Found And Lost Page 3

  The scent of fear swamped the scent of excitement I’d first smelled. Her fear gave me the impression Mia was on the run from something. “Hey, no big deal. I just thought maybe you’d like to take a break from your travels for a while.

  I know we just ate, but how about this. We’ll go get your supplies; then I could bring you to the ranch for dinner. I can show you some of the area around here. After dinner, I can drive you to the park and help you get set up. My mom is making a roast. She is one hell of a good cook.” I suggested.

  Mia didn’t answer for a while. Her eyes searched my face like she was seeing into my very soul. I thought for sure she would say no. To my surprise, she hesitantly said, “I guess that couldn’t hurt anything. I can’t remember the last time I had a real home-cooked meal.”

  Pagosa Springs

  Mia

  Iwas nervous as all get out as I threw my things in the back of CJ’s pickup truck. I had to stick my hands in my pockets to hide the shaking. I wasn’t sure what had possessed me to accept his invitation.

  In defense of my temporary insanity, I felt drawn to CJ in an unexplainable way. I decided it was time to put the past, the fear, and anger behind me. I was almost seventeen. In another year, I wouldn’t have to worry about the state turning me over to my grandfather.

  With any luck, my grandfather had given up years ago and forgotten all about me. Maybe I could finally have a life of my own without living in fear. Glancing at CJ, I felt nothing but warmth and compassion in him; well, buried deeper, there was also pain and loss.

  Maybe I didn’t explain before. Besides being the descendant of werewolves and getting ready to change for the first time, I seem to have some sort of ability to sense a person’s nature or spirit, if you will. Having avoided people for so long, I hadn’t used my talent in a long while. Not until I’d hitched a ride with Sam. Now with CJ.

  He was so handsome. Besides being the most handsome boy I’d ever met, not that I’d met a lot of boys, CJ felt like a good person. He had unruly, platinum blonde hair, shaved on the side, longish on the top, which fell across his face. He was always pushing it out of his way, which drew attention to his sky-blue eyes and welcoming smile.

  I couldn’t help but notice he was about 6’2 and all lean muscle. Could he really be as sweet as he seemed? I hadn’t bother getting close to anyone after I lost my “sisters.” It had hurt too much when I left them. Was it safe to make a friend, or was I just setting myself up for more loss? I’d been alone and lonely for so long I decided not to worry about it. It wasn’t like I’d be around long enough for it to matter. Why not enjoy the company of real live people for a little while?

  We traveled down the one paved road I seen in town before turning down a dirt road. The mountains opened to rolling hills and fertile, green farms. Tallgrass danced gently in the breeze while birds flew lazily across the clear blue sky. I spotted deer and elk grazing, fearlessly, in some of the fields. It was like the valley we rode through was gently held in the loving fingers of the mountains that surrounded it.

  The sun was setting ahead of us, all reds, purples, and oranges. It was so beautiful, all I could do was stare, mesmerized. After spending so much time in the mountains and forests, all these wide-open spaces were astonishing! I’d been staring out the window since we left town.

  CJ finally spoke up, “A penny for your thoughts.”

  “It so beautiful here,” I exclaimed.

  CJ looked straight at me and said, “Ya, you sure are.” Feeling the sincerity in his comment, I blushed profusely. “I can’t believe your blushing. You must get compliments all the time.”

  I quietly answered, “Actually, that was the first compliment I’ve received in a very, very long time. And the others were from my parents.”

  CJ looked skeptical, though instead of arguing, he said, “Well, I can honestly say you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Again, I sensed his sincerity, along with amazement.

  I could feel my cheeks getting even hotter, while my heart beat faster. “Thank you, CJ,” I whispered. Not knowing what else to say and feeling completely self-conscious, I went back to watching the scenery.

  About ten minutes later, we were driving up a long dirt driveway, lined by white fences. There was a big, wooden, hand-carved sign that said Circle M at the entrance. Horses were running playfully in corrals on both sides of the drive. There was a large barn and stable on the left and fenced land as far as the eye could see.

  Eventually, we arrived at a large, two-story, rambling, stone, and log ranch house. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney, giving the place a homey feel, despite its grandeur. “This place is huge! You live here? Are you rich or something?” I exclaimed as we came to a stop.

  “We breed quarter horses. We do ok.”

  The only place I’d ever thought of as home was our small, two-bedroom, cape in Prescott. Compared to that, this was a mansion. When we got out of the truck, I ran over to the horses. I sent my spirit out to them, and they all came running over, nudging me to be petted. “They’re beautiful. I wish I knew how to ride. It must be amazing.”

  I felt CJ eyes on me and sensed his surprise. “I’ve never seen them react to someone like that before.”

  “Animals like me.”

  “Maybe if you’re around long enough, I could teach you to ride.”

  I spun around, grinning. “Really? That would be so awesome.”

  CJ smiled back. “It would be my pleasure, Mia. Come on in and meet the folks.” His smile made my breath catch every time I saw it.

  Once I managed to drag myself away from the horses, we made our way to the porch, where an attractive woman with a long, blonde braid and wearing a cowboy hat came out to greet us. One look was enough to tell me this was CJ’s mom. I felt nothing other than warmth in her. After hugging her son, she turned to me. Taking my hand, she asked, “Who do we have here?”

  “This is my new friend, Mia. Mia, my mom, Elizabeth.”

  “How do you do, Mam. I hope you don’t mind me just showing up. CJ asked me to come for dinner.”

  “Don’t be silly, child. The more, the merrier.” She told me graciously.

  I stood staring in shock when none other than Chase McCree walked out the door. “Mia?” He asked, sounding as dumbfounded as I was. CJ and his mom stared as I flung myself into Chase’s arms. He hugged me so tight he lifted me off my feet. “Where in heavens name have you been hiding, girl? I haven’t even heard a whisper about you once the papers stopped covering the news.”

  “Here and there. Mostly National Park land in the southwest. I remembered my promise Chase, so here I am. In Pagosa Springs, I mean. I didn’t know this was your place when CJ invited me for dinner though I’m thrilled to see you.”

  Chase set me down while giving me a good once over. “Look at you all grown up. You’re as beautiful as your mother.” Now I was back to blushing.

  Elizabeth gave me a smile that let me know she knew who I was. CJ looked confused and astonished. “You know Mia, Dad?”

  “He saved my life once,” I answered for him.

  Chase gave CJ a very abbreviated version of the story. CJ looked horrified. “Jackson, the Chief from the Rez, did that to Mia’s family? God, Mia, I’m so sorry.”

  Laying a hand on his arm, I said, “It was almost five years ago, CJ. I’m over it.” I lied. Changing the subject, I asked, “So, CJ, you’re a werewolf too?”

  “Yeah, we all are on the ranch. Except, I didn’t pick up werewolf scent on you.”

  “I haven’t shifted yet. That’s why I’m here. Your dad made me promise to come to find him before my first change.” I turned back to Chase. “I would have called ahead; only I lost your number.”

  “All that matters is you’re here now.” He told me, before hugging me again.

  CJ led me inside as Elizabeth rang a big bell on the porch. We were followed in by a group of fifteen men and three women. There were also five kids, ranging from fiveish to elevenish. It was all I
could do not to panic and run out the door. Being surrounded by this many people after being alone so long was downright nerve-wracking.

  I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to control my trembling as CJ led me through a large foyer. He took my sweatshirt and hung it on a hook by the door. Then we went into a vast dining room with the longest trestle table I’d ever seen.

  CJ seated me between himself and his dad, who sat at the head of the table. I sat quietly, concentrating on keeping my breathing steady. People smiled and greeted me warmly. All I sensed from every one of them was warmth and contentment. I needed to get a grip.

  “These are the ranch hands. They all live here. The married ones have their own places on the ranch; the rest live in the bunkhouse. We all eat dinner together most nights. They can be a bit rowdy, but they are all good folks.” CJ explained as he introduced me to everyone. No way was I going to be able to keep the names straight.

  One guy, who looked to be about CJ’s age, halfway down the table, yelled, “Hey CJ, how’d a boy scout like you meet a fox like her?”

  “Shut up, Charlie,” CJ yelled back, throwing a rolled-up napkin at him.

  “Hey, Mia, I’m Charlie. I’m a lot more fun than CJ. You wanna go out some time?”

  I had no idea how to react. Boys had not been a part of my life. “Um, maybe, if I’m in town long enough.”

  “Back off, Charlie, I found her first,” CJ responded.

  Another guy jumped in. “Hi Mia, I’m Dan. I’m less boring then CJ and more of a gentleman then Charlie. I’d be happy to show you the sights.”

  “I’ll be sure to tell Claire you offered,” Charlie said.

  “Shut up, Charlie. I’m just being gracious to our guest.” Dan replied.

  “Ahun.”

  They were all laughing. I could tell they were good friends. As a matter of fact, everyone here had spirits that shown brightly. These were people who cared about each other. I slowly started to relax, letting my guard down a little. Once I did, it felt incredible being in their company. For that matter, it felt good to be around people again, period. I hadn’t realized how much I truly missed it until that moment.

  Elizabeth came out, followed by four other women, all carrying large platters of food. “Boys, this is the dinner table, and we have a guest, you will mind your manners.” She ordered firmly.

  In unison, the boys said, “Yes, Mam.”

  “Sorry, Mia, we don’t get very many pretty girls in town this time of year. The boys are a little overzealous.” Elizabeth stated apologetically.

  I knew I was blushing again. Was I really pretty, I wondered? After Chase said grace, everyone dug in. There was rare roast beef with gravy, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, salad, and home-baked rolls. The meal was delicious. I had two servings of everything.

  As we ate, I watched the camaraderie among the people as they talked and joked together. It was clear they were considered more family than employees.

  After dinner came home-baked chocolate cake with ice cream on top, again I had seconds. Dan spoke up. “Where does a little thing like you put all that food?”

  I blushed. “This is the best meal I’ve had in years. I’m sorry, Mrs. McCree, I’m not being very polite.” I apologized, looking down at my empty plate and feeling very foolish.

  “Don’t be silly, child; it does my heart good to see someone appreciate my cooking that much. It’s not like these ingrates do. Please call me Beth, everyone does.” She told me.

  As she and the other women got up to clear the table, I got up and helped. Carrying a stack of dishes to the kitchen, I looked around, amazed. It was enormous with two stoves, four ovens, three dishwashers, and the biggest sink I’d ever seen.

  Once cleanup was completed we joined the men in another, enormous room across the from the foyer. CJ called it the great room. It had a stone fireplace, almost the size of one wall with a roaring fire in it.

  As we came in, Chase pulled out a fiddle, a couple of the other men had guitars. They started to play a brisk country song while one of the guys sang along. The men and women began to dance, sing along and whoop it up. I sat on the edge of the hearth in the corner of the room, trying to look inconspicuous while enjoying the goings-on.

  CJ came to sit next to me, along with his friends Charlie and Dan. “What do you think of the gang?” He asked.

  “Everyone is really great. You’re lucky to have such wonderful family and friends. Your dad is an amazing person. After he rescued me, he wanted to bring me home, but this was too close to my grandfather for me to feel comfortable. It was awful nice of your mom to welcome me.” I told him honestly.

  “See, I told you, you were lucky to have us as best buds,” Charlie told CJ. CJ rolled his eyes at him though I could feel how much Charlie meant to CJ. It made me smile.

  “Wanna dance?” Charlie asked as he grabbed my hands, dragging me to my feet.

  “Oh, ah, no. I don’t know how to dance.” I cried out, trying to stifle the panic, starting inside me.

  Charlie laughed, “Neither do they, but that doesn’t stop them. Just move to the music.” Not taking no for an answer, he dragged me into the crowd. Once I overcame my panic, it was a blast. Following his moves was easier than I thought. I ended up dancing with all three boys. They even taught me a line dance. I found myself smiling, laughing, and have a wonderful time. I’d smiled more tonight than I had in the past four years.

  When the guys started to play a slow song, CJ pulled me close. As soon as I felt his arms around me, my heart started beating faster. I felt heat spread through me, making me pull away abruptly. CJ asked if I was ok. “Sorry, I, um, I’m fine. I just realized it’s getting late and I’m quite tired. I still have to put up my tent. I don’t want to spoil your fun, but I’d like to head to the campground now if you don’t mind.”

  “Oh, sure, no problem.” Was that disappointment in his voice?

  As we went to leave, Chase intercepted us. “There is no way you are going off to stay at some campground. You’re staying here with us.” His tone made it clear he would book no argument.

  Although it would be strange sleeping inside, I reluctantly agreed. “If it includes a hot shower, I’m in.”

  I followed CJ outside to get my stuff. It was a three-quarter moon. There were so many stars in the sky. I stared up at them. No matter how many nights I spent under the stars, I loved them. Finally, CJ spoke up. “You are the quietest girl I’ve ever met. Most of the ones I’ve known never stop talking. Usually about themselves.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m used to being alone, I guess.” I told him apologetically.

  “Hey, I’m not complaining. It’s kind of refreshing. Except, I can’t tell whether you’re enjoying yourself or dying to get away from me.” CJ stated bluntly.

  Looking over at him, I smiled. “I had a wonderful time today, CJ. Really! It was the best day I can remember having in a very long time. Thank you. I’m happy I bumped into you today.”

  CJ looked so pleased by my smile it grew. “You’re awfully easy to please. How long do you think you’ll be around?”

  “I’m not sure yet.”

  “Well, we’re having a Founder’s Day dance in a month. I’d like it if you’d let me escort you.”

  I doubted anyone would be looking for me way out here on the ranch. Sticking around that long shouldn’t be a problem as long as I stayed hidden out here. Besides, even though I suspected my change would come with the next full moon, there was no way to be sure; it could be a few more months for all I knew. “Does Jackson ever come around?” I asked nervously.

  “I’ve never laid eye on him once in my entire life. The Indians on the Res never come into town. Dad says Jackson forbids it. He’ll never know you’re here, Mia. Besides, we’ll protect you from him. I’d never let him hurt you.” The depths of his sincerity surprised me.

  “I guess it couldn’t hurt to stick around for a while.”

  I had never been to a dance before, and I liked the people here. This ni
ght with CJ’s family and friends had been like a healing balm on my wounded soul. I was less on guard then I’d been since my folks died. I wasn’t in a rush to have it end.

  Ok, I admitted to myself, not only had it been a magical night, but I liked CJ and his friends a lot.

  CJ yelled, “Yee-haw.” He startled me so much; I nearly jumped out of my skin. We both ended up laughing.

  We had just reached the truck when, out of the blue, it started to rain. I loved the rain. It always gave me the feeling God was washing everything clean. While CJ was dashing the porch with my backpack, I raised my face and arms up, turning slowly around as it poured down on me. CJ stared at me, probably thinking I was crazy. “You should try it, CJ, it feels wonderful,” I called out.

  The next thing I knew, CJ came over and took my hands, turning around with me. When I jumped in a puddle, splashing him, he followed suit. We laughed and laughed as we got drenched. Though it was just a passing shower, which ended as abruptly as it began, I could sense the joy CJ was feeling from playing in it.

  CJ was watching me with a strange expression. “I haven’t played in the rain since I was a kid.”

  I smiled. “But you had fun, didn’t you?”

  CJ smiled back with the biggest smile I’d seen yet, making my heart flutter. “I’ve been having fun since you bumped into me. You make me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time.” As we walked to the porch, his hand brushed mine. I caught my breath as a spark jolted through me again.

  Turning to look up at him, I replied, “Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you. Thanks for this day, CJ. It was perfect.” When I’d finally fought my way through my grief and loneliness over losing my folks and then Allie, I’d learned to appreciate every blessing, no matter how small.

  I made a point of putting to memory every breathtaking sunset, every warm, sunny day, the creatures I’d befriended, and all beauty that surrounded me. Over my time alone, I’d accumulated thousands of moments I wanted to remember. Many of those events I’d documented in my sketchbook. None compared to this day spent with these gracious people and CJ.