Alpha Colten Turner.
He thought it had a decent ring to it and what was better, it was going to have an even better ring once Mateo Marquez was dead and he was in charge of that pack as well. And since Colten had never really been out for blood before, if he was going to do it, he was going to do it well.
He walked into his kitchen, only the host of Abigail and Alma.
Abigail looked petrified though. Legitimately petrified too. He was just noticing this now, after the whole day, her worries starting to sprout.
“What's wrong?” He asked her after a moment of studying her.
Abigail swallowed as Alma left them.
She tucked her hair behind her ears, “I'm worried. Is this the right thing to do?”
Colten broke a smile, “Oh, yes.”
“Oh.” She said softly, “But why?”
“For the sake of our pack. It's protection, yours, Ella's as well. That's all very important to me. I won't have drug operations running across my land. The more Oscuro pushes, the longer Mateo runs the pack, the more in danger Forenone is.”
Abigail stared at him, “That all sounds very convincing.”
He smiled, “Yes.”
Abigail swallowed, “And my father started this with Mateo?”
“Well, I can definitely see how a cattle rancher looked and lived like he was some stock broker now. Nice cover up.” Colten grunted and walked to the fridge, pulling out a can of coke.
She swallowed, “I'm worried about you.”
He snapped the can open, “I've never had a woman to worry about me. It's actually kind of nice.”
Abigail sighed, “Colten.”
He walked over to her and kissed her cheek, “I'll be back quickly, it won't take that long to strip him for everything's he's worth. Which isn't much.”
Abigail nodded, taking his cheeks and kissing him. She dipped her tongue against his and the taste of her filled him.
He groaned and gripped her with his free hand, tugging at her hips to bring her closer to him, he broke their mouths, “Once I get home from all this, we're going to work on getting you pregnant again.”
She smiled with a nod, “Yes, Alpha.”
“No more, alpha nonsense. I'm serious.” He stepped back and finished his coke quickly.
She watched him, “Be careful.”
He smiled at her and stepped up to her again, kissing her hard.
She let out a moan as his hands wrapped around her waist.
Nibbling her neck, he dropped to her mark, kissing her there and holding his tongue against it.
She let out a yelp, gripping him, “Colten.”
He parted from her, “I'll be back soon.”
“Soon.” She cemented to him.
He nodded and turned, leaving the kitchen and she followed, glancing out the screen door as he stripped his shirt and shifted into his big white wolf.
She stared at him as he moved towards the other males and then they all ran.
“Don't be too worried.” Chloe stepped into the kitchen.
Abigail spun around, swallowing, “Oh, I'm okay...”
“Yeah.” Chloe smiled at her, not really seeming to believe her, “It's okay, it gets easier once they win a few battles. Your confidence grows that they're going to come back each time, but I did see Colten take down an alpha, by himself, long before he admitted you were his mate. He's fine. Think of Grayson like a cheery on top of the fine.”
Abigail smiled, “Okay.”
Chloe sat to the table and huffed, “I'm exhausted.”
Abigail sat down across from her, “Do you need anything?”
Chloe then looked up, “No. I guess it's just the pregnant thing.”
“Yeah.” Abigail smiled, “That's probably doing ya in, for sure.”
Chloe nodded, rubbing her forehead, “I've been feeling worse the last few days. I guess it's really a gun-hoe baby.”
Abigail giggled, “You just need to rest.”
Chloe then let out an long breath with a nod.
Alma was in the kitchen now, “Well, I was going to leave but I think I'll stay till they're back. A battle always seems to unsettle me.”
Abigail smiled at her, “Stay as long as you like.”
“You're very generous.” Alma sat with them.
“Have you shifted yet?” Chloe then asked Abigail.
“Uh...” Abigail paused, “No.”
“Oh?” Alma looked to her, “No urge?”
“Well,” She hesitated looked between the two women with their peaked interests, “Yes, I think I almost did yesterday. Colten just thinks I need more time.”
“Usually the first shift is involuntary.” Chloe told her, “I shifted immediately once I found out Grayson was missing.”
Abigail swallowed, “I don't know. I thought I felt it coming but it never... happened.”
Alma nodded, “That's interesting. Yet, he's mated you no problem.”
Abigail winced, “It seems so. I'm just happy, he's happy.”
“Makes life simpler with a happy alpha.” Chloe giggled.
“I agree.” Alma laughed and the girl's followed the amusement.
***
Anyone that doesn’t want to follow new lead, will be killed. Colten trotted the line of twelve male wolves with the over looking glances of Grayson, Mike and Peter behind him, But first we kill Mateo.
The agreement from the formed pack was unanimous.
Let's go. Colten started off beside Peter and Grayson in front, they were far faster from the other males.
So... Peter started now that they were on track, What pissed you off?
Abigail's father. Colten snapped.
Peter snorted with amusement, So, that means taking out Mateo?
Her father was drug trafficking with Mateo. Colten growled.
Mike then cut in beside them, Oh pops!
Yeah. Colten sneered, And then has the balls to demand I bring Mateo to them to cut his sentencing short.
Grayson now sounded amused, You didn't share that in the kitchen.
The luna. Mike droned, You protect her like it's the death of you.
Peter yelped, Cause Alpha is in love...
Colten side checked him and Peter stumbled, regaining his balance and catching back up.
Mike howled in amusement, Oh, you're pretty funny, Colt.
Peter grunted, running beside them again, Yeah, he thinks he's just super funny. That's all that is.
Don't piss me off, Pete. Colten warned.
Right-O! Peter piped.
Grayson paced by Colten's side now, Does being a beta just equal annoying?
It's a power thing. Colten explained, They get power without responsibility, it makes them think they can get away with murder.
I wish! Mike exclaimed, Then being a beta would be epic.
Grayson sighed, Just shut up.
Mike then fell quiet as Colten slowed his step, the other wolves behind him.
Maybe you should call him in? Grayson suggested.
No. Colten sneered, That would be fair.
Mike snickered, It really would.
Colten swung around and looked them all over, all eleven males that should have been more than enough to take down Oscuro's lead. Colten wasn't much into doubting himself either in that moment, wanting the peace back in his life and final battle was his hope to do it.
We're going to go right in.
There's a window! Mike piped up, Grayson can break it again.
Grayson actually let out a bit of amusement, but didn't reinforce the comment.
Colten glanced at him, Sure.
It's probably better if we surround it. Grayson suggested.
Yeah, Colten agreed, I'll kill him though. It's been a long time coming, let's just say that.
Let's go. Let's go. Mike urged.
They headed down into the valley, the very same one Grayson had invaded not even days ago except this time, it had a similar feel to an ending.
Lining up around the perimeter, they took one last predatory glare at what would soon become their triumph and invaded. Grayson willingly broke out the bay window again and Colten was right behind him. They advanced quickly. The sounds of females scattering were all that was heard though.
Colten paused and Grayson caught onto it. There was only the long gone scent of Oscuro's alpha and that was it.
Where is he?
Not here. Grayson replied, sniffing the air again, Seems really faint.
There was the approach of footsteps behind them and they spun around. You're right. He's not here.
Both alpha's stared at the large beta.
Where is he? Colten demanded.
The coat of the brown wolf flattened as he sighed, He's out. I'm in a charge.
Grayson growled, It's okay, we can always start with you.
He won't be back till tomorrow. The beta told them.
Colten wondered why he was giving them information, it was considered traitor like behaviour at any rate.
A screech of a female, broke his thoughts and Colten and Grayson got ready to push their strength.
Please, don't hurt the females or children! The beta begged.
Colten let out a quick howl and all movement in the house paused, the search of Mateo called to a stand-still.
We're not here to hurt the pack, we're here for Mateo. Colten told him.
The beta dropped his nose in defeat, As you should...
Grayson perked up, Is your loyalty not with this alpha?
The beta sighed.
So? Grayson snapped.
I told him not to hurt the human.
Colten boiled, You know full well why we are here!
Yes. The beta answered, And I tried to stop him but at the end of the day, I am only his beta.
Grayson looked to Colten, You're enemy has not been a good alpha it seems.
Do you know where Mia is? The beta asked.
Colten and Grayson stared at him.
That's none of your business! Peter flew from the side, snapping and snarling, causing Colten to interfere and throw him back against the wall.
Pete! Colten snarled, Come on!
It's none of his business!
You've mated her? The beta asked Peter.
Peter swung to him and growled, not saying a thing.
It's okay. I told Mateo she'd likely mated Forenone. He then took that upon himself to threaten you.
Colten's attention was back on the beta, What are you saying? Are you still loyal to Mateo?
I don't agree with how he's run any of this. I didn't agree with his father either. I'm sick of seeing innocent die and Mateo's family's need for blood. I didn't want to hurt your mate.
Colten stared at him as he continued.
I was figuring you'd come eventually.
Colten tried to think but he wasn't all that sure what to do, letting the beta in, on his side even?
I won't stand for Mateo drug running across my territory. It won't be happening. He won't get away with almost killing my luna and this.
The beta nodded.
Grayson walked towards him, If you're playing us. You will die.
Mateo will be back tomorrow.
Colten eyed him up, trying to see a bluff, Then I will leave all males here, including both beta's on the perimeter.
You're best not to slaughter him in front of his luna. She may just go insane.
We'll kill her too. Grayson growled.
Colten wasn't sure about that though, he felt his fight was solely with Mateo and for some reason he was believing the beta, What's your name?
Abran.
Well, Abran. Peter hissed, You mess with us and we'll kill you.
I can smell Mia. He said to Peter in humour, Mia knows what's right.
Come with us. Colten said to him, Our beta's will guard.
Peter seemed disappointed but he didn't push it. He agreed to Colten's terms and Abran was then leaving with him and Grayson.
The beta was calm and didn't seem to pose threat, he also seemed more then willing to talk and though Colten didn't really want to bring him back to his home, he was going to.
Don't make a fool out of me. Colten warned him.
Abran glanced at him, Let's just say I was waiting for you to come. I figured it might have been sooner though.
I'm forgiving of some things. However, putting my mate in danger repeatedly, I am not so forgiving of.
I understand. Abran agreed.
Do we have to tie you up? Grayson snapped.
No. Abran assured them, as they approached Forenone territory.
***
Abigail still sat at the table with Chloe and Alma. They had amused themselves with light chatter but Abigail still appeared off, perhaps worried.
The knock at the front door sent all three woman into a silence.
“Who would that be?” Alma broke the moment.
Chloe stood, “It's okay, maybe another female. That's what it smells like, at least.”
Abigail lifted her chin and seemed to try to sniff the air, “I don't smell anything.” She breathed.
Chloe's face faded a moment, after her eyes set on the blonde, “I'll answer it.” She disappeared out of the kitchen.
Alma looked to Abigail, “You can't smell the female at the door?”
“No.” Abigail shook her head.
“And you cannot shift?” Alma asked.
“Well, I haven't really tried.”
Alma took a sip of her cool coffee, “How long was you're change?”
Abigail's blue eyes snapped to her and she hesitated, “I don't know. I could... I could feel him sleeping next to me though.”
Alma nodded, “I wonder if him being so near disturbed you're chromosome change. If you weren't left long enough. I've only heard of it once...”
“What?” Abigail cut her off, panic arising, “Are you saying it didn't work?”
“Well, I...” Alma started as Chloe came crashing into the kitchen.
Abigail shirked and flew up from her chair, “Chloe!”
The auburn haired Luna lay on her side where she'd collided with the table and wall, moaning.
“Now, now!” Came a dark voice, the heavy footsteps and dragging of feet across Colten's old kitchen floors, “I came here for an alpha but all I see is females!”
Alma was on her feet now, “You shouldn't be here, Mateo.”
He stepped into the kitchen and adjusted the death grip he had on his sister, “Where is Turner!”
The women stayed silent.
“Oh, hell!” He roared, staring at them and flinging his sister across the kitchen, “I told you not to run from me, Mia!”
“Mateo, you need to stop!” She shrilled and he ran at her, slamming her into the fridge. He turned then as his sister slipped to the floor whimpering, “Mated to the damn beta. Just my luck and Turner, sitting there and lying to me, over and over!” Mateo tossed his dark hair from his face and looked them over, “Unprotected females. Well, that was smart of our new alpha.”
Chloe staggering to her feet with Abigail's aid, “They'll be home soon, you idiot.”
“It's not like you're going to be alive to see it through anyway.” Mateo brushed off her words and walked to the stove, “Mia...” He sang.
The girl didn't respond.
“Oh, Mia!” He walked to her, kicking her in the stomach, “I hope I kill that pup in you!”
Mia cried, “Mateo, stop!”
Mateo grabbed her from the floor, “Two lunas. Just when I thought this wasn't going to be any fun!” He brought Mia to her feet and grabbed her chin, squeezing, his knuckles cracking.
She cried out, “Mateo!”
“You're loyalty is with Oscuro!”
“Mateo!” Mia cried.
He flipped on the gas stove and smiled at his next formed thoughts, “Mother always said you were so pretty!” He pushed her face towards the stove.
“No!” Abigail screamed, running at him and shoving them all to the ground.
Mateo was quick to throw his weight onto the blonde and pin her, “Charlie Redding's daughter, I should have known but now I'll kill you. Now that Turner has destroyed most of my immediate plans.” He slapped her face and grabbed her neck, slowly increasing his grip.
She gasped for breath and Chloe in one last ditch effort, picked up a wooden chair and beat it right down on top of Mateo.
The alpha shouted in pain and snapped to his feet, grabbing the wooden chair from Chloe and throwing it against the stove and counter tops. There was a shatter of items and a large poof as the kitchen started on fire.
Abigail's eyes went wide as the cabinets went up in flames.
Mateo took his advances with Chloe and shot her at Alma.
“You need to stop!” Alma roared.
“You need to die.” Mateo walked back over to Abigail and Mia, “Well, you know, if I couldn't get any luckier. My traitor sister and Turner's mate.”
There was a loud bang and crash as the walls of the kitchen caught fire, causing a thick smoke. Chloe crawled towards the back door, gasping for breath, trying to push Alma to safety with her, “Go, Alma, go!”
The old woman crawled out first and then Chloe paused in the doorway, her eyes only flashing to Abigail as Mateo brought her to her feet and shoved her against the wall, “Time to finish what I started.”
Abigail cried, the tears streaming and taking over her cheeks as the back door broke open. Her blue eyes focused through the smoke as the white wolf dug his full jaw of razor sharp teeth into Mateo Marquez's back.
Mateo roared as Colten swung him off his mate and into the wall across the kitchen that was covered in bursting flames.
Fast, he wasn't going to let Mateo get away again. He advanced on him and threw his limp body into the kitchen table, breaking it in half. Looking up, he saw Abigail pulling bloody Mia with her out the back door, just as the smoke consumed them. Colten turned and grabbed Mateo by the neck, not giving the man a chance to shift or calculate. He shook his head side to side in a violent upheave, breaking and killing Mateo Marquez.
Colten dropped his nose to the clean air below and sniffed his dead enemy. Leaping from a stand still, through the burning kitchen, he crashed through the back door to the dried lawn. A scan of everyone outside, didn't reveal Abigail, Where is she! He yelled at Grayson and Abran.
Chloe was the first to break though, almost sensing his new stress, “She ran around the side, she went to go get Ella!”
Colten spun around and stared up at his niece’s window, a whole new panic arising. Why Ella hadn't entered his mind at all had defeated him. Abigail's hands were at the window, pushing it open to reveal a pitch of black smoke.
Colten barrelled back into the burning house, crashing his way through debris and fire as his childhood home went up like a box of matches. He raced up the smouldering stairs, crawling towards the direction his mate and niece. The doorway burning and crumbling, he didn't hesitate to throw himself through it.
“Colten!” Abigail cried.
He crushed against her in the smoke and she clung to him, Ella in her arms as the baby screamed.
“Colten...”
He lowered himself to the ground, trying to breathe. Going back was out of the question, he had to get them through the window.
He returned to his human form, “Go out the window!” He grabbed Ella from his mate.
Abigail cried, doing as he said and ducking through the window to the steep drop off ledge.
Colten held on to her, “Take the baby!” He yelled over the roar of the flames behind them.
“It's too high!”
He came in front of her and look down to the thirty foot drop off, “Hold on to my neck and when I shift, really grab ahold.”
“Colten!” She panicked, shaking her head.
“Abigail!” He turned to her, “You have to do it!”
She sobbed.
“Abi, I'm sorry I left you but now you need to let me save you!”
Her tears lessened and that for some reason made sense to her.
“Put your arms around my neck.” He instructed.
Her lean arms slipped around his neck.
“Hold onto Ella!” He called to her, “Now!”
She screamed as he jumped off the roof, his skin forming to the same slick white coat as he landed on the ground with them.
Chloe and Alma helped dismantle Abigail and Ella from Colten's back and as that happened, his eyes fell on Abran.
Mateo lied to me. The beta sounded disturbed, He knew I'd stop him.
You're loyalty can now shift to Forenone. If you like. Colten granted him the opportunity, seeing Abran's good.
Yes, Alpha. The beta of Oscuro agreed to his terms without argument.
Colten took a moment, processing what to do with him, Go back to the pack house and tell Pete that Mateo Marquez is dead.
And if he doesn’t believe me? Abran brought up a good point.
Tell him; We shouldn't have been born on the same day. Inside joke.
Abran gave him a swift nod and ran off.
Colten watched him leave and his mind fell blank.
“Someone needs to call nine-one-one!” Chloe broke through his thought.
He ran around his burning house to his truck and shifted again, pulling open the door and reaching inside for his almost dead cell phone. He dialled for fire services and waited as a dispatcher picked up.
“My house is on fire.” He told the woman on the line once she'd asked for information.
He found a pair of jeans in the back and a shirt and dressed himself in between talking.
“Oh, Boomer...” He looked around but the yellow lab was no where and his house, well that was tumbling to the ground flame.
He put his hand to his forehead and leaned against his red chevy, “Dammit.”
The woman hung up once she was done taking his call and he stared at his house, watching the old brittle and dry wood burn.
He had become so wrapped up in watching his home become kindling that Abigail at his side with Ella had almost surprised him.
He turned, once she took his hand.
“Colten, I'm sorry.”
He looked to her, “It's alright.”
“He came in with Mia.” Abigail started but her tears got the best of her.
“Come here.” He wrapped his arms around them and kissed her cheek.
She cried in his arms and he comforted her the best he could.
“Then he... he...”
Colten sighed, “It's okay. It wouldn't have been like Mateo not to try to set up a trap for me.”
She nuzzled him, “I'm so glad you came.”
He dropped his face to her neck and closed his eyes, even with the house burning and his life in many ways ending, he also felt it a new beginning. One where it was less of alphas like Mateo Marquez and Darcy Holtz, he just hoped it wouldn't have be three for three.
The appearance of four fire trucks didn't save anything and Colten and Abigail watched the fire burn till the sun was set, where it finally turned from a blazing to nothing but hot ember.
There was nothing left by the end.
“Well.” Grayson stared at it.
“That was eventful.” Mike interjected.
Colten agreed, “Somethin' like that.”
Abigail was cuddled in the truck with Ella, both almost asleep.
Grayson turned Colten, his hand out, “I don't think you need us anymore.”
Colten looked to the gesture and shook his hand, “Thank you again, Grayson.”
Grayson patted his shoulder and nodded, “Sure, anytime you want to take down another Alpha.”
Colten sighed, “I really hope I'm done.”
Chloe stepped up to hug him, “Take care, Colten.” She drew back and looked into the truck,“Tell her I say goodbye.”
“Sure thing.” Colten nodded.
Chloe nodded, “If you need anything, Colten, just call. Grayson might be a daddy by then but he'll live to see it through.”
Grayson shook his head at her and grabbed her away from Colten, “Shut up, Little, or I'm going to chase you.” He threatened.
“Well, maybe Grayson will take out an alpha and give me a pack or if Pete isn't up for the job.”
Colten smiled, “I'll let him know he has competition.”
“Ha. Sounds good.” Mike smirked, “See you later, Colten.”
“Thanks for your help, Mike.”
“Anytime.” Mike waved him off and joined Grayson and Chloe as they walked away into the night, a wave in his direction and the sound of their shifting. He guessed they'd opted out of the plane ride home, not having any belongings to bring back anyway.
He waited a moment before he popped the door open on his truck and the sound of barking in the near bushes sounded.
He paused from jumping into the truck, “Boomer?” He stared into the darkness, perhaps losing his mind and just then, the yellow lab jumped from the shadows.
He smiled, the dog bounding over to him and jumping right onto the leather.
“You just didn't want to get left behind.” Colten stared at him and got in his truck, “Nice hiding on me.”
Abigail shifted in the truck seat beside him as he turned over the engine. Her eyes opening once the vehicle started moving. Boomer squirming over the middle seat and into the back.
“Hey, baby.”
She yawned, “Hi... Where are we going?”
“To Alma's.” Colten told her, “Till I figure out this house situation.”
“Are the horses okay?”
“Yeah, they're fine.” Colten nodded.
She nodded, “I'm sorry, Colt.”
“Shh... no more.” He silenced her.
“What are we going to do?” She breathed, holding the baby tight to her chest.
He glanced at her as he pulled onto the highway, “Don't worry about it, I'll figure it out.”
She accepted his words and they stayed quiet the rest of the fifteen minute drive to Alma's.
He stopped the truck in the drive and cut the engine. The woman came out and greeted them, hugging Abigail and taking Ella from her.
“I've set up beds for y'all.” Alma told Abigail.
“Thank you, she's exhausted.” Abigail nodded.
“You both look it too.” Alma noted.
Colten pulled the back door open and Boomer jumped out, dislodging a black duffel bag from the floor.
Colten paused as it fell at his feet, remembering Darlene's words. He picked it up, hoping it'd have some of Abigail's clothes or belongings in it. Something worth something to his mate.
He shut the door and followed the women inside the house but they were quick to disappear and put Ella down and that left him Alma's small kitchen.
“The alpha houseless. Awesome.” He breathed, dropping the bag in the corner and sitting down at the table.
He rubbed his temple as Alma walked in.
“Abigail is putting down Ella. So, Coffee?” She asked him.
“Please.” He so needed something.
“Are you hungry?”
“No, it's fine.”
“That was much more excitement then I bargained for tonight.”
“Yeah.” Colten agreed, “Thanks for your help though.”
“Of course.” She put a cup of fresh coffee down in front of him, “I can make you some food, its no trouble, really.”
He shook his head, his hunger wasn't that big of a deal at the moment, “I'm good with this.” He took a sip.
Alma sat, looking him over like he was the most pathetic thing she'd seen in her life.
“Alma.” He groaned, drinking more coffee.
“I don't want to bring this up now, but I feel I need to.”
“Wait.” Colten held out a hand, “Is is bad news?”
Alma sighed.
“Shit.” He said under his breath.
Alma swallowed, “Abigail is upstairs and I feel it's important.”
“Go on.” He said in a deep voice.
“Before everything that happened with Mateo tonight, Abigail mentioned he hadn't shifted. That she'd had the urge to but what brought this more to my attention, was when she couldn't smell the intrusion.”
“What are you saying?”
“Colten, I'm saying I don't think Abigail ever fully changed. I don't think she was left long enough.”
Colten grunted, “That's impossible.”
“No, I've heard of it before. A near mate, something to disturb. You stayed by her and then left. Her body woke with just enough of a change to encourage a mating.”
“We are mated, Alma.” He said, getting agitated.
“All I'm saying is, perhaps she will never shift and be fully like us.”
He shook his head, “I think she just needs more time.”
Alma nodded, “Yes, perhaps but keep it in mind.”
“It doesn’t matter anyway. We're mated and together. That's all that matters.” And that, if what Alma said was true, would be enough for him.
“Yes, it does.” The older woman gave him that.
He rubbed his hair and finished the coffee, “I think I'll go to bed. Thank you, again. Hopefully we can be out of your hair sooner rather than later.”
“Whatever you need, Colten.” Alma offered, “Have a good sleep.”
“You too.” Colten stood and grabbed the bag, heading up the carpeted stairs. He smelt his mate and walked towards her in the darkness.
She looked to him in the small bit of light as he joined her side, overlooking a sleeping Ella, kissing her neck.
“She's fast asleep but I was having a hard time leaving her.” Abigail breathed.
He took her hand, “She'll be fine. It's okay now.”
Abigail walked him out of the small office with the playpen and led him to the guest room. He flicked on the light and it illuminated by a dim lamp in the corner. The bed looked more than inviting and he dropped the duffel bag to the bed, lying down and closing his eyes.
“What's that?” Abigail asked him, pointing to the bag.
He glanced up between his face rubbing, “Oh, uh, you're mother threw it in my truck the night your dad got hurt.”
Abigail wrinkled her nose, “What is it?”
He sighed, his eyes shut again, “I didn't look.”
She lifted the heavy bag to the bed.
“Are you going to come cuddle?”
“In a minute.” She breathed, unzipping the bag.
He grumbled, shifting his weight and adjusting his pillow, eyes still shut.
“Colten.” She chirped his name.
“Mm?” He mumbled.
“Colt.” She grabbed his foot, shaking it, “Look.”
He opened his eyes, looking to her, “What, baby?”
Her hands reached into the bag and lifted wads of wrapped money out.
He snapped up, staring at the tightly packed and wrapped hundred dollar bills, “What is that!”
“It's money!” Abigail exclaimed, her eyes back to the money in her hands.
He scrambled across the bed and pulled the bag to him, looking inside, full and stacked with bills.
“Momma did this.” Abigail breathed, “She knew what was going to happen to Daddy!”
“Abigail!” Colten snapped in a hushed voice, “This is drug money!”
Abigail looked it over and she dropped it back into the bag, “No.”
“Yes!” Colten's agitation heightened as he stared into the bag, “Is your mother insane!”
Abigail stared at him, “I don't think it's drug money.”
A smile burst Colten's lips, “Abigail, come on!” He reached forward for the bag, “We can't keep this.”
She grabbed his wrist as he went to zip up the bag, “Colten, stop.”
He paused, “Abi-”
“We need to keep it.” Her words were simple and fast.
He couldn't believe what she was saying. She knew. She knew full well where and what that money was from, yet...
“We need it.” Abigail's voice shook, repeating herself to him.
He swallowed, “No, we-”
“Colten, please.” She begged, afraid to be without the money.
His eyes fell back on the bag of money, swallowing, “No, it's wrong.”
“Colten, sometimes wrong is right.”
He looked back to his mate as her eyes welled up with tears.
“After everything we've just lost.” She broke in front of him.
He swallowed and grabbed her from the edge of the bed, “Okay, it's okay.”
“Colten, we need it.” She fell into his arms.
He wrapped himself around her, the bag of american bills staring him down. He guessed there must have been close to a million dollars. Enough to build a new house and keep his family well above the poverty line as he got a new income. Building them a life they deserved and perhaps, perhaps Darlene Redding had known that.
He took in the realism of the money and then, with Abigail breaking in his arms, he did not necessarily the good thing, but the right.
“I guess I can fix that truck of yours in my barn now.”
Abigail's chin lifted from his chest, “W-what?” She stuffed out between sobs.
He dropped his mouth to her cheek, kissing his luna, “We'll keep it.”
She let out a heavy release of emotion and nuzzled into him.
“I love you, I always have and I always will.” Holding her, “Always.”
She let out a sob, “I love you too, Colten.”
He drew her back on the bed with him and held her close, a release of stress – one he'd felt for many years had lifted, and it wasn't because of Mateo or the money sitting at the end of the bed, it was because of Abigail Redding. Proving to him, that his father had been right; the best things did come, to those who wait.