"Actually, I didn't even know they were heading that way. But I'm more curious about how you kept it a secret for so many years that you were a do... wolf." She wanted to keep the conversation at least a little bit civil.
"There was no reason for you to know. When will you be home?"
"I'm not coming home, Randall. As a matter of fact, I am home. You never wanted me as a wife. You needed a breeder to have your children. And I find it absolutely pathetic that you shunned your own daughter as soon as you figured out she hadn't inherited your... canine... ability."
"Your time amongst the fire-breathing insects has caused you to overestimate your bravery, my dear. The consequences are piling up for when you do return."
"I'm not returning, but I want my son."
"You will never have Mitchell, and I'll remind you that I warned you not to make me come get you."
The line had been drawn, and now she had to decide how to play it. "All the cards are on the table, between us, with your pack, our children. I'm done being your punching bag and stress reliever. I don't even know why you wanted me."
"Because you belong to me, and I have not given you permission to do any of this. Have it your way, Valerie. We'll see who can handle playing the game." He ended the call.
Fear washed through Valerie. She knew that she now had the Hale family on her side. She just hoped that it was enough.
Chapter Eighteen: Chapter 18 Title
Tyson “Ty” Hale
The next night, Tyson sat with Valerie at the table as they finished dinner. Londyn was still nibbling at her plate, and Colton, Ellie, and Drake had finished early to head to town to watch a movie. Logan was out on a date, and Sarah was helping Vinia clear the table. They were almost done when the lodge phone rang. Vinia went to answer it after encouraging Valerie to stay seated.
Londyn held up a slice of bread. "This is the loaf that Aunt Sarah let me do all by myself. I think it's the best one we've had so far."
"Aunt Sarah?" Valerie smiled at Londyn. "When did she become your aunt?"
Tyson hid a grin as the little girl explained. As always, it was straight up and right to the point. "Well, if you had married Ty back when you were still young, then she would be my aunt anyhow. So, we decided to just pretend and go ahead and give her the title."
Colton snorted as Sarah held up her hands. "What can I say? She's a really smart kid."
"I am not that old, little girl," Valerie teased as she pointed at her daughter who sat giggling.
Vinia came back shaking her head. "There's some kind of ruckus going on down in the barn at Active Assets. They need someone to run down and check on the horses."
Tyson stood and put his hand on Valerie's shoulder to keep her from getting up. "I'll go. You stay here and visit with the new relatives." He gestured to his mom. "It'll only take me a minute. One of the idiots down there probably left a stall door open again."
Vinia tsked as he finished his drink. "You'd think that as the biggest resort in the area, with all the money they have at their disposal, that they'd be able to get some good employees. And yet, we're the ones always stepping up to save their asses."
Tyson waved as he walked out. "Unfortunately, they're our horses, so despite their lack of intelligence, I need to make sure they're fine."
Londyn slid out of her chair and ran over to him. "Here, take this with you so you don't starve." She handed him a slice of the freshly baked bread.
Tyson took a bite as he was closing. "This is the best bread I have ever tasted."
Londyn sat back in her chair and glowed. "See? I told you."
Sarah chortled. "I think I'm about to lose my bakery to a six year old."
Tyson finished the bread as he drove the truck down the long drive. He was getting more and more attached to the little girl, and her mother, and he already couldn't imagine life without them being around. With all the different variables in play, it was a confusing time emotionally.
He knew he wanted Valerie to stay. Even with the issue of her son, they could make it work. It was the outside forces that he was worried about. He had no idea how to raise a wolf. There were stories of how awful it was when the time came for the wolf to develop. The changes would be frightening for a little boy. It would be a scary time for Londyn watching her bubby go through the transformation. He wasn't even sure how to support Valerie as she watched her child suffer.
He pulled into the resort and parked at the front office. There was no one at the desk when he walked up. "Hello?" He pushed the little bell, but no one appeared. "Okay, I'll just help myself, thank you." He shook his head as he went out the back way to the barn. A place this expensive, some semblance of security should be in place. Instead, it was just a free for all.
He passed the pool area and didn't see any employees there either. There were several guests milling around, but he didn't see anything out of the ordinary. It was too late in the day for trail rides, so he had no idea what the problem was.
Inside the barn, he flipped on the overhead lights. Several heads appeared in the stall doorways to greet him. "Hello, guys. What seems to be the major malfunction around here?"
