Remembrance of Things Past Ch. 03

After a fitful night's sleep, Cookie mounted his horse and headed for the Baxter Ranch. Would Carr and Cole know about his talk with Shannon yesterday? Probably. Would they treat him any differently? Would he treat them any differently, knowing they were wolves and all?

Cookie was deep in thought when he passed the Sheriff's office. He didn't see Larry standing in the doorway.

"Good huntin', Cookie. Hope to see a few pelts hanging on the fence later today!" If anyone could bring in these Cougars that'd been terrorizing their livestock, it was Cookie and those Baxter boys.

Cookie waved half-heartedly and rode on out of town.

He saw the brothers waiting for him at the fence line and waved his greeting. He noticed his horse wasn't as reluctant to approach them as he'd been when they first met.

"Howdy, Cookie." Carr leaned on the fence, his horse standing quietly next to him. Cole stood next to his brother, a huge grin on his face.

"Howdy, Carr, Cole." Cookie nodded at the brothers.

They noticed the gunsmith's formality and stiffness. This was going to be more difficult than they'd thought.

"C'mon down here, Cookie. I think we need to talk." Carr needed to do his best to put things right, for Shannon and for Cookie.

Cookie stared at Carr, like he was looking for something. "There ain't no cougars?"

"Nope."

"The horses are a-scared of wolves?"

"Yup."

Cookie dismounted and ground tied his horse, taking his hat and slapping it on his thigh to rid it of the dust from the ride. "Ah, shucks, Carr, you gonna tell me you're a wolf?"

"Yup."

"Dang it. I dreamt all night long about Shannon bein' a wolf. When I woke up thought maybe I'd made it all up. Guess not."

"Nope."

"That all ya gonna say?"

"Nope. I have lots more to say. Shannon is crying her eyes out, Cookie. A Werewolf who's found their mate just can't function 'til they're mated. I know this is all new to you, and there's so much to tell you. Maybe Shannon didn't go about it the right way. We aren't accustomed to humans and your ways. This is all new to her, and us too." Carr walked to the rocks nearby and sat down, waiting for Cookie to follow. Cole stood a few feet away, acting like nothing had changed between them.

"Ya mean no one in yer family has ever married a-a person before?" Cookie wasn't sure how to put it.

"Our Ma's mother was a human. Her father caught her scent where she'd brushed against a tree. He followed it to her home and waited outside for her to be alone. He grabbed her up, took her to a cave, and raped her. He turned her right then and there." Carr tried to ignore the horrified look on Cookie's face. "But once they'd mated, she'd been turned, and they'd bonded, they were and are a happy pair, devoted to each other."

Cookie was silent for a moment. "If I said no to Shannon, she'd rape me?"

Cole's laughter rang out. "Now that would be a sight."

Shut up, Cole!

Sorry, Carr. Cole didn't think, as usual.

"No, Shannon would never force you, Cookie. She'd let you go. She'd never see you again. She couldn't." Carr became very quiet, thinking of what would happen to his little sister if Cookie said no.

"What d'ya mean when you said 'turned'?"

"You have to be turned into a Werewolf. She'd bite you." When Cookie's eyes widened, Carr smiled. "Trust me, Cookie. It wouldn't hurt. You'd like it. Or so I've heard. And then, it might take a day, or a week, or a month, but you'd become a Werewolf, like us."

Cookie thought about this for a minute. They didn't seem none the worse for wear. They looked right healthy. "What does 'bonded' mean?"

"Mates can talk, like in their heads, to each other. No one else can hear. And even when you're far apart, you can kind of sense the other one. I don't know how far apart you can be, but Ma and Pa have never been so far they couldn't at least feel each other. Someday, I hope to have a mate and find out for myself."

"Well then why don't ya find ya one?" Cookie figured Carr could get any woman he wanted.

"Not that easy, Cookie. A Werewolf has to find their true mate. And my mate hasn't shown herself yet. You don't know how lucky Shannon is to find her mate so soon. Elsbeth has been waiting for... well, let's just say a long, long time." Carr leaned back. He could see Cookie was getting more interested in asking questions than being scared.

"Ya reckon Miss Shannon could wait a little while longer for me to make up my mind?"

"I think so."

"Dag nab it, Carr, I don't wanna hurt her feelings. I love her." Cookie couldn't believe those words came out of his mouth. Maybe this wouldn't be such a hard choice.

Carr grinned and slapped Cookie on the shoulder. "I know you do, Cookie. You're a good man. This isn't a decision you can make lightly. It will be with you the rest of your life. And something else you should know: we live a long, long time."

Cookie wrinkled his forehead in thought. "How long is long?"

"Pa is over three hundred years old." He laughed at the shock plain as day on Cookie's face.

"How-how old are you?"

"I'm just a cub, Cookie. I'm seventy years old. And Cole here is fifty."

Cookie stared at their faces, trying to spot a wrinkle or any sign of their age. But there was none. "Shannon..."

Cole laughed. "Oh don't worry, Cookie. She's the baby of the family. She just turned twenty. That's why it's such a surprise she found her mate already. Most Werewolves wait hundreds of years."

"Hundreds? Gosh, I couldn't stand the idea of being alone for hundreds of years. I mean, if I was gonna live that long, it'd be so much better with a soft, purty, woman with me." His voice had been a whisper, but the two Werewolves heard him plain as day and smiled.

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April, 1870

Heads turned as the three Baxter ladies strolled through the town on their errands. The three blond-haired, blue-eyed beauties looked more like sisters than mother and daughters. They were followed close behind by Jock, there to keep the Alpha's family safe. He didn't think the townspeople were planning any evil towards his Alpha Bitch, but his job was to be absolutely sure.

Now that Carr and Cole had become known in town as the Sheriff's Deputies, Ewan had allowed his pack to come into town. They bartered for supplies, including bolts of cloth for new dresses for the womenfolk, and Jock was balancing the goods the women had bought, trying to make it back to the wagon without dropping them onto the muddy street.

Shannon was still walking on eggshells about Cookie's decision. They were seeing each other every day, which helped to calm her wolf, but he hadn't given her his decision yet. She spotted him on the other side of the street and sprinted across to greet him, running in front of a horse that reared when it smelled wolf, sending his rider flying through the air. She stooped to help the man up, apologizing profusely for spooking his horse.

Cookie saw Shannon standing over the prostrate man and was suddenly overcome with jealousy. He stomped his way to the middle of the street, gruffly helping the man up and staring at him as he assured Shannon it was his poor horsemanship and not her fault. Shannon thanked him while Cookie wrapped a protective arm around her waist, steering her towards his shop.

Claire watched happily. Cookie did feel something for Shannon. He would choose her and the Pack. She was sure of it. Her thoughts were interrupted by Elsbeth's unexpected outburst.

"Mama, do you mind if I visit the boys at the jail? I barely get to see them now."

Claire eyed her daughter warily. "Ye've ne'er been that interested in spending time with them before? Why now?"

"Oh, Mama. Don't be silly. May I?" She glanced over to the jail, sure she had seen the Sheriff arrive just a moment ago.

"Off with ye then. But we'll be leaving soon, so don't make me send Jock to look for ye!"

Elsbeth had already started on her way, happily humming to herself. I promise, Mama.

Sheriff Knife leaned back in his chair, his boots resting on the top of his desk, hat tipped over his eyes. He'd just closed his eyes when he heard the door open. He lifted his head and quickly dropped his legs, shooting to his feet, adjusting his hat. "Miss Elsbeth, what a pleasant surprise. I guess you're here to see your brothers. They just left to take a prisoner to Reno for me. They won't be back for a few days."

"I already knew that, Sheriff. I came here to see you." Elsbeth batted her eyes at the handsome gentleman. There really was something about this man that attracted her. Oh, how she wished her wolf would tell her this was their mate. But she hadn't. That wouldn't stop her from spending time with him, though. "I was in town with Mama and Shannon and thought I'd come by and see how you were getting on without the boys here."

"Oh I reckon I can handle things til they get back." He grinned as he gazed at her new dress. It was much more fashionable than the simple skirt and blouse she had worn at their previous meeting. Carr had mentioned his sisters had been fascinated by the clothing they'd seen the women in town wearing. And Miss Elsbeth had chosen the perfect pattern to show off her incredible body. Her luscious breasts were perfectly framed, showing just enough to entice without being bawdy. He licked his lips, trying hard to control his own urges that this vision brought forth. He felt his cock straining in his pants. Damn, but she's beautiful and far too young!

The Sheriff cleared his throat, trying to draw his attention away from her creamy skin. "And what might you be up to today, Miss Elsbeth?"

"Shannon wanted to see Cookie, and Mama and I wanted more fabric. All the women at the ranch want new dresses after seeing what Shannon and I sewed for ourselves. What do you think?" Elsbeth held the skirt out away from her body and twirled around in a circle, keeping her eyes glued to the Sheriff's face for his reaction. She saw his obvious interest. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell towards the Sheriff, who deftly caught her before she could hit the ground.

"OH!" Elsbeth clung to the Sheriff tightly as he helped her to her feet. "Thank you so much, Sheriff. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't caught me the way you did." Elsbeth leaned into his chest, breathing deeply, her chest rising and falling not far from the surprised Sheriff's face.

"I'd never let ya fall, Miss Elsbeth," he whispered into her ear. Larry couldn't help but notice how wonderful her hair smelled. And up close her skin was even more perfect. As he tried to help her to her feet, his hand had grazed across that perfect skin. How he wanted to push his hand underneath her bodice and touch the tender flesh encased by that bothersome material. He closed his eyes just for a moment and imagined it. He felt his cock jump.

His arms held her in place, his mouth close to her ear. "Elsbeth, you've placed a spell on me. I shouldn't be doing this."

"Why not? You're a man, I'm a woman. Your arms feel so good around me, Sheriff. So very good."

His mouth found the soft skin of her neck and he kissed her gently, still holding her tightly in place. He heard her swift intake of breath. "Are you a witch, Elsbeth?"

She laughed huskily. "No, no witch, I promise you that." She moved her head to the side so he could reach her neck more easily.

One hand came up to move her thick blond hair out of the way of his questing lips that followed from her ear to her collarbone. "You are an evil one, Miss Elsbeth. See what you've done to me?"

Again, she laughed. "Papa calls me wild. Mama calls me shameless."

"Hmm, shameless. That you are miss, that you are. Shameless Shamus. That is what I'll call you from now on. Shamus. Only the two of us will know what it means."

"Mmm, I like that, Shamus. Yes, I like that very much." Her voice was so quiet he had to lean close to hear. "But I'm afraid I must leave. Mama is waiting at the wagon, and I don't want her sending Jock to fetch me."

Her disappointment was obvious, which made Larry's heart soar. Larry released her, much to her dismay. But he turned her to face him, holding one hand. "Miss Shamus, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the town social Sunday after next?"

Elsbeth's face lit up. "I would love to, Sheriff. But, I will have to ask Papa. I'm sure he'll say yes. Oh, thank you, Sheriff. Thank you!" She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I will give you Papa's answer tomorrow." She waved excitedly and ran out the door, calling to her mother.

Larry shook his head as he adjusted his growing cock in his pants. "I shouldn't be thinking the wicked thoughts I have now. A witch, I'm sure of it."

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'Please, Papa?"

Ewan glowered at the women in his life. They were ganging up on him. His daughters' excited prattling about going to a dance with humans was giving him a headache. And his mate, well she was on their side.

Ewan, what can it hurt? The boys will be back by then and can chaperone. They won't let anything happen to them.

"Hmph." The Alpha sat in his chair, three pairs of blue eyes watching him intently, pleading. "Ach, fine. Ye ken go, then. But ye'll do as Carr says or I'll tan yer hides!"

"Thank you, Papa!" Both girls squealed and leapt forward to hug their father. They ran off to plan their wardrobes for the big night while their father growled.

Claire laughed and sat in her mate's lap. "Ye are a wise Alpha, me love." She nuzzled his neck and licked at the scar from their mating bite, so many years before. When his strong arms closed around her, she let out her own growl and snuggled into his chest.

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May, 1870 - Sunday – The Town Social

The lamps were burning brightly in the windows of the gunsmith shop. Those on their way to the social figured Cookie was still working. He was a shy man and mainly kept to himself, although recently he had been seen in the company of that little blond sister of the new deputies. She seemed head over heels for the big man. He just seemed overwhelmed.

Sheriff Knife opened the door and closed it gently behind him. Cookie spun around, startled by his quiet entrance. "Oh, Sheriff, It's just you."

"Sorry 'bout that, Cookie. Didn't want to surprise ya, and I did anyway. Larry grinned, but it was hardly noticeable through his bushy mustache. "Guess I'm a mite early. Don't see the womenfolk here yet." He leaned against Cookie's workbench and picked a horse hair off his new suit jacket. He wanted to look his best for his Shamus. He smiled to himself. He couldn't wait to whisper her new name in her ear. He hoped he wasn't making a complete fool of himself. He was much older than she. Had she cast her spell on him? He kind of wondered.

They heard the Baxter women before they saw them, giggling and talking excitedly. Larry smiled and opened the door wide. "Ladies." He tipped his hat and grinned and nodded his head to his deputies. "Boys. Not expectin' any trouble now, are we?"

Carr laughed. "No trouble, Sheriff. Pa just wants us to ride herd on these two. They've never been away from home, much less to a party like this. He's just worried is all. Makes him feel better to know we'll be around."

"Well, I'm sure you boys will have no problem finding dancing partners tonight."

Shannon was already holding Cookie's hand as she started giggling madly. "Them? Dance? Don't be silly, Sheriff. They have two left feet. Mama tried to teach them to dance before. Her feet were black and blue by the time they were done with her." She turned and buried her face in Cookie's arm, trying to stifle the laughter.

"Now that ain't right, makin' fun of yer big brothers like that, Miss Shannon." Cookie had never heard a mean word come out of Shannon's mouth. Of course, they were her brothers. But still...

"I'm sorry, Cookie. You're right." Shannon held even tighter to Cookie's hand, staring up lovingly into his face. He couldn't help but smile back.

"Miss Elsbeth, you are breathtaking." Larry took a good hard look. And that wasn't the only thing that was hard. He suddenly had an uncomfortable feeling where his cock was pushing against his pants. How could just looking at her cause this reaction so fast? She had him bewitched, and that was a fact.

Elsbeth batted her eyes, and turned just a bit so she had to look at him out of the corner of her eyes. "Why thank you, Sheriff. You look very handsome tonight, as always." She grinned and took his proffered arm as they walked out the door towards the sound of music and laughter.

Cookie offered his arm to Shannon, and they followed right behind. Cole put out his arm for Carr, who rolled his eyes and followed his sisters, shaking his head.

"Oh Cookie, it's so wonderful to be here with you." Shannon could barely stand to look away from him. Her wolf, however, was keeping a close eye on all the females in the room.

"Would ya like to dance, Miss Shannon?"

"I'd love to!" Shannon was beaming as Cookie led her out to the wooden floor set up for dancing. She carefully placed one hand in Cookie's and the other on his shoulder. Cookie wasn't an expert dancer, but he led her through the waltz ably enough. She was elated, in the arms of her male. He held her tightly, like he would never let go. Shannon's wolf was on the brink of losing control with such close continuous contact.

Shannon, I can feel your wolf is close. I'll take you home now if you can't keep her under control. Carr was worried. This was only the first dance, and she already had that feral look on her face.

I promise, Carr. Please don't take me home yet!

Carr wasn't taking a chance. He'd be watching her like a hawk the rest of the night.

Cookie brought Shannon to stand with Carr as he went to get punch for the two of them. Shannon's eyes watched his every movement. A low growl emanated from deep within when Shannon saw a female speaking to her male at the punch bowl.

This is what you can't do around humans, Shannon. You are not at home!

Shannon reassured her wolf that Cookie was not in danger of being stolen away from her and stood quietly between her brothers. In fact, it was her brothers who were the main focus of the appreciative stares from the single ladies. She giggled as she watched the women smile and sashay by without an acknowledgement.

"Here ya go, Miss Shannon. Drink up." Cookie handed her the glass and smiled.

"Thank you, Cookie. Mmm, that's good. What is it?"

"Ain't ya never had fruit punch before?"

"I don't think so."

"Well, it's fruit punch." Cookie grinned. He loved having new things to share with her. And in that simple moment, Cookie knew he couldn't live without his Shannon. He'd tell her tonight. Wonder what a Werewolf wedding is like? Guess it's a good thing I ain't got no family. It'd be hard to explain.

Carr watched Elsbeth and the sheriff as they danced through the night. Elsbeth was definitely taken with the Sheriff, and he with her. The one thing Carr hoped was that neither would get hurt. Elsbeth knew he wasn't her mate. But Sheriff Knife, he knew nothing. Carr wondered how far Elsbeth was going to take this. His father was of a mind that a female waited for her true mate. That didn't make a lot of sense to Carr, because his father didn't feel that way about his males. He'd been letting the males go to the pack gatherings to let loose while he kept the females at home. The other packs were much more open about sex for unmated females. Carr had given this much thought, and knew that when the time came that he was Alpha, he would loosen that restriction on the females of his pack.

Larry allowed Elsbeth a few dances with local businessmen, but then immediately after would swoop in to return her to his arms. Her laughter rang in his ears and filled him with a joy he hadn't felt in years. He couldn't look at her without smiling. Had she found her way into his heart already?