Page 8 of Claimed By the Alpha Pack

“I saw your email. Congratulations on the contract. The sizable payment hit my account yesterday, so it’s there for you.” Gram’s treads lightly mentioning the book deal and the new start.

“Thanks.” Looking in the rearview, I check my sleeping daughter again. “It’ll make settling down in Gramp’s cabin easier.”

“You and your grandfather would get lost in that place for hours. I believe your first bow is still in there.” The joy in Grams’ voice makes me smile. Since his death, Grams hasn’t spoken about him too often. The Gramps I knew wasn’t my mother’s father. No, he was Grams’ second husband. I would come and visit every fall hunting season and Gramps taught me how to hunt and track.

Gramps taught me how to break down my kill and leave offerings for the wolves in the woods. I asked him many times why. He would tell me out of respect. “Gracie? You still there, little one?” Grams must have been trying to get my attention for a while.

“Sorry Gram’s, started thinking about Gramps and how much I miss him.” Anguish fills my tone. I never truly got to mourn him. Hunter wouldn’t let me return home for the funeral. There are a lot of things that now seem odd about his quirks.

A drawn out huff of air echoes in the phone. “I miss him too.” We fall into a comfortable silence for several moments. “Take your time and get here safe. I love you Gracie.”

Smiling like a fool. “Love you too, Grams. See you soon.” She lingered there for a moment, then disconnected the call.

Ninety miles to go.

Almost home…

Chapter 6

Grace

~The Steeple - Halestorm~

The first morning back in Grams’ house is bittersweet. I’m lying on my bed watching my favorite eighties movie about the goblin king. I feel for Jareth. He offered his lady love the world, his world and it wasn’t good enough for her. I identify with the goblin king. Just like with him, a child came between my fiancé and I. One I once believed he wanted. Looking over at the sleeping babe in question, I can’t help but smile. She’s the best thing I’ve ever done and I regret nothing.

Padding into the kitchen that is just outside of the guest-room I head directly to the coffeepot. “Java.” Is the first words out of my mouth.

“Good morning to you too!” Grams said from her stool at the end of the table.

Shaking my head, I laugh. “Sorry, it’s kinda a rough morning.” I finish mixing my sugar and creamer into my coffee before taking a seat. The first sip of coffee is always the best, and I revel in its flavor as it bursts on my tongue.

“I bet. You did just drive across the state and uprooted your family. It’s understandable.” The joy fades from Grams’ face as she looks down briefly. Gramp’s old keyring is in front of her. The tarnished brass howling wolf dangles from the chain attached to the cabin key. Her index finger traces the wolf fondly as her eyes remain fixed on it.

“Is that?” Biting my bottom lip, I stare at where her eyes are focused.

“It is.” Roughly, her breath shuttered as it escapes her lips. A single tear hits the paper below her. “I had the cabin updated for you. Cliffy left it to you in his will.” A weak smile crosses her lips. It’s almost forced and my heart aches watching her grieve all over again.

Gripping my coffee cup, I don’t know what to say. Guilt tugs at my heart, thinking about how I didn’t get to say goodbye to Gramps. “I don’t deserve it. I wasn’t…” Here. Was the word I wanted to finish the sentence with. I just didn’t have the balls to say it at the moment.

Staring down into my coffee as if it has the answers to the universe. I search for the lingering swirls of creamer for the confidence I needed. Next thing I know, Grams has wrapped me up in her arms. The damn breaks and tears I’ve held in finally fall. Turning on the stool, I wrap my arms tightly around my grandmother and we both turn into blithering idiots.

“Elinor! You home?” A female’s voice echoes through my grandmother’s house and we pull apart and look towards the front of the house.

Chuckling to herself, Grams pulls away and moves towards the hallway. “Andrea, we’re in the kitchen.” Grams calls out and I hear the clunking of boots moving down the hallway.

“Cool deal.” A girl that looks like she stepped out of a Ramones concert appears in the kitchen. “You must be Grace. I’m Andrea, bartender at Hair of the Dog in the heart of town.” She thrusts her hand out at me and smiles broadly.

“Great to meet you.” Just as I accept her hand, my daughter cries. “Please excuse me.” Scurrying off, I rush back to my room and take care of my daughter. Apparently, my princess needed to be changed and heard the voices and got curious. Once she’s straightened up and presentable, we head into the kitchen.

“Where is my great grand-baby?” Grams makes the give me motion with her hands and I pass my daughter off to her immediately.My grandmother lights up the minute that Ashina reaches for her. The two of them giggle and stare at each other.

“What’s her name?” Andrea says as Grams nuzzles my daughter on both cheeks.

“Ashina, Ash for short. Hunter named her before he started rejecting her.” Rolling my eyes at the fact, I notice Andrea is making a face. “What’s the face for?”

“Do you know what her name means?”

“No, why?”

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