Wolf Mountain Peak Complete Series, page 47
part #1 of Wolf Mountain Peak Series
“My decision was a little easier than I thought,” he started speaking, his voice a notch above a whisper, as he gazed down deeply into her eyes. “You were right. I had to choose between life and death, but I also had to choose between my life in New York and a relationship with you. I’m going to be honest with you. My life in New York: I love it, I really do. It’s demanding, it drains my time and my money, but it’s very rewarding, too. However…” he faltered, “…you are the first woman that has moved me since Laura died. You made the first move. You offered to help me out, even though I treated you like crap. You gave me a chance. You…” he whispered, reaching out with both hands to put them on her wrists, “…You breathed life into me once more. And I love you for that, Melissa Bradford. I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes to be free again.”
Her lips parted on a gasp of profound shock, her eyes flickering wide as a flood of light and joy swept through her soul. This was no poem. This was real proof of love. Joe’s statement was not necessary. The warmth in his eyes, his quivering voice, as well as his commitment, were enough to convince her that he meant every word coming out of his mouth.
“I love you, too,” Melissa breathed, biting her lower lip, as tears blurred her vision. Joe closed his eyes, tilting his head down, as his hands slowly traveled up her arms. A sea of his scent rushed out of him, as their lips joined in a long, gentle kiss. Sweetness engulfed her senses, carrying her away to a world of blissful delight, as she wound her own arms around his waist. Cradling her face, Joe traced the tip of his tongue along the seam of her mouth, as Melissa felt his hot breath on her skin. The emotions she had managed to suppress could not be contained any longer. Two tears spilled from her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks, as Joe released her left cheek. He put his hand behind her head, as his other arm went around her neck. Holding her close, he planted a kiss on her forehead, moisture dampening his skin, as she rested her face against the nape of his neck.
“I love you so much,” she whispered, holding Joe tight in her embrace, as he knitted his fingers through her hair. “Joe, there’s something else you need to know about my kind,” Melissa continued, easing back. “When we lose our significant other, our heart breaks. It literally starts to weaken, until we die, sometime later. Most of us last less than four years.”
“Hmm,” he hummed in thought, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. “You mean shifters die of a…”
“Broken heart,” Melissa finished his sentence, her voice coming out hesitantly.
“It sure sounds weird, but…” Joe paused, slowly nodding at the same time; “…a lot of things are weird about you. It doesn’t really surprise me.”
“Really?” she croaked, relieved that he had not shown any signs of distrust in her. “It doesn’t?”
“Not at all. Now…” he said on an exhale, laying one more kiss on the side of her head, “…I want to play something for you. Do you have any requests?”
“Uh…Yeah,” Melissa snorted, “About that, I…”
“What is it?” Joe interrupted with an undeniable touch of tension in his baritone.
“Actually, it’s a little complicated,” she claimed, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Shifters are naturally sensitive to lingering sounds, like the one produced by guitar strings. It tortures us.”
“Then how were you able to listen to me, the night you came over by my sister’s place?” He wondered, curiosity written all over his face.
“I was fifty yards away,” Melissa smiled, her voice sounding sweeter. “I could handle it from that distance. And I’m glad I could; it took more than my breath away.”
Casting a quick glance down at the wall to his left, Joe spoke quickly, “I have an idea. Go sit over there,” he urged Melissa.
“I don’t think it’s going to work,” She shook her head sideways, pressing her lips together.
“Just do as I say. I’ll play finger style instead of strumming; it’s a lot softer. If it bothers you, I’ll stop,” He vowed and winked at her, reaching down to pick up his guitar. Intrigued, but still doubting whether she would be able to tolerate it, she decided to indulge him, as he made his way to the other wall. Still, even if she couldn’t, Melissa was so happy about it, she wouldn’t mind. His commitment was much more important than enjoying his guitar skills.
“I’m dedicating this song to you.” Joe said, his voice steady, pressing the instrument closely to his chest, as she hopped onto the wall. She shut her eyes, waiting for the moment that she would have to cover her eyes. Yet, such a moment never came. In fact, as soon as his fingers touched the strings, her ears were filled with a slow, gentle melody that did not bother her at all. On the contrary, as seconds went by, she caught herself savoring it more and more, feeling chills running through her body. It was Bon Jovi’s “Thank You for Loving Me,” an old ballad that Melissa had heard Kate play on the piano. Of course, Joe’s tone was not as nasal or as high-pitched as Jon Bon Jovi’s, but she could care less about that. His voice was bass-deep, overflowing with emotion, his fingers dancing all over the fret board, as he stole glances at her.
It's hard for me to say the things
I want to say sometimes
There's no one here but you and me
And that broken old street light
Lock the doors
We'll leave the world outside
All I've got to give to you
Are these five words tonight
Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
I never knew I had a dream
Until that dream was you
When I look into your eyes
The sky's a different blue
Cross my heart
I wear no disguise
If I tried, you'd make believe
That you believed my lies
Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
You pick me up when I fall down
You ring the bell before they count me out
If I was drowning you would part the sea
And risk your own life to rescue me
Lock the doors
We'll leave the world outside
All I've got to give to you
Are these five words tonight
Melissa didn’t even wait for him to complete his performance. Completely Ecstatic, she hopped off the wall, her gaze fixed only on Joe’s face. The emotional ballad had made her heart melt. Not even her sensitivity was capable of deterring her. The sound did grow in volume, as she strode towards him. He ceased playing altogether, quieting the strings with his right hand and averting his gaze from the instrument to look down at her, as she stopped in front of him. She didn’t give him a chance to speak. Melissa extended her hands up to his face, and pulled him down towards her, angling her lips. Claiming his mouth, she pressed herself into him. Sadly for her however, she could not feel his body against hers; only the wood of the guitar. The awkward sensation might have ruined the moment, but it also amused her. Letting go of his cheeks, she held back a snort, as she bent her head down.
“Control your enthusiasm,” Joe teased with a grin, as he pulled his guitar out from between them, along with its strap from over his head.
“Well, it was wonderful,” Melissa chuckled, raising her eyes to meet his. “It’s a great way to start a celebration.”
“I’m sorry to have to break it to you, but there won’t be a celebration tonight,” he announced, his smile falling from his lips, as he eased his guitar down next to him. “I have a ton of things to do in New York tomorrow. I really must get going.”
“Oh, no!” she whined, tilting her head to the side. “Why don’t you leave in the morning?”
“Because I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow, and an early-morning drive would exhaust me more,” Joe replied, speaking softly, as he set his guitar down beside him. “Now that I think about it, I probably won’t be done in a day. I doubt even two days will suffice, either.”
“What will take you so long?” Melissa asked with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
“First, I have to go to three banks, and close all of my accounts there.” Joe assumed a businesslike tone. “That alone would take me at least four to five hours. You can’t imagine the paperwork. Then, I have to decide where to donate that money. I’m thinking an orphanage, but I’m still debating. Right after that, I have to separate the stuff I bought this past year, and give it all away, too. That won’t be as hard, but I need to find a moving company, and arrange transportation. On top of that, I have to go turn in my resignation. Last, but not least, I have to go change my name.”
“Ok, I get it,” she gave a sad nod, at the same time realizing the enormity of his task. “Go. Call me tomorrow, ok?”
“Alright, I will,” he whispered, flashing a bright-eyed look at her, before holding her close yet again. Melissa let her eyelids fall closed against how good it felt to be in his arms. Joe could take as much time as necessary. He had accepted her. He was her own, honest man; the love for whom she would gladly sacrifice her life. She had no need for a ceremony. In her heart, Joe Stanton was already her mate.
Chapter Nineteen
Taking advantage of Joe’s absence, Melissa seized the opportunity to return to her everyday routine. Certainly, helping around in her brothers’ workshop and cooking for them was not the most prestigious or exciting job in the world, but neglecting it had filled her with regret. None of them had complained – proving to her that they could understand what she had been going through – but still, she had missed offering a helping hand and having fun with them, especially on their breaks. More often or not, she would prepare delicious refreshments, catch up with them, or tease her most favorite brother of all: Dean.
On a blazing hot, mid-August morning, Melissa made a large jar of peach ice tea, put it on a tray along with four glasses, and walked out of her cabin. The scent of testosterone was thick in the air, as she headed towards the bustling workshop: no surprises there. The Bradford brothers often worked amid excessive noise. They were forced to yell at each other. Shifters could also smell each other’s hormones from a mile away. But, as Melissa would come to discover, testosterone only masked the scent of another person in her brothers’ workplace. Amazingly enough, Helena was in there, talking to Raul, while Dean and Ray had focused their attention on a red Harley at the far end of the room.
“Ahem…” Melissa made herself known by clearing her throat. “I’ve brought you guys some tea. Good morning, Helena. I wasn’t expecting to find you here.”
“Good morning, my young one.” The witch responded with a smile, as Ray and Dean jogged towards their sister. “Joe left last night in a hurry. Tell me, what is his decision? I detected his absence last night.”
“He’s doing what you asked of him,” Melissa declared, her heart racing in excitement. “He’s in New York, tying up loose ends.”
“Very well,” Helena gave an appraising nod, as her lips curled into a smile. “Tell him I’m ready when you are. I would discuss the details of my plan with you all, but Joe needs to be present as well. Come to me, when he returns. Have a nice day.”
With a snap of her fingers, the witch disappeared in a plume of red smoke, as Melissa’s brothers quenched their thirst.
“Man, this is so good,” Raul commented, pulling his glass away from his lips. “A hell of a lot better than that piss Ray served yesterday.”
“Make your own tea next time,” Ray smirked. “Let’s see if it’s any better than mine.”
“Boys…” Melissa grumbled, shaking her head in frustration. “You’re always arguing about the stupidest of things.”
“Who said we were arguing?” Ray shrugged his shoulders.
“She hasn’t been here in a while. She’s forgotten how it is. It’s either that, or she’s stressed about something.” Dean interjected his opinion, just before downing his tea.
“Guys, are you kidding me here?” Melissa exclaimed, thrusting her arms out to either side. “We’re going up against a demon; what did you expect?”
“True,” Raul said with a firm nod. “But, according to Helena, this kind of demon won’t go after anyone else other than the person mentioned on the contract, unless they feel threatened. And I don’t intend to…” he paused, “…threaten Azazel.”
“You don’t?” she inquired, her eyes widening in surprise.
“We’ll all be there,” Raul assured her, making his tone quite emphatic. “I just won’t risk engaging that demon, unless he attacks you, Dean or Ray. I’m not putting my neck on the line for your boyfriend, Mel. Monica’s pregnant. I don’t want my child to grow up without a father.”
“If Joe dies…” Melissa faltered, her voice quivering with emotion, “your child will have to grow up without his aunt.”
“You’re…” Raul started to say.
“In love with him,” she finished her Alpha’s sentence, feeling heat rising up into her cheeks, as she lowered her gaze from his.
“Damn!” Raul cried out, jerking his head away from her in a spasm of anger, as he kicked a tool shed by his feet.
“Oh, come on!” Dean shouted, throwing a nasty glare up at his brother. “Even a blind man could see this coming. Don’t tell me you didn’t suspect it. She’s been planning this contract break for days. Why else do you think she would do it?”
“I suspected it,” Raul admitted, his breath coming in short bursts, as he brought his attention back to his sister. “I just didn’t want to believe it.”
“Look, I didn’t mean to get involved with someone that had sold his soul to the devil, but I did,” Melissa claimed, struggling to steady her voice. “It happened; just like it happened with you and Monica…” then she turned her gaze to Dean, “…and you and Kate. Did either of you want to start a war? No. You had to. Ok, my fight might be a lot more dangerous than yours, but I’m fighting for the same thing you guys did, my happiness. And…” sadly for her, her efforts did not pay off. The fear of death that loomed over her and Joe sent her heart into a downward spiral, shattering her voice, as tears welled up in her eyes. “And if you won’t help him, then…”
“Hey, hey…” Dean whispered, tossing his glass across the counter beside him to throw his arms around her. “We will help him. You have my word. Nothing bad is going to happen to him.”
“I love him, Dean,” Melissa sniffled, a tear streaming down her cheek, as she lifted her hands to place them on his chest. “I didn’t mean to drag you into this, but you guys are all I have.”
“Just have your boy meet us when he gets back from New York,” and now she detected a drastic change in the Alpha’s tone. There was no stress or frustration in it. Instead, Raul’s stentorian voice rumbled yet again, showcasing courage and decisiveness, as if he had been meaning to set her fears at ease. “We are sending that demon back down to hell,” he added, his eyes blazing with determination, as he settled his gaze on Dean.
A wave of relief washed over her as he uttered his last few words. Melissa’s brothers would be with her. Would that be enough for them to defeat Azazel? She couldn’t know. All she did know was that the dream of her happiness was worth every last drop of her blood. Melissa would either make it come true, or die trying.
Chapter Twenty
Much to Melissa’s disappointment, Joe’s pessimistic prediction about the time he would need to take care of everything was confirmed. Indeed, he called her the very next day, insisting that he would return to Paxton later that night. He also had a rather unpleasant surprise for her. He would get there by bus, as he had donated his SUV to charity. Completely ignorant about cars, Melissa was startled, but her surprise only lasted until she looked up the price of a brand new, Ford Escalade on the internet. Joe could not possibly have purchased a seventy-thousand dollar car, prior to his deal with Azazel. It was then that she realized the size of his sacrifice, at least to an extent. The wealthy lawyer she had met was gone; in his position stood a flat broke, unemployed man. But, Melissa couldn’t care less about riches. She would assist Joe in finding a job in Paxton. His life was all that mattered.
Waiting for him at the bus stop – just outside Shandaken – she leaned her back against the driver’s window, wondering how much this change would affect him. She had no illusions. Joe had been used to an entirely different lifestyle. Melissa would have to be very patient with him, especially at first. Adjusting to a life without many luxuries would take time, and would also be difficult.
The sound of a diesel engine in the distance signaled the end of her anticipation. Sucking in a deep breath, she folded her arms across her chest, in the hope that she would not lay her eyes on a broken man.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll face it together. We’ll have to be strong,” she thought to herself, narrowing her eyes against the high beams of the bus. In a matter of seconds, she winced at the odor of the fumes, as the large vehicle rolled to a halt before her. Prepared for the worst, as the power door slid open sideways, the man that greeted her was far from an emotional wreck. With a big, green suitcase in one hand and a black, guitar case in the other, Joe was smiling down at her, as if nothing was wrong.
“Hey, gorgeous,” he declared jauntily, winked down at her, and hopped off the bus. “How have you been?” He asked, bending down to plant a quick kiss on her lips.
