Emerald Garden

By Rebekah Shelton

The Snow Wolves learn more about their powers but is it enough to protect the ones they love while keeping their existence a secret? The Rudolphs are the target of a group of doctors determined to eradicate their family and all wolves worldwide. Can they survive while protecting the highly coveted and underage Rayne from other potential mates and the evil Alpha, Jeremiah Roth, from Colorado? The Rudolphs discover more about their lineage. They are not the first wolves to inhabit Lone Hill. How many more unknowing couples are kissing cousins?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebekah Shelton
• Release date: Mar 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301124275

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

March 22, 2052

But Daddy, I do not want to go to school today, five-year-old Alec cried.

Alec. It is a school holiday; we are going to a birthday party. The school is the only place large enough for the whole family. There is going to be cake and ice cream.

Okay, Daddy, Alec surrendered, and the family walked out the door of their home on Emerald Cove.

Alec’s grandfather turned to his mate and asked, Do you remember the first day you came to Emerald Knoll? Remember when…

November 5, 2013

It was a short drive from the private airstrip owned by the Rudolphs to the enormous estate of Emerald Knoll. The eight occupants of the SUVs had just returned from Cold River, Colorado, where Jim Smith, the family’s Beta, had rescued his granddaughter from Jeremiah Roth. Jeremiah, the Alpha of the Colorado pack, had wanted to mate with Rayne Henning, a young beautiful fifteen-year-old girl. Rayne was a three-quarters wolf, and Jeremiah coveted her over a human or turned wolf to be his mate. Jim and the family had learned just the day before Jim was Rayne’s grandfather. After a highly vocal verbal altercation and a physical fight in which Abigail Rudolph, the mate of the family patriarch, and Patrick, a fifteen-year-old human, were injured, the eight returned home to Lone Hill, Tennessee.

As the two black Escalades turned into the drive of Emerald Knoll, Rayne gasped in awe, her eyes wide and mouth agape. The two-story colonial-style mansion was already massive, and the family was nearing the completion of an additional wing that would double the size of the family’s home.

Welcome home, baby girl, Rayne’s grandfather told her while kissing her forehead.

Rayne looked toward Patrick with her eyes gaping as if asking, Is this real?

Patrick nodded a silent yes and smiled warmly.

As soon as the two vehicles stopped at the front entrance beneath the palatial portico, the rest of the family ran out the door to greet them. Stone Rudy Rudolph, Sr. embraced his mate Abby and then his son Stone. John was holding his daughter Gracey while his mate Tia was sobbing happy tears seeing Patrick. Tia was hugging Patrick while holding his half-brother Daniel.

Good job, son, John called out while patting Patrick on the back while embracing his daughter Gracey.

Jim and his mate Celia were kissing one another and their son Neal adoringly.

Haley ran out the door straight to Charles and hugged him tightly. Haley was six months pregnant and had been afraid she would be raising her pup without a father.

Gabriella jumped into Elmer’s arms with her long legs wrapped around his waist and kissed him passionately.

Get a room already, Charles called out to Elmer and Gabriella, causing the group to laugh and instantly changing the group's mood from anxious and relieved to humorous.

Everyone, this is my granddaughter, Rayne, Jim announced proudly while kissing Rayne tenderly on the forehead and wrapping his arm lovingly and protectively around her shoulder.

Antoine dropped his mate Ceara’s hand, and Gabriella released Elmer. Antoine and Gabriella looked at their half-sister for the first time. Without speaking, Antoine and Gabriella embraced Rayne with tears streaming down their faces. Welcome to the family, they told Rayne, happy to meet her; more delighted and relieved Rayne was now safe.

Men, Rudy called out to the group. Park the Escalades in the garage and join us in the dining room. We have been cooking all day. I hope everyone is hungry.

Like vultures on roadkill, Stone called out, and everyone laughed. It was a family joke started by Haley before she learned the family secret.

Come on, Rayne, Patrick called out as he took Rayne’s hand and escorted her to the dining room.

The oversized formal dining room table had been set with the best linens, china, silver, and crystal. Vases of roses in every color adorned the table. Balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling.

Wow, Rayne exclaimed as she walked in. Then she saw the food. There were platters of steaks, ribs, roasted chicken, and at least ten vegetables. And for dessert, there were pies, cakes, and a myriad of cookies.

All this for me? Rayne cried with a tear in her eye, trying to take it all in. She had never seen anything like it in her short fifteen, not quite sixteen years.

This is what we do for family, and you are family, Patrick announced proudly, remembering his first meal with the family just months prior.

Rudy sat at the head of the table as the head of the family, the Alpha. Jim sat at the other end of the table as the Beta. Celia sat to Jim’s right, and there was an open seat to Jim’s left for his granddaughter. Patrick sat on the other side of Rayne. Rayne glanced around the table and saw each couple sitting next to each other, and she was next to her best friend. She smiled, pleased.

Rayne sat and watched how the family interacted with each other; so much love and laughter. She did not know how she was supposed to react. This was different from what she was used to. Rayne had been raised by a pack, not a family. A pack that had hidden her true identity from her. A pack she had been ashamed to be a member of. A pack she had to fight and scrounge against for even the basic necessities, including food.

Four hours earlier, Rayne was held hostage by a man who wanted her for his mate. A man who did not want her, but her heritage and genetics. Rayne was a three-quarters wolf and the daughter of Rafer Henrikson. Rafer was also the biological father of Gracey, Antoine, and Gabriella, all with different mothers.

Rafer had been the Alpha of the Colorado pack for over fifty years. He was infamous for his barbaric and evil ways of life. His pack was fueled by hatred and destruction.

Rafer was killed in a death challenge just a year before, on the day of Gracey and Stone’s wedding, by the current Colorado Alpha, Jeremiah Roth. Rayne and Rafer descended from a long line of wolves, making Rayne valuable in Jeremiah’s eyes. There were hundreds of years of wolf lineage coursing through Rayne’s arteries.

When the men filled their plates with food for the third time, Haley muttered vultures, and each person laughed again. But Haley was eating for two and was tempted to fill her plate a third time.

Go for it, Elmer called out, watching Haley eyeing the chicken. We can dance later, Elmer added sarcastically, knowing Haley was self-conscious of her ever-growing belly.

Are we ready for dessert? Celia asked, coming to Haley’s rescue. Celia knew the hunger pangs and cravings during pregnancy, having just recently given birth to her baby boy Neal in July.

Jam Cake! Jim and Patrick called out in unison with huge smiles, their eyes wide and filled with mirth. Both had their dessert forks at the ready. It was their favorite.

Wait until you taste this, Patrick nudged Rayne in anticipation. Celia’s jam cake is legendary.

Celia and Haley cut the cakes and pies and filled dessert plates for everyone with some of each dessert. Jim and Patrick attacked the jam cake first and moaned shamelessly.

Taste it, Rayne, Patrick urged her. It is the best stuff in the whole world.

Rayne put a tiny bite onto her fork and then put it into her mouth. As the white angel food cake dissolved and the three-berry jam touched her tongue, Rayne moaned, and as her eyes involuntarily closed, she smiled. Everyone laughed.

Rayne opened her eyes in embarrassment and looked down while blushing.

Sweetie, at least you did not faint like some of these vultures, Abby chuckled. But otherwise, the reaction was the same. Your new Grandma is the best cook in five counties. You are a lucky girl.

As everyone finished dessert, Elmer called out, It is time for champagne and dancing. This party is not over yet. Elmer loved to dance and especially with his mate, Gabriella.

Clean up is first, Abby called out, stopping the exodus from the dining room to the great room. I am not cleaning this mess up in the morning. Patrick, show Rayne where her room is so she can freshen up, and then meet us in the great room. We should be done in twenty minutes.

Patrick took Rayne’s hand and escorted her out of the dining room, back toward the front of the mansion, and into the foyer. Rayne looked up toward the ceiling and twirled in amazement, standing in the middle of the opulent entry framed with an elegant double staircase.

Am I really going to live here? Rayne asked, staring at the chandelier, which would have looked at home in any royal palace.

Yes, Rayne. You are in the new suite across the hall from mine. I decorated it, especially for you. Rudy hired me as the liaison between him and the contractor that remodeled the existing house and built the new wing. Elmer and Charles gave me a car, and I will have my driver’s license on my birthday. I have been saving all my money to buy you a wonderful present for your birthday, Patrick rambled, quickly caught up in his excitement.

I have to be dreaming, Rayne exclaimed, still taking everything in, including the brilliantly waxed floors and naturally stained dark wood trim.

I thought so too, but this is real. After all the crap we went through with the pack, we are together again, and we have family who will love us, truly love us.

Patrick led Rayne up the elegant staircase and to the door to Rayne’s suite. Patrick opened the door and turned to Rayne. Welcome Home, he whispered hoarsely as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

Rayne looked inside and cried. Now I know I am dreaming. Patrick had the suite painted Rayne's favorite shade of pale green. The linens were pristine white, as was the upholstery on the furniture. There were decorative pillows in the same shade as the walls. Celia had filled vases with pink and white roses, and the suite had the aroma of vanilla, roses, and lavender. Patrick walked Rayne into her private bathroom. It was also pale green and white. There were vanilla-scented candles around the large garden tub filled with warm water. Floating in the tub were dozens of salvia and lavender spikes.

I have stocked everything for you. There are scented shampoos and bath oils. And in the closet, there are pajamas and clothes...look. Patrick opened the walk-in closet, and Rayne recognized some clothes from the plane wardrobe.

They bought all of these for me? Rayne called out, remembering the clothes she had been wearing just hours before. The faded and torn jeans that barely fit her, an old, stained hand-me-down pullover hoodie, and old sneakers. After her shower on the jet, Rayne dressed in a new pair of jeans, an emerald green cable knit sweater, and a pair of knee-high leather boots the family had brought.

Yes. They filled my closet with clothes the first day too. We have a monthly dinner party to celebrate all the birthdays and anniversaries. It is formal, so I bought you your first gown. I hope you like it. Alfred helped me pick it out. You will love Alfred and Amelia. They help us pick out our clothes and make sure we always look fantastic, Patrick told Rayne and walked her into the closet and to the gown.

Patrick, it is beautiful. My favorite shade of green, and shoes to match.

The best present will come on your birthday. Let’s blow out the candles in the bathroom and join the celebration downstairs. Jim loves you already, and so do your sisters and brother. I know you are going to be happy here. I am, especially now you are here with me, Patrick proclaimed, taking Rayne’s hand and leading her back to the great room.

The party was already in full swing in the great room. Elmer had turned on the music, and the main overhead lights had been dimmed. Since the new construction diminished the romantic atmosphere on the patio, thousands of miniature lights had been strung before the last dinner party and had not been taken down. The younger family members were already dancing, and Rudy had opened the champagne.

Jim was smiling ear to ear as Rayne entered the room. There you are, baby girl. I have been waiting for my first dance with you. A slow one, please, boys.

Elmer picked up the remote and changed the music to a slow song. Jim took his granddaughter by the hand and led her to the middle of the room. Jim was still smiling. As Frank Sinatra sang ‘Fly Me to the Moon,' Jim waltzed Rayne around the room, humming joyfully. At the song's end, he sang along with the words, In other words, I love you.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room except for Rayne and Jim, who looked at each other adoringly. I love you too, Grandpa. Thank you for finding me.

I thought this was a celebration, Antoine called out, drying his eyes. It is time to teach my baby sister how to dance.

Wahoo, Gracey called out gleefully, I am not the baby sister anymore! Gracey was twenty-four, and Gabriella was twenty-nine. Rayne was a mere fifteen.

Watch this, Patrick called out to Rayne. I will take Ceara. You take Rayne, Patrick directed Antoine.

Ten minutes later, Elmer, Charles, Stone, Antoine, and their mates, along with Patrick and Rayne, were dancing together. Come on, Dad and Mom, Patrick called out to John and Tia. I heard you can dance. Join us.

Come on, mi amor, this is a celebration, Tia called out, pulling John to the middle of the room. Within seconds, Rudy and Abby joined the family.

Come on, old woman, Jim called out, pulling Celia onto the dance floor, It is time you learn to dance too.

Soon it was ten o’clock, and the family was wearing down. It had been a long day for the group returning from Colorado. It had been a longer day for the group, which had stayed home. They had barely slept while their loved ones were gone. They had spent the night together in the great room, holding each other and napping on and off. At daybreak, Celia walked into the kitchen and started baking. It was her way of coping with the fear and the stress. Soon everyone had joined her, and they spent the entire day cooking.

Bedtime, Patrick, John called out to his son.

You too, Rayne, Jim chimed in as he walked toward Rayne and gave her another hug and a kiss on the forehead. Pleasant dreams, baby girl. I love you very much.

Patrick took Rayne by the hand and walked her to her room. He stared at her, afraid she was a mirage. Good night, Rayne. Breakfast is at eight. Get ready for the best dance of the day, Patrick whispered.

Thank you, Patrick, for caring enough about me to find my family and for coming to get me. You truly are my best friend.

Best friends forever, Patrick replied and kissed Rayne on the cheek. He slowly backed away, afraid he was the one dreaming. Once Rayne entered her suite and closed the door, Patrick turned and entered his suite smiling. The smile stayed on his face even after he fell asleep.

Chapter 2

Rayne entered the kitchen and saw the family preparing breakfast. Welcome to the breakfast dance, Patrick called out as Rayne entered the room. I hope you are hungry because your breakfast is almost ready. I made you a mocha cappuccino. I know you like chocolate.

Patrick, I can cook for myself, Rayne replied impatiently and blushed. She was embarrassed by all the attention Patrick was giving her.

No way, baby girl! We have a tradition here. The first morning we cook for the newcomer. The second morning you join the dance, Jim explained in an excited tone. He wanted to spoil Rayne as much as Patrick did.

Is everyone always so happy? Rayne whispered to John. She was amazed at how different the family was from the pack she had just left in Colorado.

When you are around the people you love and who love you, it is easy to be happy, John replied, smiling as he glanced toward Tia.

After breakfast, Jim walked Rayne to the basement. Celia and I live here, and Elmer and your sister Gabriella live in the other family suite. And here is the temporary school. Haley and Ceara are certified teachers. They will give you tests today to determine your grade level and comprehension. Then we will plan your curriculum and studies. You, young lady, are going to college.

Where is Patrick? Rayne asked, looking around. Why isn’t he in school?

We are still trying to find something to teach him. It seems your boyfriend has a photographic memory. We have urged him to start taking college courses, but he refuses to attend college without you. So we have put him to work for now.

I always knew he was smart! Rayne exclaimed smugly.

Before you start on the tests, can we talk? This is going to be embarrassing for me, but….

Grandpa, are you going to give me the birds and the bees talk? Is this about mating and sex?

Well, sort of, Jim admitted, unable to look up and meet Rayne’s eyes. He had never had to have the talk with anyone before.

I have lived with the pack all my life. I have seen a lot.

But we have rules and traditions here which I expect you to follow, Jim replied authoritatively but still embarrassed.

Gracey already told me. No lies, no secrets, no sex, Rayne replied nonchalantly.

I guess we are done for now, Jim sighed with relief and his body relaxing. We may need to set a few rules about you and Patrick. But I need to think about it for now. I know you and Patrick are soulmates. I know you care for each other very much. I also know you will be together forever. I am just afraid the two of you will rush things. You are both still children, not yet sixteen. I am just afraid.

Grandpa, I do care about Patrick. But I am not ready for all that grown-up stuff. I am going to take my time. Maybe when we are eighteen, maybe after college, but that is at least two years from now. Until then, we are just going to hang out.

Wow, you are…you have this all figured out, Jim told his granddaughter proudly.

I had to grow up quick after my mother died. Patrick helped me a lot to learn right from wrong. He would never do anything to hurt me. And I know the laws, at least some of them. Patrick says you will help me with the rest.

Yes, I teach the PACT since I am the Beta. And I think Patrick has most of the book ingrained in memory, so it should be easy. For now, we will get you tested and on your path to college.

I will find you later, Grandpa, Rayne told Jim and kissed him on the cheek.

Rayne approached Ceara and Haley, who were eager to get started. Do not be nervous. Take your time and answer only what you know, Haley explained. This isn’t about getting a high score. It’s about us developing your personalized curriculum.

Two hours later, Rayne finished the first test. It wasn’t too bad. Okay, there are a few blanks here and there, but Patrick would read some of the books he found aloud to me, so maybe it helped me some.

The rest of the ladies have gathered in the common room, Ceara announced, hearing the women talking, Let’s take a break, and then we will score the tests.

The other Emerald Knoll women had gathered in the common area of the basement after finishing their chores. The younger children were in the playroom next to the makeshift school.

I cannot wait until the wing is finished. We need to start decorating the house for the Gala, Abby said, filled with anxiety and agitation. Preparing for the annual Gala always caused her unwarranted stress.

Abby, it will be okay. We will hire extra workers if we have to, to finish the renovation and to do the decorating, Gracey reminded her mother-in-law.

And we have to get a gown for my beautiful granddaughter, Celia added while beaming at Rayne.

I ordered her gown last month when I took Patrick to Merriman’s for his tuxedo. I had a feeling we would need one, Abby confided.

But Patrick already bought me a gown, Rayne announced proudly. A pale green one. It is my favorite color.

You can wear that one for the dinner party next week. But you will need an emerald green gown for the Gala, Abby advised.

What is ‘The Gala’? Rayne asked, looking around the room at everyone.

Baby sister, it is the most beautiful holiday party ever. The decorations are beautiful, the food is decadent, and it is the most extravagant party you will ever attend. It is where I met my soulmate, Gracey explained.

Last year, the family was smaller. Charles and Haley weren’t even engaged yet. So it will be the first year for you and Patrick, Tia, Antoine, Ceara, Gabriella, and, of course, the little ones, Celia explained. We already have the dresses, so no dress fiascos like last year.

Ugh, I forgot about that, Haley called out with laughter. I still love watching the video of Gracey firing the basement bitches. And then they stole your dresses and showed up wearing them drunk as a couple of sailors during Fleet Week in New York City. The best part was Abby having them arrested for trespassing and theft.

But first, we have the dinner party next Friday and then Thanksgiving. We have menus to plan, so I can order the food and call Ms. McFarlin and Ms. Davies. We have sixteen adults and two babies to feed this year, Abby told the group.

Well, fourteen adults and two almost adults, Celia reminded Abby while glancing at Rayne.

Have you seen that boy of mine eat? Tia called out with a chuckle. And this young lady is a wolf. I am sure she can pack it away like the rest of us.

Abby addressed Rayne. Gracey tells me she explained the family rules?

Yes, Rayne sighed. No lies, no secrets, and no sex before mating.

I am sorry, Abby replied. No lies and no secrets are household rules. No sex before mating is a family tradition, and no one has broken the tradition yet.

Heck, I did not know Antoine long enough to have sex before our knotting ceremony, Ceara confessed with a giggle.

Most of us only mated within the last year and a half. Abby and Rudy are the only ones who are not newlyweds, Gracey reminded her newest sister-in-law Ceara.

And everyone here is a wolf? Rayne asked.

Everyone except Patrick, Gabriella replied.

And he might be soon if Gracey’s healing did not work, Abby reminded everyone. This will be the first healing in which a person was not planning on turning at the next full moon with the help of blood or bite.

Will you be upset if Patrick turns wolf if my healing powers did not stop the turn? Gracey asked Rayne, fearful of the answer.

When we lived with the pack, I never wanted Patrick to see me as a wolf. I was embarrassed of what I was. I was ashamed of the pack, Rayne confessed while looking down in disgrace.

Patrick told us he has never seen you as a wolf, Abby stated almost as a question.

All the wolves I knew were bad. It is all I have ever known. I did not know good wolves existed, Rayne explained. I never wanted Patrick to see me as an evil wolf.

Oh, sweetie, Celia exclaimed, hugging her new granddaughter. I understand, I thoroughly understand. Last year before Gracey’s first kidnapping attempt, Gracey, Elmer, and I lived in my boarding house. I did not even know wolves existed, nor did Gracey and Stone. When the first kidnapping attempt happened, Gracey, Elmer, and I moved in here. Then Gracey and I discovered the truth; Abby, Jim, and Elmer were wolves. Charles and Rudy turned to protect Gracey, but every full moon while they hunted or were on guard duty, I would hide in the basement, scared to death. I had not even seen them as wolves. I did not even know the good wolves from the bad wolves. But Jim helped me. He showed me his wolf, and then the others did too. I remember the first night he returned to my room in his bathrobe, turned wolf, and slept beside me.

But I thought you said no sex before mating, Rayne replied, confused and shocked.

We slept together, but Jim always turned wolf and slept on top of the covers. There was no sex until we were knotted. And then that very night, I got pregnant with Neal, Celia chuckled. But you, young lady, are too young to have Patrick in your bed, sex or no sex, Celia announced sternly to Rayne.

Don’t worry. I already told Grandpa I am not ready for all that grown-up stuff.

I love you already, Celia said as she hugged Rayne again, filled with pride and admiration.

So, will you be upset if Patrick turns? Gracey asked again, still apprehensive of Rayne’s answer.

I know I will be with Patrick forever whether he turns or not. If he wants to turn when we are adults, I think I will be okay with it now. He is so happy here. He will be one of the good wolves, Rayne surmised stoically but tried to smile. So much had happened quickly, and she was still trying to sort out her feelings about everything.

She is smart, Celia said, still smiling proudly. She has a good head on her shoulders.

Yes, Rayne is smart, Ceara broadcasted. "I finished scoring Rayne’s tests, and she is slightly behind her age group. And her IQ is well above average. We should