Make A Wish (Dandelion #1) (26 page)

I trailed close behind her, yet stayed at a far enough distance that she wouldn’t realize she was being followed. She made her way onto a dirt road that led into a secluded compound and I turned around instantly.

The last thing I needed to do was to attract attention. I would be back for her, and I got some sick pleasure out of knowing she wouldn’t see it coming.

JULIETTE

“Oh little car, I missed you!” I leaned down to my small two-door VW bug and gave the hood a hug, as if it was suddenly going to sprout arms and hug me back.

“You, my friend, are a weirdo.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I shrugged. What else was new?

“So. You spent the night here, huh?”

I felt my cheeks heat as I no doubt turned as red as a tomato. “Yeah, I did, but it was mostly tame.”

“Oooh! Mostly tame? You firecracker, you!”

“No… It wasn’t like that. We just kissed… A lot. But it never went further than that, and for good reason—I’m a total elephant.”

“You are not, Juliette.” Beau came up behind me, circling his arms around my waist, which sent a shiver down my spine. With the smallest of touches, he ignited a fire within me. His lips innocently brushed along my neck and I couldn’t help but lean into his touch, savoring the closeness.

“Ow ow!” Saylor winked as she walked towards her car.

“Wait. Don’t go, Say! I was wondering if you wanted to help search the pack archives for anything on my parents. B found a book that mentioned them.”

“I would… But you seem like you both have it all figured out.” With another wink, she climbed into her car and drove off.

“You have to stop calling yourself fat, my love. That’s my daughter you have in there, and I can’t remember a time when you were more beautiful than you are now.” His hand brushed over the small of my stomach at the exact time that our daughter decided to karate chop my kidneys. “Let’s go see what we can find on your parents.”

Our fingers fit together in perfection and I let him lead me down the reservation road to a small gray building. Inside I could see books and newspapers overflowing every square inch of the room. “Where do we even start?”

“I’ll start in the T’s, you start in the A’s. If we don’t find anything there, we’ll search the last name.”

“Okay.”

Beau ushered me off to one side of the room while he took up residence searching on the opposite side. I could always feel his eyes on me, and it made me feel safe knowing that in his presence, I’d always be protected.

“Nothing in T’s.” Beau stood, brushing the dust from his fingers.

“Darn. I’m almost done with A’s. I guess you can start in M—for Mitchell.”

“Very well.” As he began to head off to another section of the room, I stopped him in his tracks.

“Wait! I found something.” I pulled a folded envelope with
A. Mitchell
scrawled across the front from between the middle of a random book and a ripped newspaper. My hands trembled as Beau led me to a seat and I opened the paper. A letter.

Dear my little Jules,

If you are reading this, it means your father and I are no longer with you. I’ve asked your father’s brother Angelo to give this to you on your eighteenth birthday
—
if we’re no longer there to celebrate with you. Please know that if we aren’t there with you, it doesn’t lessen how much we love and care for you. We will always be in your heart and your spirit, watching over you from heaven and cheering for you every step of your life.

You don’t deserve to have to read this in a letter, but if we are no longer there, then you deserve to know who we truly are. Who you are. The expression “The truth will set you free” is more truthful than you can possibly imagine, and if you’re reading this, then it means the time has come.

We are not normal people. Not like the ones you will/have met on a day to day basis. We are much different, though remember we aren’t superior. We belong to a species called the Lycanthrope, which is what you’d mostly call a wolf shifter or a werewolf. We have the passion and humanity that humans carry, but inside us rages a wolf. Sometimes our wolf can become irrational, but it is important to learn to live with your wolf peacefully.

Something that we’ve struggled with in the past is humans who find out about us and try to use us for their own selfish gain. You’d be surprised at how frequently it happens to our race. Some will let nothing get in the way of getting what they want and desire, even if it means bringing harm to those around them.

To protect you until you’re old enough to control your abilities, your father and I have had a suppression device fashioned for you. You may know it as the beautiful stoned heart shaped locket. When you’re of age and only when you’re in the presence of Angelo (Alpha of the SoCal pack), then you may take off the device. All we ask is for you to be careful. Guard yourself, never fully show who you are unless it is with the pack or your mate.

Your father and I can’t tell you how sorry we are that we aren’t there with you, to experience all the ups and downs that come with your life. When we found out we were going to have a baby, we were frightened, but it had only been the start of our dreams finally becoming true. You, my little Juliette, were our biggest dream and every day we spent with you brought even more joy and happiness to our life.

Until you have a child of your own, I don’t think you’ll fully understand how much a mother loves her babies. They grow in our bellies for nine months and then we spend the rest of the time teaching them how to be independent little people themselves. Then someday, when they’ve learned all that they needed to know, it’s time for us to let go. To let them leave the nest and experience the endless possibilities that lie in their hands.

My hope and dream for you, Juliette, is for you to always be happy, and if you’re not, go out and find that happiness that you so desperately deserve. Please live for your father and I, since we can’t be there to do it ourselves. Love others and yourself, wholeheartedly and without inhibitions. Take risks and chances, even if there is a possibility of failure, for it’s in our failures that we learn the most valuable lessons... And most importantly, my sweet baby. Wish! Make a wish
—
whether it’s on a star, on a birthday candle, or on those little magical fluffy dandelions we taught you about. Make a wish and know your father and I will be watching over you, as all your dreams and wishes come true.

Until we meet again,

Mommy & Daddy

May. 1
st
, ‘98

Finding a letter from my parents was incredible yet so bittersweet at the same time. There I was writing letter after letter to my daughter who was growing in my stomach, and all those years ago, my parents had sat down to write me one of my own.

Of all things I’d expected to find in the archives, this hadn’t been it. Something so personal, written just for me from the parents I’d always hoped I’d have had the chance to know.

I didn’t have any tears left in me to cry. I just sat there processing what I’d learned as Beau held me in his arms, rubbing one hand on my back—comforting me through his touch as only he could do.

“B…”

“It’s okay, baby. I’m here.”

“Baby?” Though I was overwhelmed with a load of emotions, I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped my lips.

“Just testing it out. I think I’ll stick with love.”

“Good. I like that one.”

I could feel Beau smile as I buried my head into the crook of his neck, inhaling his perfectly masculine smell that I’ve come to know and love.

“Did you know about this letter? I mean… You’re Alpha of the SoCal pack now, right?”

“Yes, I’m Alpha, but no, I didn’t have any idea about this letter. What year did your parents pass?”

“Ninety-nine.”

“Angelo passed five years ago, Jules. That’s when I became Alpha.”

“That explains it then, doesn’t it?” I looked into his eyes as I watched the hamster wheel of thought turn. “I was still seventeen five years ago.”

“Time-wise, it does line up,” he agreed. “Let’s go. I actually have to run an errand shortly. Want me to walk you home?”

“You mean your place? It’s not my home, B. My home is my apartment, which by the way I’m behind on paying my rent.”

“No you aren’t. I’ve gotten you all caught up and you are
not
going back there until the other man has been found. It isn’t safe.”

I rolled my eyes at him like usual and walked out the door, reaching out with the need to grasp his larger hand in mine. “I will be paying you back every cent. That’s really sweet of you to be protective, Beau, but I’m a big girl and I can handle myself. And before you decide to object, I recommend you keep your handsome face shut.”

He did.

JULIETTE

“I’ll see you later tonight, okay?” Beau leaned down and gave me a kiss. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine, his green eyes doing wonders for my heart. I couldn’t believe that he was all mine. I was a very luck girl.

“Call me if you need anything.”

“Even ice cream?” I asked hopefully.

“Especially ice cream.” He winked before climbing into his truck and making his way out of the reservation.

I smiled to myself while I walked back into Beau’s house. My life had changed and it was all thanks to that wonderful, loving man.

He made me want to be a better woman, and even though I still felt he deserved someone better, I hoped that someday I would be able to give him even a tiny sliver of what he gave me.

Juliette: Griff, do you know Beau’s wi-fi code? I think I wrote it down wrong, I can’t seem to get it to work.

Griffin: Sorry Jules. Only Beau knows it.

Juliette: I was trying not to bother him but I’ll just try him anyways.

I picked up my cell and dialed him, though it only rang and rang.
Smart guy.
I was beyond pleased that Beau didn’t talk on the phone and drive at the same time.

Juliette: No answer.

Griffin: Why don’t you use his office laptop? He wouldn’t care.

Juliette: Okay. Thanks Griffin.

Griffin: No worries.

MILES

I watched Juliette leave a large black and white house—her bulging stomach the first thing I noticed.

She walked down the road and entered a building small enough that I doubted anyone ever spent much time in there for fear of becoming claustrophobic. I smiled to myself with that knowledge and crept within the shadows behind her, making sure to not be seen by anyone who peeked out the window of their residence.

I entered the office quietly, walking soundlessly and keeping my ears open for any proof that there was someone here with her. But when I heard nothing, my suspicions were confirmed. I had her.

“Well, well. Fancy meeting you here,” I hissed at her, coming into view—giving her a moment to fully realize who was standing in front of her. Her eyes widened and she backed further and further away with each shuffle of her feet.

“Leave me the hell alone, Max, Miles… Whatever the hell you’re going by.”

“Not happening, Juju.” She cringed at the use of the nickname I had given her as a child.

“I’m no longer available for you to take advantage of.”

I cornered her into a small office space with a desk and a computer. A small frame sat atop the desk with photos of an ultrasound.

“Here you are. All alone and your baby daddy is nowhere in sight. What a catch!”

Juliette continued to back as far away from me as she could, her arms wrapped tightly around her large midsection. When her back hit the far wall, I noticed the panic flowing through her eyes. It only excited me more.

BEAU

“So here’s what you asked for. What do you think?” the older gentleman with salt and pepper hair and glasses behind the counter asked.

I picked up the ring I had hand designed for Juliette the moment I’d found out that she was full Were and the possibility of us being together had become a very real option.

A small silver band with white tiny diamonds framed the outer perimeter, light catching it on all angles—seemingly causing it to sparkle even more. Atop the band sat a simple yet massive multi-faced diamond cut to absolute perfection.

I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when I proposed to her. I knew we’d only gotten together recently, but she was the love of my life and the mother of my child. She was mine and there wasn’t a single doubt in my mind—I’d never let her go.

Marriage was the next logical step. Hell, we’d even jumped the whole dating thing and went straight to a baby—our relationship surpassed most standards.

“It’s perfect! She will love it.” My eyes twinkled in approval. It couldn’t be more her.

The man rang me up and packaged up the diamond ring into a small white velvet ring box, topped with a satin white bow.

“Thank you very much. It’s much appreciated,” I said, nodding my head respectfully and walking outside. As I checked my phone, I knew something was wrong. One missed call from Juliette and a text from Griffin.

Griffin: Get back here ASAP. There’s a fire.

My fingers skimmed the phone before I sped out of the parking lot, not caring whether I was following the speed limit.

Beau: On my way. Handle whatever it is until I get there. I trust you.

JULIETTE

“What do you want from me?” A tear slid down my face as he stood above me, pinning my to the wall.

“You.”

“That won’t happen. I won’t let you.” I glared at him, gathering all my strength and courage. I wasn’t sure what he was still wanting but I knew I wouldn’t be going with him. I just had to hold out until someone found me- hopefully sooner rather than later.

“I’m going to see to it that no one can have you. Do you understand that?”

“We’ll see.”

My leg couldn’t come up as high as it normally would, but I tried with all my strength to knee him in the groin. I managed to only hit him in the side of his leg.

“Damn.” It was a valiant effort, but he hadn’t even flinched.

“You won’t win in this situation. You’re crippled by that fat stomach of yours. You either come with me now, or you won’t be leaving this building.”

“Then I guess I’m not leaving this building because the last thing I’m going to do is willingly leave with a pedophile.” I spat at him, dribbles of saliva spewing onto his ‘I’m-better-than-you’ face while I struggled against the hands that held me to the wall.

His hand swished through the air and made contact with the side of my head, leaving a ringing in my ears. It was at that moment that I was transported back to the child I was when he’d held me down, the very same person I’d been while being beaten and chained in a room, getting my blood drawn as if I was nothing more than a lab rat. He evoked a fear that crippled me every time.

Miles yanked me hard down into the desk chair by my hair. I winced in pain but ignored it, focusing on the rope he’d pulled out from God knows where. He began binding my hands to the nearest furniture. The rope was tied so tight that it dug into my skin, but I didn’t let on how much it hurt.

He left the room for a moment and came back with a couple gasoline containers, sprinkling the contents throughout the room and over the top of my clothes. The smell burned my nose and I did my best to keep from gagging when all I wanted to do was throw up.

Miles sprinkled a second container of the gasoline into the rest of the room, smiling. With a quick swish of a match, the room was quickly spreading in flames. The heat surrounded me and the smoke began to fill my every senses. My eyes watered and burned but I refused to give him any satisfaction over winning. I wouldn’t scream. I wouldn’t beg. And I most certainly wouldn’t cry.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save us, Beau. I will always love you, more than anything,” I whispered into the cackling room, resolve overcoming me and realization hitting.

I knew I was going to die.

The man stood across the room from me, watching in sick satisfaction over his handiwork. When he couldn’t take the smoke in his face any longer and began to cough, he stormed from the room, leaving me to go up in a blaze.

The flames began to crawl up my pant leg, and I could feel my flesh singing under the heat. When I was certain he was gone, I allowed the tears to stream from my face as I wept. For my child who wouldn’t even get to see one day in the world. For the heartbroken man whom I knew would find my burnt up body in all the ashes and rubble. I wept for any and every person that ever came in contact with Miles or would ever come into contact with him in the future.

The beauty of the life I’d lived flashed before my eyes. I’d always assumed my life was meaningless and miserable, but as the smoke seeped into my lungs and burned my eyes, I saw clarity.

My life hadn’t been a disaster, it’d been a beautiful mess and it was all mine.

I thought of all the wonderful times that I never really spent the time to actually appreciate. The times where I’d danced and laughed—sometimes even cried—with my beautiful and crazy best friend. Every single moment I’d had since I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter— the joy I’d felt when she’d kicked the first time, hearing her heartbeat, and seeing her for the first time on the ultrasound. Then there was Beau—a man who took me by surprise in every way but still managed to sweep me off my feet and show me what unconditional love felt like through every action, touch, and embrace. A man who held the other half of my heart and soul—Beau truly was my soul mate.

I was no longer broken and ungrateful; instead I was thankful for everything. For the wonderful life I’d lived despite the heartache. A life that my mother and father had wanted to be a part of but hadn’t had the chance.

I’d soon see them again, and while I knew it was sooner than expected, I was ready to leave this life as a blessed person.