each end of her dresser, one on her night table on her side of the bed. Smitty knocked walked in, handed Rain a jewelry box he made special for Amethyst per Rains request. The box was set in the middle of her dresser.

Smitty looked around smiled, "Now you got the right idea Rain, do you think you went over board?"

"Do you think I did Smitty?" Rain asked with a frown on his face.

Smitty laughed," no Rain it's just right considering the rift you have to over come with Amethyst. And Smitty walked out with a big smile on his lips. Once Smitty was out side Rains rooms, he laughed then thought, "Amethyst is not going to know what is coming her way if Rain has anything to say about it. He will have her defenses down in no time. Then his alpha will have a smile on his face once again."

Rain went down stairs to the basement, and found Amethyst helping Fire and Silver putting up decorations. They were hanging a large paper bell from the ceiling in the center of the room. Markus was busy setting up the bar, and stocking it. "Pend must be up stairs with Kelly' he thought. Markus and Silvers house was finished right down to the furniture, but Markus refused to let Silver see it until after they were mated. Rain offered to help, but decorations were done once the bell was hung.

Guests were arriving, and shown to their rooms by Willow. Storms room was kept vacant; he had a habit of showing up at the oddest times. Rain half expected him any moment he knew about the wedding he said, "he'd come." Storm seems to enjoy being the last one to arrive, and usually after dark. "It was a privacy thing with Storm," he thought to himself. They were close he knew more about Storm then any one else in the world. When they were kids they worked as one unit at what ever they were doing. They new exactly what the other was thinking and how they would react to situations. It pulled them out of more jams then Rain cared to think about when they were young!" They had gone their separate ways when he reached eighteen. Storms view of life and his had changed, each wanted different things back then.

The day ended with a big dinner for everyone, and Amethyst was tired out. Rain smiled, "she had taken more interest in the conversations at the table, and had even joined in on several of them." Rain was busy with last-minute details only he could deal with. Amethyst had gone to bed, and he was still up. He sat wondering if she liked the bracelet, and the flowers. Then smiled to him self, and thought, "How could she have not liked them? He could have tried to reach her mind, but chose not too. Rain wanted to give her privacy, and time to heal as she had asked him too."

Amethyst opened the door to her bedroom. The room was filled with beautiful roses. Four vases filled with six roses each. She took one out of the vase, and put it to her nose then placed it to her lips. Replacing the flower back into the vase she walked over to the bed noticed a small box on her pillow. She picked it up unwrapped it, opened the lid. Inside were two gold hearts, and the date of their wedding was engraved on them. She smiled, placed the bracelet on her arm. She walked over to her dresser to get a night gown out, and noticed a hand made, hand carved jewelry box. She picked it up ran her fingers over the small delicate rose designs. Then opened the lid, inside was a small note that read, "Made especially for Amethyst Walker." She closed the lid set it back on her dresser and her eyes filled with tears. She undressed completely. Slipped the night gown over her head let it fall to her knees. With tears running down her cheeks she crawled into bed took Rains pillow pretended it was him, and cuddles it. Between the cuddling the pillow, and the tears she fall a sleep.

Rain was just about to head out of his office and up stairs when in walked Storm. He sat his butt down in a chair across from Rains as he sat back down in his office chair. Storm was six-foot three, black hair like his, and matching blue eyes. His face was more like his fathers, and Rains more shaped like his mothers. It was easy to tell they were brothers.

Rain I have news for you, I purchased some land west, and slightly south of your land. I am going to build a house. I contacted the Lycan registry, and let people know a new alpha house is up, and open to anyone. Storm never gave Rain a chance to speak five words. Rain had to admit his brother was committed. It took him long enough to come around.

It was well past three in the morning when Rain and Storm went to bed. Rain had not had the chance to tell Storm he was mated, but would later that day. Storm was too excited about purchasing some land south and west of Rains. Storm had contacted the Lycan registry and put word out he was opening a new pack. A wolf with dusty brown hair named William Bartel was now his beta. And a young couple also joined his pack by the names of Samuel and Apple McKinnon.

Rained walked into the bedroom a small light was on, and Amethyst who usually was turned away putting her back to his side of the bed was half on his side, and cuddling his pillow. The bracelet he had purchased for her was on her wrist. Rain smiled, and thought, "She liked it." Rain slipped off his clothes, and slid under the sheet pulled Amethyst into his arms. He held her tight to him and wondered if she finally forgave him. His last thought was Smitty had been right!

The dream began with Amethyst in her fathers den. "He was talking to her about keeping money in the house, where it was hidden. In side the lining was a piece of paper. The dream seemed so real she whimpered." Then her father fading into a mist and disappearing from her sight. She began to cry.

"In the lining her father whispered."

A voice in the dream was telling her she was safe, but she didn't feel safe. And she could not see who was telling her. She felt alone, and she wanted her father to come back. She searched for him in the mist, but could not find him. She would get glances of her father, and then he would change into Rain. Rains face was smiling at her, his arms were stretched out to her. She ran towards him, and his face became angry, then she was running from him. The mist grew so thick she could not see. Voices from all directions were calling her. Then the whispered words again reached her ears, "in the lining."

Shortly before five in the morning Rain woke to hear Amethyst whimpering in her sleep. Then she shivered, and then began to cry. He pulled her closer to him and whispered, "you're safe, and with me. I love you Amethyst, the words seemed to relax her. Then suddenly she sat up in bed her eyes were wild her face filled with fear, then smoothed. She jumped out of bed rushed to her dresser grabbed the brief case, opened it, dumped the contents out of it on to the floor and began pulling at the lining. It finally gave away.

She screamed at Rain who had jumped from the bed, and was at her side. "I hate secrets, they hurt, they destroy, and they are filled with destruction! They make all rights so wrong!" When finally the lining tore away there inside was an envelope. She pulled it out. Her hands shaking, Rain took the envelope, and opened it. Inside was a small piece of paper with a telephone number on it.

Now Rain understood why she could not seem to leave the brief case behind, why she always took it before anything else when she ran. Subconsciously her mind would not let her leave it behind. All the time he thought it was because of the money inside, and it wasn't.

Rained looked at it then said, "We'll call the number later in the morning it is to early right now. Come back to bed Amethyst."

Amethyst turned and looked into Rains eyes her eyes filled with tears and she threw herself into his arms. "Rain, oh Rain I love you. I don't want to punish you any more; I have missed you so much. My heart has bled enough for a life time. I have cried enough in so short a time. Please tell me you still love me, want me, and desire me?" Amethyst hung on to him as if he was a life line for her.

Rains heart nearly exploded with love, he began kissing her while his hand roamed around her back down to her butt. Rain whispered, "I love you, I want you, yes for always." Then he laid her on the floor and for two hours they made love, once on the floor, one in the bath tub, and then ended up in their bed with their minds open to one another. Secrets all revealed was making all wrongs so right. Finally with their bodies saturated with love and tired out they fall a sleep.

At seventy thirty Rain and Amethyst were sound a sleep in each others arms. The door flew open in walks Storm yelling, "Rain you lazy bastard get the hell out of bed.

Are you going to?" He stopped in mid sentence when he realized his brother wasn't alone. "Oh; ah sorry I didn't realize you were not alone," he said with embarrassment showing all over his face. Rain sat up in bed looked at his brother Storm, and frowned at him.

"Storm this is my mate Amethyst, Amethyst this is my brother Storm." Amethyst pulled the covers up closer to her chin, because she didn't have a thing on for one and two this stranger was in her bedroom looking at her like he could eat her for dinner.

Amethyst smiled and said," Hello Storm!"

"Storm head down stairs I'll be down in a few minutes!" Rain suggested strongly. "So much for getting some sleep this morning. I suppose two and a half hours is better then none at all."

Amethyst laughed, sent Rain a message in her mind, "to night you can sleep once I am finished making love to you and driving you half out of your mind with want."

Rain said to her in his mind. "Promises, promises, promise I look forward to your keeping them." He laughed.

Storm laughed, "Take your time I would bro!" Out the door Storm went. Storm stopped outside his brother's rooms and wondered," when the hell he had gotten mated. And how the hell did he find himself such a beauty. He had to admit she was stunning." Storm was jealous of Rain but also happy for him. "Maybe he would be just as lucky himself. He was 27 years old and ready to settle down. Trouble is so far he hadn't met anyone who truly interested him long-term. And a male wolf worth his salt wanted a mate and a family, some day. That some day he wished was sooner than later. Awe maybe one will drop out of the sky right into his lap some day!"

Ten minutes later Amethyst and Rain were sitting with Storm at the kitchen table. For a few minutes they talked about how Rain had met Amethyst. Storm teased her about a sister; she told him no such luck. Storm spoke about his land and building a house, could use some help if he could spare a couple of men, Rain said he could but it was up to the men if they wanted to go down.

Storm teased Amethyst that if she ever got sick and tired of his brother she had place to go. Amethyst just laughed, "I will never tire of Rain, and some one has to keep him on his toes. Love like we share does not get tire of one another." Amethyst was radiant, all smiles she hugged Rains arm.

Rain smiled, but it was forced smile. Rain was not comfortable with the suggestion that Amethyst had a place to go if she wasn't happy with him. He would just have to make sure she was happily mated."

Chapter 8

A barbecue was set for after the wedding, there would be steaks, burgers, baked potatoes, bakes carrots and yams. Plenty to drink for those who wanted to part take of beer and spirits. Cold drinks were set up for the children and put on ice in a barrel.

The wedding was perfect. Silver had come down the stair case with everyone smiling she was beautiful her hair was up; she wore a sweet white dress that just touched the floor. Storm sang a song called Love Counts. Markus met her at the bottom of the stairs and walked her to the Elder. Markus was dressed in a dark suit and looked handsome. The binding ceremony had caused the women to cry. An Elder from Silvers pack had come to do the honors of the binding. Then the Reverend Davenport said words that would bind them by law. The celebrations began.

Amethyst went around making sure everyone had enough to eat and to drink. Met Silvers parents, they were delightful couple. She could tell they were deeply in love. They smiled at one another often, and every once in a while you could tell they had little private conversations. He even kissed his mate several times during the barbecue.

Kelly's parents came, her father was old fashion, appeared to be strike. You could tell he was an alpha by the way he carried himself. It was the same way Rain carried himself. Both men stood tall, strong, and in authority, and control. They talked for over an hour before the alpha went to be with his wife, daughter and Pend.

Markus's parents had come for the wedding. They had driven in early in the morning. Markus was an identical match to his father, they could have been brothers. Markus said it was strong genes in his father's side of the family. Rain and Amethyst had laughed.

Music played from a CD player. Rain had asked her to dance several times. Rain enjoyed spinning her around catching her and dropping small kisses on her lips. During one slow song he whispered in her ear, "I love you Amethyst.

Amethyst whispered back, "Now and Always Rain." Amethyst words caused Rains heart to swell in his chest. A smile from ear to ear was on his face all evening. He told Amethyst he had to keep making the rounds of the guest because of his being the alpha. If she got lonely to send him a message he'd come and get her.

As the barbecue came to an end a vehicle drove in. A man with dark hair gray at his ears about six feet stepped out of the vehicle. He limped slightly, he smiled and it was a little off to the side. Several of the boys met him then Joe came over to Rain. Rain was standing with Amethyst talking to Sparks and Fire. Joe said, "Rain you need to talk to this guy and right now."

Rain walked over to the man, "I need to speak to Rain Walker immediately."

"I'm Rain what do you want." The man seemed genuinely at ease as he stood before Rain. He sensed no deceit from the man. He appeared to have been in a bad accident Rain thought. He wore and expensive dark gray suit and had a silk tie on. He was a man that was use to giving orders. Yet he relinquish his power before Rain by speaking softly, tilting his head slightly.

The man reached into his vest pocket, and Smitty grabbed his arm. Then the man said, "I am only getting a piece of paper out of my vest." Smitty released his arm and the man said, "My name is Rick Richardson, your married to my daughter Amethyst. Here is the proof of what I am telling you." Richardson handed Rain the documents of proof.

Opening the papers he read the letter from Amethyst attorney, checked out the medical papers. Rain said, "Oh, Amethyst is going to be in such shock, she has mourned your death for a month.

Rain turned and looked at his beautiful mate standing by the fire talking to Willow and Fire. She wore the skirt, shoes, and the dark lavender top he picked out for her. Amethyst was so delighted with his gifts. She was breath-taking with the light of the fire flashing before her. He would have to buy her some more gifts. As if knowing he was looking at her, Amethyst lifted her face, so filled with love. She saw the look of concern, and reached out to his mind.

The moment Amethyst did he turned away and said to Richardson; Go with Smitty to my office I'll be in momentarily with Amethyst. Smitty escorted Richardson to his office.

Rain walked towards Amethyst. His mind was open, but shaded and she wondered why. What was he shielding in his mind from her? When Rain reached her he said, "Come”

Amethyst was taken by the arm walked to his office when she entered she saw Smitty. The man who had asked her to dance at the bar was sitting in one of the chairs. At the bar she had not gotten a good look, but now in the bright lights of Rains office. She stared at the man, and then said one word," Father?"

"Yes Amie," for a moment she thought she was dreaming and then rushed into his arms and cried. After a while he told Amethyst of the accident, how he had escaped at the last second, and how his friend died and how his body was mistaken for his. He had been badly hurt his face needed reconstruction surgery but he still had a smile that was a little off to one side. It was during the healing process he realized he had to hide out and find out who did this."

"Hartman not only tried to kill me but he also had arranged your mother's death. Hartman stole money from the company, had hired hit men. When I realized that you had taken up with Rain I was happy for you and did not want to interfere in your happiness. When I checked into the Lycan registry and found you married, I was thrilled. Nothing could have made me happier to know my little girl was mated and happy with the man of her choosing."

And then he told her it was his bullet that went through the window of her bedroom. Big Red was aiming at her, but he could not get a shot off at Big Red, Richardson said, "I had to make sure you were safe, so I shot high, and to the left making sure to miss everyone. I could not shift fast enough and get to Big Red before he pulled the trigger. Then when a young man had killed Big Red I quietly left the woods. I am sorry I was not here the night you were forced off the road. I tried to find you, and when I couldn't I went after the men who did it. When they said you were dead I shot and killed all three of them. Then when I had gotten back I heard you were still alive."

Amethyst said, "the telephone number under the lining of the brief case I remembered it early this morning. Rain and I called it this morning, but their was no answer who's number was it father? Was it your number?"

Richardson took his daughters hands in his and stated simply, "yes! When I saw the number that was calling I new it was you Amie, and new it was time to come see you."

A knock at the door brought every ones heads up and Rain said, "Come in!" Willow opened the door stepped inside smiled and told them that everyone had gone off to bed or were in the basement having drinks. Willow looked at Richardson and smiled said, "hello." Richardson smiled back and nodded his head. Richardson thought, she is very pretty woman, a look of loneliness seem to be in her eyes. Then realized it was the same look he had carried since his mate's death. He wanted to get to know her better he thought. She was too young like him self, to live the rest of their lives a lone.

Rain stood up and said, "I think it is time to celebrate how about the rest of you?" Laughing they got up and headed for the basement for refreshments and fun.

Rain pulled Amethyst back and leaned in and kissed her lips and she melted in to his arms. They stood inside the office for a moment and held one another. Amethyst felt like her world was up side down out of control. Rain felt like his life was turned up side down and had finally flipped over and he was in control again. Rain whispered, "You smell so sweet, your scent is driving me crazy. We had better leave the office now or we won't be leaving it for a while."

Rain and Amethyst headed down to the basement a few minutes later to join the rest who were still partying. Markus and Silver had left. Silver was excited to see her new home; Markus was in a rush to make love to his new mate. The older couples had gone off to bed leaving the younger generation to party. Storm and Joe were at the pool table.

Drinks were served, Rain took a seat on the floor leaned up against the wall, Amethyst set between his legs. Her father was talking to Willow and she had a feeling Willow might not be here that long if her father had any say in it. Rain pulled Amethyst up tight again him so her butt fit nicely against his maleness. He whispered your scent is making me randy sweet heart, I do believe you're coming in to heat. I would say in a week by the scent of your hormones. She smiled pushed her butt against him tight then started grinding it against him causing him to get hard, and purred, "practice makes perfect darling!" His smile was all the reply she needed.

Chapter 9

Two days later Amethyst was coming down the stair case when the door flew open bouncing off the wall behind. In it stood Mark Hartman with a crazed look in his eye, he pointed a gun at Amethyst. "Come here girl before I shoot you!" She had to do what he wanted if not it could cost Willow her life, she was in the kitchen. The words that Rain had said to her on her wedding day came to mind, "some day the safety of the pack may fall on your shoulders." It appeared the day was here. She slowly moved towards Mark and when she was standing before him he grabbed her by the arm. He laughed, "you thought you got away from me you little slut. I surprised you."

"You won't get a way with this Mark; my mate Rain will kill you."

He laughed "maybe, but you're going to be dead first. Amethyst you will make such a beautiful corpse. Shame you could not see your way to doing things my way. Then you would not have to be concerned with dying." He began laughing and whispered, "You only would wish you were dead."

Fear filled her mind and body. She began to shiver, he pulled her up against his chest turned her so that they were backing out the door. Once out side he pushed her towards the woods behind the house. Inside the woods he began to drag her by her arm. She cried out, "you're hurting me, stop it!" He just turned jerk her hard, and when she fall he kicked at her. She cried out as pain shot through her leg. Pulling her up he dragged her deeper into the woods When she had fallen a third time, he grabbed her by the hair wrapping it around his arm several times and pulled her to her feet. He started down a path that leads to a ravine and to the lake. Rain had said the ravine had a sharp drop off to it. Amethyst thought," if I shift Hartman will kill me with the gun. If I bide my time maybe at some point shifting might save my life."

"I am taking you to the ravine to the drop off; it will look like an accident when I throw you off." The sneer on his face made him look like a demon she had once read about in a book. She shivered, and pulled back to drag her feet. Amethyst stopped dragging her feet when Hartman pulled the trigger back, and aimed the gun at her. Once they were moving again he laughed, "Smart girl, to smart for your own good."

Amethyst mind raced then it hit her mind like a slap to the face, "My father is still alive Hartman you failed to kill him."

"You lie bitch. Big Red and Ray killed him. They told me they saw the vehicle go over the cliff; no one could have survived the two hundred foot drop. Nice try to up set me, but you have failed."

"My father did survive," Amethyst said with pride. If you kill me he will see to your death. My father killed your associates on a back road south of here.

"I will just have to kill him myself to make sure it is done right this time," Hartman said with a wild look on his face.

Rain driving back from Coyote Ridge with Richardson after doing some business in town felt Amethyst's fear, and then he felt her pain. Stepping on the accelerator the truck flew. Rain turned to Richardson and said, "It Amethyst she's scared." The truck pulled into the yard came to a sliding stop. Gravel and dirt flew into the air. Rain jumped from the truck and rushed into the house calling "Amethyst, no answer. Willow rushed out of the kitchen asked what was wrong. "Where is Amethyst?" but Willow told him she didn't know. Rain looked in side the house in every room calling her name, but no answer.

Rain rushed out side rang a bell that hung at the far south side of the porch. Storm, Smitty, Joe, Mike and Pend ran up. Amethyst has been taken find her. All in one accord the men shifted into wolf form. Rain heard Amethyst voice in his head, "the path behind the house." Then Rain howled, and the pack rushed into the woods following Rain. Moving in one unit the wolves spread out slightly.

Running and scenting the ground in fifteen minutes the pack had found Hartman and Amethyst. The wolf pack seem to know exactly what to do silently they began to surround Hartman. The wolves were moving from shadow to shadow to keep out of sight. Then Hartman noticed several wolves, he laughed as if sanity had completely left him. The ravine was only another fifty yards away.

Grabbing at Amethyst tearing her shirt, he said, "hungry you bastards, you can have the bitch! While you're eating her I'll just slip away!"

"Amethyst said "yes throw me to the wolves; I would have a better chance of surviving with them, then with you." She tried to pull free, but Hartman had her by the hair. He jerked it, pulling her back and making her cry out.

"Maybe I should just put a bullet in you head and leave the scrapes to the wolves." Hartman pulled her hair laughing. "This is your death sentence bitch. There will be nothing left of you when they are done. They will tear the flesh from your bones." He laughed pulled a knife from a sheath that hung from his pants belt; he took Amethyst by the arm and sliced her. Blood ran down her arm to her fingers then dripped to the ground. Amethyst screamed, again Hartman laughed, "Does the blood excite you bastards" he yelled at the wolves then have at her.

Rain growled; the fury he felt was endless. His hair stood up on his back, his teeth bared. He was shaking inside, "How dare he injure his mate, vengeance must be swift an immediate. He would tear him to pieces and not give it another thought." Moving slowly towards Hartman the gun came up, Rain stopped. Then Rain realized, "the man had no idea that he was dealing with werewolves and it was his life not Amethyst that would cease to exist."

With all the power Hartman had he pushed Amethyst at the wolves. The wolves rushed in and Hartman turned to run. Hartman did not get six feet when Rain and Storm jumped hit him from the back driving Hartman down on to the ground. The gun fired the bullet hit a tree. "The man screamed until Rain tore out his throat, his head lay off to one side at a weird angle. Hartman throat was half gone, blood rushing out of what was left of his neck on to the ground. Storm and Rain flipped his body over a sound came from Hartman's lips and Storm took the man by the throat tore more of his throat out. Rain watched Hartman's body jerk a couple of times and then he was dead!

Amethyst cried out when her father took a piece of his shirt, wrapped her arm. Richard said, "Amie you will be fine in a few hours, I know it hurts like hell. He hugged her and his heart slowed to normal. Releasing Amethyst as he noticed Rain rushing to them."

Rain rushed to her shifted into human form. She fell into his arms hugging him, loving him for saving her life. Rain lifted his head, "Mike, Joe dispose of the body as you had Big Red. Rain took Amethyst in his arms, walked her back to the house. Rain knew in a few hours Amethyst arm would heal, there would be no scar as a reminder of what happened in a couple of days.

Storm walked beside Rain felt jealousy rising in him. He wanted what his brother had a home and a mate of his own. He would have both," he thought.

Richardson smiled to himself, "his daughter was safe, married, and would have a wonderful life here. They all accepted Amethyst." His mind went to the pretty woman who kept Rains house, Willow. They had talked to the wee hours. Enjoyed each others company. She had invited him over to her house and he had gone. It was wonderful he thought waking to someone special at your side. Humans seem to take a long time before deciding on someone to spend their lives with. With were's it usually was fast and furious and mated for life. They had not made love, but both had fall a sleep on Willows couch. The thought brought a smile to his face.

Epilogue

Amethyst stood by the window looking out at the leaves that were blowing into the yard. Spring and summer were over and fall had set in. It was her favorite time of the year. Warm fall days; they made running or walking in the forest so nice. Rain had taken her running every day at first, now she just walked the forest hand in hand with Rain. She was at peace with her life. Her mate was wonderful made her feel so loved.

Amethyst's father married Willow and built a house close to Spring Water. With time and werewolf healing her father appearance slowly returned to normal. Even his smile was straight again. He sold off Richardson and Hartman Company gave most of the money to the Rain and Amethyst. Her father told her that both he and her mother carried the dormant gene as multi-shape shifters. He was however, unsure if both parents were required to carry the gene to have multi-shaper shifter cubs.

Kelly was expecting her first cub in three months. Smitty and Fire just told everyone they were expecting in a little less than eight months. Anna had come from Casper and moved in as house keeper. Once everyone tasted Amethyst cooking they were thrilled with Anna taking over the position. Anna was teaching her how to cook, but felt she would never be even half the cook Anna was. Anna was not a were but accepted them and loved each member of the pack.

Mike and River were going to try for another cub with her next heat. The two boys they had made their lives full but they wanted a female cub to complete their family. She hoped for a girl for them.

Sparks and Lillie were not seen much. Lillie was in heat. They were looking forward to increasing the love they had for one another to a family of their own. Sparks had said at dinner one night that he wanted a dozen cubs. Lillie said she did to, only if Sparks helped with the care of them. Sparks said you have them I'll raise them. Everyone had laughed.

Joe was dating a female close to the U.S. and Canadian border. He had met her when he went down in the area to see about purchasing corn for the winter. He traveled down every weekend. In December the girl was coming with her parents to visit.

Susan was dating a new man Jamie who moved into the area. Jamie worked at the saw mill part time taking over Rains position there. He was a very nice man, shy, warm smile. He was five foot eleven. He brown hair with red highlights in it, he was stocky but not over weight. Jamie was very serious about Susan. Susan had said that she expected

Jamie to ask her to marry him and she was considering saying yes.

Zand had found evidence that Mark Hartman had committed murder and it drove Hartman over the edge into insanity forcing him to come after her. The authorities were still looking for him. They figured he went to Europe, and went into hiding. Zand was still single and doing investigations on run a ways and people who disappeared. Zand was a remarkable man he stopped in a few days after Hartman came after her. Zand had handed Amethyst her bank card, and credit cards he had picked up. Zand told her that if she had not dropped the cards he would have had one hell of a time finding her. He said he was sorry for hunting her, that he was after a cat not a wolf. Amethyst shared the information that she was a multi-shape shifter. Zand was surprised, but was happy to hear they existed. Zand told her and Rain if they ever needed his services to give him a call.

Rain told Zand to be sure to come visit, and if he needed anything to call. Saying we wolves have to stick together. Zand laughed and left for home.

Storm had called that day he had met someone special and her name was Wind. She wondered; "what kind of female Wind was; she must be special for Storm to have taken more than a passing interest in her. Storm sure loved the women, and they in turn love him. She looked forward to meeting her. He said they would visit soon if he had any say in it. Amethyst new he would have a say in it. Storm was an extremely strong minded alpha, took no grief from anyone. He also had the same temper as Rain. Rain seems to control his temper a little better then Storm did his. Except when it came to lies and secrets Rain's temper would run wild. It would always remain a sore spot with Rain."

Rain stood at the door looking at his beautiful mate her belly was round from carry their first cub, "she was due in a little less than four months, just two weeks after Kelly's due date. The connection to the child's mind and Amethyst mind had not been made yet. It usually happened at the eight months. His pack was increasing by four. The clinic was up the nurse moved into an apartment adjoining the clinic."

An elder had called Rain today and wanted to join his pack. The Elders mate had passed away and he wanted a change of residence. He would do the binding of couples when they mated. Things were certainly looking up. He was going to move into Willows small house once he arrived. Since he was single and Willow had been single the house would be perfect for him.

Contentment filled him that he never dreamed he would ever have. There were no secrets between him and his mate Amethyst. And they often tip toes through each others thoughts. Even speaking to one another and feeling each others emotions. He loved it when she shifted into a panther one night and licked his face and woke him for a night of love he would soon not for get. He had to admit that he loved it when she shifted into a cat." When the pack was told about her being a multi-shape shifter they all had to see her change. Of course one of Mikes cubs wanted to pet her in panther form she smiled shifted and licked his face the little guy ran his hands threw her fur and smiled. Rain figure the boy four year old was in love.

Moving up behind Amethyst he took her in his arms ask "are tired sweetness."

"Just a little was her reply as her mind reached his. She smiled and turned in his arms and said, How can you find me so sexy when I am carrying you're cub?"

Smiling his reply, "I will find you desirable when you're huge with my cubs, when we are both old and gray and chasing you around the bed takes minutes instead of seconds."

Amethyst laughed, "you're sex drive is on over load Mr. Walker."

"Like you when you were in heat Amethyst," Rain laughed! "We never left our room for the entire week. Willow had to bring our meals up to us, knock on the door and leave. Half the time we missed out on something to eat or it was cold by the time we got around to eating it."

Amethyst moved towards the bed slowly undressed herself and teased with each piece of material she took off. His smile was breath taking.

Rain could not get out of his clothes fast enough. When she stood naked before him his eyes devoured her, they pulled down the sheets crawled into bed and into each others arms. Smiling Rain said, "I look forward to all the years we will have together."

Amethyst whispered, "I look forward to all the night's we will share.

Some where near the Rocky Mountains and south and west of his brother Rain's land Storm stood out side the house him and his friends had built. It was the new alpha house for his pack. It had six bedrooms, four bathrooms, den, dining room, office and play room, a suite for him which consisted of a bedroom, bathroom, and small office. He was pleased with how everything had worked out. The basement was not finished as yet. The house had a modern look to it, with a few old fashion decorations tossed in that he liked. For example outside his bed room was a balcony with a railing around it and a set of steps leading down to the ground. "You did a great job on the house fellows and I have to admit I am glad it's finished. Smitty when you head back to Rain's can you give him a message for me?"

Smitty smiled, "leaving in the morning Storm what is the message." Thanks for everything and come visit real soon!"

Smitty really smiled, "I don't think Amethyst and Rain will be visiting too soon Amethyst is carrying Rains cub. Smitty laughed when Storm turned to him with a look of amazement on his face.

Storm thought of the day he left Rain's. Amethyst, Rains mate had come up to him gave him a hug. Amethyst said he was welcome any time. When Rain handed him an envelope he had said for the little extras you will need. No paying back it's a gift from me and Amethyst. He never realized the envelope contained a check for five million dollars in it. Storm had purchased additional land with the money and built the house larger than the original plans and had banked the rest. He new he would never have to work another day again in his life time, but so enjoyed his job with the oil company. He would some day be the boss at the local gas plant.

Now it was time to settle down and enjoy living. And maybe look for that special someone. Just maybe she would just show up out of no where, just like Amethyst did for his brother Rain!

####

About the Author

I live in Alberta, Canada for the past eighteen years and lived on Prince Edward Island for seventeen years. Born and raised in the state of Pennsylvania, graduated McDowell in Erie, Pa. High School was Oil City, Pa.

I live on a small farm of five acres. I love to quilt and photography but most of all I love to write. When my son was small his friends would come over and I would tell them stories I made up in my head. Since my son is grown up and married I decided to write a story then one story became two, the two became a trilogy. The story of Storm already on Smashwords and a story about Zanderland the werewolf private investigator will be coming out shortly.

I am a lover of werewolf stories and felt the werewolves needed a little lore to them, some mystery and magic like how they are controlled by the phrases of the moon and under which moon they were born under. This lead me to think it would make a great book so I began with a simple start with Amethyst, and deepen the phrases of the moons in Storm then went deeper in the story of Zand.

On line Contact Information

E-mail sharwy@mcsnet.ca

Face Book http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/sharongoodemotebarrett

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Sharwy

Other books by this author

Storm https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29962

Zandhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30034

Paige http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31090

Daynight http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31265

Taran https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/34324

Dorthena https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/32858

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Epilogue