Gertrude

By Crystal Dawn

Jefferson was sent to stay with an older widowed white wolf after the last male was successful in claiming a mate. She was grouchy, but he thought he could understand her. Would it help him claim her?
After being with her man for most of her life she’d spent the last five years without him. Trudy knew that she should celebrate the time they had shared but she still mourned what she had lost. Now this guy Jefferson was staying with her. She’d keep her distance after what happened to Ethel. This girl was no cougar. Not ever.
Two lonely people but only one wanting love. Would he help her find it or would it slip through their fingers?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal Dawn
• Release date: Dec 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005333980

Crystal Dawn

When she’s not out hunting rogue vampires and werewolves, you can find Crystal Dawn out exploring the galaxy. She can do it all without ever leaving her computer. She kicks ass, takes names, and puts it all down for the enjoyment of her readers. At least that’s what I think she told me. Writing came as a natural outlet for her overly creative mind. She has always told stories and even written some but publishing books didn't start until 2012 with The Rebirth, was the first of the Planet Amazon books. Crystal has also been lucky to have some wonderful beta readers who keep her on track and help inspire her.Secretly, she crushes on all her sexy heroes because all her stories end happily. That is one of the things that makes writing such a joy. Knowing that it makes her reader's day a little brighter. Not that she doesn't read sad books sometimes. While still in school, she read Where the Red Fern Grows and cried like a baby. It was a wonderful book and sometimes a bit of sadness has to be put in books because that's part of life. While she reads all kinds of books at some time or another, PNR and SFR, which she writes is what she reads the most for pleasure.When she started writing, she decided on going Indie after the first two books because an author has more control. She believes Indie will compete well and continues to grow. The need to give pleasure to her readers keeps her going and she sees a long career ahead. Growing up mostly in the NW Arkansas area, it has given her a good place to set some stories and many of her characters come from there or nearby SW Missouri.The start of her stories is the easy part. Finishing them is a little harder when all the stories are in there trying to get out. She loves reading, chocolate, fine sweet wine, and traveling among a large list of pursuits. Her favorite people, after her family and close friends, are her readers who she says are some of the most wonderful people in this galaxy and the next.

Book preview

The White Wolf Grandma’s Club

Book 2

Gertrude

By Crystal Dawn

2022 Copyright by Crystal Dawn

Cover by Bonna Art

Editing by T.P BookNookNuts

This book is a work of fiction. All

contents, including names, places,

and events are the product of the

author’s imagination or used in a

fictitious manner. Any resemblance to

persons, living or deceased, or

to businesses, locations or events are

completely coincidental.

None of this work may be used,

reproduced, exchanged or

transmitted by anyone, except the

person the book was purchased for.

Any reproductions of this book in any

part or any form must be done

with the express written permission of

the author or not at all.

Dedicated to

grandmas everywhere.

This book is the first of a series that is a spinoff of The Legend of the White Werewolf.

The Legend of the White Werewolf

Book 1

The Forgotten Ones

Ariel, a divorced mother of two and a bestselling author, meets Blake at a bar. The two are attracted to each other and eventually come together. Ariel discovers that Blake is a werewolf, and he has turned her into one as well.

Blake discovers Ariel is the famous writer that has been publishing accurate werewolf romances and his council has been trying to find her for some time. When Ariel makes the change to wolf, everyone finds out that she is a white wolf, part of the legendary line thought extinct.

The White Wolf Grandma’s Club series

Book 1

Cody was sent to stay with Ethel. He knew what he wanted, and she would be surprised if she knew. Could he convince her to mate him?

It was a help having the young male around and he did make her heart beat a bit faster, but she was no old cougar. Nothing was going to get started there.

Age is the only thing stopping them from mating. Is that enough to hold two loving hearts apart?

Book 2

Gertrude

Jefferson was sent to stay with an older widowed white wolf after the last male was successful in claiming a mate. She was grouchy, but he thought he could understand her. Would it help him claim her?

After being with her man for most of her life she’d spent the last five years without him. Trudy knew that she should celebrate the time they had shared but she still mourned what she had lost. Now this guy Jefferson was staying with her. She’d keep her distance after what happened to Ethel. This girl was no cougar. Not ever.

Two lonely people but only one wanting love. Would he help her find it or would it slip through their fingers?

Prologue

Gertrude, or Trudy as she preferred to be called, finally had luck on her side. It hadn’t been there for so long, but now she was looking at four aces—no way she would be paying today. Even though most of the ladies at the table were in a better position to pay than she was, Trudy didn’t mind taking her turn. But to lose the last three times and get stuck with the bill? That was just crazy.

Ethel put her hand down. It was a full house. Not bad. Greta had four of a kind, but it was only sixes. Bertha had two queens. That didn’t look too good. Mollie had two tens, and Opal had three kings.

Now, it was all up to Bella, and she hadn’t lost in so long no one could remember the last time. She was a real sweetie, but no one deserved that much luck.

The look on Bella’s face said it all. She laid down a hand that wasn’t a hand at all. She had nothing.

Finally, it was finally Trudy’s turn. Everyone else relaxed. They were ready to enjoy a meal that would taste better than usual. Well, everyone but Bella. None of them really paid attention to what happened at the other table. They were all cousins. They would either catch up with them before or after the game.

Every five years or so, they switched out some of their group, but they were nowhere near that point this time. They all ordered their usual meal. It was a habit they followed every time they met. Those meetings were at least once a month but sometimes twice or even more for special occasions. It wasn’t like they didn’t see each other at other times too.

They talked about the latest book they’d read and selected another for the upcoming period. The servers brought their food. The conversation switched from cards to the family and other events. Ethel was there alone. She still had that honeymoon feeling, and everyone gave her a hard time.

Have you got your visitor yet, Trudy? Ethel asked.

No, he arrives tomorrow, she answered.

I bet he’s hot.

Now that brought more attention to Trudy than she liked. She couldn’t blame Ethel. It wasn’t like she hadn’t done the same to her many times in the past.

What company is this, Trudy? Bella asked.

Ariel set up a paying guest for me. It will give me some extra Christmas money.

Didn’t she do that for Ethel as well? Bella asked.

Don’t worry, you’ll get a turn too, Trudy laughed as she answered, and Bella shut up. Only Opal had a living husband, but he was ill just like she often was.

Opal always said when she stopped coming to their meetings, she would have one foot in the grave. They were all worried about her, but there was nothing they could do. It was strange that she was one of the youngest at only sixty-six but looked the oldest because of her illness and worry over her husband.

Otherwise, things were going as usual for all of them, but those things were about to change for Trudy. Of course, having a visitor always changed things, and this visitor might change things more than most. She’d heard he was a good-looking young man, and luckily, her granddaughter was the right age and single.

Chapter 1

Jefferson

It was strange, but she was nervous. This young man would be coming soon and staying for a while. How long hadn’t been established. Ariel said they didn’t know for sure. She had only given Trudy a couple of days’ notice, but like everyone in the family, she’d owed Ariel a few favors. The money would come in handy, too, she had to admit. It wasn’t a hard favor to manage, not like some of those Ethel had done.

Ariel knew kids weren’t for her, so she never asked. She was one of the few people who truly understood her, and Ethel was another. That didn’t matter because her family cared about her, even if she wasn’t always likable. This new guy wouldn’t be there long enough to matter unless Jessie, her granddaughter, mated him. Yes, she’d said mated because he was a wolf. Trudy would check the guy out first to be sure he was good enough for her only granddaughter.

There was a knock on the door, and she went to answer it. Oh, my goodness. The guy was incredible. So much so that she just stood there looking at him. Then, finally, Trudy found her voice. Are you here to rent a room?

You could call it that. My name is Jefferson, but most people call me Jeff. I’ll be working down here with the wardens for a while.

That’ll make me feel safe. You can call me Trudy. Have you had lunch yet?

Not yet.

Why don’t I show you your room first, then you can settle in while I get lunch on the table? She asked.

Sounds good.

She led him up the stairs and to the second room on the right. It was true she had other bedrooms on the first floor, but she felt safer with him a little farther away from where she slept. Opening the door, she ushered him in. It was a nice enough room with a queen bed, dressers, a nightstand, and a TV. Trudy turned and hurried back to the kitchen to set things up for lunch. Regret was already hitting hard, but she was tough, and she’d make the best of it.

A good solid cook, she might not bake like Ethel, nor was she as nice, but she got by alright. She fished with the best of them and had set records in her day. Trudy could even hunt and dress a kill, but she preferred fishing. Sitting on the bank waiting for the fish to bite was relaxing and gave her time to think through things.

Fish was what they were having for lunch with coleslaw, hushpuppies, and potato salad. Dessert was chocolate cake. It was a sheet cake because she knew those shifters ate a lot. She had sweet tea and her special punch to drink, so Jeff would have his choice. He must not have brought much with him because he was already standing by the door waiting for an invitation.

Have a seat. I fixed you a plate, but there’s plenty more if you’re hungry.

Thanks. It looks delicious, Jefferson responded.

I hope you enjoy it.

There was a knock on the door. Trudy answered it. Harry, your timing is impeccable.

Why, thank you.

I suppose you heard a young male was staying here?

Why no. Where is he? Harry asked.

Come in. We’re eating. I’ll get you a plate.

Making introductions as Harry followed her into the room, Trudy smiled at her guest. This is Harry.

Then to the witch, she continued, Harry, this is Jefferson. He’ll be staying for a while and working with the wardens. You two will probably get to work together.

Looking back at her guest, she explained, Harry is a talented young witch.

It suddenly occurred to Gertrude that she should find a way to pawn Jefferson off on Harry. After all, the male was too tempting.

Just call me Jeff. Everyone does, he said to Harry. Then to her, he smiled, This baked fish is fantastic, Trudy.

She blushed with pleasure. Few people ate at her house, so she rarely got compliments. It was mainly around the holidays when Ariel hosted family gatherings. Trudy was sure Ariel had mentioned she was a good cook. But maybe no one else had, so Jefferson had his doubts.

Harry was chatting him up, but Jeff only responded politely. That was okay because Harry’s primary focus was on her food, and Trudy was fascinated with watching her eat. It was all that magic she did. It required a lot of energy. Harry could do wonderful things, but only if she was fed well and often. So, the witch ate quickly and, all too soon, was on her way.

How did she manage that?

You mean Harry’s ability to eat?

He nodded.

She’s a witch, Trudy replied. "Magic takes energy, and Harry feeds hers with food.

Does she come by often?

Once or twice a week. Harry needs several meals a day, not just three. She’s lucky since she never gains a pound, Trudy admitted. I bet you couldn’t even eat like that.

You’re probably right.

She was done eating and began to clean up while Jeff finished. That was a great meal.

Thank you.

He lingered a bit before he finally left. It was a relief when he did. How to handle having him around was an issue. Trudy had no idea what to do. Jefferson had thrown her for a loop. Ethel had handled it too well. Now, she was mated with a baby on the way. That couldn’t be Trudy. She and her cousin were too different. That was obvious to anyone who knew them.

Once she had cleaned up the kitchen, Trudy went outside to her garden. It was every bit as big as Ethel’s. But to be honest, most of the cousins had that in common.

Trudy supplied some of her produce to Lucille for her stand. She also sent some pies and other items to make a bit of money. Her place wasn’t as big as Ethel’s or most of the other cousins. It was only fifty acres, so she couldn’t have as many animals as the others.

Trudy rarely raised enough animals to sell the meat like Ethel did. Instead, she’d slaughter one and take the rest of her hogs to the auction. Sometimes, Trudy didn’t have any cattle at all. That was when she raised something in her fields for money. In the summer, it was often tomatoes or watermelon. Then the younger cousins had a job, and Lucille got most of her produce - sometimes all of it.

Although money was tight, she’d bought a used UTV and enjoyed a ride now and then. There were also horses to ride, and some she raised to sell. So, while she didn’t have the work Ethel had, she still had plenty, especially considering her age.

Grabbing her basket of handicrafts, Trudy turned on the radio and sat down to do some work of a different kind. There were so many babies being born into the family these days.

She worked on a baby pillow with the name embroidered on it. That was what she usually gave, and everyone seemed to love it. Since she rarely knew the sex when she started the pillow, the fabric was often a baby print with neutral colors. This one was yellow with a barnyard theme. All the animals paraded across the pillow, looking cute and making her wish she’d had more kids and not just one.

Now it was too late, and that would never change. The phone rang. Trudy hurried to answer it. Although she was progressive and had a cell phone, she didn’t get that many calls. So, she rarely carried it with her.

Hello? She answered, out of breath.

Hey, Gertrude. It was Ariel. She was the only one who always called her that.

Ariel, is anything wrong?

Not at all. I just called to see if your guest arrived and if everything was okay.

He did, and everything seems fine.

I don’t suppose you’d have room for a couple. It would just be for two weeks, maybe three. They lost their baby and have had a rough go of it.

You know how I feel about company, Trudy replied.

I do, but you’ve got company already. More might make things easier. We can also give you a little something for taking them in. How about a side of beef? That’ll make it easier to handle, Ariel coaxed.

Okay, but for no more than three weeks.

"Deal. I’ll send