Rocky (Tales of the Were) Read Online Free PDF Page B

raise the cubs, and if the Goddess had any mercy at all, he’d win Maggie’s heart in the process.
    Their progress down the mountain was much slower than their trip up had been. Maggie walked, treading carefully with the baby in her arms, and Rocky was content to watch over them both. Her strength was returning little by little , and he figured it would do her good to expend a little of the magical energy the boys had gifted her with before they reached his home. He had an idea what they’d find when they got there and wanted to give everyone time to do their own kind of magic.
    “What’s all this?” Maggie stopped short as they entered the clearing in front of his single story house. There were a few cars and trucks crowding the available space and about a half dozen people milling around. More than a few had boxes or bundles in their arms. They’d even turned on the outdoor lighting, though shifters had excellent night vision. Some thoughtful soul had put on the lights for Maggie, one of the few humans among them.
    “This, my dea r… ” he strolled forward, smiling broadly as she followed, “… is the were community coming together.”
    “ Were ?”
    The question in her voice made him wonder just how much Tony had told her.
    “I’m were . So are the cubs. So are all these people. They’re members of the various Packs and Clans that live in this area.”
    “But I thought you said you and the boys were the only ones who could turn into bears.”
    “Grizzlies. Yes. We are one of the rarest Clans. Tim and Rafe run a big Pack though, and most of these folks are wolves.”
    “Wolves?” She stopped in her tracks, her face alarmed. “ Were . Wolves?” She enunciated each word, clearly stunned as her voice dropped to a whisper. “Werewolves? For real?”
    “For real.” Rocky smiled as he nudged her into motion again. The wolves knew they were here but for now, they were keeping their distance. He noted a few grins though, as their sharp ears had undoubtedly picked up on the conversation. Little got past were hearing.
    Tim and Rafe waited for them near the front door. “Thanks for all this,” Rocky said, extending the hand that wasn’t cradling a baby for a respectful shake from each of the wolf Alphas.
    “It’s the least we could do,” said Tim, turning to Maggie.
    Rocky made the introductions but thought it wiser to wait to discuss Rafe and Tim’s roles as Lords of the were . The topic was a little too complicated for quick explanation, especially since Maggie’s sons were so clearly destined to fill the same position eventually.
    “I’m pleased to meet you.” Maggie smiled at the twin Alphas.
    “The honor is ours.” Rafe smiled warmly and made way for Rocky to open the front door. It was unlocked, but once again, few would dare enter the grizzly bear’s den without an explicit invitation. “We brought over a few things to help you with the twins.”
    Rocky went in first to be certain of the home’s security, with Maggie close behind, followed by Rafe. Tim stayed outside to organize the Pack members and parcels. Rocky settled Maggie and both babies on the wide bed while he helped position a double-sized crib, changing table, rocker and other bits that would help with the newborns as well as a whole heck of a lot of diapers and clothing for the little tykes.
    Within just a half hour, his house had been turned from bachelor pad to nursery. Rocky knew the power of the Pack, but this impressed even him. Each person who came in received a smile and a few words of thanks from Maggie, though Rocky could see the lines of fatigue returning to her beautiful face. She’d been through a hell of a lot in a short time, and though the magic had sustained her, her energy was starting to flag.
    Rocky sent the last of the Pack members on their way with his thanks, knowing they and their brethren would be prowling the woods around his house until the danger passed. He locked his door for the first time in