Paws for Change Read online

  When Edwin Aldridge had declared his intention to work with the Central Intelligence Agency, Dillan had nearly had a heart attack. For years, his godson had been working with Edwin’s blood. He’d wanted to discover a way to use a shifter’s healing ability to speed up a human’s healing.

  Edwin had discovered that Dillan could turn into a puma, or mountain lion as many called it, when he was sixteen. Dillan had been lounging in the back yard with their German shepherd, Congo. He’d forgotten Edwin had a short day due to some teacher meeting thing.

  When Edwin had opened up the sliding glass door, he hadn’t even stepped all the way onto the deck. He’d squeaked in alarm, dropped his glass of iced tea, and run back into the house, slamming the sliding glass door behind him. Edwin had disappeared, then reappeared, phone in hand, staring out at him.

  To Dillan’s eternal gratefulness, Edwin had pressed his face and hands—phone clutched in his left—to the glass, and peered out at him with wide eyes. The instant Edwin had opened the door, Congo had leaped to his feet and, barking excitedly to see his other master, had bounded across the yard. Now the dog whined and wriggled at the sliding door, entreating his human to open the door and let him inside for pets and scratches.

  Edwin looked down at the animal. He spoke to Congo, but Dillan couldn’t make out his godson’s words through the glass.

  Taking advantage of the distraction, Dillan had shifted. His back yard had high, thick, seven foot hedge fences, ensuring his privacy. On top of that, his place backed up to a private game preserve and his neighbors were acres away on either sides of him. It’s why he’d chosen to buy this home in the first place.

  Drawing on centuries of practice, Dillan transitioned smoothly from cat to human. His mountain lion grumbled a bit in his mind, having wanted to play with their human godson. Dillan had pushed the desire away, promising his beast that he’d introduce them soon.

  Dillan stood to his full height of a few inches over six feet and headed toward the door. Meeting Edwin’s gaze, it wasn’t until his godson glanced down a few times that he remembered that he was naked. Hell, shifters didn’t really worry about things like that under normal circumstances.

  “Edwin,” Dillan called, grabbing his pair of sweats where he’d left them over the railing of his back porch. He wrapped them around his waist. “Let me in, Son. Let me explain.”

  Instantly, Edwin had slid the door open, grabbed Dillan, and yanked him into the house. While Dillan could have resisted, he’d allowed his godson to maneuver him into the room. Seconds later, he’d heard the sliding glass door slam closed, the lock clicking into place.

  “Did you see it?” Edwin had whispered, sounding more excited than afraid. “Is it still out there?”

  “No, Edwin,” Dillan stated softly. “It’s not out there. It’s in here.” When Edwin turned and stared at him in shocked confusion, Dillan smiled. He reached out and gripped his godson’s shoulders. “There have been so many times I’ve tried to come up with a way to explain.” He shrugged. “I’m a shifter. I share my spirit with a mountain lion.”

  That revelation had been followed by many questions, plenty of explanations, a series of changes, and much fear, gasping, and finally acceptance.

  Dillan had felt relief that the biggest hurdle had been the whole healing thing...

  Edwin’s parents had been killed in a drunk driving accident. While his godson realized that even an intrusion of Dillan’s blood wouldn’t have saved them, Edwin still had become obsessed with figuring out if shifter blood actually had any generalized healing capabilities.

  Smiling, Dillan shook his head as he pushed the memories away. It’d been years since he’d seen Edwin, but he had still sent his godson fresh blood samples every few months.

  Dillan had had mixed feelings about Edwin being involved with the feds, but he’d had to allow his godson to choose his own way. Discovering that a wolf shifter had claimed his godson, he’d had to have the same faith. Edwin had grown up with a shifter and knew about mates. Dillan trusted that Edwin could take care of himself.

  That didn’t mean Dillan didn’t check out the wolf shifter and his pack where Edwin had settled.

  After nearly five years, Dillan had finally deemed it safe to return to the state of Colorado. Due to caring for Edwin after his parents had died, he’d stayed in the area for far too long and people had begun to notice how he never seemed to age. Now, with the gray strands peppering his newly trimmed hair and the thin goatee around his lips and chin, few of his old circle would recognize him.

  Dillan pushed his memories to the back of his mind. He swung off his bike as he settled his helmet on the gas tank. After running his fingers through his hair, Dillan strode up to the deck. He climbed the couple of steps onto the porch and rang the bell. Backing a few steps, he rested his ass against the porch railing and waited.

  After a few seconds, Dillan’s sensitive hearing picked up the sound of footsteps inside the home. He smiled as he anticipated Edwin’s reaction. He hadn’t told his godson that he was coming, having wanted it to be a surprise.

  When the door opened, Dillan caught the heavy scent of wolf. His hackles instantly rose, but he pushed down the response. Instead of Edwin appearing before him, a tall, broad, African American male glared at him.

  “Who are you?” the wolf shifter snarled. He sniffed the air and a low growl erupted from his throat. “What are you doing here, cat?”

  Dillan realized that this must be Byron Ziegler, Edwin’s wolf shifter mate. He remained where he was, leaning against the railing. While the position put him at a disadvantage, he needed the shifter to believe he wasn’t a threat.

  Forcing a smile, Dillan told him, “I am Dillan Shoreman, Edwin’s godfather. You must be Byron.”

  Byron’s low growling stopped, but his stance remained tense. “Yes, I’m Byron,” he confirmed. “Edwin didn’t say anything about you visiting us. Does Alpha Declan know you’re in his territory?”

  “Actually, yes,” Dillan replied. “I asked your alpha to keep the information to himself, as I didn’t know when I’d get here.” He grinned and held out his arms. “And I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  “Byron, who’s at the door?” Edwin called from inside the house. “Who are you growling at?”

  “An unexpected guest,” Byron rumbled, his voice softening. “It’s for you.”

  Instead of stepping backward and allowing Dillan into the house, Byron stepped forward onto the deck. His expression remained wary, his eyes narrowed, watching every move Dillan made.

  “You know I raised him, right?” Dillan asked quietly, making certain his voice wouldn’t carry to Edwin. From the sound of his godson’s footsteps, he knew he approached. “I’d never harm a hair on his head.”

  “That makes two of us,” Byron grumbled. “And I’ll believe it when Edwin confirms it.”

  Dillan shrugged. It didn’t matter to him either way. He did hope to at least get along with the wolf, for Edwin’s sake if nothing else. At least, this confirmed his godson would always be safe.

  Edwin appeared in the doorway. “Who’s—Dillan!” he cried. “You’re here!”

  Opening his arms, Dillan caught Edwin when his godson flung himself at him. He relied on his shifter strength to pick his up and give him a tight hug, just as he used to do when he was a child. Almost instantly, a low growl reached Dillan’s ears and he set Edwin right back down. His godson was immediately pulled from his arms.

  Edwin laughed. He grinned broadly as he glanced over his shoulder at a glowering Byron. Patting the arm wrapped around his waist, he returned his focus to Dillan.

  “I didn’t know you were coming! It’s so good to see you. How long can you stay?” Edwin gushed. “We have a spare bedroom you can use. I’ll just need to change the sheets.”

  Dillan knew Edwin couldn’t see the scowl on Byron’s face, but he certainly could. Shaking his head, he grinned widely and replied, “No, Edwin. I don’t need a room.
I’m renting a cabin in the woods.” Hoping to erase the sudden look of disappointment that he saw on Edwin’s face, Dillan added with a wink, “I’ve been in Arizona, so it’s been ages since I’ve climbed a proper tree.”

  After a few seconds, Edwin smiled again. “Well, come in and meet Diana, Byron’s half-sister. She’s staying with us over spring break,” Edwin told him. “We were just getting ready to head to town and meet a few others at a diner. You hungry?”

  “Ah, that explains Byron’s overprotective growling,” Dillan responded with a chuckle. “And, yes. I could eat.” He grinned at Byron. “If your wolf will let me into the house, I’d love a cup of coffee while you finish getting ready. It was a long trip.”

  “Of course, Byron will let you inside,” Edwin immediately responded, snickering. Then, he sobered and looked over his shoulder at his wolf shifter lover. “This is Dillan, my godfather. He’d never hurt me or anyone.”

  Byron scoffed. “I highly doubt the truth of that statement, my love,” he responded. Using a hand on Edwin’s waist, Byron urged him to turn and face him. He cupped Edwin’s jaw with his other hand. “However, I trust that he wouldn’t hurt us.”

  From where he stood off to the side of them, Dillan could see the way Edwin furrowed his brows. His godson opened his mouth, probably to counter him.

  Not wanting to see Edwin fight with his mate over something so ridiculous...and since Byron was right, Dillan stepped forward. He patted his godson on the shoulder, gaining his attention. Dillan smiled fondly at the man he’d raised as his own.

  “Byron is right, Edwin,” Dillan admitted softly. “I have killed. In self-defense against other shifters. In battle.” He shrugged upon seeing Edwin’s surprised expression. “I’m gonna make myself a cup of coffee.”

  “Oh,” Edwin replied, his brows furrowed. “How come I didn’t know that?”

  Dillan grimaced. “It’s not something that would come up in normal conversation,” he revealed. “I was young, thought I was invincible, and it was the Civil War.” Forcing a wry smile at Edwin’s shocked expression, he added, “It’s not something I really like talking about.”

  “Oh,” Edwin whispered again.

  Nodding, Dillan turned away and headed into the house. He glanced around with interest, taking in the rustic décor and Native American theme. The walls were a medium hue of tan that probably had some colorfully exotic name. There were hardwood floors throughout the rooms he could see, and with an open concept, that was plenty.

  Dillan could hear Edwin’s soft steps and the whisper that could only be another shifter moving over wood, telling him the pair followed. He did his best to ignore the way the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. It’d been far too long since he’d been on a pride’s land...or a pack’s, for that matter. Dillan reminded himself that he had Alpha Declan McIntire’s permission.

  The big Irish African American had been understandably wary, what with his mate and adopted daughter in his home. Once his beta, Shane Alvaro, and enforcer, Carson Angeni, had arrived, he’d turn surprisingly warm. He’d even introduced his human mate, Lark, and their daughter, Sara, before they’d headed off to take the teenager to school.

  “You have a beautiful home,” Dillan complimented, striding to the kitchen and helping himself to the coffee he saw filling the glass carafe. “Is this that weak shit you used to make?” he asked, turning to grin at Edwin.

  “Whatever,” Edwin grumbled as he headed down a hall and out of sight.

  Byron chuckled. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t stand Edwin’s coffee,” he said. “No, I make the coffee. It’ll put hair on your chest.”

  “Which is why I don’t drink it,” said a young woman as she strode into the room. With mocha skin and deep green eyes, she looked to be a mixed heritage of African American and Caucasian. She walked to the kitchen bar and settled on a bar stool. Then, she held out her hand across the bar to Dillan. “I’m Diana Ziegler, Byron’s sister.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Dillan said, taking her hand. He gave it a quick shake before releasing it and focusing on removing a mug from one of the hooks over the sink. After pouring a mugful, he returned his focus to her and grinned. “I’m Dillan Shoreman.”

  “Edwin’s godfather, right?” Diana replied, nodding. She tilted her head and sniffed, scenting the air. “Cat shifter. What kind?”

  “Diana,” Byron scolded. “You know better than to ask like that.”

  Diana scowled. “What? It’s not like I couldn’t just ask Edwin. What’s the big deal?” She focused on Dillan, lifted one brow, and smirked. “Is it a secret? Are you here because you’re going into hiding?”

  “Your blunt curiosity is refreshing,” Dillan responded, chuckling. “I am not in hiding and it is not a secret,” he told her. “I’m a puma. Some would call me a mountain lion or cougar depending on the region we’re in.” He shrugged. “I’m a large tawny cat.” Winking, he added, “Much prettier than a wolf.”

  Snickering, Diana shook her head. “Not my wolf. I’m a beautiful, deep tan color that matches my hair,” she said, feigning haughtiness as she flickered her light brown hair over her shoulder and tilted up her chin. A gleam of mischief lit her dark green eyes.

  Dillan snorted. “Well, we’ll have to go running and see,” he offered.

  Diana hummed for a second, then nodded. She turned and looked at Edwin, who’d just returned to the room wearing different jeans and a blue pull over. “Edwin can be the judge.”

  “Uh, judge of what?” Edwin asked, pushing his glasses further up his nose. His brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you guys talking about?”

  Byron snorted. “Diana thinks her wolf is prettier than Dillan’s cat. I guess we’re all going for a run later.”

  “Oh, cool,” Edwin responded, grinning. “I can get some equations worked out while you guys play.” He winked. “Then I challenge you to a game of chess, Dillan.”

  “You’re on,” Dillan responded, pleased that Edwin had kept up with the game.

  “You’re going down, old man,” Edwin teased. “I’ve been practicing.”

  “Bring it on, youngster,” Dillan quipped right back. He downed the last of his coffee. He held up the mug and saluted Byron with it before saying, “You’re right. Good coffee.”

  “Ready to go, then?” Byron asked.

  Dillan nodded. “Sure am,” he confirmed, turning away and rinsing out the mug before leaving it upside down in the sink. “Show me this town of yours, Byron.”

  Byron snorted, leading the way out of the house. “There isn’t much to see.”

  “So, you liked my straight-forwardness, huh?” Diana said, skipping a few steps to catch up to Dillan and walk next to him.

  Amused at the young woman’s antics, Dillan nodded. “Yes.”

  “Can I ride on your bike with you?”

  Dillan laughed, knowing he’d walked right into that one. “Sure.”

  Chapter Three

  Derek spotted the electronics store just as he pulled into the parking spot for the diner. Since he didn’t know what time a small town electronics store would close, he decided to run across the street to the store before supper. He still couldn’t believe he’d forgotten his phone charger.

  Maybe it’d been an unconscious thing. Derek didn’t want to talk to anyone in his life right now anyway.

  When Derek had walked out of his job’s office building Thursday evening, he’d left his phone off. He’d driven home, packed a few things into a sports bag, along with his shaving kit. After tossing everything into his car, Derek had started driving.

  Derek realized he’d made an unconscious decision to head east when he passed a Welcome to Nevada sign. He’d driven until he could barely keep his eyes open. Pulling into a rest stop, he’d joined the trucks and other travelers parked in the large lot, pushed his seat back, and slept in his car.

  The next morning, Derek had dug out Luther’s business card and punched Sto
ne Ridge, Colorado into his GPS. Over more than a dozen hours later, his eyes burning from lack of sleep, Derek wanted two things...food and sleep. To make things even better, he’d attempted to turn on his phone and discovered it was dead. It’d been oh-so-tempting to toss it out the window and not worry about anything.

  Unfortunately, Derek couldn’t walk away completely from his family. He couldn’t do that to his mother. Already he felt guilty for not calling her and letting her know he was okay. After Forest had kicked Deke out of their family, she’d become extremely overprotective, always wanting to know how he was doing.

  Yawning widely, Derek rubbed his eyes with one hand as he hit the lock button on his key control. He strode toward the road, marveling at how there could be eight cars in the diner parking lot, but not one on the road. After glancing left, Derek stepped off the curb and headed across the street.

  Derek reached halfway when he heard a high-pitched horn and the squeal of tires. Turning right, he gaped upon seeing a black motorcycle swerving around him only a few feet away. He stumbled back a couple of steps, his eyes wide. He tripped and, flailing his arms, he landed hard on his ass on the far side of the road’s sidewalk.

  Gaping, Derek watched the man driving the motorcycle nearly topple, managing to catch his balance just in time. The woman behind the driver was cringing as she hunched close to the man, her entire body tense. Her grip on the man’s belt-loops were white-knuckled.

  After righting the bike, the driver turned his head and focused on Derek. A feral glare turned down his dark brows and a snarl curled his goateed lips. Anger caused his green eyes to sparkle.

  “Son of a bitch,” the lean, leather-clad biker roared. “What the fuck? Don’t you know how to watch where you’re going?”

  Derek gulped. While he’d always thought of bikers as big, fat, and tattooed, this guy was none of that. He appeared lean and toned, what with the way the black leather chaps caressed his firm thighs.