Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) Read online

  “That’s odd. They never approach strangers.”

  “She has an affinity for animals. Sam, you have a puppy hanging from your ponytail.”

  “I know, she won’t let go. Ow. Come here, you little mutt. Oh, she’s sucking on my finger… Daddy!”

  “I think the puppy made her choice.” The woman laughed, watching the little female climb up onto Sam’s shoulder and lay her chin on it, closing her yellow eyes. “She was the runt, but has a very strong personality with a sweet disposition. She’ll be an independent thinker, so watch out.”

  “Hmmm, like someone else I know. Well, Samantha? Do you want this responsibility?”

  “Do you really have to ask? Of course, Daddy!” Sam turned to the adults and attempted to swirl. “May I take your cub to my den?” she asked, receiving a response through raised ears and wagging tails.

  Dr. Quimby’s eyes widened. He’d felt something that time. “Samantha?”

  “Yes, Daddy?” She looked at him innocently. Once in the car, puppy in her lap, she kissed her father’s rough cheek. “You’re my hero. Thank you so much.”

  “And you’re my treasure. You’re very welcome. What are you going to name her?”

  “After something I love. It’s beautiful, powerful, deadly, unpredictable and calming. Storm.”

  “Let’s get home, baby. It has been a long day,” Dr. Quimby said. The pup growled when he leaned across to kiss his daughter’s cheek.

  “Shhh, Storm. That’s my Daddy. We don’t growl at him or any of our pack members. Yes, you’re a good girl,” Sam said softly.

  “If I didn’t know better, I would think she understood you.”

  “Of course she did. Didn’t you feel the neuronet with her parents?”

  “I thought I felt something. How strange.”

  “I want to touch you. Please let me.”

  “I will think about it.”

  She asked again after they arrived home and sat on the couch. The house was quiet with only the sound of the pounding surf and light wind filling the room. Dr. Quimby hesitated before giving his consent.

  Sam relaxed her mind, focusing on connecting with his synapses the way Ton had been teaching her. She felt the connection, like something tugging at her mentally, then sent the song to flow through it. She felt him return the connection in acceptance before she carefully released him to the pod. She sat back, the alert puppy in her arms, and observed her father as the pod integrated with him. Time drifted from his face as evidence of age disappeared. He was completely relaxed and at peace and she marveled at how handsome he was. The song grew quieter as the pod freed him and sent him back to her.

  “Daddy? It’s time to come home now. Follow my voice. There you are!” she coaxed.

  Dr. Quimby’s eyes opened, filled with tears. “They promised me you would never be harmed,” he whispered.

  “I’m surprised you can talk. It usually takes a while to be able to gain control of motor abilities. Storm? Yes, that’s Grandpa. She sensed something was going on.”

  “Sammi, this was… I don’t have words for it. Unbelievable. I feel like I am floating. It must be the endorphins. And that song… it weaves in the bloodstream.”

  “The integration changes us. Did they put your concerns to rest?”

  “Yes. All of them. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

  “You didn’t doubt me, you doubted my safety. Now you understand why I have no fear out there.”

  “I do, baby. Help me get upstairs. My legs are shaking.”

  “Stay down here tonight. I’ll bring your pillows and blanket. You’ll be weak for a while and will need to just sleep it off. If you hear the song, just relax and enjoy it.”

  Sam kissed her father’s cheek before taking Storm upstairs where she quietly opened the door to Rich’s room. She put the puppy on the bed and slid in next to him, making room for Storm to curl up between them and easily drift into a deep, content sleep. Sam reached across to touch Rich’s face.

  “Hey. I’m home,” she whispered.

  Rich’s eyes fluttered open, twitching his nose at the furry tail. “What’s in my bed?”

  “Our new daughter. Her name is Storm and she is only six weeks old. Storm, this is your new daddy.”

  Storm opened her eyes, yawning as she looked at Rich, then dropped her sleepy head back down.

  “She’s not impressed.” Sam grinned, petting the puppy.

  “Oh god, not another wolf. Isn’t Ton enough?” Rich groaned, reaching across to cup Sam’s cheek. “Did you have a good day today?”

  “The best. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Go to sleep. Storm, you’re cute. But sleep. No, don’t eat my face… puppy breath.” Rich sighed. “I can’t believe your father allowed this.”

  “It was his idea. I knew nothing about it. Guess what? He let me introduce him. He’s been integrated with us. I think he’s at peace now; the pod reassured him.”

  “Are you serious? He let that happen? Is he okay?”

  “He’s good. Tired, but well. I think he did it to prove that he trusted me. I’m glad. He’ll know now that everything out there is safe.” Sam sighed, snuggling in Rich’s arms with Storm nestled between them.

  “He will also be able to tell if you’re in trouble now. Why can we sense you but you can’t sense us?” Rich yawned, scratching the puppy’s fat, silky tummy.

  “I can, but it’s different. The pod dictates what is being transferred. They will send images only if needed. Apparently, because Ton thinks I’m such a calf, the pod sees it as necessary for all the bulls to know everything. He’s very chauvinistic for a whale.”

  “Yeah, he is. Go to sleep. We’ll talk more when we get up. What are you doing in my bed, by the way?’

  “Sleeping,” Sam answered, snuggling close.

  After taking Storm out at 6:00 am, Sam daringly decided to terrorize the most dangerous member of her family with the new addition. “Uncle Scott? Wake up. Thank you so much! I love you,” Sam whispered, holding Storm as she climbed into his large bed.

  “What are you talking about? What time is it? What’s that?” he asked grumpily, glancing at the clock.

  “I named her Storm. This is your great-uncle Scott.” She let the pup go to attack his face.

  Scott groaned, assaulted by puppy teeth and her demanding little tongue. “Where the hell did you get this little mutt?” he asked, catching the puppy before she jumped on his head.

  “You know damn well. You were in on it. Thank you. I’m guessing it was your idea,” Sam said, climbing under the blankets with him and holding Storm on her chest.

  Scott wrapped his arm around his niece, petting the pup. “Actually, it was your stupid whale who started the whole thing. Making you babysit was a good experience for you. So, did we do good?”

  “You did good. Thank you again. What made you guys pick a wolf hybrid?”

  “It’s you. We thought you needed a dog as undomesticated as we could find.”

  “Is this your way of keeping me out of trouble?” Sam asked with her head on his shoulder.

  He kissed her temple. “There is no way to do that. But it might help keep you focused and a little more aware. Word of warning: she best not try to bite us if you’re being disciplined.”

  “Then stop spanking me,” Sam answered back.

  “Don’t count on that. It’s the only thing that works. Now, either go back to sleep or get out of here. It’s Sunday and I’m not getting up until noon.”

  “It must suck getting old.” Sam snickered, climbing out of bed with Storm on her heels. They went out to the deck and Sam inhaled the warm, salty air. “Well, pup, there’s no time like the present. We’ll let Rich and Daddy sleep in while you and I take a walk down to the tide pools. You need to learn about the ocean,” Sam said, grabbing a bottle of water.

  Storm’s little legs were too small for the stairs, so Sam carried her down and let her loose on the sand. The puppy started digging and rolling in the washed up kelp, grabb
ing things in her mouth and shaking them. Laughing, Sam walked slowly at the water’s edge. Storm was hesitant at first, then decided the gentle waves were good to chase. She jumped into tide pools and dug some more, finally laying in the cool water panting. Sam gave her some fresh water, scratching the little tummy.

  Storm suddenly jumped to her feet, growling towards the water. Ton was on his way, looking for a smooth area to beach himself. Sam caught confused images from him as she trotted down the beach towards the sand banks. She tried to explain that the puppy was her cub. She snatched Storm up as Ton wiggled ashore. The puppy growled, her tiny teeth showing under her high-lipped snarl.

  “You aren’t even an appetizer for him, so stop it. Are you sure? Promise not to hurt her?” she responded to Ton’s demand to see the puppy up close. Ton promised not to eat Storm and Sam put her down.

  She watched as the puppy slowly approached the giant whale, sniffing and growling, tail tucked between her legs. Ton stayed still, eyeing her. The pup sniffed him and then started to lick his jaw. Sam held her breath as Ton opened his mouth and the puppy climbed in, sniffing and licking. He snorted, and Storm jumped out, tail wagging and barking playfully.

  Shaking her head, Sam helped Ton back into the water, catching the puppy before she tried to swim out after him. Amazing. Wait until her father heard about this! Storm padded into a small tide pool and began swimming around happily as Sam sat on the edge and watched. Scott was right. Having this pup around would certainly keep her from searching for unnecessary trouble. At least, for a while.

  It was 9:00 when Sam brought the tired puppy back up to the house. After rinsing her well and feeding her, Sam left her sleeping on a towel on the enclosed deck. She ventured upstairs to wake Rich. He was gone. Bed made, room clean (of course). A quick survey revealed the absence of the other two men as well.

  “They must have gone running. Let’s make them breakfast. Lots of bacon and coffee,” Sam said, going into the kitchen to start. She put everything in the warming bin and then went outside to tan herself.

  “Honey, we’re home!” Rich called out, entering the house.

  “I smell bacon,” Dr. Quimby added, following the smell into the kitchen and grabbing the plate.

  “You always smell bacon. Coffee… Yum. Where’s the gremlin?” Scott asked.

  “On the deck, in all her glory,” Rich commented, trying not to be obvious as he viewed her.

  “That girl has got to learn some modesty. Samantha! We’re home. Put some clothes on!” Dr. Quimby yelled. Sam lifted her head and wrapped a towel around her body, then she entered the house.

  “Did you guys have a good run? Oh, you found the bacon. Daddy, it’s for everyone. I also made scones.”

  “Thanks, baby. How’s the puppy?”

  “She’s tired out. Let me tell you what happened.” She sat on a stool and shared about the meeting with Ton as they gobbled down the food.

  Rich shook his head. “You LET her walk into his mouth?”

  “I LET you put your arm in there. He promised not to hurt her. He was very curious and seemed to calm her down. She wanted to follow him out.”

  “I told Scott what you did last night,” Dr. Quimby said, frowning as Rich grabbed the last piece of bacon. “You’re a pig, Rich. That’s mine.”

  “There is enough bacon for all of us. Even for this thing,” Scott said, grabbing the puppy in his arms to cuddle her.

  Rich elbowed Sam. “I never would have thought he liked puppies. He seems like such a bear.”

  “You should see the man with infants. He loves kids. It’s when they grow up that he gets grumpy,” Dr. Quimby laughed, watching Scott chew on the puppy’s neck.

  “So much for me having a dog.” Sam laughed as Scott walked away with Storm.

  Her father hugged her. “She’ll be good for this whole family. Happy?”

  “Very much. Thank you, Daddy. And you?”

  “For the first time in over a year, I don’t feel afraid. Thank you for including me into the pod.”

  “I told you, that was their choice. I just introduced. So, how long will Scott be able to do that once she’s bigger?”

  “It never stopped him with you. Except that she has teeth to chew back.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Michael and Jen came back from their trip that evening and were greeted by a whole eight pounds of growling puppy teeth. “Hello?” Michael called, unintimidated by the snarls as he stepped over the puppy. Frowning, he picked her up and pointed into her little face.

  “Really? Biting my pants legs? I don’t know you, who you think you are, but I live here. Now stop it!” he scolded, staring at her. Storm laid her ears back as she met his eyes. She suddenly let loose with a high-pitched puppy howl.

  “What’s going on?” Sam asked, coming out of the office where she and Rich were looking through some hiking maps.

  “We’re home and this tried to stop me from coming in. I’m assuming it’s yours. Does Dad know?”

  “He and Scott got her for me. Did you guys have fun?”

  “Very much. Here.” He handed the trembling puppy to Rich.

  “What did you do to her?” Rich asked, comforting the frightened animal.

  “Told her to stop the shit. She tried to stare me down and lost. Like someone else I know. How was your weekend?”

  Rich put the puppy on the floor, watching as she cautiously approached Michael, tail slightly tucked under her and wagging in slow submission. He picked her up and was covered with kisses.

  “Eventful. I hear you got into a fight Friday?” Rich grinned, watching Storm cuddling with Jen. “What else did you guys do?”

  As they shared the events of the weekend, none of them noticed Storm as she crept away to Michael’s room where she had the final word in the center of his carpet. Teach him to boss her around.

  ***

  Two weeks later:

  “Sam? Get your brother, please. We need to have a family meeting,” Dr. Quimby requested, coming out from the office, Storm on his heels.

  “Rich is on duty.”

  “We can fill him in later. Make sure Jen’s here, too. I’ll get Scott.”

  “Daddy? Are you okay?”

  He shook his head, heading to the deck where Scott was reading a book. He gathered them together in the living room, sitting heavily on the couch.

  “This doesn’t look good,” Michael whispered to his sister. “What did you do this time?”

  “For once, nothing I know of.”

  “I just got off the phone with Randolph,” Dr. Quimby sighed, eyeing Scott. The man’s jaw immediately started twitching.

  “Oh shit,” Michael whispered, seeing his sister nod. Jen just looked confused.

  “He’s coming in one week and bringing your cousins to stay with us for two weeks while he takes a cruise with Penelope.”

  “I’m moving into the Q then,” Scott growled.

  “Me too,” Michael and Sam said together.

  “I’m not staying here alone with those little beasts,” Dr. Quimby snarled.

  Jen frowned. “Okay, I’m missing something here. Care to fill me in?”

  “Randolph is my uncle from my mother’s side. He married this woman ten years ago. She had two children from a previous marriage and then the last one through Randolph,” Dr. Quimby explained.

  “Surprised to know that old thing still could reproduce.”

  “Scott, stop it. Randolph is not exactly the nicest person on the planet and his two stepdaughters are just as unpleasant. The youngest was just a baby when we saw her last, so Lord knows how she turned out.”

  “Dad, with all due respect, but I am bunking with Rich while they’re here. Cecily tried to get into bed with me last visit,” Michael warned.

  “Daddy, it’s not fair that Mike gets to run and I have to stay here. They hate me.”

  “No, Mike is right. Warn Rich about them too. I do not, under any circumstance, want Sam to get into any fights with them. I already have enough is
sues.”

  “Joe, why didn’t you just tell the bastard to fuck himself? All he does is cause this family grief.”

  “You certainly don’t like him, Scott,” Jen observed.

  Scott leaned forward. “That son of a bitch refused to be there for his nephew after his parents died and then fought to get his assets put into probate. He even tried to send the boy to a boarding school. The only reason I didn’t kill him is because I didn’t want to hurt my adopted kid brother and little sister by losing me to a jail cell.”

  Jen stared at Scott. She had seen him passionate about his family, but never this much about his best friend. The electricity in the air was sparking.

  “Then to make things harder, he tried to challenge Scott’s legal custody so he could get the house. Scott got a restraining order on him and promised he would blow him to pieces if he ever saw him near me again,” Dr. Quimby said quietly. “Scott was a great brother and guardian to a really scared kid. That man was vicious. You see now why my loyalty to Scott is so strong. He saved my life, in many ways. He helped to raise me to be what I am today.”

  “I know it’s not my business, but why do you let him contact you?” Jen asked, holding Michael’s hand.

  “Because there is always hope that people can change. They are family, like it or not. And Sammi is right. He is no fan of hers. We can only assume because she looks so much like her mother, and Randolph loathes Scott’s family. Samantha, no fighting. Under any circumstance. If you need to, take a dive. I would understand.”

  “But Daddy, last time—”

  “It’s been six years. Let it go. For me? Please?”

  “For you, I’ll try. Can Storm bite them?”

  “Keep her away from him. If I find out he kicks my dog, he’s dead,” Scott growled. Sam raised her eyebrow. His dog?

  “Let’s keep Storm at the Q with Rich to be on the safe side. Girls, I don’t know how to say this, but do not let your cousins be alone with your men. Ever. I doubt if either Cecily or Cherell have changed their ways. They seem to want anything Sam has and are very spiteful.”

  “But they are your cousins!” Jen exclaimed.