Rocky (Tales of the Were) by Bianca D'Arc Read Free Book Online Page A

make her understand. “I meant everything I said last night. I claimed these children. They’re mine to raise and guide, to love and sponsor through their lives. They need me.” He closed the distance between them, grasping her hands as he pulled her forward to meet him halfway. “I’m hoping that at some point you’ll need me too. But if you don’t, I’ll build you your own space, Maggie. Just don’t ask me to let you go completely. I don’t think I could. Not now.”
    “I’ve always needed you, Rocky.”
    He could hear the unspoken but in there and it made him back off, even as her words gave him hope. He’d been bold in declaring his protection for the children and his attraction to her, but he knew she needed time.
    Rocky was glad he’d put it out there so she’d know where he was coming from, but he thought it was probably too soon. Too soon to talk about the future. Too soon to consider anything but the next few days. He cursed inwardly, thinking how long she’d been living in fear, not daring to plan ahead, living day to day.
    He’d put an end to that. He’d end the threat to her and her children—his children too now. He hadn’t been born a grizzly for nothing. He’d protect his new family with everything he could bring to bear. In this case, he had the entire shifter community in this region at his disposal. He’d been living among them for a long time, was one of their community leaders though he had no Clan of his own in the area. He’d helped them all repeatedly. This time, they would help him protect his woman and his young. He knew he could count on them.
    Just a few short years ago he’d had no one. But he’d forged his life here with the Lords, and now his decision to live a lone existence among the other Clans—to be surrounded by their family units, but never part of one—was coming back full circle. He had to believe the Lady Herself had guided his steps when he settled here. It so easily could have gone the other way.
    Had Tim and Rafe been any other kind of leaders, they may well have driven off a lone bear shifter from their Pack lands. Instead, they’d welcomed him. Made him a part of their extended family. Given him a position of authority within their hierarchy. He would call on that support system now to help him keep Maggie and the boys safe.
    But the confusion and worry in her eyes broke his heart.
    “Don’t worry, Mags. I swear to you, it will all work out.”
    “I hope you’re right, Rock. I’m so afraid.” Those last three whispered words made his heart clench.
    “Don’t be.” He stroked her back, folding her into his arms for a comforting hug. He liked the way she fit there, her cheek resting over his heart where it belonged. “I’m here. And there’s a big wolf Pack, raptors, cougars and other assorted shifter Clans right outside the door, ready to help protect you and the boys. You came to the right place. Finally.”
    “I didn’t want to be a burden on you and your friends, but there was nothing else I could do.”
    “Nothing else you should have done. Tony sent you to me for a reason. He knew I would protect you and his sons with my life if necessary. I’m only sorry you waited so long to get here.”
    She stiffened in his arms and he drew back, becoming aware of the babies fussing nearby. He had to let her go. The boys needed attention. But he was reluctant to lose the warm feel of her in his arms. Still, he had time now. Time to convince her that she belonged with him and that he loved her more than life itself. He just had to be patient.
    He let her go and they turned together to take care of the infants, the sound of cars pulling up into Rocky’s yard drawing him away just a few minutes later. The work crews were here, ready and willing to help him in any way they could. It was a beautiful thing, what Tim and Rafe had accomplished in drawing all the Tribes of the were together here.
    Rocky, as a strong Alpha, was one of their highest ranked