Emerald Haven

By Rebekah Shelton

A haven is just a place to take refuge until the storm blows in and destroys everything. With four generations of wolves living together in Emerald City, the struggle for power and supremacy begins. While the wolf laws have changed, some wolves are reluctant to give up the customs they have embraced for centuries. Survival and a happy ending are no longer a guarantee, especially while searching to find every wolf child unethically created. Not everyone wants to be saved. Some want revenge. Some want to destroy. And they do.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebekah Shelton
• Release date: Nov 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310884719

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

But Dad, Martine whined, It has been three months, and I am ready.

Three months had elapsed since Martine Newsome’s twin brother Daniel found her in the mental ward of a New Orleans hospital, heavily medicated and malnourished. Until just days before Martine's rescue, Daniel did not know he had a twin sister. The first reports of her existence indicated she was born dead, stillborn forty years before. But in Daniel’s attempt to discover who his biological father was, their souls reached out and connected. With the help of a New Orleans witch, Violet Bleu, Daniel and Martine were reunited.

Their biological father ended up being the man who had raised Daniel. Daniel and his half-brother Patrick were orphaned after a car accident that killed their mother, Lainey Martin Toler. Lainey was artificially inseminated by a doctor, Jason Robertson, who helped care for wolves. Little did Lainey know her wolf partner, Damian Black, was sterile. She was also oblivious that the doctor had substituted Damian’s sperm with the sperm of John Newsome. No one had even considered John as a possible parent of Daniel and Martine. At the time of their conception, John was human and in prison for a murder that he had not committed.

Ironically, the murder was committed by Damian Black and his twin brother Lucian. And the death of Daniel’s mother was orchestrated by Robertson, who was instrumental in Daniel and Patrick being placed with the Rudolphs. He wanted to oversee Daniel's transformation into a wolf. He wanted to know if his unethical procedure was successful.

Daniel and Martine had a half-sister, Alana. She was also conceived via artificial insemination but had a different mother. The same doctor performed the procedure.

Baby girl, John started with protective concern. When Daniel, John, and a few other family members, along with Violet, rescued Martine, she reverted mentally to a child of twelve or less. It was a time in her life before she started turning wolf. And before the man who kidnapped her, Dr. Julian Rene of New Orleans, started giving her drugs to suppress the wolf gene and stop her from turning. But more disturbing was he would parade her around the world, showing other doctors and scientists how to stop the turn and make her turn using other drugs. Martine had few vague recollections of this time in her life, but she did remember.

I am not a baby. I am forty years old, Martine quickly refuted.

Once Martine turned wolf, three weeks after being rescued, she reverted mentally to being an adult, a forty-year-old woman.

Martine, John sternly rebutted. You know that is not what I mean.

I know, Daddy, but I want to help. I have been sparring with the guys, and I am strong. I want to help you find the others, the others like me.

Martine was referring to other children conceived through artificial insemination by Dr. Robertson. Robertson had used sperm stolen from the prisoners in the county prison. He altered the DNA and triggered the wolf gene. He then inseminated unsuspecting human and wolf females who came to him with their fertility issues.

After finding Martine, John decided to locate all the children conceived in this manner and ensure they were loved and cared for. John loved children, and he loved unconditionally. He was a father to eight children; only three were genetically his. Four were fathered by Rafer Henrikson. One was born human, Patrick.

After Dr. Rene died, Martine was forced to live on the streets of New Orleans, fending for herself, never a whole person. She had enough of the drug in her system to suppress the wolf gene, and after her twenty-fifth birthday, there was no danger of her turning wolf. Her recent rehabilitation, including triple doses of Vertamus, reactivated her wolf gene. Martine wanted to help her father locate the other children like her.

You are letting Violet go, and she is not even a wolf, Martine continued to argue her point.

True, but Violet has magic on her side, John reminded Martine.

Just because she can see a wolf’s aura? How is that going to help? Wolves are not the only supernatural beings with an emerald green aura. What if Violet sees the tooth fairy and not a wolf? At least I can see their wolf, even if they are in their human form. I will know for sure, Martine rebutted, her body tingling with energy and anticipation. You have to let me go.

Have you been taught to fight like a wolf? John asked, hoping to find a way to discourage his daughter from going on their first possible rescue mission.

Belly, leg, throat, Martine replied succinctly with a hint of arrogance. She had read the books by the family's matriarch, Abby Rudolph. Belly for blood, leg to disable, throat to kill.

But have you sparred as a wolf? Are you formidable enough? John inquired, still trying to justify Martine not to accompany him and the group to Nashville.

Daniel has been teaching me in the meadow. We have been running laps and mock fighting, Daddy. I am ready. I know how to protect myself. Besides, I think this one will be easy. I have read the dossier.

And I suppose you have it memorized, John tried to chuckle, still nervous.

Photographic memory, remember? Martine boasted. Total recall, Daddy.

Since this one is local, okay, John finally relented but with reservations.

We will travel to Nashville together. I have already reached out to several shelters. I found where Conner Clayton has stayed off and on over the past several years. I have enlisted the aid of a wolf who knows the area and works in one of the soup kitchens, Antoine advised. Antoine was also one of John’s adopted sons, another of Rafer's progeny.

We will be able to travel to the common areas for the homeless and see if Violet can see Clayton's aura. I have an old driver’s license photo. The Department of Transportation hired me to set up their firewalls. I so love my job, Elmer II smiled. Elmer enjoyed hacking more than any legitimate job. He was the best black hat in the business.

And what do we do once we find Conner? Violet asked. We cannot leave him out on the street. And how do we determine if he is turning wolf? Martine had a green aura, and she was not turning.

That is why I should go. I will be able to see Conner's wolf. I lived on the streets of New Orleans for twelve years. I know how to approach him. I can relate to how he feels and what he needs to feel whole again. I am perfect for this mission, Martine explained with confidence. We have to get him off the streets. Conner is one of us. We owe him, and I need to pay it forward.

John knew Martine was ideal for the mission. He smiled in admiration of his baby girl. She was a benevolent person. Despite most of her life being pain and torture, she had a compassionate heart. John was just overprotective. And he knew it.

We can bring him back here and help him on his journey to recovery. Get him cleaned up and well, both physically and mentally. The Mortons could always use help on Moon Meadow, Daniel suggested.

We cannot just kidnap Conner, Martine exclaimed in horror. How will that help his self-esteem? He will need to want our help. Some people are happy living on the streets. They have a family; other homeless people in similar situations. They look out for each other.

So, what do you suggest? John asked.

First off, we need an old van, not a luxury model, and some unassuming clothes. We do not need to look like a bunch of rich people feeling guilty because one of our own has hit rock bottom. No one wants charity. Regardless of their situation, they have their pride, Martine replied, almost lecturing.

Martine is right, Violet replied, nodding. I watched the homeless in the French Quarter for years. They have learned to fend for themselves. An abandoned meal on a bench here and there goes a long way to feed someone without offending them.

And I will need to approach Conner on my own. I know what to say and how to act without being overbearing. We do not want to alienate Conner. We want to help him, but only if he wants it, Martine continued.

But baby girl, it could be dangerous, John told his daughter, his eyes darkening with fear.

Daddy, I can take care of myself. I did it for twelve years. I know exactly what to do. You have to trust me.

I do trust you. But I have missed out on forty years of your life, and the thought of putting you in harm’s way scares the bejesus out of me.

We will be close by, Daniel said to assure his father of Martine’s safety.

Okay, okay, John succumbed. Let’s get a used van and some casual clothing. Then we will go to Nashville.

Chapter 2

Two days later, the group was ready to go to Nashville. I have loaded a cooler with bottled water and sandwiches, Violet announced to John, Daniel, Gabriella, and Martine.

And I have a box with assorted clothing and a shaving kit, Gabriella added.

Do you have the first aid kit? John asked. We are not taking a healer on this trip.

I have it, John, and besides, I know a few healing spells if need be, but I am sure we will not need it. Other than a few vagrancy arrests, Conner has not been in any other trouble. Elmer did a full background check, Violet advised with confidence.

Let’s get going then. I would like to be home for dinner, Daniel chuckled, jumping into the driver’s seat. Theresa is making three cheese and spinach stuffed manicotti tonight. Daniel's mate Theresa was a superb cook, and Daniel undeniably enjoyed every meal she prepared.

Okay, Martine, let’s go over the dossier again, John requested a few minutes later as they approached the on-ramp to the interstate and headed west toward Nashville.

Conner Clayton, born 2008, conception 2007. Mother, Camilla. Father of record, David Clayton. Camilla was artificially inseminated by Robertson after the death of David Clayton. Robertson was supposed to be using frozen sperm collected when David died suddenly in a construction accident. Actual father, inmate Michael Hedgewood, incarcerated for murder in 2005. Conner has been on the street for twenty years, unable to hold a job due to alcoholism and possible drug usage. His mother died in 2032. Conner is a loner but stays near other homeless people. He is non-combative. African American, five foot eleven, light complexion, brown hair, and a thin build, Martine recited from memory.

We are meeting Theo Barnes at the homeless shelter. He knows where Conner hangs out in the summer time. And it is going to be a hot one, Daniel sighed.

July in Tennessee meant temperatures above one hundred degrees with humidity almost as high. The temperature would be hitting triple digits before ten o'clock in the morning. It would be another twelve hours before the temperature would drop back down to the low nineties.

The two-hour drive passed quickly. Most of the trip was spent telling stories and laughing. Daniel pulled up to the shelter near downtown Nashville, and John went inside to find Theo.

Thank you again for helping us with this, John told Theo sincerely while shaking his hand.

After you told me your daughter's story, how could I refuse? We try to help the rogue wolves in the area, but maybe Conner knowing the truth will help him cope and move on with his life, Theo replied, taking John’s proffered hand.

My daughter Martine is going to talk to Conner. We will offer help. If he declines, we will move on to the next child. We truly hope he will take the time to listen and consider our proposition, John assured Theo.

We hand out food throughout the area, and I know where Conner should be. It will take just a few minutes to get there, Theo advised John.

We have a van outside. I will introduce you to the family. John and Theo walked back to the parking lot. This is my son, Daniel, and my daughters, Gabriella and Martine, and a family friend, Violet.

It is a pleasure to meet you, sir, Martine told Theo offering her hand. Thank you for allowing us to come into your city and allowing us to help Conner.

Is everyone in the family as beautiful and polite? Theo asked with a slight blush rising on his cheeks while still holding Martine’s hand.

Yes, sir, Daniel replied politely while watching Theo cautiously. Theo appeared to be about the same age as him and his twin. Daniel was concerned Theo was holding Martine’s hand a bit longer than was appropriate for a first meeting.

Shall we go? John asked, thereby interrupting what could have become an uncomfortable and explosive moment for everyone.

Daniel was more protective of his twin sister than John was. Let’s go, Daniel insisted, trying to maintain a calm composure while looking down at Theo. Daniel stood over six feet five inches tall and was intimidating just by his stature. His chiseled chest and bulging biceps added to his ominous appearance.

Theo heard Daniel's low growl. He released Martine’s hand and looked toward John. We will head to the Cumberland River first and to the park. If Conner is not there, we will go to a few interstate overpasses. Believe it or not, some of the homeless will cover several miles each day foraging for food and finding a safe place to rest or sleep. We try to get them into the shelters when the temperatures are extreme, but many refuse. Conner likes to be around people but puts a little distance between him and the others for safety reasons.

Theo pointed the way to the park by the river. While he searched for Conner from memory, Violet searched for his aura, and Martine searched for his wolf. He is not here. Let’s go down toward the interstate, Theo sighed, disheartened.

As the entourage neared the next possible location, Violet could see a weak green aura. Over there, she called out, pointing to a fair-skinned African American male.

Yes, that is him, Theo confirmed.

Martine nodded in agreement. She could see his wolf, chocolate brown with beige undertones.

Keep driving, Martine requested. Go back to the Quickie-Mart. I need to get something.

Confused, everyone looked at Martine. But Daniel did what she asked. Their souls were linked. They were twins. Daniel trusted Martine and her instincts implicitly as did Martine with him.

Six people were beneath the bridge, finding protection in the shade of the already scorching hot sun; six, including Conner. But Martine saw something the rest had not. She saw the disposable plastic cup Conner was holding. It would take more than a bottle of ice-cold water if she wanted to get close to him. Sure, volunteers handed out water for the homeless to stay hydrated. But a large ice-cold slushy would be her way to winning Conner over.

Six large cherry slushies and one grape, please, Martine requested as she paid the cashier for the drinks. Sorry, I like grape, she smirked. I have to get one for everyone under the bridge. It would not be right to get one for only Conner.

John smiled. Martine’s heart was filled with love, not pity. She knew only too well from personal experience the right thing to do. After purchasing the drinks, they headed back to the bridge.

While the family members and Theo handed out slushies and sandwiches to the others seeking refuge from the sun under the bridge, Martine walked toward Conner. He wore a faded pair of jeans, a stained olive green t-shirt, and military-style boots. His pack containing the rest of his possessions was sitting beside him.

Conner was leery of strangers. His first reaction was to flee.

Martine ignored the low growl emanating from Conner's throat. She pushed down her fear and continued. She knew Daniel and her father were just feet away. They would protect her if attacked.

Cherry slushy? Martine asked, holding out the ice-cold drink. It is killer hot today.

Conner shook his head in agreement and accepted the slushy. You one of those do-gooders looking not to feel guilty come Sunday morning? Conner asked, pushing down his own fears and his instinct to flee. He kept his distance from humans for a reason, and Martine was only feet from him.

I was raised Catholic, so we always feel guilty, Martine replied with a smirk. But actually, I came here to tell you a story. One about me. May I sit?

Free country, lady, Conner replied with a sneer and edged a few inches away.

Not as free as you think, Martine smirked sarcastically after sitting. Conner chuckled in agreement.

See the older man over there? Martine asked, indicating John. And the younger one, the tall guy? That is my father, John, and my twin brother Daniel. Three months ago, I did not even know they existed. I lived on the streets of New Orleans for the last twelve years. I tell you, New Orleans’ heat is worse than here. I would have killed for a fresh ice cold slushy. But those tourists always had a thing for chicory coffee and beignets. Caffeine and sugar, ugh.

You lived on the streets? Homeless? Conner exclaimed in surprise while looking at Martine’s casual but well-kept appearance. His curiosity was piqued. His expression turned from one of uneasiness and fear to interest.

After the man who raised me died, yes. You see, I was kidnaped when I was born. The doctor told my birth mother and her mate I was stillborn. He took me to New Orleans. Then he died, forcing me to live on the streets and fend for myself. Daniel found me only because he was trying to ascertain who his biological father was. My mother was artificially inseminated but with the wrong sperm.

"My mother was artificially inseminated with my father’s sperm after he died. This is Twilight Zone weird," Conner replied with suspicion in his eyes, his body shifting as if bracing to handle the truth he feared he was about to hear.

My name is Martine Newsome, she stated as an introduction and smiled. She offered her hand to Conner.

Conner cautiously took her hand while introducing himself. Conner Clayton.

It had been years since he had touched another human being, and it put him on edge. He closed his eyes to keep Martine from seeing his eyes flashing yellow, wolf yellow.

Yes, Mr. Clayton, I know. I came here today to find you and tell you the truth.

The truth?

Yes, the truth of who you are and what you are, Martine whispered softly and sincerely.

Fear came over Conner in waves. Theo told you? Conner asked, his fear turning to anger as he looked toward Theo. Conner’s eyes were feral, and his jaw clenched.

Martine could sense Conner's rage. She could see his wolf, wild eyes and teeth ready to attack. Martine held her ground and took a deep breath to calm herself enough to continue her story. But she was prepared to turn if attacked.

No, we reached out to Theo to help us find you. Please give me a few minutes to explain, and then you will understand. Would you grant me the courtesy of listening? Please allow me to at least tell you the truth, Martine asked, calm and reassuring.

Martine’s eyes told Conner she was not there to endanger him. Conner nodded and took another long draw off his cherry slushy. Exhaling, he tried to relax.

There was a doctor named Jason Robertson who cared for people like us. He also helped women with fertility issues. But somewhere along the line, he became twisted and evil. Instead of using the sperm provided, he used sperm he had collected from a prison east of here, sperm he had altered. The sperm he used to inseminate your mother was not her deceased husband. It was the sperm of a prisoner named Michael Hedgewood. Robertson modified the sperm to make you what you are today. He did the same with my mother. I am just like you, a wolf.

Conner sat in shock, unable to move or respond. Everything Martine was saying rang true. But Conner did not want to believe it.

I know this is a lot to absorb all at once, and we can talk more if you like. I would like you to get to know my family and offer you a chance to shower, eat and give you a change of clothing. Then you can decide if what I am saying is true. And then we can set into motion how we can help you, but only if you want to. We will not ask you to do anything you do not want. We will not force you to do or be anything you do not want.

Why are you doing this? Conner asked, still suspicious. Plus, he was still trying to process everything Martine had just told him.

We are doing this because what Robertson did was wrong. He created us and then left us to fend for ourselves. My family has decided to find every child derived from Robertson's actions and ensure they are safe and loved. It is the right thing to do. Good people helped me. It is my turn to pay it forward.

Conner could see the tears in Martine’s eyes welling. Her voice was sincere and tone heartfelt. I guess it would not hurt to listen, Conner decided. He was curious to know the truth, the whole truth. And a good meal and a change of clothing would be like icing on the cake. If he did not like what he heard, he could just walk away. He had nothing to lose but an afternoon out of the hot sun.

Thank you, Mr. Clayton, Martine replied and stood. She offered him her hand. Conner took it and rose to his feet. Together they walked toward the van. We need a hotel with room service, please. Theo, could you recommend one?

Yes, ma’am. Just drop me off at the shelter, and I will give you directions, Theo replied, still admiring Martine.

Violet pulled Theo to the side. The older man needs medical attention. His aura tells me he is near death.

Theo thanked Violet without any questions and made a quick call. I doubt he will accept help, but at least we can try, Theo told Violet.

Chapter 3

Minutes later, the entourage dropped Theo off at the homeless shelter and proceeded to one of the best hotels in downtown Nashville. When the group walked in, the clerk was dismayed at Conner’s appearance and quickly called the manager.

I am sorry, but we have a reputation to uphold, the arrogant hotel manager told John. You need to leave.

John pulled out his phone, holding it in his palm so the manager could see it. You don’t seem to understand, sir, John refuted. I asked for a suite, and I expect one. My family is wealthy enough to buy the entire building, probably the chain, but I am only asking for one suite for a couple of hours. I am sure you can handle my request. As a matter of fact, I think our bank holds the liens on your building. So either you give us a suite, or I call my daughter, Mrs. Gracey Rudolph, co-president of Rudolph, Inc.

Stone Savings and Loan? the manager inquired, his eyes showing dread, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

Yes, Stone Rudolph is my son-in-law, John replied succinctly, still staring at the manager with determination, thumb ready to call Gracey.

Yes, sir, the manager acquiesced and quickly arranged for the best suite in the hotel.

And put the kitchen staff on alert. We will be ordering a lot of food soon, Daniel advised. Sorry, I am hungry, he smirked while the rest laughed. Daniel’s appetite was both legendary and voracious.

Within minutes, the group was in a large and luxurious suite. Why don't you shower and change first, and then we can talk, John suggested. I will order some food. When was the last time you hunted, Conner?

Last month, Conner replied after gathering his composure. Is everyone here the same as me?

Everyone but Violet. She is human and a friend of the family, Gabriella replied. By the way, I am one of John’s daughters, Gabriella.

Pleased to meet you all, Conner replied. May I have a steak? Rare?

You can have anything you want, John chuckled with a warm fatherly smile. I will call room service, and we can have lunch and talk some more. We have brought some clothes and a shaving kit. Help yourself. If you need anything, just yell, and we will get it for you.

Once Conner entered the shower, the family broke their silence. That was easy enough, Daniel sighed in relief.

It is nowhere near being over, son, John replied, correcting Daniel. A hot shower and a good meal don’t right the wrong. We need to ask Conner where he wants to go from here. Does he stay on the streets, or can we help him assimilate into society? It seems Theo has tried to help Conner before, and Conner refused his help.

Is Theo part of a pack? Violet asked.

A loose pack for protection only. There are about seven wolves in the city. They live separate from one another, semi-rogue, John tried to explain.

So Theo and the local pack don’t have the resources to help rehabilitate Conner and help him to be self-sufficient? Gabriella asked almost rhetorically.

Correct. Conner might need a close-knit pack to help him. He needs the safety net our family can provide. A job, a place to live, and other wolves to emulate, John suggested. But we will talk to him during lunch and figure out what is best for him. We cannot kidnap him and take him home with us. We cannot save him from himself. Only Conner knows what he wants or needs.

Maybe now that Conner knows the truth, he will want something different than he has, Martine replied optimistically.

While the family discussed options, the food was delivered to the suite, and soon after, Conner emerged from the shower. With fresh clothes and a shave, he looked like a different person. He walked into the room with confidence and smiled. His light brown eyes looked relieved against his latte complexion.

Blue is a good color for you, Violet smiled and winked. Lunch has arrived; steaks for everyone but me. I got the fish.

Thank you for the shower and the clothes, Mr. Newsome, Conner stated sincerely with a gracious smile.

It is John. Please sit and eat with us.

Thank you, John, Conner replied genuinely.

Let’s get to know each other. I am sure Martine told you why we sought you out, but I would like to hear your story. Why are you living on the streets and rogue? I would like to help you, but only if you are willing. We don’t believe in coercing anyone to do what they don’t want to, John replied in a soft, fatherly tone.

Honestly, I am not sure where to start, Conner replied.

Eat, take your time, John stated, reassuringly patting Conner on the back. We are in no hurry.

Conner cut into the rare thick steak and took the first bite. He closed his eyes and sighed in appreciation. This is good. After a few more bites, he paused and started telling his story.

It was right after my thirteenth birthday. I wasn’t feeling well and went to bed early. My body ached, and I felt strange. My mother gave me some acetaminophen, and I went to bed a bit later. I had this bizarre dream, or at the time, I thought it was a dream. I dreamt I had turned into a wolf. I blamed it on not feeling well; maybe I was feverish and ignored it. But then, about a month later, it happened again. Luckily I was alone when I turned into a wolf. I was so hungry. I was craving blood and raw meat. I figured out how to change back into a human and cooked myself a steak, rare, of course. It helped some but not much.

Did you tell anyone? John inquired.

No. What was I going to say? They would have thought I was crazy, truly insane. So I started reading everything I could on wolves, werewolves, and shapeshifters. I became obsessed. I rarely left my room except to go to school. And even then, I was afraid. I could feel myself wanting to growl when I became angry. By the time I was sixteen, I was drinking massive amounts of alcohol to suppress my anger and keep myself calm. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I was afraid. Afraid for both them and me.

Conner paused. Everyone could see the depression setting in his face and his eyes darkening. After a few more bites of food, Conner continued.

"After I barely graduated high school, I got a job. My grades were so poor I could not get into college. My mother was heartbroken, well actually pissed and disappointed. I could barely look her in the eyes. She was a well-respected lawyer, and the thought of her flesh and blood working minimum-wage jobs was embarrassing. It was bad enough that she had to overcome the