A New Beginning

By Joycee Clark

Mariah Marten suffered through a girl’s worst nightmare. With the help of her twin and two older sisters, Mariah survived but was never able to forgive and forget. A chance for both came with a job opportunity and a move from her hometown. It was a chance to start over with new people and surroundings. Followed by her sisters, they all got a chance to heal, forget, and live a life of adventure, romance, hardship, and the unexpected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645317944

Book preview

Chapter One

Seven years Later…

Three of the assailants were caught and in prison…the other still at large. Three months after the court hearings John and Marilyn were killed in a strange car accident. While traveling down the interstate a cinderblock was thrown off the bridge as they passed underneath, smashed their windshield and caused a major accident. Still under investigation, nearly seven years later, it was considered a cold case and rarely looked at…life goes on for the Marten girls.

Skeeter and Sparky moved back home to be with the twins and they could all help each other any way they could. There was enough insurance money for all four of the sisters to finish their college education with the older two also working to take care of household expenses. Maranda finished her degree at the university campus, and Mariah finished hers mostly online, taking only the required classes for her degree at the University.

After over four years of therapy and many sit-down sessions with her three sisters, Mariah was finally back into public life. She still didn’t like large social gatherings, but then she’d never liked those anyway. After getting her degree in animal biology, she worked on her Masters concentrating of the American Wolf. She needed a job that would put her out in the field so she could experience the application of her studies and get her doctorate. After looking for several months, Mariah finally found just what she was looking for and needed to finish writing her doctoral thesis, although it was 500 miles away. The job was perfect. A government job with ARM, animal relocation management, on government protected land in the tri-state area of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The company was supplying her with a four-wheel blue SUV, had payed the lease on a cabin for a full year and it was within a 2 mile drop-range for the wolf pack she would be studying to insure the location could work with the right circumstances. The area had already been surveyed for water and food resources, as well as caves and such for living spaces for them. Other than her three sisters flipping out on he. all was perfect.

Chapter Two

Maranda was working at the local zoo. It was small but she loved it. Skeeter was an Accountant Office Manager while Sparky had mastered in fire science and forensics, but she also helped with dispatch. Mariah had been the last to get a job. So while explaining her new job to her sisters, to save confrontation, Mariah also said her good-byes. They all had cell phones, and thanks to the government they all had a vehicle to drive. The twins had shared since getting their licenses, this would be handy for both and any of them could come visit anytime they wanted. Mariah hadn’t had a panic attack in over two years, she was ready.

Mariah had gone to the office to fill out all her paperwork, ran errands, filled the SUV with gas, got snacks for the road. Everything was ready accept for packing.

When Mariah had asked for a family meeting, she was hoping it would just be the four of them. They had several friends that lived close to them and spent many hours at their house, and they showed up too for the meeting. So now her new life would be an open book to all those she loved and cared about, Her support group, so to speak, over the years.

As Mariah got on the road after putting in the GPS information, she thought about that meeting. It went well, accept for Maranda, she kept crying. The twins had never even spent a night apart. Skeeter and Sparky went to bat for Mariah and helped Maranda see the sense of it all. It would be an adjustment for all of them. Who knew, maybe Mariah could eventually convince all of them to move north away from the bad memories and trauma.

Country music blairing, a diet coke in the console, Mariah made her way through Oregon. She soon met rain, and hated driving on new roads in bad weather, especially being in the forest in the dark. So she pulled over for the night, she stopped and got something to eat and found a safe and secure room at a decent looking motel. She patted herself on the back for a successful first day away from home. She could do this!! A few silent words to Mom and Dad to keep a protective eye on her, she settled for the night.

Chapter Three

Meanwhile…

The retired members of an Elite Special Forces Group had their own meeting. The close knit group of twelve men had pooled their money and had their leader invest the fund in land near a small mountain town of Cedar Creek. One of the twelve had grown up there and his family had started the town long ago. Building a sawmill to provide wood and other provisions to get the remote area established.

Dean Harper, the leader and Alpha of the group, had taken Sawyer Mills, the local, and found land along government land reserve. They purchased the land and started building as soon as the twelve were discharged and could move into the area and start their own place in the remote area They had many talents among the group and started plans for a Lodge for them all to live in until each had built their own private cabin.

Many buildings were started and they made their own furniture. Fire Station, veterinary clinic, stables. New ideas came in often to add to their personal space. As they got established they became Forest rangers, firefighters, search and rescue, law enforcement, paramedics, besides investing a lot of their time and money in the local community. They met monthly unless the need for another meeting was evident. It was just such a meeting they were gathered for now.

Chapter Four

Okay, Dean started, everyone settle. We all have a beer and seem relaxed so lets get down to business. First, Zane and Clint have reported, we not only have a new colt, but also four puppies to add to our ranks. Everyone laughed and gave a thumbs up to the animal crew. Next, sorry Garret and Lucca, but your new cabin has been leased by a government agency that are relocating wolves to the area. Your cabin is closest to their target area and will be occupied by their employee that will study them and make sure they have everything they need to survive there. I’m sure that you will meet them and make them feel welcome to our mountain.

Garret and Lucca looked at each other. Guess we’ll be enjoying the hospitality of the lodge through the winter! said Lucca. Everyone laughed and poked at the guys until it was time for the next report.

Sawyer stood to give his report. All seems to be going well. The Wellness Center we built in town already has new members, not counting all of us, of course. Remember guys, it’s a great place to work out and stay in shape for the different jobs we have all taken on. Oh and we need more females. Been here several years now and only having ugly mugs to look at makes us all cranky. Everyone was nodding and agreeing. Some new female flesh around here would be appreciated by all.

Hey Dean, Garret spoke up, when can we expect this new government guy to show up? Liking the idea even less now that it was sinking in. Tomorrow or the next day, I’m guessing, be there smiling and friendly Garret. You too Lucca.

After more reports on bad roads that need repairs and progress on construction, the guys were dismissed and dispersed. Some of the guys had their own places now, but the few that were still lodging, sat around having another beer and listening to county tunes on the radio.

Chapter Five

Hey Garret. Lucca called, There’s a blue SUV on the road headed for the cabin. We better get over there and make nice like Dean wants. Whatever urged him to do this is beyond me, but he must have some hidden reason. Garret caught up with Lucca coming out of the back door of the Lodge. Yes, well it better be a damned good one to put us all on pins and needles for a year, tiptoeing around here. Don’t see how he thinks this is going to work.

Lucca and Garret headed on over to the cabin they had built to welcome this scientist that was here to evaluate the wolf transfers. It’s a great program and they all hoped it worked out perfectly for the wolves. They had no problem being around or communicating with wild wolves. They all just wanted to live and peace. The guys had enough violence being in the Special Forces for eight years, they could handle about anything, but that didn’t mean they wanted to.

When they arrived at the cabin, they saw what they least expected to. A young gorgeous female with tight jeans and long dark curly hair. When she turned to look at them, they both gasped.

Mariah turned to Lucca and Garret when she heard them gasp. She put her right hand forward and said "Mariah Marten, I’m the scientist you were expecting. I need to look over the cabin real quickly to see if there is anything I need right away and then I’ll need my vehicle unloaded. The guy at the Lodge said he would send help. Are you it?

When her speech finally soaked it, they were both at a loss for words, but quickly snapped out of it. I’m Lucca and this is Garret. Stepping forward Lucca grabbed Mariah’s hand and shook it gently, not wanting to break her. We’ll be glad to help you with anything you need. We prestocked the cabin, but if there is something else you need, we’ll be glad to see that you get it. The three headed for the front door of the cabin.

Mariah stayed all business as she headed in and looked around. Nodding her head in some rooms and shaking it in others. Is this the only door into the cabin? Mariah asked. Reaching for it she realized it was a dutch door with the top and bottom opening separately if you so wanted. I’ll need two more locks on this door, heavy, slide bolt. One installed near the top and one near the bottom. I’ll also need indoor steel shutters for each window, I’ll order those online and have them in a couple of days to be installed. I’ll be happy to pay you for your time and trouble, but it is rather remote out here. Mariah continued to look around. "I need to feel safe here. I’m sure you understand. Especially at night.

Now we can get the equipment unloaded from the car. Mariah uttered as she led them back out of the cabin. How’s the cell service out here, and the internet service? Mariah asked as they unloaded the large vehicle.

Mariah grabbed two bags from the back seat as Garret came forward to answer her questions. Well, We have our own cell tower and use government satellites for our internet and yes they know it. Garret finished with a smile at Mariah.

Mariah headed back inside. Both guys reached into the back, stopped and looked at each other. Lucca my friend, it’s her. Garret smiled for the first time since finding out there was a scientist coming and would be living in their cabin. I absolutely agree, I had trouble even breathing in the house. She’s not exactly warm and friendly, how are we going to get her to realize it. She belongs to us and we only have a year to convince her! Lucca finished. If it takes us an entire year, we don’t deserve her! Let’s get this stuff in to her.

Chapter Six

Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God. Mariah cried to herself as she walked into the cabin with her first couple bags. They are, wow, just wow,. Talk about tall, dark, and hamdsome. That doesn’t even touch it. Mariah talked to herself a lot. It usually helped her work things out in her mind. But finishing high school and going to the university, she had never once encountered anyone that invoked this reaction, and there are two of them, O. Oh no you’re not Mariah Marie, I need to talk to Maranda, I may be in trouble. You can handle this. You are a professional here. You are here for your descertation. You can do this. Just unload the car, get things put away and see if you can manage to get the computers up and running for your reports. Just do it!

Right as Mariah headed back out the front door, both guys were coming in with armloads of tech equipment. I can get this all set up for you, if you want. I was the tech guy for our camp. Camp? Mariah inquired.

We are with a small group of men up here that pooled our resources and invested it in the land here. Garret replied. Our land runs right along side the government land where they are planning on relocating your wolves. This is the closest housing they could get for you. Lucca added we’ll be happy to help you in any way we can, and computers is what I am good at."

Wow, that explains a lot. Mariah tried to mumble under her breath, not knowing they could hear every whisper she made. You know, that would be great. I’m not all that good with computers and the company sent two for different reports, besides having my own.

No problem,Garret chimed in. You have a receiver on your roof here, and Dean Harper that has the Lodge, has a booster. Sometimes if the weather is really bad, the cell service can be a little sketchy, but it usually works most of the time.

Thanks for the info. I researched this area before I decided to take this job, but some information just isn’t available. Mariah replied. Thinking to herself "Like do all the guys up here look like these two? How many more are there? Are any of them single? What the hell is the matter with me? I don’t even like men. They scare the hell out of me. I’m already loosing it and my wolf pack isn’t even here yet!

Oh, did you say something? Lucca said I didn’t catch it? Heading back out the door he had stopped to look at Mariah. No, nothing, just humming a tune. Mariah said. Lucca and Garret both smiled enjoying the moment. Mental message to Lucca from Garret, Wait until we get our hands on Dean, he has a lot to answer for!

The guys set up equipment, rearranged Mariah’s furniture to her liking, and offered to fix supper for her. The small talk had been enjoyable and she found out more about the area and the town of Cedar Creek that was the closest town. Though small it did have a few stores for supplies and groceries. But she was anxious to call Maranda and unload on her. That’s what twin sisters were for, and she had plenty to unload! The guys were very polite, helpful, and very gallant. They wouldn’t let her carry or lift, or anything involving reaching, they would do for her. Guess I need to add step ladder to my list, she thought with a giggle after they left.

Chapter Seven

Maranda answered before the phone finished its first ring. Tell me, tell, tell, tell me! Mariah laughed at her twin and answered What is it you want me to tell you Maranda? Mariah teased. I finally arrived at my destination. The cabin is awesome, I love it already! Or maybe you want to hear about the two absolutely gorgeous hunks of male flesh that helped unload my car, set up my computer equipment, moved my furniture around for me, and then offered to fix me supper? Maranda wasn’t laughing. No Mariah! I’m talking about the emotional surge I felt earlier this afternoon that nearly knocked me off my feet, and I am not falling for the gorgeous hunk bit, I know better! Maranda finished.

Maranda, I was serious. The emotions must have come from when I first saw them approaching my SUV. Wow, they are hot! Mariah answered. Maranda tried again, Since when did you even notice males, if they are hot or not, no there has to be something else, fess up Mariah, now! Did your wolf pack come in, is that it?

Mariah sighed and tried to explain, I know it’s unusual for me but for the first time I’m away from home, Maranda, they don’t know. No one here does. It’s a new start for me. My history is a complete secret. They are not going to look at me with pity, or make fun of me, because they don’t know! Surely you, of all people, understand. I can be a different person here, with more confidence and belief in myself since I was 17. Changing my attitude was one of the reasons I took this job. I don’t want to be withdrawn and alone my whole life. I thought you and Skeeter, and Sparky would be happy for me. Maybe I should have talked over some of the thoughts I had on the matter before accepting this job.

"No, no, no Mariah. I just didn’t think to look at it like that. I still kinda feel sorry for myself because you left me here. I never thought you would ever leave me. Of course it’s wonderful. I haven’t heard you this excited in forever. I love it, I love it for you, I love you being free and excited about life and what it holds. You know I’m the selfish one, I just didn’t think, I guess, and I freaked out a little. Now I guess I’m a bit jealous! Really gorgeous huh? Do they have brothers?

Both girls laughed and eased back into their twinness. It was nothing for them to talk for hours, but it was usually Maranda doing the talking unless Mariah had found a new wolf pack online to study, Normal warmed them both up and information flowed, questions were asked and answered and neither could quit smiling.

Meanwhile, Dean! Both guys shouted at the same time, Where are you hiding? Dean came out of kitchen smiling at Garret and Lucca, knowing what they were shouting about.

Strange, you didn’t tell us, in fact avoiding telling us, that the scientist staying in our cabin was a female. A gorgeous female, young, with all the right curves in all the right places, Brown haired, brown eyed, sexy female. Garret finished but couldn’t stop smiling regardless of trying.

Well, I knew it was a female, the company that leased the cabin told me that, but I didn’t know any more than that until I looked her up online. She is pretty nice to look at. Dean supplied.

Both Garret and Lucca growled. Dean looked at them frowning Oh come on guys, already? Yes, they both replied in unison. Ours, got it!

Well you guys keep telling me at meetings that we need females on our mountain, so I thought this would be a start. Dean said. I didn’t know you guys would take possession her first day here, by the way did everything go okay? Dean finished with a gentle smile.

Yes Lucca was the first to answer. Unloaded all her equipment and got it set up, moved her furniture where she wanted it. But she wants at least two more locks on her front door and she wants to order interior steel shutters for all the windows Turn the place into a fortress. Dean frowned. So, Garret added. First time away from home and all. Never been alone before, so she wants the security up the where Sasquatch couldn’t get in."

Food was the next thing on their minds, so they headed to the kitchen, Garret hollered over his shoulder, We aren’t done yet, we want to know what you found in your search, and what other plans you have up your sleeve for the other guys.

Chapter Eight

Lucca went to the back room to look for locks and Garret fixed their breakfast, plus extra for Mariah.

Let’s go check on our Lady. Garret hollered as he bagged the food and Lucca came out of the back room with locks. The guys debated, do we bring her flowers, candy, take her to town to eat, wine and dine her. They were puzzled were to start. Lucca, I guess we should play it by ear to start with. Not push her too fast, or come on too strong. She’s not used to guys apparently, she would barely make eye contact yesterday. Garret observed. Lucca replied, I think there is more to it than that. Maybe just extremely shy. It’s a beautiful day for this late in the year, we’ll make the best of it.

Maybe she has a boyfriend back home. Garret questioned We’ll have to get more info. from her and see what and when we should let her know we are interested in her. Lucca nodded, we are going to have to tell her about us at some point, we’ll just have to figure out the right time. She seems scared of something or someone. So today will be info gathering, then we’ll look her up tonight the way Dean did and see what else we can find out.

As they reached the door, already thinking of it as Mariah’s cabin, they noticed she had a chair propped against the door with a vase balanced on the edge, so if someone did indeed try to get in, she would know it. Even if she was fast asleep the crashing vase would alert her.

The guys politely knocked, when Mariah removed the towel from the door window and saw who it was, she smiled at the floor and removed the vase and chair then unlocked the door the allow them entry.

We didn’t know if you are a coffee drinker so we brought juice too, as well as breakfast. Lucca said as soon as the door was opened. Garret added And locks too, heavy duty locks we’ll put on after we eat.

Mariah backed up to let them enter. The guys noticed she had been busy since they left the night before. Hanging curtains, making a list of what was in the cabinets and what she still needed, making it her home. Her bed was made and had three extra pillows and blankets on top, all in shades of blue, and her suitcases looked empty and ready to be stored away.

Mariah brought out plates and glasses for the juice and the three sat down and had a quiet breakfast. There was tension in the air, but no one knew where to start a conversation.

Lucca finally jumped in with So Mariah, where are you from? What made you decide to study wolves? Do you have siblings? When do they bring your wolves?

Mariah laughed but didn’t answer right away. She looked back and forth between Lucca and Garret and finally said," I came here from Sweetwater, California. I have a twin sister. We are the youngest of four girls. My parents were killed a couple years ago in a freak accident, I have loved wolves as long as I can remember, I wear a size 8 shoe, can shoot a handgun, rifle, and crossbow, as well as weild a knife, axe, and machete. That should answer most of your questions, or did I miss something?

She was offended but didn’t know why. The guys looked like they were going to have to take care of her and it would interrupt their schedule to do so. She was on the defensive, although the guys were completely polite and doing as she asked with the locks. She had never been in this situation before. The guys were gorgeous, she just didn’t know what to do about it. Socializing and playing coy were not her strong suits, in fact, not even in her vocabulary. Without her three sisters and four best friends from the neighborhood she grew up in, she was fast realizing although highly trained in self defense, as were her sisters, her personality had developed without the nicities of socializing with the male population.

Lucca reacted first. Whoa girl, we didn’t mean of offend you. We are sorry it came off like that. Very quietly, ashamed of herself and reacting that way, Mariah said I can also sword fight and hit at 100 paces with a sling shot. Both guys laughed out loud as well as Mariah. Then Garret said, Okay we got it! You are one woman not to be messed with in any way!

Mariah chuckled again and said None of the Marten girls should be messed with. We were all in agreement and started the training and worked together.

There is a reason for the excessive training but our reasons are our own and we don’t share that information. If that sounds mean or unfriendly guys, you’ll just have to deal with it. I’m sure during the course of the year any or all of my sisters will make a trip up here to see for themselves where I live and exactly what I am doing. They don’t need to know about this discussion Mariah turned toward the kitchen with her dirty plate and glass.

The cabin was filled with soft country music while Lucca did up the dishes and Garret started putting on the extra heavy duty locks. Mariah went up to the loft where all her computers were set up to add information and they would be ready for her first reports. Then there was a stream of very unkind words coming from the loft and both guys headed for the stairs.

Mariah had her head down and her fists clenched. I think I’ve been hacked! She paced I haven’t even finished setting up for my first reports. This is crazy. There are no accounts in them, or even info on the wolves yet! Mariah stopped occasionally to push a button. Lucca is out tech guy Mariah, would you mind if he took a look? Garret offered. Garrret edged closer to try to calm his new friend, his soon to be mate.

Lucca sat in front of the first computer, hands flying over the keys, advancing, returning, adding, subtracting, continuing, then sliding his chair over in front of another computer, doing the same. Back and forth he went. He found a variety of things imbedded in the code, from just words, to threats. Not wanting to scare Mariah, but knowing she was absolutely under computer attack, he cleared, fortified and rewrote her security programs for now. It wouldn’t be easy or fast to get into them again. He got up and shrugged his shoulders at Mariah before telling her I think that will do it! You had a bit of a virus, but I took care of it. Should be alright now. Edging a look at Garret when Mariah sat in front of the first computer.

Mariah said I don’t know how to thank you Lucca. I was really showing my frustration wasn’t I? So sorry. Mariah hung her head trying to figure out why she had reacted so strongly. It wasn’t like she hadn’t had a virus in her computer before.

Tell you what, how about going out to dinner with us tonight? There’s a small diner in Cedar Creek that has great food. It’s informal, just a little mountain town cafe. That will definitely thank us for being here to help." Garret finished.

Mariah started at the macho duo asking. With both of you? Her eyes were wide as she switched her gaze between the macho men. Well sure, Lucca replied. We do most things together and it would be an honor for us to introduce you to our little town and buy you dinner, then we’ll escort you safely back here.

Mariah smiled and decided to go for it. Seven too early? Perfect, Garret responded and the smiles on their faces could get no bigger.

Mariah kept busy during her day with adjusting her clothing, kitchen items, bathroom items, computers. She sat on the deck for a while just enjoying the beautiful day, knowing snow and ice would soon be there. She wasn’t crazy about cold and snow, but wolves liked it, so that is where she had to be to study them. The trees were beautiful, already turned to their fall colors and the clean mountain air and peace she found in her little cabin was so relaxing. She was going to love it here, she could tell already, and the hot male population didn’t hurt either.

Soon the day had passed and it was time to get ready for her dinner with new friends. As she walked through the kitchen, she noticed a flower on the little table on the front porch. Her locks were all engaged, she had heard nothing, seen no one, but the sight gave Mariah an eerie feeling. Must have been the guys she said to herself. She opened the door picked up the flower, looked around and went back into the cabin to put the flower into a vase with water. Telling herself to thank Garret and Lucca