A Pack Family Read online

  Jake had given him Paul the local sheriff’s phone number, and when he called, Paul seemed enthusiastic to have someone with so much experience interested. Decker made an appointment for an interview with Paul and put in his letter of resignation with the Petaluma police force. He finally felt like his life was on the right track.

  Decker interviewed with Paul and half of the pack of shifters. Since he was a human coming into a Shifter town, he had to prove that he could keep his mouth shut and be able to hold his own against shifters if need be. Decker felt the interview went well especially since Jake got up in the middle of questioning him on his experience and stood in his face growling. Decker didn’t back down or show fear, which was apparently a pass since Jake smiled and slapped him on the back hard. “I like you, you’re in.”

  The shifters all stood while he took some kind of oath. He shook all of their hands while being forced to stand still while all of the on duty officers smelled him. He was going to have to get use to this sniffing stuff.

  Decker went back to Petaluma to put his house on the market and worked his last days in Petaluma, happy. He wished Katie would hurry up and come home from her honeymoon. He missed talking to her and laughing with her. He knew she’d be pleased that he was moving closer, but he needed a friend to talk to and she wasn’t answering her cell. He didn’t blame her; he wouldn’t answer his phone if he was on his honeymoon either. Regardless, he called and left her messages updating her on his plans.

  Next he called Jake. “Hey, I’m supposed to start work in a couple days, could you refer me to a hotel close by that’s cheap. I haven’t found a house I like yet.”

  Jake was happy that Decker was reaching out because most humans would be scared shitless. “If you want, we’d love for you to stay with us. Shana’s been talking about you often. She’s very excited you’re coming to live here. She says that maybe you’ll stay at Pack house several months just in case she delivers our twins early.” Jake laughed.

  Decker became mildly uncomfortable. He felt like the biggest ass for running out on Tara after she delivered her babies. He should have asked if there was anything he could do or…something.

  “Funny Jake. I’ll only be staying for a couple months, max, until I can find a suitable home in the area.” He hesitated before asking. “How’s Tara? Paul said she was doing great, but I can’t imagine raising twins alone. Is the dad helping?”

  Jake growled and it sounded menacing. “She is doing fine. Shana and I have been helping. Even Quinn has been helping since Katie and Conner are gone. She’ll be fine!”

  Whoa, he seemed angry. “Okay, I was just wondering. I’m glad she’s fine. I plan to be there tomorrow if that’s okay? If you could text me the address, that’d be great.”

  “Will do, there’s a storage facility off Highway 29 if you need it.”

  “No worries I’m going to keep all of my stuff in the Petaluma house until it sells, but thanks for all your help. See ya.”

  Decker was starting to get a little worried. He’d been the police officer on scene during Shana’s rape and he hoped he didn’t bring any bad memories living with her.

  Decker packed a bag and without looking back drove to the Petaluma police station to turn in his badge and gun. Soon, he would be in a different department and around his friends.

  *****

  Oh God, why didn’t anyone tell her that raising twins was going to kill her? Tara was so exhausted; she knew that she was close to a nervous breakdown. She was also aware that everyone who told her that being a mother was rewarding, obviously had a wonderful husband to share the duties. She was strapped for money and time. She knew she needed diapers for her little ones but she couldn’t muster up the energy to go get them.

  A knock sounded at the door. “Can I come in?” It was little Trevor, Shana’s son, who must have just gotten out of school. He loved looking at the babies, but he never touched.

  “Sure, come on in kiddo.” She secretly wished that it was Shana, and she’d brought diapers.

  Trevor came in and stood next to the crib that the babies were sharing. “They are so cute Auntie Tara. Do you think they like me? I try to come see them so they know me. I don’t want them to forget that I came to see ‘em. You’ll tell ‘em right? They is always asleep when I come in.”

  “Do you want to hold them today Trevor?”

  “Uh, no ma’am. I likes to look at them, and talks to them so’s they know my voice. One day I is gonna hold em, but not yet.” He got a faraway look in his eye. “Soon though Auntie.” And he ran out of the room.

  She was left standing in the room over her children wondering what she was going to do with her life. Jake and Shana said she could stay as long as it took for her to get on her feet, but what if she never did? Would they kick her out? She was young with no skills and two newborn babies.

  Tara’s previous pack didn’t allow the women to attend school after high school or get any education unless it was to better her cooking, sewing or laundry skills. The pack was supportive of the women doing a woman’s duty; having children, cooking and cleaning, while the men do a man’s duty, whatever the hell he wanted. She was glad to have escaped.

  Just as Tara was going to the bed to catch a nap she heard her son fussing. She peeked into the crib and saw him gnawing on his little hand, he must be hungry. She picked him up, exposed her left breast and he latched with quick skill to feed. She was trying to breastfeed without supplementing with formula but it was quickly wearing her out.

  She would have to go down and get a snack from the kitchens because she was losing weight too rapidly. Her midwife had told her that she wasn’t getting enough calories and if she didn’t eat more her milk would dry up.

  She finished feeding her son and picked up her daughter so that she could go into the kitchens for a snack. She was a little dizzy as she walked down the hall but who wouldn’t be with the lack of sleep and sustenance.

  She was in the kitchen, trying to prepare food when she realized she couldn’t hold both of her babies and feed herself. She began to weep softly. She was exhausted, and hungry, and tired and her nipples were sore. Damn, life sucked.

  The doorbell rang and she figured since she wasn’t going to eat, she might as well answer it. She walked slowly to the door and when she opened it she was taken aback. Here was the man she had been dreaming about for a month. When she was able to catch some sleep his mesmerizing eyes and black hair captured her every dream.

  Bloody hell! She must look a fright.

  Chapter 2

  Decker waited at the door for a while wondering if Jake had forgotten that he was supposed to arrive today. He was about to call Jake’s cell phone when he heard the bolt slide free of the lock and the door slowly opened. What he saw was the most upsetting sight he’d seen in a long time. A puffy eyed, wild haired, crying Tara had answered the door with her two children clutched in her arms. She looked skinny and wearied and instantly he lost his heart.

  Tara saw Decker look down to her sleeping newborns as he took them into his strong capable arms. Tara whimpered her relief; she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold them. She began to sob.

  “Tara what’s wrong? Are you sick?” He looked concerned yet apprehensive.

  Tara let him in. “No, I’m just tired, and I haven’t eaten. I went to the kitchen to eat but how am I supposed to fix a meal if I have two babies?” She sniffled. “I’m sorry, this isn’t your fault I don’t mean to be dumping all this on you.” She looked up wiping her eyes and asked. “Why are you here?”

  “It’s okay. I’m going to stay here for a while until I find my own house. I’ve been looking but I haven’t found anything I’m interested in.” He felt like an ass again. He needed to get her fed and to sleep. “I’ll take care of the babies for a while, you eat and rest. Can you fix a meal or do you need help?”

  “I’m fine. Please go get settled and I’ll be fine. I’m sorry to have freaked on you.” She looked down like she was ashamed.
/>   “Really, I have plenty of time to get settled. Let’s take care of you.” He walked over to the couch and set the wrapped sleeping babies down on the couch, placing pillows next to them so they wouldn’t move. He didn’t know if things so small rolled but he wasn’t taking any chances.

  Decker went into the kitchen and half dragged, half carried Tara in with him. “What do you like to eat?”

  “Anything, I was told to increase my caloric intake by double if not more. I like meat of course.” She laid her head on the counter and closed her eyes.

  “Why the big love of meat?” The question no sooner left his mouth than he realized why, she was a shifter.

  Her head came up so fast it was almost a blur. “Jake said that you knew about us, I just assumed…”

  “It’s okay. I was told of shifters I just didn’t realize you were one. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, it doesn’t make me feel any differently towards you.” He blushed as he took a steak out of the fridge.

  Tara cocked her head to the side looking inquisitive. “How is it you feel about me?”

  “I just mean that I’m not afraid of you. Wait, I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. Umm, I’m not…I don’t really know how to say it. I don’t think of you any differently than I do myself. We are what we are.” Shoot, he was rambling.

  “I understand what you’re saying. And I thank you for not making me feel, different.” She inhaled his masculine scent and felt like passing out. He smelled delightful.

  He put the steak in a hot pan on the stove to brown the outside while he sliced onion and put it into the pan with the steak. He took some crinkle cut French fries from the freezer and placed them on a baking sheet. After he put those in the oven he took romaine lettuce out of the fridge and began to wash it. Decker planned on feeding her so full that she fell asleep.

  Tara sat on a stool at the island in the kitchen and watched her mate prepare her a meal, it was hot. It was something so simple but it meant the world to her. It was a friendly gesture. She was hoping one day when her children were grown he would grow to like her and accept her as a mate. She just hoped he didn’t find someone else to love.

  She closed her eyes for just a moment, and fell asleep. Decker watched this beautiful woman sleep wondering when the last time she had a moment to herself. She was past the point of being able to think rationally because of sleep deprivation. He thought Jake and Shana were helping. Just as he was working himself into a fit, Tara sighed and he swore she said his name in sleep. He suddenly felt warm inside.

  Tara woke to a gentle hand smoothing her hair. “It’s time for dinner and then you can go to bed while I watch your brood.”

  Tara rubbed her eyes. “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep. You must think I’m the worst mother.”

  “Not at all, Tara. I’ll be living here for a while so I’m more than willing to help. I don’t start the new job for a couple days. While I’m here please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  Great she was his new charity case. “That’s not necessary. I can manage on my own, please don’t trouble yourself.” Crap she was starting to sound insulted. She didn’t want him to think she had strong feelings toward him, yet.

  He drew back as if slapped. “I thought you knew better. I gave you my phone number and told you not to hesitate to call, you never called. I told you if you needed anything I was more than willing to be here for you. We’ve been through a lot and I thought we were friends.”

  Now it was her turn to draw back. She was being unfair but it hurt to have this incredible man, who was perfect in every way, call her a friend when all she wanted to do was jump his bones and make him stay. She had to be fair and let him live his life while she raised her kids. She couldn’t drag him into her mess and she would never ask him to raise someone else’s kids.

  She focused on her meal. He had cut her steak for her and that small gesture made her tear up. “You’re right, we are friends, and I’m sorry I’m being mean. Please accept my apology.”

  He tilted his lips into a half grin. “No need for apologies ma’am. Is there anything I can do right now?”

  She shouldn’t ask but he said he was her friend and a friend would ask. “Uh, well, the babies…Never mind.” Nope she couldn’t ask that of him.

  “Tara I don’t want to have to keep going over this. I’m here. We’re friends, and I want to help you. Let me help.” Decker wished they were back to the closeness they shared when she was giving birth. She was open and friendly. Now she was so tense and closed off.

  Tara blurted “The babies need diapers,” before she realized she was going to speak.

  He smiled. “See that wasn’t hard, now was it? Is there anything else you need at the store while I’m there?”

  Should she ask him, why not? “There is a cream for…ya know.” Damn this was hard. “Umm, breast feeding mothers.”

  He snickered. “Lanolin? Sure I’ll pick up some of that. Anything else?”

  “Why are you being so nice?”

  “Honey, you’re wound so tight, I’d do anything to make you smile again. I can’t believe you couldn’t say nipples. I’ve seen so much more, if you’ll remember.” Was he flirting? No Brett Decker never flirted. He certainly wouldn’t flirt with someone so uptight. Even if she was beautiful.

  She stiffened. “Thank you.”

  Decker was so confused by this woman. He was definitely in lust but she kept pushing him and his help away. He was sick and tired of being dismissed by her, when it was obvious she needed help. “I’ll be back in a half an hour. Enjoy the meal.” He turned and walked out of the room.

  She finished her meal, cooked to perfection, and picked up her youngsters walking back to her room. She was indifferent after seeing Decker. He set her blood to boil and she couldn’t stop thinking about licking him. She was just starting to feel okay about their distance. She was going to go insane from lust with him in the same house.

  Chapter 3

  Decker called Jake after arriving back to Pack house to let him in. He didn’t want to wake Tara or the kids if they were sleeping. He’d bought diapers, wipes, lanolin and some tea that the lady at the drugstore recommended for breastfeeding mothers. He also bought a small container of formula. He was surprised her babies were getting enough milk from the breast.

  Jake met Decker at the door and informed him that Tara had retired to her room with the twins shortly after he left. “Can you show me to their room?”

  Jake raised a brow. “Is there something I should know?”

  “If you need to know, I saw her today she looked beyond tired and malnourished. I thought you said she was being taken care of.” Decker could hear the anger in his voice but couldn’t hide it, didn’t want to.

  Jake narrowed his eyes at Decker. “Are you implying that I’m not taking care of someone under my protection?”

  Decker stepped forward. “Yes, have you seen Tara lately? She won’t be able to care for her babies if she’s not taking care of herself. She needs help and if you cannot, or will not, I will. Without question, I’ll be here if she needs me.” Why did he sound so protective and possessive? “That’s what friends do.” He added for clarification.

  Jake sighed, running a hand down his weary face. “Sorry man, you’re right. I’ve been dealing more with her protection than helping with her pups. Shana has been tired and nauseated or she would have helped more. I’m glad you’re here to help.”

  “What do you mean her protection? Why does she need protection?” Decker’s cop persona began to take over.

  Jake looked startled for a minute. “That’s her story to tell, when she is ready. I won’t break her confidence. As her Alpha I took an oath to protect her. In reality, I’m glad you’re here because it is tiring.”

  Decker was perplexed. Why would Tara need protection? Was she in trouble? He began to panic. “Take me to her.” It wasn’t a question but because he was dealing with an Alpha he reluctantly added. “Please.”

>   Jake turned and led Decker down the hall and paused in front of a room halfway down a long hall. “This is Tara’s room. If you’d like, you can stay in any of the rooms down this hall to assist her.”

  “Thank you for letting me stay for a while. I really appreciate it.”

  “Anytime, you’re like pack to us, family. You’re welcome anytime.” Jake reached out to shake Decker’s hand.

  Decker took his hand in a firm grip. “Ditto.”

  *****

  Decker hoped Tara wasn’t going to get upset with him for simply walking into her room. He didn’t want to knock and risk waking her.

  The room was lit by the sun setting outside and the lights were turned off in her room. It smelled sweet in here. Like baby powder and Tara’s unique scent, peppermint. He looked around finding Tara in the rocking chair in the corner, feeding her babies. She had a pillow under each baby’s body and held their heads to her breast.

  His jaw dropped and time stood still. He had never seen something so profound. He wanted to be a part of this, a family. He wanted to see his wife feed their children while he rubbed her hair and whispered sweet words in her ear. He shook himself out of his momentary insanity.

  “Is it okay if I come closer? I’ve brought the stuff you needed.” He held up the bag and realized he must have looked stupid.

  “Sure, I’m not really shy while feeding them.” He noticed her blush and thought she looked adorable.

  He slowly approached the rocking chair and saw crowns of dark hair. He couldn’t resist running his finger over their silky short curls. “They really are amazing.” He bent down and placed a kiss to the tops of their heads. He didn’t notice how close he was to Tara’s breast until he heard a popping sound and looked down. A sweet baby girl with grey eyes was looking back at him. She appeared very alert as she watched him.