Emerald Cove

By Rebekah Shelton

The Rudolph family continues to grow, with another emerald-green-eyed wolf finding his way to Emerald Knoll. As the family grows, so does its territory. The adoption of a young orphaned half-wolf male from Colorado includes his adolescent human half-brother. The teenager is dreadfully concerned about a 15-year-old wolf-born female in their previous pack. She is coveted by a domineering Alpha who wants her as his mate. Will the Snow Wolves be able to save her before her 16th birthday? Before she is forced to mate? The Rudolphs quickly learn their allies are enemies and no one can be trusted. A wolf in sheep’s clothing is still a wolf. And it will kill you if you cross its path and try to take what it desires.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebekah Shelton
• Release date: Nov 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301442638

Rebekah Shelton

Rebekah Shelton, originally from Northeastern Ohio and now residing in Middle Tennessee with her husband, is an empty nester who found her passion for writing through her love of reading. Her literary journey began with her first book, "Emerald Eyes," which started as a tragic romance but evolved into a captivating paranormal romance. Captivated by the characters she created, Rebekah continued to delve into their world, crafting the ongoing series known as the "Legend of the Snow Wolves." Expanding upon her storytelling prowess, she ventured into the realm of the supernatural with a mythological twist in her spin-off series, "The Red Wolf Chronicles."Driven by her addiction to sci-fi movies and her boundless imagination, Rebekah embarked on her third series, titled "The Battle for Zarcon," immersing readers in an exhilarating science fiction universe. Displaying her versatility as an author, she co-authored a book alongside her husband, Jeff, entitled "Operation De-ICE - The Battle for Earth," delivering a collaborative tale filled with thrilling adventures and epic battles."Address for Murder" draws inspiration from a real-life incident that sparked the author's imagination. The story revolves around a woman who faces difficulties receiving packages at her post office box, which had previously been rented by an FBI agent. Intrigued by the possibilities, the author began contemplating what would unfold if the box came into the possession of a CIA agent entangled in a dangerous web of deception and betrayal. Thus, "Address for Murder" was born, weaving a thrilling narrative that explores the consequences of a double or even triple cross, putting the life of an innocent girl in jeopardy.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was the morning before the June full moon. Tia’s blood had strengthened John, but he was still at least a pint low on blood. It had been seven days since John Newsome had tied the knot with Tia Mendoza and accepted her blood donation. Tia’s blood not only made John stronger, but it also activated his wolf gene. John would turn wolf for the first time after the sun went down and the full moon graced the night sky.

It had been exactly one moon cycle since John’s accident. Tia’s blood had replenished quickly as she spent as much time as she could as a wolf. She knew turning wolf would accelerate her healing process, plus she needed to monitor John’s condition.

John had proposed to Tia early the morning after the May full moon, and she accepted. John was staring at Tia, mesmerized by her laugh and smile, and wasn’t watching where he was driving. They were rushing back to the Rudolph mansion before the family awoke. Both wanted to keep their engagement a secret until John could buy Tia a ring. The Jeep they were in hit a rock in the western meadow, flipped, and both John and Tia were ejected.

Both Gracey and Stone felt John’s pain as soon as his head hit the rock, and he was injured. Tia had run back to the mansion as a wolf, leading Gracey to the accident's site. Tia had only received minor cuts and abrasions and was healed by the following day.

The gash on the back of John’s head healed quickly only because of his daughter Gracey. Gracey was a Snow Wolf with magical healing powers, as did her mate Stone. Gracey could lick the wound, stop the bleeding, and close the wound without turning her father into a wolf.

However, John had lost nearly two pints of blood before Gracey reached him. With John being human, his body did not reproduce blood quickly.

By the fourth day after the accident, John’s recovery had reached its plateau, and he was not getting any better. But John refused to die. He also declined to accept any human blood. He was afraid Gracey’s secret would be revealed and exploited in the process of the family procuring the human blood. John would protect his baby girl regardless of the cost, even if it cost him his life.

After three weeks of being weak and barely hanging onto life, Gracey and the rest of the family convinced John to accept at least a pint of blood from one of them. John chose Tia only after she agreed to be his mate. They had initially planned on mating the following month, in July. Tia agreed without hesitation, and the knotting ceremony was performed by Rudy, the head of their family, their Alpha. And then the blood transfusion began. It was Father’s Day. John received Tia’s blood just in time for the June full moon.

John’s first time turning into a wolf would put him onto an expedited path to healing completely. Plus, Tia refused to consummate their union and mate with John until he was well. He was still tiring quickly, and Tia would not put John at risk. John’s life was more important to Tia than mating immediately after the ceremony.

So tonight is the night? Jim Smith, the family’s Beta, asked John jokingly.

Of course it is, John replied nonchalantly. I turn tonight.

Brother, you know that is not what I am talking about, Jim said with a smirk and a wink.

Oh, that! John replied with a big lusty grin. Yes, it is.

A few minutes later, Charles Simmons and his mate Haley entered John and Tia’s suite with overnight bags. Charles was Rudy Rudolph’s personal bodyguard and driver.

Rudy owned Emerald Knoll, the property the family lived on, one hundred square miles. Abby, Rudy’s mate, and Haley were cousins.

Where are the two of you going? John inquired, seeing the luggage.

Down the hall to a guest suite, Haley replied stoically.

Is there something wrong with your apartment? John questioned.

Charles smiled a silly grin at John and handed John the key to the apartment above the garage. We figured you and Tia could use a little privacy tonight. Have fun, Pops.

We have set up the guest room with candles and champagne. I hope you like it, Haley added, winking.

Thank you, both, John replied sincerely. Our mating is a bit overdue, John added, chuckling. It had been a week since his knotting ceremony. Usually, the mating of two wolves was the traditional culmination of the union.

Tia walked into the suite and sashayed alluringly toward John. You ready for tonight, mi amor?

I can hardly wait, John replied excitedly, admiring his mate. Tia was tall, toned with vivacious womanly curves, born in the Dominican Republic. John was mesmerized by her golden skin, long brown hair with natural golden highlights, and brown eyes with golden flecks. He had fallen in love with her the first time he saw her.

I will pack a bag and take it to the apartment. Then Tia looked at Charles and Haley. I cannot promise we will leave the apartment in one piece, Tia giggled.

Understand, Charles replied and winked again.

Later that night, the Rudolph family met at the stables after the sun went down. From there, they would turn wolf and hunt. But first, they would help John with his first turn as a wolf. Abby renovated the stables, adding changing rooms for both the men and the women so they could strip and turn regardless of the weather. It also allowed them to shower after the hunt.

John, since you are still weak, the change may be a bit more difficult, Abby reminded him. Just relax and go with it. Abby was born a wolf and had been a wolf longer than anyone in the family. She knew how crucial it was to relax the first time. Plus, she could sense John’s apprehensions due to his weakened state.

Stone and I will help guide you, help the turn if needed. But first, we want to try it with Tia as your coach, Gracey advised her father.

Celia, Jim’s mate, handed John her favorite quilt, the same quilt she and Haley used during their first turn to wrap themselves in.

For luck, Celia told John and smiled.

Tia walked over to John and kissed him passionately. I will be back in a moment, mi amor. Te amo. Tia went to the changing room, turned wolf, and rejoined the family at the entrance to the stables. Even in her wolf form, her fur and eyes had the same golden highlights, which kept John spellbound.

John then went to the dressing room and stripped. He wrapped himself in the quilt Celia had given him and walked out of the stables with as much strength and vigor as he could muster.

Daddy, just relax and listen to Tia’s wolf call you. Listen to your heart. It will guide you to her. Your love is strong. Just believe in it, Gracey instructed.

Yes, baby girl, John replied, kissing Gracey on the forehead. Tia approached John and leaped up to lick his face, another kiss for luck.

Are you ready, Daddy? Gracey asked. Deep down, Gracey was as nervous as John was. Plus, she had never imagined her father would ever turn wolf. He had lived with the family as a human. Since he had been released from prison the previous November with a full pardon. John had been convicted of killing a man during a bar fight and went to prison to protect Gracey from her biological father. John was innocent of the crime, but he did it for Gracey. John would always protect Gracey. He loved Gracey as if she was his own flesh and blood.

Gracey loved him just as much. He was the man who had raised her. He was her daddy.

Yes, John replied as he stared at Gracey with as much resolve as he could feign.

Stone and Gracey turned wolf. As Snow Wolves, they did not need to remove their clothing first. Their clothes would disappear and then reappear when they turned human. Stone and Gracey had the magical powers of the legendary Snow Wolves.

John concentrated on Tia and gazed into her gold-flecked brown eyes. He took a deep breath. I love you so much, he told her. Tia called out telepathically to John’s wolf, but John could not hear her. He looked at the moon and called on its pull, but nothing.

I feel something, but I just don’t have enough strength. I am still too weak, John stated, feeling defeated and discouraged.

Gracey and her mate Stone started sending John messages telepathically. Relax, exhale deeply, clear your mind and let the change happen.

After a few minutes, John was physically weaker, nearly collapsing, and the change still would not happen. He was still human.

Gracey and Stone turned back human. We have another idea, Stone announced, glancing at Gracey. But everyone needs to step back and give us some room.

The family stepped back in wonderment, not understanding the reason for the request.

Stone and Gracey looked at each other and smiled inanely, and after a quick kiss, they joined hands and turned.

Holy shit! the family screamed tremulously. Tia bowed subserviently, entirely silent.

It’s true, it’s true, Jim and Abby yelled in unison.

Standing before them was one wolf, one giant pure white Snow Wolf.

Jim and Abby knew the legends of the Snow Wolves. But they did not realize Gracey and Stone had learned they could become one wolf, a giant wolf twice the size of their normal wolf, which stood five feet tall. Neither Stone nor Gracey had shared the revelation with the family. They were only doing so now to save John’s life. John was more valuable to them than the secret. Gracey had already lost almost six and one-half years with her daddy. She would not lose him again.

We are okay, the giant ten-foot snow-white wolf replied in a human voice, first Gracey’s voice and then Stone’s. Together, we are much stronger.

Everyone was amazed, being both jubilant and awestruck at the same time.

Are you ready, Dad? Stone’s voice asked his father-in-law, redirecting everyone’s attention back to John.

John was trembling. His body was weak, and his mind could not comprehend what he saw and heard. He had spent twenty-four years hiding the truth from Gracey that she was born a wolf. And now Gracey was speaking to him as a giant ten-foot wolf.

Daddy, relax. I am okay. Stone is fine. Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Think of Tia. See her wolf standing before you. And the giant wolf became silent.

Do you hear us? The giant snow wolf asked John telepathically.

Yes, John replied hoarsely, forcing down his fear. Not the fear of turning but fear of the giant wolf talking to him.

On three, we command you to turn, The giant Snow Wolf told John.

One – two – three – turn.

John’s wolf obeyed and turned wolf as commanded.

Gracey and Stone turned human again, and Gracey ran to her daddy. Standing before her was John with salt and pepper-colored fur with bright ultraviolet eyes.

I am sorry, Daddy, but since your human side was too weak to turn, we had to command your wolf to appear. It would not be able to refuse our authority, Gracey explained.

The rest of the family was speechless. They were still trying to grasp and digest what they had just witnessed. Two people coalescing into one giant snow-white wolf.

Stop it already, Gracey yelled out to them as they stared at her and Stone.

But…but, the family stammered, not knowing what to say or ask.

I knew it, Elmer called out. I knew I saw them become one wolf for a split second the first time we experimented to see if they could turn back and forth with their clothes on.

The family looked toward John to see how he was doing, but he was gone. So was Tia. Dammit, they took off without us! Jim yelled to the rest of the group.

Stone and Gracey immediately turned back into wolves and ran toward the meadow. The others rushed to the dressing rooms to turn, removing clothing along the way. By the time everyone reached the field, John had finished a cow and was thinking about a second kill.

Damn, I feel so much better. The blood and the meat, real food. It was just what I needed, John sighed, not yet sated. He had been eating a light diet of broth, salads, fruit, and gelatin for nearly a month.

Go for it, John. Take another kill. I ordered extra, Rudy told John hearing his thoughts.

Take a bison, John. They are bigger, Charles told John.

But the bison is yours, John replied reluctantly.

Charles always preferred bison because the meat was leaner. Charles was not an average-sized man and ate more than the others. At six foot five, a bison gave him the extra protein he needed to satisfy his wolf and still share it with his mate.

Not this month, Pops. Go for it, Charles insisted. You need it more than I do.

No arguments from me, John told Charles and, without further hesitation, lunged for the bison. John could hear everyone cheering him on as he drank the hot blood of the animal straight from the jugular.

Everyone was elated that John was now on his way to recovering completely. They could see how much stronger he already was from eating a cow.

Join me, my love, John told Tia wistfully. I have my strength back, and you will need your strength tonight.

John knew Tia had not recovered entirely from her blood donation and the twenty-four-hour-a-day care she had given him for the past month.

Tia giggled with joy and joined John. Together they finished the bison. Ready, mi amor? Tia asked John, who did not reply but started running for the stables at full speed. Tia ran after him.

See you tomorrow for dinner! Charles shouted out facetiously. Try not to break anything!

When John neared the stables, he turned human and wrapped Celia’s quilt, which was still lying on the ground, around him. Tia arrived moments later and turned human outside the stables, as well. John wrapped her in the quilt with him, and together they ran to the guest room of Charles and Haley’s apartment giggling the entire way like a couple of teenagers. John was sixty and his bride of one week was about to turn fifty-one.

Once inside, John and Tia ignored the champagne and candles and went straight to the guest room.

Are you feeling strong enough, mi amor? Tia asked pensively.

As strong as a cow and a bison, John laughed and pulled Tia close after admiring her beautiful toned body. Tia had been turned wolf against her will when she was twenty-one and looked only thirty-five. I have wanted to make love to you since the first time I saw you, John whispered lustfully. You are the sexiest and most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Just before they climaxed for the first time, John whispered, I will never leave you, my love, and then he bit her shoulder.

Mi amor, Tia called out in ecstasy and bit him.

When they had finished bonding, John took his mate’s hand and reached into the nightstand. Tomorrow, you can return Abby's ring to her, John told Tia and slipped a ruby and diamond ring onto her left hand. The ruby ring John had borrowed from Abby for the knotting ceremony was in the changing room of the stables.

John, it is beautiful, Tia cried, staring at the ring and kissing John to show how much she loved it.

You ready to go again? John asked. It seems being a wolf has its advantages in bed, John growled sexily. Tia sighed lustfully and fell into his arms for round two.

Chapter 2

There were six couples now living at Emerald Knoll, no single adults. And there was a baby due in three to four weeks, the family’s first pup.

Celia, your birthday is on Friday. How do you want to celebrate it, sweetheart? Jim had asked before the family assembled for dinner the next day.

By seeing my feet! Celia joked, looking down toward the ground. The baby had grown quite a bit within the past month.

It is almost over, sweetheart. Just hang in there. Dinner party, dancing, what do you want to do? Jim asked again.

I want a day of pampering. I would like to soak in a tub of hot water for hours and just do nothing, Celia replied. While the family shared the cooking responsibilities, Celia did more cooking than any of the other family members. She was by far the best cook when it came to good old fashion southern cooking. Her jams and desserts had won first place at the county fair for nearly forty years.

Well, you know the family will want to celebrate, so how about a quiet dinner and maybe cake and ice cream. Nothing fancy, no dressing up, Jim suggested.

As long as I am not cooking or making my own birthday cake, it is okay with me. I am getting too old for all of this, Celia sighed, staring at her swollen belly.

Celia would be sixty-two on Friday. The herbs she had taken the previous fall in hopes of turning wolf without being bitten had made her fertile. As soon as she and Jim had mated, she became pregnant. Luckily, the Vertamus had also made her look and feel fifteen years younger.

As suspected, John and Tia did not join the family until dinner. When they entered the dining room, John handed Charles the key to the apartment.

No worries, son, we cleaned the place up, but you may need to restock the fridge, John informed Charles with a smirk.

Charles laughed, remembering the night he and Haley had mated. I totally understand, Pops.

Jim spoke with the family about Celia’s wishes for her birthday. I can help with the pampering, Abby announced. I will get a couple of girls to come from the spa. There is nothing like a mani-pedi and a facial to cheer a woman up. Then we will treat Celia like a queen all day. Celia takes care of us. It is our turn to wait on her hand and foot.

Great idea Abby, the family called out, not knowing what was in store for them.

Chapter 3

Friday morning Celia soaked in the tub for an hour. Jim lit scented candles and served her sparkling white grape juice in a champagne glass. The girls from the spa came over and treated Celia to a facial, a mani-pedi, and a makeover.

Afterward, Celia was placed in the most comfortable overstuffed chair in the great room with her feet propped up so she could admire her bright red toenails. She would wiggle her toes and giggle like a little girl.

Then the fun started. Jim had given Celia a bell so she could call for whatever she wanted. And Celia decided she would take full advantage and get revenge for all the times she felt the family had taken her for granted, too many times to count.

She rang the bell. I am thirsty. I would like some fresh squeezed lemonade.

She rang the bell. I am hungry. I would like a salad.

She rang the bell. I am craving fresh pineapple and strawberries.

She rang the bell. I need more magazines.

She rang the bell. Again and again and again.

By the end of the afternoon, the family was in the kitchen, worn out from all the requests.

Celia rang the bell. Whose turn this time? Elmer asked while frowning and looking at the rest of the family members sitting in the kitchen.

Rock–paper–scissors? Haley suggested, not wanting to get up again.

I will go, Stone volunteered with a sigh.

Stone entered the great room. Yes, Celia, he stated, putting on his best poker face and smiling.

Assemble the family, Celia commanded stoically. She was fighting to keep from laughing.

Be right back, Stone replied and returned to the kitchen. She wants us all.

Eleven family members entered the great room and stood before Celia, waiting for her next request.

Thank you, everyone. I had fun today. I am sorry if I have run you to exhaustion, but I needed to prove a point. I take care of eleven of you every day, and it took eleven of you to take care of me. My birthday wish was for all of you to be as tired as I am nearly every day. Did I get my wish? Celia finished with a smile, and then she laughed.

This was payback? Charles exclaimed, chagrined.

What else would it be? Celia asked rhetorically.

Okay, we get it, John told Celia. And with the baby coming, we will have to do more for ourselves.

Now, can someone help me up? I am bored with this charade. And Celia laughed again. But I do like the red toenails.

Several members of the family laughed. The rest just shook their heads and rolled their eyes.

Wait, Celia called out. Where is my cake and ice cream? And my dinner?

The ladies of Emerald Knoll laughed, nearly wetting themselves. The men groaned in despair.

Sweetheart, what would you like? Jim asked sincerely. It was his pregnant mate’s birthday, and he would bow to her every whim.

Got a spare cow? Celia half-joked.

Oh my, she is hungry. I remember my last two months, Abby called out.

Me, too, Tia echoed.

No. But we have a cooler full of steaks, Haley told Celia.

But who is going to make the sides? Y’all usually stick me with that task, Celia reminded them.

We got it, Stone told Celia. Loaded baked potatoes, a salad with everything, roasted vegetables. Anything else?

Make it two steaks for me and a peach cobbler, Celia answered without hesitation.

Cobbler, plus cake and ice cream? Elmer asked, annoyed.

Celia glared at Elmer and growled. Number one, it is my birthday. Number two, I am pregnant. Number three, I am hungry.

Charles shook his head in exasperation. We have created a monster.

Speaking of food, the 4th of July is next Thursday. How do we want to celebrate? Haley asked.

How about a pig roast? Tia suggested.

Yum, that sounds good, Charles replied. But it is too hot to stand over a spit for twelve hours.

No, Tia refuted. Roast them in the ground. We can dig a pit. I have found a supplier in Miami who can get us the banana leaves. And I can get us some fresh sugar cane for mojitos?

Elmer started drooling. You know how to do that?

Hijo, of course I do, Tia answered matter-of-factly, and so does Gabriella.

Elmer looked at his mate and glared with disappointment.

Gabriella just shrugged her shoulders. Sorry, it never came up before, Gabriella replied, grinning like a fool.

We can make rice, black beans, paella, plantains, and flan, Tia told the family.

You make flan too? Elmer called out to Gabriella, now thoroughly displeased. You have been holding out on me.

And paella? Rudy chimed in. Rudy was a foodie and loved delicious food.

Since it is my first 4th of July, and I have papers that say I am a U.S. citizen, thanks to Rudy and John, Gabriella and I will be cooking. Of course, we will need help, and I need to order some items from Miami.

We will start on it tomorrow, Jim announced. But tonight, it is my Celia’s birthday, and she is hungry enough to eat a cow.

On it, Stone called out. Come on, kitchen buddies, he motioned to Abby and Elmer.

Chapter 4

The following day, Tia was with Abby in Abby’s office ordering the food for the 4th of July celebration. As Abby finished placing each order with each supplier, Tia was overwhelmed by the total cost.

How do you do it? Tia asked, both shocked and amazed.

Do what? Abby questioned.

Feed all of us? It cost so much! Tia exclaimed.

It is cheaper to provide free room and board instead of paying everyone a full salary. It cuts the tax bill in half. And what we pay everyone is theirs to spend. So it all works out, Abby explained.

Tia looked down at the beautiful, extraordinarily expensive diamond and ruby ring on her left hand. How could John afford to pay for this ring? Tia asked hesitantly and feeling guilty. She would have been happy with an ordinary and simple gold band, but John insisted on buying her the largest ruby ring he could find.

I could tell you, but you should ask John. He is your mate, Abby replied. "By the way, have you set