Forbidden destiny, p.1
Forbidden Destiny, page 1
FORBIDDEN DESTINY
TERESA GABELMAN
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
About the Author
Also by Teresa Gabelman
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Donna Bossert, Nikki Pearce and Christine Stalvey I couldn’t have done this story without you. Thank you so much for everything you do. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and it is so appreciated. You ladies are the absolutely best!
Lee County Wolves
Forbidden Secrets
Copyright 2021 Teresa Gabelman
All rights reserved. The right of Teresa Gabelman to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance between the characters and persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Gabelman, Teresa (2021-12-29). Forbidden Destiny (Lee County Wolves Series) Book #6
Kindle Edition.
Created with Vellum
CHAPTER 1
Devon Stark walked inside the newly built dining hall that was alive with celebration. It was Thanksgiving and the whole town was inside. Everyone from the humans who inhibited the town to the new shifters from the Kingsman pack who had already made their oath to the Lee County Wolves alpha, Dell Farris, mingled while eating full plates of food.
Having just finished his patrol of the border of their land he was ready for food and then a long sleep. His days had been filled with not only his patrol duties, but the building of new homes that was needed for the growing pack. He was busy and that was good. Devon hated down time, he needed to stay active. When he grew bored, he moved on and honestly, he was tired of going from pack to pack. He wanted stability and he hoped that is what he found here in this small Kentucky shifter community.
Fixing himself a plate of food he found an empty table in the back of the room near the corner and sat facing the crowd. Having been a part of the Lee County pack for a while Devon still felt like an outsider. Not that anyone made him feel that way, quite the opposite. Everyone had been welcoming. Even with his attitude toward some of the females in the pack, he was still considered a part of the group.
His eyes fell on Leda and Taz who were talking with Dell. Taz glanced his way, then whispered something to Leda before walking toward him.
“Thanks for taking my shift.” Taz sat down across from Devon.
Devon nodded with a half grin. Taz was a man of few words. When he came to Devon last week to take his shift Devon didn’t think anything about it until Taz willingly told him why. Taz telling him anything personal had been somewhat of a shock. “Not a problem.” He looked past Taz toward Leda. “I take it she said yes.”
Taz nodded proudly. “She did.”
“I figured she would.” Devon chuckled then cocked his eyebrow. “It wasn’t her you were worried about though. How was the conversation with Garrett?”
Taz frowned running his hand through his hair. “He wanted to kill me.” Taz said, then sighed. “But I stood my ground.”
“And he gave in?” Devon questioned then chuckled knowingly. “Janna saved you, didn’t she?”
“I owe her.” Taz replied, then laughed. “I don’t think Garrett would have ever given his blessing for marriage if Janna hadn’t stepped in.”
Devon looked at Leda who glanced their way giving Devon a smile. He smiled back then looked at Taz. “Congratulations, man.” Devon said and meant it. “She’s an amazing woman. You guys are perfect for each other.”
“Yes, she is.” Taz agreed with a nod then shifted in his chair looking uncomfortable. “Listen, ah…”
Devon remained silent waiting for Taz to continue. They hadn’t always been on good terms, but they respected each other; and in the past month they had worked together a lot which clued them both in that they had a lot in common especially when it came to their past.
“Would you stand with me at my wedding?” Taz finally said with a frown. “Leda said I needed a best man.”
“Me?” Devon’s eyes opened wide, a little shocked. They may have been getting along well, but yeah, this caught him off guard.
“Yeah. You.” Taz shrugged. “It’s either you or that fucking VC Warrior Steve, and well I want to kill you less than I want to kill him. And having an ex of Leda’s standing next to me doesn’t sit well. I think it would be frowned on if I killed the bloodsucker during the ceremony.”
Devon agreed with that. “Yeah, I don’t even think Janna could save you from Garrett or Leda if that happened.” He chuckled shaking his head. Even though Devon had flirted with Leda as he did with most of the females in the pack, he always knew she was Taz’s. He drew the line at women who were spoken for or married. During his days of going from pack to pack he never once went after women who were unavailable. Flirt maybe, but that’s as far as it went. Not many knew that, but he didn’t give a shit what anyone else thought of him. He knew his moral code and that’s all that mattered.
“Tell me about it.” Taz snorted, then frowned. “So, you up for it?”
“Sure.” Devon nodded actually feeling honored to be asked. He reached out and shook Taz’s hand then went back to eating. A sudden thought came to him. “What exactly does a best man do?”
“Fuck if I know.” Taz shrugged then stood when Leda approached as if he had eyes in the back of his head.
“Well?” Leda wrapped her arm around Taz but looked at Devon. “I hope you said yes.”
Devon nodded, his frown still in place. “And I agreed without knowing exactly what a best man is supposed to do?”
“The most important job a best man has is to throw one hell of a bachelor party.” Hunter walked up with a plate full of what looked like a piece of every pie that had been set out on the dessert table. “Vegas with booze, gambling, cigars and strippers are a must.”
Devon cocked his eyebrow waiting for Leda to blow up, but she kept her cool glaring at Hunter. “I take it you haven’t really gotten to know my maid of honor yet.”
“Who, Jamie? The pregnant one.” Hunter snorted. “She’s sweet.”
Leda laughed at that, then turned searching the crowd. “Hey Jamie!” She shouted then waved her arm.
Devon watched as Jamie headed their way, her hand on her large belly. Their eyes met briefly before she quickly looked away from him to Leda. “Don’t tell me you’re going to start ordering your maid of honor around already. At least let me have this kid first.”
Leda laughed, then nodded toward Hunter. “Hunter here is trying to tell Devon, the best man, that the bachelor party is the most important part of his duties.”
“Oh, I agree.” Jamie said, her eyes widening. “As is the bachelorette party.”
“Hunter says that Vegas, booze, gambling, cigars and strippers are a must.” Leda rolled her eyes.
“Amateur.” Jamie tsked shaking her head. “Though Vegas is doable. Booze is definitely a must as well as strippers. Those human men really like us shifter women. Don’t worry Leda. I got you, babe. Let the boys have their little fun with their games and hoes. I’ve got the Thunder Down Under men with their Australian accents on speed dial. They are going to absolutely love you.”
“The fuck they will.” Taz growled with a sneer.
“Don’t expect Emily to be there.” Hunter grunted glaring at Jamie.
Devon grinned giving Jamie a nod of respect. She definitely put Hunter in his place quickly and without any hesitation whatsoever. “Don’t worry, Leda.” Devon assured her. “Nothing but good clean fun for your mate.”
Jamie snorted. “I’ve heard about you, Devon Stark.” She gave him a sideways glance but had a slight teasing grin. “From talk around town you are quite the ladies’ man. So, I’m not so sure Leda is going to believe that for a minute. I know I sure as hell don’t.”
Usually talk about him didn’t bother Devon much. It was easily ignored and brushed off, but Jamie’s words hit different, and he didn’t know why. Or maybe he did. During the rescue attempt of the Kingsman pack from Leda’s uncle, Allen Kingsman, Devon had felt a strong sense of protectiveness over Jamie. It was instant, something he had not ever experienced before. Never had he thought of settling down with a mate, then again, he never thought he would settle with one pack and here he was trying his best to clean up his act and do just that.
“Didn’t take you as someone who listened to gossip.” Devon cocked his eyebrow at her. “And I’m not a liar. If I say it will be clean fun…it will be clean fun.”
Jamie’s grin slipped. “I didn’t call you a liar.” she replied, breaking eye contact with him.
Devon decided not to comment further on the matter as he looked toward Taz. “Totally up to Taz whether there is a bachelor party or not.”
“Of course he’s going to have a bachelor party.” Leda answered before Taz could say anything. “I’m going to have a bachelorette party.”
“Without the thunder.” Taz warned his eyes narrowing.
“Witho
“Just good at it I guess.” Hunter grinned proudly.
“What did you do now?” Emily had walked up and also glared at Hunter.
“He wants Devon to put on a bachelor party for Taz in Vegas with booze, cigars, gambling and strippers.”
“Oh, is that so?” Emily crossed her arms as she waited for Hunter to reply, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
“That’s not what I said.” Hunter said trying his best to talk his way out of this one.
“That’s exactly what you said.” Leda reminded him, then gave Hunter an evil grin over Emily’s shoulder.
Hunter sighed a little too dramatically as he tried to reach for Emily, but she backed up a step. “Honey, you know I would never go if there were going to be strippers.”
“Honey.” Emily said sweetly, almost too sweetly mocking Hunter. “I would never stop you from having your fun. In fact, I was about to give Jamie the Chippendale’s schedule so she could set us up something.”
“Oh, are they still doing shows at the casino?” Jamie said excitedly. “They’re just as hot as the Thunder Down Under guys, but without the accents.”
“Yes, and let me tell you that was the best show I’ve ever been to.” Emily answered with a wink at Jamie. “Leda will love it especially the fireman part of the show.”
Devon just sat there watching the train wreck that was happening right before his eyes. Hunter sure as shit put his big foot in his big mouth this time and was paying the price. He was immensely enjoying watching Hunter’s face turn ten shades of raging red. Hunter was always starting shit with someone without anyone coming back at him, but Leda and Jamie were giving him hell along with his mate Emily.
“Talk about some hoses being—” Jamie started, but Hunter stopped her real quick.
“Okay, enough!” Hunter shouted drawing attention their way. “No strippers.” He pointed at Jamie, then Devon.
“I agree with that.” Taz added pulling Leda close.
“It was your idea, man.” Devon said, then wondered if he should have just kept his mouth shut when Hunter gave him a nasty glare.
“Yeah, it was your idea.” Emily hissed at Hunter, then turned away from him giving Leda a wink before walking away.
Hunter cursed then followed after Emily. “You know I was just kidding around, babe.” And then added. “When in the fuck did you go and see strippers?”
Devon chuckled along with Leda and Jamie. “Well played, ladies.” Devon again gave a nod of respect, but this time to both of them and then stood. “And I meant it when I said it will be clean fun. No matter what you’ve heard Jamie, I don’t take relationships between two people for granted and I respect Leda enough to not disrespect her in that way.”
Not waiting for a reply, Devon grabbed his plate.
“Have a good night.” He said to them all, then glanced at Leda and Taz. “Congratulations guys. I’m happy for you both.”
Devon tossed his paper plate in the trash then headed out the door. He was beat and needed sleep. Walking outside he took a deep breath then let it out slowly. He loved being outside, he felt free, not claustrophobic like he did inside structures especially with crowds. Hearing a noise, he turned to see an elderly couple leaving the dining hall heading in the opposite direction. The man was trying to help his wife across the uneven road. With a sigh Devon jogged toward them. His sleep would have to wait just a little bit longer.
CHAPTER 2
Jamie watched Devon leave then turned toward Leda. “That was an abrupt exit.” Jamie frowned. “Hope it wasn’t something I said. I didn’t mean to offend him, but you know me and my mouth.”
“You are pretty blunt.” Leda agreed with a shrug. “But I’ve heard a few rumors about Devon myself, but figured it was Darla McClain spreading them because he only went out with her once.”
Jamie looked over at the beautiful woman, Darla with a frown. “Wow.” Jamie’s eyebrows rose. “I’m surprised she’s still single. She’s gorgeous.”
Leda snorted. “Get to know her and you won’t be surprised at all.”
“Ah, she tried to get with your man?” Jamie grinned at Taz who wore a frown obviously not comfortable with the course the conversation was taking.
“More than once.” Leda glared toward Darla then back at Jamie. “She’s lucky she still has all that hair. Watch yourself with that one.”
“Warning noted.” Jamie slowly stood from her chair, Taz actually reached out grabbing her elbow to steady her. “Thanks.”
“Devon’s a good man.” Taz said out of the blue surprising her and by the look on Leda’s face it surprised her also.
“You didn’t think that when he was flirting with me.” Leda cocked her eyebrow at Taz.
“That’s because no one, including him, knew that you were mine yet.” Taz informed her without hesitation. “Once he knew he stopped.”
“After you threatened death, I’m sure.” Leda rolled her eyes, but Taz shook his head.
“No. I told him to back off, that you were mine and he did.” Taz said, then his eyes narrowed. “Not like that bloodsucker.”
“Bloodsucker?” Jamie’s eyes widened. “You and Steve, the VC Warrior had something going?” Jamie realized there was a lot her and Leda needed to catch up on. Since Leda had come back to the pack to bring them all here it had been nonstop trying to get places for everyone to live. Her place still wasn’t ready yet so she and her brother, Malcom, were sharing a one room shack. It was okay, but she definitely needed her own place and soon because she was ready to kick Malcom’s ass. Loved him, but one room living quarters was not doing it.
Leda frowned at Taz before looking at Jamie. “We weren’t serious or anything, but now he’s a very close friend. Which reminds me I have to call him and make sure he’s here for the wedding.”
“Do you have to?” Taz mumbled with a sigh.
Jamie grinned at Taz’s obvious discomfort with having an ex of Leda’s here. Guess she could understand that. “But didn’t he help you find Leda?”
“He did.” Leda answered when Taz didn’t. “They even text back and forth.”
“I only answer when I have to.” Taz mumbled again making both Jamie and Leda laugh.
“Steve grew on you…admit it.” Leda touched his cheek then gave him a quick kiss. “He grows on everyone. Plus, he is happily mated and is a father to a sweet little girl. You have nothing to worry about.”
Jamie watched Leda and Taz realizing that this man was a perfect fit for her friend. His love for Leda not only showed on his face, but in his actions. A tinge of sadness hit her sending her eyes quickly away from the happy couple. How she had wanted that, but not anymore. Minor, the bastard, had ruined that dream for her. It was just her now and her child. Jamie was fine with that or so she thought. Sadness of what will never be gripped her heart.
“Well, I think I’ve had too much food and celebration for one day.” Jamie reached out and hugged Leda. “You two go enjoy yourselves and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll walk you—” Taz moved toward her, but Jamie stopped him.
“No, you will not.” Jamie shook her head. “Janna is waving you guys over so go on. I’ve been taking care of myself for quite some time now and can find my way. It’s not far; I can manage my fat ass just fine.” Jamie rubbed her large belly.
“Is Mally there?” Leda asked, using her nickname for Malcolm. “I haven’t seen him all night. He didn’t come?”
“No, he wasn’t feeling well.” Jamie lied for her brother. Well, she kind of lied. He was a six pack in before she had left and working on the next. She had told him not to show up if he was going to be drunk. Guess he had listened to her. She was really worried about Malcom and did her best to help him, but she only seemed to make it worse. Until he wanted to help himself there was nothing anyone could do. She just hoped their new alpha, Dell, didn’t toss him out of the pack. “He’ll be looking for me.”
