Sacrifice

Prologue

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Lacey was on the center of the bed in Dr. Sims cabin with her knees pulled up to her chest as far as she could get them past the huge bulge in her belly. Sweat steadily streamed down her face as she held her breath and bore down once more.

That’s it, Lacey. You’re doing great. One more push and you can hold your little one in your arms Dr. Sims said as he prepared to deliver her child. The grey-haired old man was the only doctor on the Black Hills mountain.

Cole nervously paced the floor by the bed. His green eyes were locked onto Lacey. The sight of his beautiful blond mate laboring to give birth to his baby caused his protective instincts to kick into overdrive. Lacey’s brow wrinkled as she scrunched her face in deep concentration. A small squeal of pain escaped her parted lips as another contraction gripped her abdomen.

Cole turned his attention to Dr. Sims. C’mon, Doc, can’t you make this go any faster? Can’t you see that Lacey is in pain.

Doc Sims turned his tired face to scowl at Cole. She’s in labor, Cole. Pain is a major part of the process. He sighed and turned his attention back to Lacey but continued to talk to Cole. If you can’t take witnessing the miracle of birth, then perhaps you should wait outside with everyone else. I swear, first time fathers always manage to get on my last damn nerve.

A low growl rumbled in the back of Cole’s throat. I’m not worried about what I can take. I’m worried about Lacey. I don’t like seeing her in pain.

Dr. Sims rolled his eyes and shook his head in aggravation.

I’m fine, Cole Lacey said with a heavy breath. She paused in her pushing to give him a reassuring smile. Just think, in a few minutes you’ll get to hold our future in your hands.

Before Cole could respond, Lacey grimaced as another contraction forced her to concentrate on delivering her child. With one final push, her baby entered the world. Lacey exhaled deeply to ease the tightness in her chest from holding her breath too long. She brushed her hand across her brow to remove the sweat that had formed there. Then she watched as Dr. Sims cleaned off her baby and wrapped it in a white baby blanket before offering the tiny bundle to Cole.

At first, Cole was hesitant to hold the baby. His eyes were wide as he stared at the doctor with uncertainty and fear. He wanted more than anything in the world to hold his child but he was afraid he might hurt the baby in some way. But then, the infant let out a tiny cry and Cole instinctively took the child in his arms. He smiled down in awe at the perfect little face looking up at him.

Congratulations, Cole. You’re now the father of a beautiful baby girl Dr. Sims said with a smile.

A girl? Cole looked at him in surprise then over to Lacey. She was watching him with a tender look in her eyes. All of a sudden, a pained expression crumpled her face again and she squeezed her eyes closed.

Lacey, what’s wrong? Are you alright? Cole asked as he stepped toward the bed with his daughter cradled in his arms.

Lacey groaned and locked eyes with the doctor and motioned toward Cole with her head as if asking him to take action on something they had previously discussed. Dr. Sims approached Cole and gently took the baby from his arms and called for Mira to come into the room. He handed the baby to the petite brunette and she took the infant over to a table on the far side of the room to finish cleaning her.

Suspicion filled Cole’s mind as his gaze shifted between Lacey and Dr. Sims. He hadn’t missed the strange look that passed between them. What’s going on? he asked and watched in confusion as the doctor quickly washed the medical scissors he had used to cut the baby’s umbilical cord and carried them back to the bed.

Lacey was breathing heavily again. It was clear she was in pain as she spoke, Um, Cole, do you remember when I told you a few months ago that I had a surprise for you that you’d receive when the baby was born? she said.

Cole thought about it for a minute then nodded. Yeah. I’d forgotten about that until you just mentioned it.

A small smile crossed Lacey’s face. Well, surprise she said through tight lips as pain clenched her belly. You’re getting two for the price of one.

Huh? Cole asked as he stared at her with a totally clueless look on his face. What does that mean?

Instead of answering, Lacey held her breath and pushed through another contraction.

Mira came up beside Cole with his daughter in her arms and smiled when she saw the shocked look on his face as he stared with wide eyes toward the bed. Dr. Sims was putting on a clean pair of latex gloves as Lacey lifted her knees to her chest once again.

Cole turned to Mira. What’s going on? he asked in a dazed tone.

Mira laughed out loud. Not even you can be that dumb. Isn’t it obvious. You’re about to be a father of twins.

Cole’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. In his mind, he’d already known what was happening but hearing it said out loud made it seem more real. A flood of emotions assaulted him all at once. Twins? he gasped as memories of his childhood with his own twin brother, Jesse, flashed in his mind. Not once, had he considered the possibility that Lacey was carrying more than one child.

Yep. I hope you’re ready for some serious diaper duty Mira joked and smiled down at the baby girl in her arms.

Cole pushed the memories of his childhood to the back of his mind and stumbled toward the bed. As surprised as he was, he was also extremely happy. He sat down beside Lacey and took her hand in his as she closed her eyes, held her breath and pushed with all her might to deliver their second child.

Within minutes, a new cry filled the cabin and was quickly joined by the gentle whimper of the baby girl in Mira’s arms. Dr. Sims announced the birth of the second baby with a huge grin on his face. It’s a boy he said and wrapped him in a blanket.

Overcome with emotion, Cole turned to Lacey and kissed her. Thank you. Thank you for loving me and giving me a life I didn’t deserve. And thank you for making me a father not once, but twice.

Lacey placed her hand on the side of his face and smiled as she stared into the green eyes that she adored. I love you, Cole. There is nothing I won’t do for you. You should know that by now. And as for the gratitude... A small laugh escaped her mouth as she thought about the months to come, You should probably save that for a little while. Who knows, after a few months of diaper changing, late night feedings and nonstop crying you might not be so quick to thank me for taking away your bachelorhood she teased.

Never Cole whispered with sincerity as they stared at each other lovingly, unaware of what was happening in the room until Dr. Sims called out to them.

Cole, we may have a problem here.

Cole and Lacey both looked across the room to the table where their newborn twins were laying. Both babies were crying but that wasn’t what had put fear in the doctor’s voice. Cole hurried over to the table and looked down at his children.

Mira stayed off to the side, staring at the babies with cautious eyes. Oh shit she whispered to herself.

What’s going on? What’s wrong with my babies? Lacey asked in a panicked tone as she scooted to the edge of the bed. With Cole and Doc Sims blocking her view of her children, she worried that something was seriously wrong.

Mira quickly hurried over to Lacey when she tried to stand. You shouldn’t get up. You need to rest.

Lacey swatted Mira’s hand away when she tried to push her back on the bed. Get out of my way! she growled and got to her feet. Her blood-stained, baby blue nightgown fell from her waist down to her knees. I want to see my babies. Ignoring the pain in her body, she slowly crossed the floor to where her children were crying.

She wasn’t prepared for what she saw when she reached the table and stood next to Cole. Her son was uncontrollably shifting forms from human to wolf, unable to hold either form for more than a few seconds at a time. And her daughter was screaming at the top of her tiny lungs as the few baby items – nasal respirator, alcohol pads, booties and umbilical cord clips - that had been on the table beside her moments ago, now floated in the air above her.

Fear seized Lacey’s chest as she locked eyes with Cole. They had both known and feared the possibility that Lacey could give birth to a child with the same power that she possessed, but they had hoped her telekinesis wouldn’t affect their children. Their hope was squashed as evidence of their daughter’s power was on display right in front of them.

What are we supposed to do? Cole asked and looked down at his children with an expression that said he had no idea how to take care of them. The boy shouldn’t be shifting this early. That isn’t supposed to happen until he learns to do it on his own around four or five years of age. And the scent emanating from him is one of a full grown alpha male, not a newborn baby. How is this even possible? He paused and let out a heavy breath. And the girl...how do we control her powers? She’s just a baby...what are we supposed to do?

Lacey fought against the emotional turmoil going on inside her and gently lifted her son in her arms and cradled him to her chest as he continued to shift forms. Almost immediately the baby stopped crying. We love them. That’s what we’re supposed to do, Cole. Love them no matter what...through the good times and the bad. She paused and used her own power to settle the air around her daughter then looked to Cole. And our work starts now. Your daughter needs you. She cocked her head toward the table where their baby girl was still screaming.

Cole nodded in agreement. He was terrified of what their future held but he knew without a doubt that he would always love and protect his children. He reached for his daughter and as soon as he eased his hands under her tiny body he was hit with an unseen force that knocked him backwards across the fifteen-foot wide room. His head banged hard against the wall and he slid down to the floor as dizziness momentarily clouded his vision.

He looked up just in time to see the door of the room swing open and several people rush inside. His cousin and former pack leader, Jeremiah, knelt down in front of him. Hey, are you alright? What happened? he asked.

He just got his ass whipped by a baby. That’s what happened Mira chuckled as she came up behind her mate, Jeremiah.

Cole looked past them to Lacey. She was still standing by the table and now held both babies – who were surprisingly quiet - in her arms. She stared at him with an intense sadness in her eyes and a silent apology on her lips. As Cole studied her, he knew what she was thinking. He could see it written all over her face. He knew her well enough to know that she was scared he wasn’t going to be able to handle having a child with special abilities. She was worried he was going to abandon her and their kids the same way her own father had abandoned her.

The thought caused his heart to clench painfully. He jumped to his feet and quickly crossed the room to stand in front of Lacey. He hated to see her sad even for a brief second. To prove that he wasn’t going anywhere without her and their babies, Cole gently took his sleeping daughter in his arms and smiled at Lacey. I guess we should start thinking about names. He glanced over at his son as he snuggled against Lacey in his human form. The tiny baby boy was sound asleep just like his sister. What do you think about Claire and Cody?

Lacey thought about it for a minute. I think those are beautiful names she said as Cole took her free hand in his and walked her over to the bed where they sat down.

They looked through the open doorway of the bedroom to see most of their family and friends watching them from the waiting room of Doc Sims cabin.

Oh my God...twins Maggie squealed from the couch facing the open door as she squeezed Luke’s arm.

Cole is definitely screwed now Scotty said with a smile and shake of his head. I never thought he could handle one kid, now he’s got two to deal with. Poor guy. You know, I used to hate him...now I kind of feel sorry for him. He has no idea what he’s in for.

Kindal elbowed Scotty in the side as Dean nodded his head in agreement and said, Who would have ever thought the man known for his cruelty and brutality would be sitting on a bed cooing at a newborn baby with a goofy grin on his face?

Kindal pursed her lips angrily and narrowed her eyes at Dean and he instantly regretted opening his mouth.

Things are definitely going to start getting interesting around here watching Cole go from Mr. Badass to a playdate daddy Scotty said with a chuckle.

Mira joined them from the other room with a serious look on her face. If you want interesting...you should have seen what little Claire did to her daddy a few minutes ago. And don’t even get me started on Cody. Those two babies are more than just unique. They are in a league all their own. And I am so glad I’m not the one who has to raise them.

Jeremiah followed behind Mira and closed the bedroom door to give Cole and Lacey some privacy with their babies, then he shot a chastising look to Scotty and Dean for their comments before shooing everyone except the doctor out of the cabin.

Once alone, Lacey glanced over at Cole as he stared down at Claire. She smiled when he rubbed his thumb over Claire’s tiny cheek. Insecurity and doubt flared inside her as the magnitude of their situation hit her head on. She was now the mother of two special children and she worried whether or not she was capable of being the type of mom they needed and deserved. Can we really do this?

Do what? Cole asked. Be parents?

Lacey nodded her head.

Cole wrapped one of his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. He leaned his head against hers and looked down at their twins. Of course, we can. As long as we’re together we can get through anything. Even parenthood to two very extraordinary children.

Lacey looked at Cole as tears filled her eyes. I already love them so much. And I knew that I would from the moment I found out I was carrying them. It was an emotion I expected. But what I didn’t expect to feel was fear. She glanced down at her children as her chest tightened.

Are you afraid of them? Of what they might be able to do? Cole asked.

No Lacey said with certainty. I can never fear my children. But I am scared for them. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life is that people don’t like different. And our children are very different from everyone else. I’m afraid of what I’ll do if anyone ever tries to harm them. The thoughts in my head terrify me because there is nothing I won’t do to protect our children even if that means becoming someone you might not be able to love anymore.

Cole squeezed her against him. No need to worry about that, baby. We’re on the same page when it comes to protecting our family. He smiled down at his kids. We may not know what lies ahead of us in the future, but trust me, these are the two most protected babies in the world and they are going to stay that way.

Chapter 1

3 Years Later

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Multi-colored balloons and streamers hung from the trees and decorated the porch in front of Lacey and Cole’s cabin. Music and squeals of laughter filled the air as their friends and pack mates celebrated Claire and Cody’s third birthday.

Lacey sat in one of the many wooden rocking chairs on the porch and smiled as she watched the party going on around her. The last three years had been tough for everyone on the mountain - especially Lacey and Cole – and she was glad to see everyone enjoying themselves. Learning to deal with their children’s abilities and teaching them to control themselves had been a struggle. But despite all the bumps, bruises and bites...they’d somehow managed to survive. And learned a lot about their kids along the way.

When they first learned that Claire couldn’t shift into a wolf the way Cody could, they were worried that something was wrong with her. But when it also became apparent that Cody couldn’t move anything with his mind the way his sister could, Dr. Sims theorized that the twins had each inherited one ability from Lacey.

Considering that the two different parts of Lacey were always at war with one another – her wolf and her telekinetic abilities - it made sense to her that her children would each possess only one ability. After all, she had never been able to use her telekinetic power while in her wolf form. She was only able to move things with her mind while in human form. Lacey was pleased that her kids would never have to deal with the internal struggles that had tortured her for so long, until she learned to control her mind and body.

It was already bad enough that Claire and Cody had to learn to keep themselves in check at all times. From birth until a year ago, Cody hadn’t been able to control his shifting and because of that, Lacey, Cole and nearly everyone else in the Black Hills mountain pack had suffered many bites from him while he was in wolf form. And once he learned to walk at a year of age, things became even worse. Cody was constantly shifting and running off through the village, biting everyone he came into contact with. The amount of aggression in him was further proof that he was born to be an alpha male.

And the situation with Claire hadn’t been any better. Every time she’d cried someone ended up getting hurt. And that person was usually Cole since most of her time was spent with him. She had made it clear within a few months after she was born that she was a daddy’s girl. Every time Cole was out of her sight for more than a minute or two, she’d lash out with her powers and send everything near her flying through the air. Even her brother, Cody.

Fortunately, Lacey was always quick enough to catch him in the air before he suffered any injuries thanks to his sister’s tantrums. The last year however, had been much easier for Lacey and Cole. Now that the children were old enough to talk and understand how to control themselves, their lives were finally starting to resemble a somewhat normal family...if they could ever be called that.

Looking at her children as they played tag with Cole and the other pack children, Lacey’s chest filled with so much love and pride. Each day that passed, Cody looked more and more like his father. The only clear difference between them was the color of their hair. Cole’s was as black as night and both Cody and Claire’s hair was dark brown thanks to the blond gene they’d inherited from their mother. Cody even had his father’s bright green eyes, while Claire’s were as blue as Lacey’s. It was amazing how much the two of them resembled their parents.

Mind if I join you? Maggie asked as she stepped onto the porch.

Have a seat. Lacey smiled at her blond, curly-haired best friend as she did the pregnancy waddle over to the chair next to her. Where’s Kindal? I haven’t seen her all morning? she asked.

Maggie shrugged. She’s fighting with Dean again and since he’s here, she stayed home. It baffles my mind that those two became mates considering how much they fight. They go at it more than any other couple I know. She eased down in the rocking chair and let out a tired breath. "I swear I don’t know how you did it, Lacey. You carried twins and ran around like you weren’t pregnant at all. And here I am only carrying