Lir's Children

By Robbie Cox

A widower with four children, a jealous witch, and a second chance at acceptance.

For Lir O’Sullivan life seems to finally be turning back around; he’s finally healing from the death of his wife, his children are thriving, and he even has a new girlfriend. However, his new girlfriend is ready to make a change.

St. Patrick’s Day has hit Bull Creek, and the town is painted green while the first festivities to celebrate the holiday are in the works. Everything seems to be going great, until Lir’s children disappear. Surely, this isn’t the change his girlfriend had in mind, is it?

Get Lir’s Children now and see how the residents of Bull Creek celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Read the entire series:
No Place to Hyde
Sassy Claws
Lir's Children

And then read the other Bull Creek stories:

Bull Creek Chronicles:
Alpha Rising
Panther Hunted
Bear Necessities

Destined Mates:
Magic's Mate
Mate's Appeal
Mate's Touch
My Lover's Mate
My Mate's Wife
Fortune's Mate

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandy Shores Publishing
• Release date: Mar 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005411237

Robbie Cox

Robbie started writing as a way to escape - escape his teachers, escape his fears, even to escape his insecurities and doubts. However, his stories of seduction and adventure, not only allowed him to hide in the lives of his characters, but also captivated those who wanted to escape with him. Now, he enjoys a full-time career as a storyteller and novelist and invites readers to run away with him- to escape, getting lost in the seduction of adventure.When he is not writing, Robbie can be found on his back porch enjoying a cigar, a scotch, and a good story. He derives pleasure from his large family and his crazy group of friends who provide the inspiration for his blog The Mess that Is Me.He is the author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Warrior of the Way, along with the paranormal series, The Witches of Savannah. His Contemporary Romance series includes The Rutherford Series, The Harper Twins, and the Fangirls series.

Book preview

Chapter One

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FOR STARTERS, WE DIDN'T have the Halloween party here. We also saw nothing at Christmas or New Year’s Eve. So why can’t we have the party here this time? Jake Goodman asked as he leaned on the bar with his palms along the edge. He bounced his gaze around at the others, his brows pinched as if he didn’t understand what the issue was. I don’t get it. And it’s St. Patrick’s Day, the holiday created for a bar. It’s perfect.

Lir O’Sullivan chuckled as he listened to the argument that had been going on for the past forty-five minutes. You know, he’s not half wrong. He lifted his whiskey glass, shrugging. Plenty of bars use the holiday as an excuse to hold an extravagant party, drawing in more customers. It would make sense.

Of course, by the look on Wes Stapleton’s face, Lir didn’t think Jake’s partner, and one of his mates, would go for it. His other mate, Noel Hastings, on the other hand, seemed slightly impressed with the idea.

Lir lifted his glass the rest of the way to his lips, taking a slow sip as he watched the owners of Everglades. He wondered how they managed living in a triad and running a bar at the same time. There was no separation. No time alone. There had to be disagreements like this all the time. In the little over a year since he had moved to the area, he watched the trio bicker about almost everything that had to do with the bar, Jake wanting to expand and grow, and Wes preferring to keep it the simple, backwoods, rustic bar it had always been. Noel had to be torn being in the middle of two strong-willed men. He was glad he only had to keep Aoife happy.

Glancing over at his precious girlfriend, her fingers toying with the carnelian stone that dangled around her neck, he felt the smile growing on his face as he watched the happiness that brightened her eyes as she laughed at the others. His entire life had turned around the day he met her in St. Cloud.

But I’m the one in charge of the holiday gatherings in this area, Josh Rayburn said, his lips downturned in a pout. Look at what a great job I did at Halloween and Christmas. Why would you want to take that away from me?

Because it’s St. Patrick’s Day, Jake said, as if that was the only reason necessary.

Dimitri shook his head, his arm wrapped around his mate, Adira. I think I’ll leave this between the five of you. I’m sure you’ll work it out somehow.

Alanna Bradbury raised her hand. Don’t lump me into this. You made him the Holiday Chairman of Bull Creek. Not me. I want nothing to do with it.

Thanks. Josh slumped more on the bar, his shoulders dropping. I thought you were supposed to be nicer to me now that we’re mates. Not help gang up on me.

The redhead cocked a brow at him, a smirk twisting her lips. Whatever gave you that idea?

Lir then watched as she held out a hand and wiggled her fingers at Josh.

Josh merely sighed as he dug into his pocket, pulling out a quarter and dropping it into her palm.

She leaned over and kissed him, a slight bounce in her movements. Thanks. Now, come help me pick out a song. She didn’t wait for him to agree. She merely snatched his hand and dragged him over to the jukebox.

Lir laughed along with the others as he watched the two disappear toward the other side of the bar. He had heard others tell the departing couple’s story, amazed that it took so long for the two of them to consummate the mating call. As he heard it, it was over two years, closer to two and a half, before Alanna agreed for Josh to mark her. Lir wasn’t sure how either of them had managed to wait so long without going crazy.

Glancing back to Aoife, he wondered if he would ever have a mate again, now that his first true love had passed from this world. He had heard that it occurred once in a while, but was not guaranteed and more of a rarity.

Aoife turned, catching him staring at her. He saw the blush color her cheeks as she dipped her gaze slightly. What? she asked. She reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a sheepish look covering her face. Why are you looking at me that way?

He felt his own smile crease his face as he placed a hand on top of hers. Just admiring how gorgeous you are. How lucky I am that you walked into my shop.

Her blush deepened as she bounced her head slightly. I think I’m the lucky one.

He squeezed her hand, his smile growing even more.

You still haven’t told me why we can’t have it here? Jake persisted. And for the record, Everglades isn’t in Bull Creek. We’re in Holopaw. The three of us live in Bull Creek. There’s a difference. So, let Josh have his party, and we’ll have ours for those who prefer to drink in a well-established bar. We could even promote it. Draw in some of the other local crowds. I bet the guys from Blackwater Ranch would even come out.

Wes glanced over at Noel, a snarl on his face. I told you he wouldn’t be happy with just his monthly tastings. He then glanced over at Jake. "And I told you, I don’t want to grow our business. I like it the way it is. People bring trouble. We have enough of that on a regular basis as it is."

Jake, however, was not ready to give up the argument. But think of how we can decorate the place. It would be a great way to christen the outside patio. It’s perfect.

Lir glanced out the north side of the bar, peering out the window to the recent addition to the bar they had just finished building. It was an open wooden patio, basically, with square metal tables and metal chairs. Wooden beams provided the supports, and a canopy offered protection against the elements, but otherwise, to Lir, it resembled a simple back porch. Florida was hot enough, in his opinion. He didn’t want to sit out in the heat drinking. He much preferred being comfortable.

Dimitri Everest chuckled, as he shook his head.. You might as well give into him. He’ll just wear you down like he always does.

Jake’s brows rose as he turned to the Alpha of Bull Creek. What the hell does that mean?

Dimitri pointed to the new addition of the patio, the poster on the wall announcing the monthly alcohol tastings, and then back at the enlarged interior of the bar with the classic video games that Jake helped put together after The Order of Wardens trashed the place over a year ago. Just that you tend to get your way a lot.

Jake followed where Dimitri pointed, his face growing more and more neutral with each turn of his head. Well, each one was a great idea. The bar is doing great because those things brought in new people.

I never said it wasn’t, Wes said with a shrug, his voice holding a sullen tone. But it’s not my bar anymore. He glanced around the place. I miss my bar. We had plenty of people. He sighed as he pushed himself away from the wooden bar, turned, and headed for his office. Call me if you need me.

The others watched as he disappeared, closing the office door behind him.

Jake tossed the bar towel he held to the shelf below as he turned and walked off. I don’t always get my way.

Lir glanced over at Noel as she bounced her gaze between both of her mates. That didn’t go well.

They’ll work it out. Noel turned back to Lir, a soft smile crossing her face. They always do.

How do you handle it? Aoife asked.

Noel glanced at her. I stay out of it. She gave a curt nod and then moved off to help a couple, who took a seat at one of the high-top tables.

Lir shook his head. I don’t know how she does it.

Adira turned, glancing over at Noel as the blonde took the couple’s order. I’m sure it’s a high-wire she’s walking, but she’s kept them all together and progressing forward since the three of them decided to make a go if it.

Aoife shook her head. I don’t think I could do it. I can only handle one man at time, and I only want one man for life. She shrugged. I’m old-fashioned that way.

Everyone does things differently, Adira said, annoyance in her voice. You can only do what’s right for you. Besides, with shifters, it’s different. They’re not always in charge of who they fall in love with. It wasn’t the smoothest beginning for the three of them, but they made it work because they fell in love with each other.

Aoife turned to Lir, sliding her hand to his wrist and giving it a squeeze.

He glanced back down at her, smiling, as he knew what went through her mind. She had already asked him about his first wife, Maggie, and their mating. It had killed him when she died a year ago, and if it hadn’t been for his four children, he doubted he would have found the will to continue.

And then he met Aoife, and she changed the way he saw the world. He hadn’t felt this alive since he moved to Florida from Draven Falls.

Have you been back to Winnie’s shop? Adira lifted her wineglass as she leaned on the bar. I heard you were waiting for some herbs to come in, as well as some other things. Anything in particular you’re waiting for?

Lir glanced down at Aoife, and he would have sworn he saw her eyes widen slightly before she recovered. Nothing fancy, really. I found a spell in my great, great grandmother’s grimoire I wanted to experiment with. I’ve been able to grow most of my own herbs, but Florida weather isn’t the best for everything a witch needs. Some things I needed to order, along with some specialty items. Just playing around.

Adira laughed, nodding. I get that. I’ve had to outsource some of my own herbal needs. She’s great at finding the things we need, though, even the obscure items.

Dimitri nodded. I’ll admit. When she first said she intended to open a magical shop, especially out here, I had my trepidation. However, she’s done amazing with the Magickal Moonbeam since she opened it.

Lir chuckled. Aoife has been in there quite a bit. I’m starting to get jealous. He laughed again, as he reached out, slipping a hand on Aoife’s waist, and pulling her closer to him as he kissed her temple.

When he pulled away, he glanced at the others. Actually, I’m happy she’s finally found some others who share her interests. He turned to Adira, his head falling to the side slightly. I don’t know how you managed being the only witch out here for so long, surrounded by shifters and vampires. It must feel good to have some others to talk with and practice with finally.

Adira just finished taking a sip of her wine and set the glass back on the bar. To be honest, yes. It was a long year, but of course, things never slowed down really to allow me enough time to think about it too hard. Still, it’s definitely good to talk about magic without someone’s eyes rolling up in their heads.

They don’t roll up into the back of my head, Dimitri said with a sigh. Stop exaggerating.

Lir laughed again. I get it, trust me. I wish I understood half of what she talks about, which is why I’m glad there are more witches here nowadays. It’s not like Draven Falls, but it’s better than none at all.

Agreed, Aoife said, squeezing his arm and falling into him.

Lir leaned in and kissed the side of her head again. He was also glad they could get out and about, mingling with more of the people of the small community. He missed that part of Draven Falls, and at first, he feared Aoife would balk at the idea. She seemed to prefer being alone most of the time, just the two of them. He, on the other hand, preferred to be involved in the town where he lived. People needed friends.

Just then, Lir’s cell phone rang, breaking into their evening. It wasn’t something he could ignore, even though he wanted to in order to continue enjoying his evening with Aoife. But being a single father meant you had to be accessible.

He slid it out of his pocket and noticed Fionna’s name across the top. She should have been in bed by now. Feeling his brows pinch together, he swiped across the phone to answer the call, placing it to his ear after he did. Fee? Everything all right?

It’s the twins. He could hear the panic in her young voice. Something’s wrong. They’re… Dad, they’re shifting into their wolves.

Chapter Two

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DIMITRI AND ADIRA followed behind Lir in Dimitri’s truck, the worry they heard in Lir’s voice still ringing in Dimitri’s ears. They left the others behind, knowing there wasn’t anything any of them could do until they knew more about what Fionna meant when she told her father that her younger brothers were showing signs of shifting.

Tell me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it awful young for the two of them to be shifting? Adira asked as they turned onto Crabgrass Road. I thought it happened later in a child’s life.

Dimitri nodded. It does. Puberty triggers a child’s curse, and to the best of my knowledge, Lir’s twins are barely eight years old.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her nod as she processed what he said. While Adira was from Draven Falls, she hadn’t been around too many shifters until she had dated one, Jensen Harper, and he hadn’t exactly helped her understand shifters. Instead, he had kept hidden the truth of destined mates and played house with her instead while waiting for his true mate to return from college. Jensen even knew who his destined mate was while he dated Adira, making everything that much worse for her. It was a twisted introduction to shifters, to say the least, and then she came to Bull Creek at Agatha Rochester’s request, tossed into the midst of shifters fighting shifters to protect humans.

So, what would cause them to shift early? She turned, placing her back on the door so she could see him better. I mean, is there precedent for this happening?

He shook his head. No. At least, I haven’t heard of it happening before. Once we’re done here and know more, I’ll reach out to the Paranormal Council back in Draven Falls and see what I can find out. I’m sure this is way beyond Doc Henderson’s purview. We may need to reach out for help.

"I can call Agatha and see what she thinks once we see what we’re dealing