Chapter 15
Macy was disappointed when they rode up to her cabin. She loved riding behind Kaelen and hoped to do it more often. Climbing off the back with his help, she waited as he got off and took her bag out of the compartment.
“Thank you,” she whispered, then looked up at him. “Are you leaving?”
Kaelen stared down at her. “What are you asking me, Macy?”
Dammit, Macy hated to cry. She had cried only two times in the last twenty years of her life. That was from the loss of her parents and Davey. Tears filled her eyes. “Just answer me, please.”
Kaelen pulled her into his arms and wiped a tear from her cheek, but before he could say anything, she shook her head.
“No, wait.” She sniffed as more tears fell.
Macy had to get this out before she heard his answer.
“No one has ever stood up for me like you did tonight. Not my parents or Davey. I never agreed with the rules of the Murder. I begged my parents to find another, but they refused and continued to give and give without getting much in return. Davey, who gave me this cabin and a job, never stood up against the Murder when they took half of everything I earned. Without Davey, I would have been living on the streets. You are the only person who has ever given a real shit about me, Kaelen, and I’m terrified of losing you. ”
Once again, Kaelen tried to speak, and once again, Macy stopped him.
“I know that’s selfish of me, and I know that you will want to find those just like you.
I want that for you, but I’m afraid that once you do, you’ll realize that you’d be better off with them than you would be with a Crow Shifter.
” Macy’s tears started to flow now because she felt so bad.
Finally, he had something to look forward to.
He had just found out that there were more like him, and she was guilting him.
She felt like such a terrible person, and yet, she couldn’t just stay silent.
“I know this is important to you, and I’m sorry. ..I just—”
Before she could finish, Kaelen’s mouth smashed down on hers. The kiss was hard and deep. He pulled her up his body as he ravaged her mouth, and she got so lost in the kiss that her mind went completely blank.
Kaelen broke the kiss; his golden eyes had darkened as he stared into hers.
“I’m not going anywhere. All I need or want is right here with you, Macy.
If I decide to leave, it will be with you by my side.
” Kaelen slowly set her down. “I fell in love with you while I was defenseless in a rope trap. I fell in love with you when you stood between me and danger. I fell in love with you when you called me out on my shit. I love you, Macy.”
“I love you, Kaelen.” Macy cried, wrapping her arms around his neck so tight she heard him gasp for breath.
Kaelen smiled down at her. “Can I take you inside now?” He winked at her, making her laugh.
“I don’t know...you turned me down when I asked before.” Macy teased, wiping away her tears, feeling happier than she had ever been.
Turning serious, Kaelen frowned. “And that was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made.”
“I forgive you.” She smiled, touching his cheek. “But you can still make it up to me.” She started to lead him up the steps, but he stopped her, turning her around.
“Whatever you decide about the Murder, I will be behind you,” Kaelen told her, touching her cheek gently.
“All I need is you, Kaelen.” Macy leaned into his touch.
She laughed when he picked her up and carried her the rest of the way up the steps.
Lying her head against his chest, she let him take her inside and to her bedroom.
For the first time in her life, she felt content, wanted, and cared for.
It was a feeling she would cherish forever.
* * *
Macy felt like she was floating on a cloud.
If someone asked her to explain what she had experienced last night with Kaelen, she couldn’t even find words to describe what they had shared.
It wasn’t all about sex, but damn, that was definitely one of the best parts.
They had shared things about each other that no one else in the world knew.
Macy had never felt closer to anyone in her life.
“I take it you and Wolfman made up,” Bruce hopped up on the bar, grinning at her with wiggling eyebrows.
“Bruce, I’m busy,” Macy said, rolling her eyes, but couldn’t help but smile at the damn cat.
“I was wondering...is the Wolfman good in bed?” Bruce cocked his eyebrow. “I bet he is with that beast inside him.”
Macy’s eyes narrowed as she stopped filling beer glasses. “That is something I will never discuss with you...ever.” Macy set the tray of beers on the bar. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“You got a minute?” Bruce snickered, hopping off the bar. “It’s a long list.”
“No shit,” Macy snorted, shaking her head.
Glancing around the bar, she smiled at everyone dancing and enjoying the Halloween party.
The costumes were hilarious. Some came as their Shifter, while others decked out in different outfits.
She couldn’t come as her Crow because that would make serving impossible.
Instead, she just wore cat ears with a black skirt and a white button-down shirt.
Glancing at the door for the hundredth time, she was disappointed that it wasn’t Kaelen who walked in.
She knew he felt uncomfortable coming into the bar because everyone reacted toward Kaelen.
Shifters could feel the danger of his Werewolf radiating off him even when he was in human form.
They became uncomfortable and nervous around him.
She understood and felt bad for him, but she knew he was working on it. That was one of the many topics they discussed last night. Seeing Roger, who was a rabbit Shifter, hopping around the dance floor made Macy laugh.
“Someone should really gift him dancing lessons.” Billie Ann chuckled, shaking her head. “I need a round of beer for the Racoons with a pitcher.”
“What was Rafe getting on them about?” Macy grinned as she filled the order.
“Told them that he would kick them out if they started fighting each other.” Billie Ann sighed. “Every time one or two of them get tossed out for fighting.”
Macy set the pitcher on the tray, then noticed Billie Ann looking at her with a grin. “What?”
“You look very happy tonight.” Billie Ann said smugly.
“I am,” Macy felt her face flush.
“Does it have to do with the Werewolf that just walked through the door?” Billie Ann gave her a wink, then turned and walked away.
Macy turned to look, and sure enough, Kaelen walked through the door in Shifter form.
The bar went deadly silent as he stood there, bigger than life, staring straight at her.
He was dressed in a suit, a very large suit.
Tossing the towel on the bar, she walked around it and headed straight for him just as a slow song played on the old jukebox.
Without hesitation, she walked into his arms, laying her head on his chest. They began swaying to the music as everyone watched, but she didn’t care. As they danced, the dance floor became crowded as other couples joined them. Smiling, she looked up at him.
“I love you,” she said loud enough that he could hear her. “And I’m so proud to be yours.”
Once the song was over, Kaelen led her to the bar, then touched her cheek before he turned and walked out of the bar with everyone stepping out of his way. She frowned, wondering where in the world he was going.
Before she could think more about that, the bar became busy as she filled orders. Once it calmed down, she looked around to see Kaelen in human form sitting at the end, watching her. She smiled and headed his way.
“Why did you shift?” She frowned, looking him over. He wore his black leather jacket, which she loved on him.
“Because the man is very jealous and wants to dance with you.” He replied with a wink.
Macy laughed, then glanced over at Rafe. “Can you watch the bar for me?”
“Sure,” Rafe walked around, taking her place.
Macy walked to the jukebox, picking out a song. Turning, she smiled and tilted her head as he walked toward her and took her into his arms.
“How lucky am I to have danced with two handsome fellas?” Macy grinned up at him.
“We are the lucky ones,” Kaelen growled down at her. “It was time that I let my other half enjoy you. As well as show these men in here exactly who you belong to.”
“Oh, so that was a power move to keep the men away from me?” Macy cocked her eyebrow.
“No, that was me trusting my Werewolf with you.” He replied, but grinned when Macy gave him a look. “And...yes, it was also a power move.”
Reaching up, she cupped his cheek. “And I appreciate you both for that. I feel loved and protected.”
“As you will always be,” Kaelen kissed her softly, then pulled her up against him.
Macy closed her eyes and wished with all her heart that her parents and Davey could have met Kaelen. She knew they would have loved him as much as she did.
“Hey, Wolfman,” Bruce called out over the music. “Should we be worried there’s a full moon?”
Everyone stopped and went silent as they stared at Kaelen, who sighed and looked around at everyone, then to Bruce. “Them no,” Kaelen said, then snarled so loud even Macy jumped. “You, yes.”
The bar erupted in loud laughter and claps as Bruce’s fur stood straight up like he had just seen one of his lives pass before his very eyes. “Oh, ha ha, Wolfman. Real fucking funny.”
“I hate that damn cat,” Kaelen mumbled against the top of her head.
“He grows on ya,” Macy replied as she looked around the bar. Everyone was watching them, and what she saw filled her heart with joy. They were looking at Kaelen with acceptance. Closing her eyes, she smiled against his chest. “I love you, Wolfman.”
She felt him chuckle. “And I love you, my Crow.”