Texas (Wolfstate Chronicles)

By Bella Johnson

When Abigail Redding comes home from College for the summer, Colten Turner's seemingly simple existence is all of sudden thrown into the complicated. Where he is finally forced to not only deal with but also fight his growing fondness for the beautiful Abigail and in consequence - lay the fate of his inherited pack and alpha title on the line.

This is the second instalment in the Wolfstate Chronicles by Bella Johnson.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bella Johnson
• Release date: Sep 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311427984

Bella Johnson

Bella Johnson, a Canadian Author with a reputation for out of the box characters and true to life plot lines. Predominately writing in the paranormal genre, she has been known to venture back to the human-realm for some good ol' romance. A writer since a young girl, she is often caught quoting "If I do not write, I do not get to sleep."

Book preview

Colten Turner shuffled into the small stuffy bar, past the lonely drunks, past the giggling girls on the dance floor and over to his normal table of normal acquaintances.

He sat to a rickety stool, removing his white cowboy hat.

Where have you been, Colt?

Hey, Pete. He brushed the sweat that had collected under his hat from his forehead, I had to finish up with the Redding's horses.

Oh oh! A rowdy, intoxicated male pointed across the table to him and smirked, Is that looker of their's home yet?

Colten creased his brow, his dark eyes simmering, No, Tyler.

Awe, man! She's a nice bit too. The guy sighed, slapping his hand to the table.

She wasn't home yet. Colten grunted.

Wonder how much she learned at College. He slurred, with a raised eyebrow.

Sneering at him, Colten ignored him further, Go have another drink.

He nodded, Not a bad idea, you sure are smart, Colt. He stood quick and disappeared into the crowd.

Alpha's are so smart! Peter leaned over, smacking Colten on the back, Ain't that right?

Colten stared at him, Why did I come here?

"Don't get testy. Peter took a big swig of his beer, So, what are you doing this weekend?"

Nothing much. Just have Sarah coming over. Colten ran a hand through his damp hair; not appreciating how hot and sticky the bar got on a Friday evening.

Peter smiled, How's Sarah?

She's fine. Colten looked up as Tyler bellowed across the dance floor, He's gonna get it. He pointed to Tyler as a bigger girl blonde, puffed up her chest in protest to Tyler's moves.

Pete laughed, Where's my phone? I'm videoing this.

Oh jeez. Colten looked away, scanning the bar and taking in the line-up for a beer.

Peter fumbled with his electronic device, Ah, I only have one battery cell left. Damn.

Colten stayed quiet, toying with the idea of going to get himself a drink.

You're sure with the conversation tonight, Colt.

Colten looked to him, I'm just tired. Long week.

"Maybe Sarah can unwind you." Peter chimed, smirking.

"One of these days, I swear - I'm going to revoke your beta-card."

His friend burst out laughing, You're too nice to do that!

Colten grumbled, Be right back. Grabbing his cowboy hat, he shifted it back on as he made his way across the bar. Dodging more and more people as the place filled.

He crept his way to the bar and ordered himself two beers, to save the trip fifteen minutes later when he'd need another. As he waited, he loosened another button on his plaid shirt and shoved his sleeves a little higher on his elbows.

With beer in hand, he walked back to the table and sat across from Peter who had the company of two young girls. The brunettes giggled and clung off his friend.

Peter pointed to Colten, And this here; my best friend, Colten Turner. The guy I was telling y'all about.

Ah... A bitty with lean legs lunged across the table at him and he steadied his beers to stop the toppling.

Careful there. Colten drummed as he looked up to her.

She smiled and batted her eyes, I'm Bethany!

Oh, Bethany! Peter chirped, wiggling his eyebrows.

Colten shook her hand, giving Peter a sincere not interested look. Ignoring his friend, Peter enjoyed the closer company of the other brunette and left him to fend for himself.

Bethany slipped up beside him and he shifted away, sipping his beer to distance himself from any further interaction.

I like to dance. Bethany cooed.

Colten looked to her, Well, sorry, Miss, I'm no good.

She wrapped her hands around his bicep and tugged him close. Licking her lips with a pout so he could feel her sticky breath run along his cheek, I think we could have some fun tonight.

Colten peeled himself back, I'm good for tonight.

She snorted and whipped around, grabbing her friend that had still been giggling over Peter.

Ah, Colten! Pete complained, Come on, man!

Don't give me that. Colten argued.

"Ruin it all for me, I should stop hanging around you. You don't even like Sarah."

Hey, Colten snapped, That's not fair.

Well, it's the truth. Just cause you're unhappy, don't mean you gotta ruin it for the rest of us.

Pete, Colten learned forward, pausing and deciding the argument wasn't worth it, Sure thing, Pete.

You're just bitter. Peter concluded.

Colten tensed, I'm just not interested.

I'm trying to help you, Colt. Maybe you'll find your mate one day.

I'm good on the help. Colten said through a yawn as he finished his beer, Have my other beer. I'm going home.

Yeah, yeah. Sit at home. Alone. Will do ya' a lot of good. Peter rambled, Might want to pick up a bottle of Vaseline too while you're on your way out.

You're not funny. He pushed the full beer to his friend, Night, Peter.

See you later! Peter called after him as he walked away and out of the bar.

Heading for his pickup, Colten opened the driver's side door and climbed inside. He threw his hat to the passenger seat and stopped, staring at the emptiness.

The hope of filling that seat, plagued him, Peter's words had weaselled their way into him.

He started the truck – pushing his thoughts far from his mind. His dog in the back sat up on cue and whined.

No more stops, Boomer. Don't worry.

He pulled out of the parking lot and headed south out of Silvertun, Texas. It was a little-big town in the middle of nowhere surrounded by ranch lands and tumble weeds, far beyond that - a rolling mountain side that was host to his pack's boarders into Mexico.

After a half hour, the truck glided up the long drive of the hundred and sixty acre property and stopped in front of the charming but old ranch house Colten Turner called home.

He jumped out and slammed the door, his boots kicking up dust as he made his way to the wrap around porch, Boomer barking at his side.

Colten smiled at the old dog, Quiet down, you'll wake up Ella.

The dog yelped once more and found his bed on the porch for the night.

Once inside, he dismantled himself of his hat and boots.

Good evening, Mr. Turner. A tan skinned, older woman appeared from the kitchen, taking off her apron.

Evening, Alma.

You have a good day?

He nodded, Decent.

She smiled, I'm going to head home. I've left biscuits that I baked in the bread tin.

Thanks. He nodded.

She hung up the apron on the near hook in the narrow hall of the farm house.

How was my niece today?

The woman walked towards him, She was good. Went to bed early, I had her outside with me, trying to weed.

I told you not to worry about that sad flower garden.

I was out of things to do. She picked up her purse from the coat rack and pulled on a light jacket, I'll see you Monday morning.

Colten nodded, Goodnight.

Goodnight. She left the house.

He sighed, stretching his sore limbs. He could have used some fresh coffee or even – a massage.

Though he gave up on both thoughts quick and headed up the creaking stairs, into his room as the fan rattled away, blowing hot air from one side of the room to the next.

He stripped his dirt filled shirt and worked on his belt and wranglers, kicking them off as he fell into bed.

His shoulder was still tweaked from earlier, Damn mare. A palomino in the afternoon had given him issues and in turn had pulled a muscle on his right arm. He rolled to his stomach, trying to get comfy in his boxers and dusty socks but he wasn't one to stay awake after a long day and he quickly fell asleep – rickety fan and all.

He woke, the blinding sun reflecting off the white ceiling. Squinting, he heard the faint cries of his nine month old niece down the hall. For eight in the morning, the air was hot and made for an uncomfortable layer of sweat on his skin.

As he sat up and forced himself out of bed, the old rattle of a truck coming up the drive made him move faster. The loneliness of the week had been getting the better of him.

Peering out his bedroom window, he watched as a lean blonde jumped from the truck, wearing a summer dress and jean jacket.

He stuck his head out the window, Sarah.

Morning, Colt. She smiled, waving up at him as two young kids jumped out of the vehicle.

I'll be right down. He grabbed a plaid shirt from the back of near sitting chair and found the jeans he'd worn the day before, dressing quick. He pulled a shirt over his shoulders and walked to the small room at the end of the hall. The door protested, creaking as he pushed it open.

Morning, my niece. He picked up the baby and left the room, grabbing a clean diaper as he did. He jogged the staircase as the front door shot opened.

The girl and boy of nine and seven crashed inside, laughing as Boomer ran circles around them barking.

Boomer! Colten cursed at the animal,Good morning, kids. He smiled as they raced past him, taking the dog with them, screaming good morning back to him.

Morning. The woman walked up to him, taking Ella as she leaned in and kissed him, How was your week?

He shrugged, It was alright, I'm a bit worn out. How about you?

Colten! The little boy shouted from the kitchen.

He smiled at Sarah, They want their pancakes.

She nodded and grabbed the diaper from him, I'll change her.

Life saver. He smiled and kissed her cheek before heading into the kitchen, doing up the buttons on his shirt.

He walked in just as the two kids hauled a large bag of flour from a bottom cupboard.

Whoa, guys. He rushed towards them and picked up the flour as it dusted the air around them, making them laugh and cough, Yesh. He threw it on the counter top and dusted himself off.

Sarah walked into the old kitchen a minute later and put Ella in her wooden high chair. Beginning to pile magazines and newspapers together that were laid out across the table from a week's worth of breakfast occupation, What's that house keeper do all week, Colt? This house is always so cluttered.

Colten turned to her as he started the coffee machine, She does a good job.

Colten, stop lying to yourself. You pay her good money.

Ella likes her. He fought some pots and pans in search for a mixing bowl. The kids laughed at him in the process. He looked them, What are you guys laughing at?

They perked up and smiled, zipping their mouths shut.

He threw the skillet to the oven and the bowl to the counter, Grab eggs, children.

They raced to the old fifties fridge and ripped it open, looking for their goal of eggs as they giggled.

He walked over to Sarah as she started organizing his counters, Stop. He grabbed her wrists and pulled against his chest.

She sighed, wanting to clean, You need a woman in this house, not an old bat-crazy nanny.

He chuckled, No woman wants to live with me. It's better if I continue to pay one. He kissed her cheek quick, though it didn't always sit right in his stomach - the contact was soothing on his loneliness – even if it was just on weekends.

She looked to him, a soft sadness breaking across her face, Colten.

He walked over to the oven, Seriously, no more cleaning.

The kids had dug out most of what they needed to make pancakes and the cooking began. He'd somehow over the many months trained them to basically make breakfast by themselves but with his constant supervision, they tended to be quite messy and he didn't trust they wouldn't set his house on fire.

Sarah set the table and made sure Ella had a bib as well as feeding her a jar of homemade baby food which the baby gobbled up.

All the while, the cooking commenced but only after one spilled batch of pancake mix, of course. Once breakfast was ready, they sat and dug in, the kids drenching their cakes in chocolate syrup.

And how are your children not small blimps? Colten joked.

Sarah smiled, That's what keeps them going all day, you should know.

Point made. He ate some of his breakfast and soon the kids were done and out the back door, chucking hay at each other in the small barn across the property and likely annoying his two ranch horses to death in the near pen.

Sarah cleaned the plates and brought them to the sink, What are you doing next weekend?

Colten thought as he looked up from the newspaper, Oh, I don't know. I haven't really thought about it much. Why?

It's the rodeo. Sarah stacked a dish in the drying rack.

Oh, yeah. He grumbled, looking back to the newspaper.

You aren’t going? She pressed.

I haven't thought about it, to be honest.

Oh, well... Do you want to go with me?

Colten swallowed, their weekend relationship over the last six months must have been getting the better of the widow and he hadn't taken that into consideration. It was routine now to see her and her children Saturday morning and say goodbye Sunday evening and he hadn't thought much more of it.

He cleared his throat and stood, We can take the kids.

She turned to him, wiping her hands in the dish rag, My mother said she could watch them in the evening, so I was thinking we could go to the dance Saturday night together. She'll watch Ella too.

Oh. Colten paused and swallowed, Is that like a date? Cause we-

I just wanted to go have fun, Colten. It doesn’t have to be a date or anything. Though she looked a bit sad and it was due to his hesitation towards her.

He decided he'd suck it up, Yeah, I'll take you, Sarah. Of course.

A smile graced her lips and it eased his nervousness, though he still couldn't shake the uneasy feelings about it. His other side was telling him no but his remorseful non-alpha-wolf side was telling him it was the right thing to do and that Sarah Fuller deserved something from him for being in his bed for six months.

He walked to the back door and looked out, Your children are dumping hay from the loft on my mare.

Oh, Jeez! She rushed to the door and opened it, Jake! Sally! No more! Leave Honey alone!

She turned into him, Sorry.

He smiled, Maybe they'll get that baby out of her quicker with the torment.

She laughed and inched herself closer to him, her tongue running over her soft pink lips and he couldn't help but guess what she wanted.

Their relationship had at first been impulsive, both being desperate, lonely but in that time - Colten had learned her. He knew what she wanted and when she wanted it. Ducking towards her, he kissed her.

The kids broke them apart, running up the back porch like a herd of elephants

Honey bit my finger! Sally whaled.

Colten crouched down to inspect the little girl, She's a bitter ol' nag, ain't she?

Jake laughed at his sister, You're the one that teased her with the oats.

Ah. Colten smirked and looked the bruised finger over, She doesn’t like to be teased, you know that.

Sally sighed, Yeah, I know.

Sarah shoed the kids away, Get out of here, you little trouble makers.

They laughed at their mother and ran out the backdoor, this time dragging Boomer from his bed with them.

Sarah watched, Poor Boomer.

He'll live. Colten turned to Ella but Sarah stopped him, pressing into him – about to continue the kissing but the phone rang.

One second. He walked across the kitchen and grabbed the phone. Sarah returned to the dishes as he pressed the old phone to his ear, Morning.

There was a pause and then the older woman's voice came through, Morning Colten, sorry to call you so early...

It was his boss’ wife and generally when she called it was out of worry, It's alright, Mrs. Redding. Is everything alright?

Well, not really. Fiesta seems to be suffering some colic.

Colten turned away from Sarah, Isn't that Abi's mare?

Yeah, that's the mare. We've called the vet in but he can't be here for five hours. You have experience with this. I was hoping you could come down and check her out quickly.

Colten tried to relax against the tension surging his body, Sure, I'll be right over.

Oh, thank you, Colt. That would really ease us a bit, Abi just loves that mare!

No worries, see y'all soon. He hung up the phone and turned back to face a glaring Sarah.

What is it? Her voice quirked.

He grabbed his keys off the counter, The Redding's have a horse in colic, so I'm just going to go take a quick look, I'll be back soon.

Can't they call a vet?

Yeah, they have. He grabbed a cookie from the near jar, He's gonna be awhile though.

I see. Sarah sighed.

Walking to her, he planted a soft kiss on her cheek but she grabbed his cheeks and put her lips firm to his.

He broke from her, Hour or so. Won't be long!

Bye. She breathed.

He walked to his front door and jogged the porch steps to his red truck.

He lived close to the Redding's Red Valley Ranch so really, this would be a quick visit and once he looked at that mare, he'd book it out of there and if luck was on his side, Abigail wouldn't be there.

He pulled up to the beautiful ranch and parked by the new barn. Walking in to the large building, he found Abigail's dad looking in a stall with a farm hand leaned against a near wall.

Hey, Charlie. Colten greeted the older man.

The heavier set man with a white moustache and cowboy hat, looked up, Colten, thanks for coming.

It's not a problem. Colten looked into the stall and saw the mare lying down.

The horse is in there. Charlie explained.

Colten opened the stall door and walked inside. The mare looked to him, sweating and tired, the twisted up stomach was getting the best of her.

What's up, girl? He patted her forehead, I'll try to get her up.

Charlie sighed, We've been trying.

Up, Fiesta, come on. He went to her other side and pushed her, but the mare just heaved.

Up! Though the horse showed signs of the more direct voice getting to her, she didn't move.

He sighed and looked To Charlie, Might need more man power to get her up.

We tried, three of us on her. I told Abi, I ain't paying some fancy vet bill for this mare, she already costs us a fortune.

Colten groaned as the mare dropped her chin to the shavings and blew out, That vet's going to be a bit Mrs. Redding said?

Charlie nodded, Some stuck calf somewhere but like I said, if this things too far gone-

It's okay. Colten stopped him, I'll figure it out. He'd dealt with enough to at least know, trying everything sometimes paid off.

He walked out of the stall, I want to know if her gut's moving at all. She's not making a lot of sounds...

Charlie grumbled, his cell phone ringing on his side, I gotta deal with this.

Colten nodded as the older man walked out of the barn, snapping into the phone at one of his many employees.

Colten headed to the tack room and found a rope, Come on, horse, I don't need to see her heart broke... The sweet, melodic voice of Abigail Redding and the approaching click of her boots on the cement isle of the barn, stopped his monologue.

Her sweet scent of a flowers hit him like a ton of bricks as Abigail halted her step in the doorway, her gaze meeting his.

Trying to hide the wince in his face, his body filled with scorching pain that ran the length of his limbs and across his chest.

He studied her lean legs in the white washed cut-off shorts and the white tank top, showing off her tiny navel and goose-bumped skin. His hands tightened on the bucket in his hands.

It made him need her, want her.

Hi, Colt.

Her voice hit him like a bullet out of a shot gun.

Hey, Abi. He tried to calm his nerves but it was like meeting her all over again and he remembered that first day, all too well.

He tried to wet his parched mouth and hoped he didn't like a hungry animal.

How are you? She breathed.

He shifted his weight, needing to stop his fantasy prone mind around her, Uh, yeah, good. You?

Could be better. She etched with uneasiness.

Her words forced him to snap his focus back on the horse and why he was there.

We need to get Fiesta walking. He stuffed.

She won't.

Her obvious distress bothered him, hunching forward, he became determined.

We'll get her up. Going to walk past her, he couldn't, the six inches of door frame left would end with him brushing against her, that he wouldn't be able to endure.

She stepped back into the isle, I don't want to lose her. I just couldn't stand it.

She'll be okay. Making possible impossible promises to not just himself but to her as well, that could be bad – very bad.

She crept inside the stall while he took a moment to gather his senses.

Walking forward, he convinced himself he could now stand in front of Abigail and not be in pain.

He entered the stall and looked down at the pretty blonde as she stroked the sorrel's face, humming softly to her horse. He walked around and bent down, looking the mare over.

I'll try giving her a shove up. He tried pushing and Fiesta shifted, causing Abigail to lean in. His eyes snapped to the nineteen year old girl as her shirt exposed a bit of her cleavage.

He bit his tongue as burning shot cut through him, Ow. He tripped away from the mare.

Abigail looked to him and he could see her astonishment, Oh, did she hurt you?

No. I bit my tongue. Blood filling his mouth, surprised he hadn't taken the tip of it off with the chomp, all because of her chest. He shook off the burning sensations and moved back to push the horse, On three, mare.

Abigail stepped up next to him, I'll help.

He grumbled, counting down and they pushed.

Come on, Fiesta! Abigail's voice broke, as she whimpered from pushing.

Colten groaned, not liking her wavering emotion. A low growl in his chest erupted and the mare shot up, skidding away from him.

He smiled but caught himself, brushing his hands off on his jeans.

Clinging to his bicep, Abigail squeezed him, You did it!

You helped. He looked down at her, her blue eyes meeting his and they both stopped.

Biting her lip, she swallowed, Daddy! She's up! Abigail hollered, breaking away from him.

Shh, it's alright, girl. Colten moved toward the mare and grabbed her by the halter, clipping the lead rope on. The horse backed away from him, eyeing him up, he took a deep breath and tried to settle the wolf stench pouring off him, Here, Abi.

Abigail took the lead rope from him and led her mare from the stall, excited to see the horse moving.

Colten needed out, he wanted to leave but then again, he wanted to stay and watch Abigail as she cooed and doted on the mare he'd just gotten to stand. He disliked the fact that Abigail's general happiness towards her horse made him radiate hormones. If only she could have felt them.

Fiesta moved slow out in the isle and he followed behind. The horse kept moving because he was behind her.

Let's keep her walking, see if she pulls out of the colic. Colten decided he'd stay another half hour and if he couldn't take it anymore, he'd leave – at least he'd gotten the mare up.

Abigail brought Fiesta into the round pen outside and kept walking her in circles, Do you think she'll be alright?

Colten leaned into the metal gate, She's young, I'm sure she'll come through.

Abigail nodded, walking the mare in silence for almost five minutes. He tried to speak about twenty times in those five minutes, but nothing but his nerves got him.

What have you been doing?She breeched into conversation.

Working. He admitted, How was school?

Good. She breathed, pausing, Did you miss me?

Colten wasn't sure if she had really asked him that or if he was just hearing things.

Y-yeah. He answered, Why? Did you miss me?

She smiled, Mm, my mom mentions you in the ranch stories she tells me over the phone.

Oh, yeah. He watched the mare, but didn't study the horse much more. Instead, he watched Abigail's sweet little hips sway back and forth.

Forcing himself to look away, he swallowed.

I missed home, those city boys are sort of annoying. She admitted, patting Fiesta.

There's a difference between the two?

She looked to him as she passed by, They're such babies. I even mention camping and they wince.

He grunted, Well, I doubt they could make a fire.

She laughed, I think that's what they are most afraid of.

Ah, fire! He joked.

Yeah, pretty much. She giggled, So, d-do you have a girlfriend still?

Still? He smiled, When did I have one before?

Her smile grew, Oh, come on.

Nope. He answered, I don't.

So, you like being a lone-ranger. She noted.

Colten shrugged, he didn't know what to say so he kept his mouth shut. He was good at being the silent cowboy – he'd done it most of his life.

She continued to question him, Are you going to the rodeo next weekend?

Uh... yeah. Unfortunately, because he'd promised Sarah.

Oh, cool.

His eyes had caught her cut off jeans and nice behind and he jumped the fence. Walking over to Abigail with her cheeks flushed red and shoulders beaded in sweat.

Here, He took the lead rope from her and his hand gently grazed her, I'll walk her a bit for you. You should go get some water, it's too hot out.

Abigail smiled, You always are nice to the ladies, Colt. She spun away and threw her scent in his face.

He withered, taking in a huge whiff of it and the horse bucked against the lead rope, not liking his wolf side again, Oh, calm down, I'm not having you for breakfast. Attempting to pull back his alpha hormones, he focused on walking the mare around the ring. This gave him a few minutes to get it back together and figure out how to get himself out of there.

With Abigail's return minutes later, he hadn't gotten far with his thoughts. She came to his side, two big glasses of ice tea, I brought you a drink.

Thank you. He took it from her.

How's she doing?

I think she'll be alright, she's walking, stops once in a while but keeps going again. She'll turn around. Already starting to. He concluded, not wanting her to worry much longer but wondering where the hell the vet was.

I really wanted to run her in the rodeo but, my parents are not in favour of it and now that's this has happened.

They won't let you race? Colten was surprised, Abigail was a good barrel racer and she had done well in all the high school rodeos.

She sighed, They don't want me to anymore. They think it's a waste of time.

He found himself wanting to root for her but that was wrong or maybe it wasn't, You're good. So is this mare.

She sighed, They figure since I did so well at school, I can make something more of myself, than just riding horses.

Colten glanced away, The troubles of being an only child.

Abigail giggled but slapped her hand to her mouth, Oh, Colten I heard about Savannah in the winter. I'm so sorry!

He looked over to her, It's... umm.... He really hated when people brought up his sister but since it'd been Abigail, he'd forgive her.

Her blue eyes softened once she saw his distraught non-vocal issue, You don't have to say anything. I'm sorry.

It's okay. I'm okay. We're okay. He glanced at her and took another sip of the ice tea, This is good.

I made it earlier. She breathed.

He looked to her and wince, of course she had it – she was the prefect girl. He hated in the little while he'd been around her again, she had already reminded him of it several times.

Perfect girl.

He finished off the ice tea.

Do you want another? She offered.

I'm good for now.

She took the glass from him and wrapped her lean fingers around his, Are you sure? I can run in the house for more.

His heart slammed, pulling the contact from her, Oh yeah, I'm good.

She nodded, I can walk her now, thanks for all your help. She walked over to the fence and put the glasses down on the