Bella looked at her with her laser-eye gaze. “The Nan? Why’d you call her that?”

  “It’s just something Max and I made up, I think. Over the years, that is how we ended up referring to her, especially as my memory got less specific.”

  “Huh,” said Bella. “There’s a witch famous around the northern parts of the state, sort of ambiguous as to whether she’s on the good or the bad side of things. She’s called Denanne. I wonder about that. Don’t you?”

  “Yeah, I mean, it’s possible, Bella. I can’t imagine my Nan is the same woman though. It was a long time ago. I’m going to leave it all for a few days, though. I just wanted to stop in to get the tea Lila put together for me. That it, Lila?” She grabbed the bag Lila had left on the counter, nodding at her as she put it in her purse.

  “Okay, ladies, wish me well. Two whole days without a shifter in sight! Let’s see how it all turns out!”

  Harriet scooted out the jangly bell door and headed for her car. She had no idea about the Nan or Nanny, or whatever. She just wanted another bath, and to get her regularly scheduled life back on track.

  Chapter 24

  The truth was, Lucas had no idea where he was going. His pack was north, he was heading south. He looked in the rearview mirror and saw his kids both asleep in their seats. He smiled. He was going to have to make it fun for them somehow. He pulled off into a rest area to search his phone for interesting sights and scenes along the way, for when they woke up. Maybe someplace with a pool? He’d have to stop and do some shopping for the kids; they didn’t have anything anymore. He could feel the tear in his heart again when he realized they literally didn’t have anything anymore. What kind of life was that for a kid?

  He didn’t think anyone was on his trail yet. It had been so fast, and if they were, once they hit Mossy Ridge, they were sure to hit the Lawsons, and they were a pretty damn big obstacle.

  He found a great looking park with animals, and a great looking playground not too far off the path heading south, and even a place to stay up ahead, so he got back on the road until he found the playground and checked it out. He thought Riley would find it challenging, while Meg just stuck to the swings, if that is what she still liked.

  He took his time waking up the kids. They were both very pleased to see where they’d landed. They walked first to the animal area, and Meg was charmed by the sheep and an ornery mule. Riley was pushing to go on to the playground and the giant climbing structures, so Lucas threw Meg up on his shoulders and walked along behind Riley as he skipped and jogged over to the playground. Lucas felt pride that he was giving his little family a good time. They’d been through enough to last a lifetime already.

  He’d asked about their mother, and the Riley had been evasive at first, and then, when Meg was out of the room, at Harriet’s, he’d told his dad that their mom had a new boyfriend, and the boyfriend didn’t want kids, so they’d been given away. Lucas had just stared at Riley. He couldn’t believe it. These poor damn kids. Riley told him he’d been telling Meg it was all a giant hide-and-seek game, and that they were winning. No one was finding them. Lucas had started to cry while Riley was talking, and Riley got quiet.

  Lucas had taken Riley’s hand and told him how proud he was of him, for taking care of Meg like that. And how sorry he was that he had to do that, and that he would never have to do that again. They might move but they’d never be lost again. Riley just closed his eyes with a soft smile on his face. Lucas thought his heart was going to explode.

  Upon remembering the conversation, the whole world seemed to still. What am I doing? Lucas thought. Am I really going to leave the safety of a good pack and keep these kids lost and running for their whole childhood? And Harriet? When exactly did he think someone like her would come around again? Did he want some second-string Harriet? He really needed to think on this. The place with the pool was only another twenty minutes up the road. The kids could climb to their heart’s content as far as he was concerned and then, they’d do a little shopping and head over to check in.

  He called to make sure they had space and that the pool was open. All good to go. He sat back and watched the kids playing with a growing certainty that he knew what he had to do. He just hoped it was still a possibility.

  Chapter 25

  Harriet checked in early. There was a pool here, she hadn’t known. It wasn’t a big deal for her, but she was glad not to be right next to it, as kids would be there playing, late and early both. Kids were clearly fine, but she had a date with a bathtub and a book and some sugar daddies. She let out a big sigh. Back to her life of glamour. It was usually like this, after a big shifter showdown of some sort, she felt sort of letdown.

  This time around, though, she was actually very sad. The way Lucas left, the way he just made it utterly obvious that it had been just sex and nothing more? It felt like she’d been cut deep. Which of her instincts had let her down this time? How could she not have seen him for what he was? How can he be all of these lovely things and yet be the guy who just unceremoniously dumped her on her ass?

  She couldn’t hate him, her body still hungered for him, for Christ’s sake. Gah!

  She went into the bathroom to start the bath. This one had all the soaps she could ever want. She had already scouted out the takeout menus on the front desk and knew exactly what she was ordering for dinner. That, and the massive array of channels on the tv were going to be her new boyfriend for her romantic getaway, and that was fine, and it was way more manageable than shifters and magic.

  She did take out her poppet and give it a smell. It really did calm her spirits. Just perfect before getting in the bath. Maybe she’d even have a nap before dinner and a movie.

  She did have a beautiful bath and she did luxuriate in the giant, fluffy, pink bathrobe that they left for their guests. She painted her toenails bright red just for the luxury of it. She was too distracted by the color to do her fingers, but she loved having sexy toes.

  Harriet flopped on the sofa, toes in the air to dry. She was just about to get hungry, so it was the perfect time to order. Who knew how long things would take out here, really? Everything felt remote somehow, like she was on a deserted but luxurious island with pristine white takeout menus by the dozen. She laughed to herself and looked around for her phone and her menus. They were nowhere to be found. She thought for a minute and bet herself a million dollars she’d left the phone and menus down on the front desk. She grabbed her key and hobbled out into the hallway. Her nails were almost dry but not dry enough to be shoved in practical shoes. This was what vacation was for, anyhow. Who cares how you look? Bathrobes are real clothes!

  She hobbled herself down the front stairway and could see her phone sitting where she’d left it on the menu table. She skipped down the last two steps and grabbed them up, clutching menus and phone to her chest.

  On the first step up, she heard a little voice say, “Hawiet?”

  She looked down to see Meg looking up at her from the front door. Lucas was just pulling a large shopping bag through after Riley. He looked up with wide eyes.

  “Harriet? What are you doing here?” Lucas’ voice was tight. He sounded irritated.

  The idea that Lucas would be irritated to see her at her own vacation getaway really pissed her off.

  She held herself together for the sake of the kids. “Lucas. This is my getaway, first time in a million years vacation to myself, myself. Away from all the things that hurt me, Lucas. Like work, like family. I know it must be hard to believe, but I did not follow you here. I was already here when you arrived, see? So, I hope you guys enjoy your stay, and goodnight.” Harriet grabbed the railing and hauled herself up the stairs, hoping she wasn’t ruining her nails or looking like a complete nutcase.

  She got back to her room and flopped on the bed. It was just too much. She felt like crying but didn’t want to be so vulnerable when she knew he was nearby. He didn’t deserve her tears. He didn’t! God damnit.

  She wasn’t even hungry anymore, damnit. She was determined not to let him ruin her vacation. She was planning to stay in her room anyways, she wasn’t going to see him or the kids. They were just here, that’s all. They’d probably be gone before she even woke up in the morning. That’s what he knew best, running away. She sighed.

  It was amazing. She felt more trapped now than she had when he’d kidnapped her. She threw her hands up and started searching the menu for something that would take her mind off Lucas. Mmm… deep fried bananas with a mango dipping sauce? Oh my. She made her call and tried to decide if she needed another bath or a movie or just a nap. It was nice to be in luxury, but she found herself actually wishing for some kind of Lawson crisis to keep her busy. Shifter pandemonium would definitely get her mind off of Lucas. She felt like she could almost smell him.

  Smell. That’s it. The poppet would comfort her. She wondered briefly if it was addictive at all, and brushed it off, she’d only had it in her life again for a week. Being reminiscent of childhood wasn’t an addiction, it was a comfort, that’s all.

  She couldn’t find it. She was amazed at what a mess she’d made of this place and she’d only been here a few hours. She checked the pockets of her jeans on the floor by the bathtub, no go. She looked all over the floor by the bed. She knew she had smelled it earlier today but for the life of her couldn’t find it. How’s that for irony? She chuckled to herself. It did make her feel good to laugh, but she was also pretty bothered that she wasn’t able to put her hands on it. It had to be in this room, right? She’d had it a few hours ago, before the bath.

  Bathrobe pockets? Nope.

  The knock at the door came just as she was giving up. She’d find it eventually. It had to be here. There was no way it walked out of this room, so…

  Harriet grabbed her wallet and walked to the door, happy she’d ordered when she did. A fried banana sounded heavenly right now. She peeped through the hole first, only to find that it was Lucas. Lucas. Her heart sank. She really didn’t want to see him anymore. She’d forgotten about him for a few minutes, and it had been a real relief. She needed not to be hurting, for just a little while.

  She opened the door slowly. “Hi, Lucas. Can I help you?”

  Lucas held up the poppet, and a bag of food. “I found this food downstairs by the desk, and then this on the floor outside my room. You must’ve walked by on your way downstairs. I thought I’d just save you the time, and I mean, I owe you a dinner a few times over I think, so it made sense.”

  Harriet smiled sadly. “Thanks, Lucas.” She took the food and the poppet. “Where are the kids?”

  Lucas smiled. “They are hiding around the corner. They were so excited that you were here, all they’ve wanted to do is watch a movie now that they’re done swimming, but they won’t do it without you. I think they see you as part of the rescue effort, Harriet. And it’s not over for them, yet. They feel safe with you.” He hung his head. “I know it’s not fair to you, Harriet, I know it’s your vacation. I don’t know how to explain to them that we’re on the run again, it just feels so wrong, and you’re the only person I can think of to talk to about it. And I can’t have you hating me. That’s wrong too.”

  Harriet sighed and leaned against the doorway. “Lucas, I am happy to see the kids, I just can’t pretend like you’re not all leaving though. You’re leaving, you’re leaving Mossy Ridge, you’re leaving me, and I’m just too damn sad and confused about that to put on a show for them. I don’t want to upset them, but I don’t think I can fake it either.”

  Lucas nodded. “The thing is, Harriet, the poppet. The lady who gave it to me told me that it helped you focus your gift. And also, that it helped you find what you most wanted to. So, Max, the kids. And me. That poppet was on the floor in front of my door, Harriet, and I know you weren’t standing outside my door. You want me, most of all. Don’t you?”

  “I don’t know what you want me to say, Lucas. I’m not the one leaving, I’m not the one taking the kids and running. I−I don’t know why you’re saying these things, why are you doing this?” Harriet felt like her heart was breaking. This was the worst feeling she had ever had. It felt like he was hurting her on purpose.

  Lucas reached out to touch her hand. “I am so sorry, Harriet. I’m doing this all wrong. I just−when I saw the poppet, I felt like maybe there was hope for me, that you hadn’t totally given up on me. The Wolf in me almost howled in the doorway of my room. I just−I need to know you haven’t given up on me.” Lucas sank to his knees in the hallway. “Don’t give up on me, Harriet. Help me. Show me a way I can keep my kids safe and stay with you. I want nothing more in this world than to stay with you, Harriet. I love you overwhelmingly, more than anything I’ve ever known. I knew it from the moment I saw you, that first time you put your hand on my shoulder, I knew.”

  Harriet’s heart exploded. Her eyes welled up with tears and they just poured down her cheeks. It was everything. It was everything she wanted to hear. She put her hands on Lucas’ bowed head and pulled him up. “I knew the second that door opened at the café. I couldn’t explain it then and I can’t now. But yes, please, Lucas. Stay with me, stay in Mossy Ridge. I love you to pieces.” She pulled on his head, getting him back on his feet. She pulled his face toward hers and slobbered all over him as she laughed and cried and kissed all at once.

  Lucas had her in an enormous embrace, bodies as close as possible, when Harriet became aware of the giggles. She smiled mid-kiss and pulled her head away. “Lucas, I believe we have an audience. And I believe we might need to order some more food for our movie night.”

  Lucas whistled and the kids came running, hands full of take-out bags.

  “All set,” Lucas answered.

  Harriet smiled and ushered them all in for movie night. Now this is a vacation, she thought with a bubble of joy in her chest.

  Chapter 26

  Lucas felt like a broken record. He just couldn’t believe it. He laughed to himself. Harriet was curled up next to him in the bathrobe she’d gotten from the room. They’d spent the last two days holed up here, swimming, eating, watching tv. They’d all moved into the same room, to be together. The kids were relaxed and seemed to be having a good time. He hadn’t told them yet that they’d be going back to Mossy Ridge, but he was looking forward to it. They hadn’t heard ‘going back’ for a long time.

  Harriet had called Bill the first morning after they’d decided, in order to have the Lawsons get prepared. For someone not a shifter, she certainly treated Bill as her Alpha. When he pointed that out to her, she laughed. “It’s habit, I guess. And I know how much backup they are, and how happy this news will make them. They really do live to keep things safe, and the fact that you have more kids to add to the already enormous group of kids?! You’ve just improved the whole quality of life for Mossy Ridge, Lucas, singlehandedly.”

  Lucas felt really good, about all of it. It was a twinge in his heart that a new pack was so much better than his old. Loyalties really do die hard, but the danger his old pack had put him in, and his kids? That betrayal had firmly cut the ties.

  They had plans to pack everything up that afternoon, and head off, back to Mossy Ridge, back in time for dinner. There was a knock at the door. Lucas watched Harriet get up and go to answer the door, and gasp as she looked through the peephole. “Kurt?”

  She opened the door and Kurt Lawson strode in. There was nothing casual about his movements, and Lucas felt the hair on the nape of his neck stand up as he did.

  “What is it, Kurt?” Lucas asked.

  “We need to pack it up and get back to Mossy Ridge right now. We’ve had Wolf sightings, and Bella has been on fire with warnings for the past 24 hours. Bill wants you guys all back in town so that we’re all together. Whatever is going on is big, guys. I have the truck we can all ride in and Mike is going to drive your car back, Harriet. Lucas, we’ll come back for yours. If they are tracking it, the least we can do is leave it here, outside of Mossy Ridge. Maybe it’ll give us a little more time to get ready for whatever is happening. I’ll fill you in more once we get home. Okay? You guys okay? Can you be ready right now?”

  Lucas noticed the kids sitting silently on the sofa, the tv off, watching nervously. “Hey, kids. Don’t worry, we’re just heading back to Mossy Ridge, all of us. It’s the safest place for us, all together. Okay?”

  “Is Harriet coming too?” Riley asked.

  “Yessir, Harriet is sticking with us,” Lucas said, quietly very proud.

  “Yes, I am, Riley. Let’s get out of here. There are tons of kids there, guys. You’ll be in good company,” said Harriet with a tight smile. She threw her things in the bag and tossed it to Kurt.

  Lucas was right behind her, Meg in tow. They all piled into Kurt’s truck, after a wave at Mike sitting idly in Harriet’s car behind them.

  They drove as a convoy to Mossy Ridge, the kids entirely unaware. Lucas noticed that Tim was in another truck in front of them, leading the way. The fact that Tim was there deepened Lucas’ worry about what was going on. He gestured to Harriet, pointing out Tim.

  Her brow furrowed and she grabbed his hand in concern.

  He heard her whispering to herself, “Okay, okay. We’re going home. It’s all okay.”

  They arrived in Mossy Ridge without a hitch and pulled up in front of Alice’s house. Kurt helped everyone out and introduced Riley and Meg to Alice’s kids. Alice’s kids loved having smaller ones to play with and within minutes, they were romping through the house in search of ‘pixies, brownies and elves’.

  Meg definitely wanted to know if she could eat the brownies.

  Lucas laughed at hearing her ask if brownies could really run.

  The adults gathered on the porch.