ChangingPaths by Marilu Mann Read Free Book Online Page B

going to have to do better in school.”
    “Really? You’ll let me get a job? Cool.” Rain pumped her
fist in the air.
    As usual the girl had heard only what she wanted to hear.
Harmony indulged in an eye roll of her own. They wrestled the discussion
between them for another fifteen minutes. Harmony gave her daughter credit. The
teen could be relentless when she was arguing her point. Just as Rain’s voice
was canting into the whine she’d avoided earlier, Harmony sighed.
    “Micah sometimes hires high school kids as housekeepers at
the lodge. He pays well but you’ll earn it. He insists the rooms be spotless.”
Harmony nearly jumped at Gareth’s voice. She hadn’t realized he had moved back
to the kitchen. He shrugged when Harmony glanced at him. “It’s a decent job,
the hours wouldn’t interfere with her schooling or homework and she’ll
definitely earn whatever he pays her.”
    “Thanks, Gareth! That rocks. I can definitely do that.” Rain
shot her mother a defiant look.
    “Really? Do we have to talk about how clean you keep your
own room?” She almost laughed then saw the stubborn set of her daughter’s jaw.
Yes, this was definitely her child.
    Harmony had to be impressed when Rain managed to keep the
whine out of her response. “That’s not the same, Mom. I can clean up after
other people!”
    “I’ll talk to Micah about it when I go to the lodge. You’re
staying with Aunt Willow while I do. Don’t forget.” She glanced at the clock. “Speaking
of that, Gareth, I’m sorry but we have to go get ready. Is there anything you
need to do with the furnace?”
    “No, it looks pretty good. I opened the vent in Rain’s room
more. That was probably all that was keeping the heat out. I think you’ll be
okay but I’ll leave my number in case anything goes wrong with it.”
    He paused then said, “I am going into town. Did you need me
to pick up anything for you there or do you need a ride to the lodge tonight?”
    “No, Pete had my car delivered a few days ago after getting
me a complete tune-up and five new tires, so we’ll be fine. Rain, go find my
purse.” Shooing her daughter with one hand, she watched as he peeled off the
coveralls and rolled them up into a ball. He shrugged back into his wool shirt
and picked up his bag.
    “I really do appreciate you coming by to check on us.”
    “No problem. Like I said, you’re on my way into town. Here,
this has both the lodge phone number and my cell on it. They can get a message
to me if you need something fixed.” With another wave he left. She watched him
walk across the yard. For some reason she felt the need to run after him, wrap
her arms around him and ask him to stay. Gripping the screen door tightly, she
willed that urge away. It was time for her to go meet the Alpha to ask his
permission to stay here permanently.
    She sent up a fervent prayer that her Aunt Willow was
correct about Micah Keeps Vigil, that he was fair and that he’d let her stay
even though she was Moon-Denied. She called her daughter then headed for the
car.

Chapter Four
     
    Harmony couldn’t help how her hand shook as she reached for
the door. She hadn’t met Micah, whose time with the Pack had begun after she’d
left. She really hadn’t had much to do with the other Alpha either. He didn’t
want to waste his time with the Moon-Denied. With a shuddering breath she
tapped on the door. It felt a little weird to knock since this was a real lodge,
complete with paying guests from time to time, but she didn’t want to overstep.
    Harmony knew the woman who answered was the Alpha’s mate.
Willow had described her perfectly right down to the infant she carried, not to
mention her scent of oranges and vanilla. Harmony smiled at her tentatively.
    “Hello. I’m Harmony Johnson, Willow and Jake Johnson’s
niece. I’m here to see the Alpha.”
    The woman smiled. “Yes of course, Willow told me about you.
I’m Olivia and I’m glad you’re here. Come inside. Is your