They moved in after lunch, and the first thing Helen did, even before unpacking her suitcases, was to hang the little painting Laura had given them. It held a place of honor in their new apartment, in the living room where they could see it all the time.
Jim came up behind her as she stood, admiring the canvas. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, snugging her back against his chest. She put her arms over his and settled into his embrace as if she’d been born to fit there.
“Are you happy?” he asked, hoping she felt as good about the decision to live here as he did.
Jim had called his brother just before lunch and explained that he wasn’t coming back to Iowa right away. Probably not for a good long time. It had been emotional for them both, but Brock had understood. They’d both seen this day coming for a while now, and although it was heart-wrenching, it was also good.
This change meant that Jim had found his mate, which was something to rejoice over. It also meant that Brock would be able to guide his Pack in the direction he wanted it to go without any more complications. Both were good outcomes. They just had to focus on that.
Arch had taken the phone from Jim and said his piece to his nephew, the Alpha, as well, and when he was done, the Pack ties had been broken, though not totally abandoned. They were all still family and would continue to be close. They just weren’t going to live in each other’s pockets anymore. Not that they really had been doing that for the last couple of years. Now, it was official. Jim and Arch had both broken away from the Pack and were considered lone wolves.
Only, they both knew they had just exchanged a wolf Pack for a bear Clan. It might be a bit unorthodox, but it worked because, while they may carry different animal spirits, the men were the same at heart. They were all warriors. Special Forces veterans with deep senses of duty and honor. They had been tested in some of the worst hellholes on the planet, and they had each proven their metal.
That was a bond that could, and did, form strong alliances, regardless of their differences. Jim and Arch would do well with the bears in Grizzly Cove, and Helen had already made a few new friends among the magical folk. Gus and his mate, Laura, had invited Jim and Helen to join them for lunch, where they got to meet John’s mate, Ursula, and her sister, Mellie, who was mated to another of the bear shifters. Both women were highly magical, and they welcomed Helen with open arms.
“I’m very happy,” Helen replied to Jim’s question, squeezing his hands with hers. “Ecstatic, in fact. I never thought I’d find a life like this, or a man like you.”
“Then, we’re even,” he told her, rocking her a bit, from side to side. “I never dreamed of a love so deep and true, or a place where we could be ourselves and learn and grow.”
She sighed happily and he felt the same deep sense of satisfaction that he sensed in her. Helen leaned back against him as they both gazed at the prophetic portrait of them both. Her words summed up how they both felt.
“I think we’re going to like it here.”
*
Thanks for reading Wolf Tracks. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review. If you’re looking for more about Big Wolf, a few of my stories, particularly some of my Howls Romance titles, are set in and around the town.
A complete list of all of my books, separated by series, follows. You can also check out my website at WWW.BIANCADARC.COM. Or you can sign up for my newsletter to be alerted when new books are released.
About the Author
Bianca D’Arc has run a laboratory, climbed the corporate ladder in the shark-infested streets of lower Manhattan, studied and taught martial arts, and earned the right to put a whole bunch of letters after her name, but she’s always enjoyed writing more than any of her other pursuits. She grew up and still lives on Long Island, where she keeps busy with an extensive garden, several aquariums full of very demanding fish, and writing her favorite genres of paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.
Bianca loves to hear from readers and can be reached through Twitter (@BiancaDArc), Facebook (BiancaDArcAuthor) or through the various links on her website.
Other Books by Bianca D’Arc
Paranormal Romance
Brotherhood of Blood
One & Only
Rare Vintage
Phantom Desires
Sweeter Than Wine
Forever Valentine
Wolf Hills*
Wolf Quest
Tales of the Were
Lords of the Were
Inferno
Tales of the Were ~ The Others
Rocky
Slade
Tales of the Were ~ Redstone Clan
The Purrfect Stranger
Grif
Red
Bobcat
Matt
Tales of the Were ~ String of Fate
Cat’s Cradle
King’s Throne
Jacob’s Ladder
Her Warriors
Tales of the Were ~ Grizzly Cove
All About the Bear
Mating Dance
Night Shift
Alpha Bear
Saving Grace
Bearliest Catch
The Bear’s Healing Touch
The Luck of the Shifters
Badass Bear
Loaded for Bear
Crossroads: Bounty Hunter Bear
Crossroads: Storm Bear
Crossroads: Bear Meets Girl
Spirit Bear
Lion in Waiting
Crossroads: Black Magic Bear
Wolf Tracks
Tales of the Were ~ Were-Fey Trilogy
Lone Wolf
Snow Magic
Midnight Kiss
Tales of the Were ~ Lick of Fire Trilogy
Phoenix Rising
Phoenix and the Wolf
Phoenix and the Dragon
Tales of the Were ~ Howls Romance
The Jaguar Tycoon
The Jaguar Bodyguard
The Jaguar’s Secret Baby
A Touch of Class
Perfect
Tales of the Were ~ Gemini Project
Tag Team
Doubling Down
Deuces Wild
Tales of the Were ~ Gifts of the Ancients
Warrior’s Heart
Future Past
A Friend in Need
Guardians of the Dark
Simon Says
Once Bitten
Smoke on the Water
Night Shade
Shadow Play
Epic Fantasy Erotic Romance
Dragon Knights ~ Daughters of the Dragon
Maiden Flight*
Border Lair
The Ice Dragon**
Prince of Spies***
Dragon Knights ~ The Novellas
The Dragon Healer
Master at Arms
Wings of Change
Dragon Knights ~ Sons of Draconia
FireDrake
Dragon Storm
Keeper of the Flame
Hidden Dragons
The Sea Captain’s Daughter Trilogy
Sea Dragon
Dragon Fire
Dragon Mates
The Captain’s Dragon
Science Fiction Romance
Hidden Talent
Talent For Trouble
Shy Talent
Jit’Suku Chronicles ~ In the Stars
The Cyborg Next Door
Heart of the Machine
Jit’Suku Chronicles ~ Arcana
King of Swords
King of Cups
King of Clubs
King of Stars
End of the Line
Diva
Jit’Suku Chronicles ~ Sons of Amber
Angel in the Badlands
Master of Her Heart
Starcrossed
Futuristic Erotic Romance
Resonance Mates
Hara’s Legacy
**
Davin’s Quest
Jaci’s Experiment
Grady’s Awakening
Harry’s Sacrifice
Contemporary Romance
Irish Lullaby
Bells Will Be Ringing
Wild Irish Rose
* RT Book Reviews Awards Nominee
** EPPIE Award Winner
*** CAPA Award Winner