Ronan the Werewolf: Finale (complete)

The fight doesn’t last long - only as long as it takes to get Beau off his brother. His brother is being held at the jail for the time being, but we know he would have to be released eventually. We just have to figure out what to do with him until then. After all, his pack could be looking for him, and from what Beau has told us, the pack isn’t one you’d want to mess with.

After that night, Ronan becomes quiet and withdrawn, hiding in his room under the bed. It breaks my heart to see him this way. As long as his father is in town, I fear he won’t feel safe again. Beau’s injuries are minor - just more scars to add to his collection. I can tell he’s ashamed of letting go like that. He let his anger build and then burst, which I don’t blame him for. I’m impressed by how long he managed to hold his composure.

Adam posts guards around the farm every night - sometimes Billy, sometimes Ivan or Harun. Adam himself stays over a night or two, bringing Eve with him in hopes it’ll help Ronan.

I go into Ronan’s room one night to see Marshal’s legs sticking out from under the bed, while Eve is lying on the floor with a blanket and pillow, her hand stretched out to hold Ronan’s. It’s a sweet sight, but one I would prefer with my Ronan out from under the bed. 

“I know it’s easy to say you want this to be over, but that’s all I want.” Beau says as we lay down to sleep. “I want him gone and out of my life forever.” A shameful look settles on his face as tears well up in the corners of his eyes. They slide down his cheeks as he covers his face with his arm. “I want him to just die!”

I curl up beside him, holding him tenderly and letting him cry. “I’m so sorry Beau. I wish there was something more that I could do. For you, for Ronan, I just wish there was something.”

Beau clings to me. “I wanted that part of my life gone forever. I never wanted you or Marshall to see it, let alone...” He trembles as his arms squeeze tighter around me. “Had I known Ronan was out there, I would have gone and saved him right away.”

“Don’t blame yourself for that. We have him now. Do the best you can to give him a good life from here on out. You already love him, and he needs that.”

Beau nods as his breath quivers in his throat. Sleep has been hard to come by lately - mainly tossing and turning with short bits of rest between.

In the morning, I wake up to see Beau is no longer in bed. I get up and find him in Ronan’s room, holding a sleeping Marshall in his arms. I watch from the doorway, and realize Beau is speaking.

“It gets easier. Some days are hard, some nights I can’t sleep because I dream about it. It feels so real that I can barely breathe. But I wake up and I have Shauna with me, and she makes me feel safe. I see Marshall and I realize that life can’t hurt me any more - only if I let it.” He takes a deep breath. “You’re a part of this family now and forever, Ronan. You have all of us here to keep you safe, to love you, and I know that it will take time for you to understand or even accept, but we’re not leaving you and we don’t want you to leave us. You’re already our child, no matter what. I know it will take time, but I want you to be my son more than anything. I will do everything, so take all the time you need.”

I step into the room and sit down beside Beau. I can see Ronan resting under the bed, wrapped up in his quilt. His green eyes have a slight glint to them in the shadows, so I can see him looking towards us. 

He slowly moves out from under the bed and crawls into my arms, resting his head on my shoulder as he closes his eyes. I look at Beau as tears flood his eyes. Marshall kicks his little legs and continues to dream blissfully. It’s not perfect, but it is ours, which makes it worthwhile. It’s priceless.

One afternoon, Adam informs us that a couple of the officers from the jail have taken Beau’s brother out of the state. The jail couldn’t hold him any longer, and the threat of his pack coming was too great. He was left with a warning that if he or any of his pack members should come back to Hearthway Hollow, there would be no mercy.

“I’m sorry there wasn’t more we could do,” Adam says. “I know it’s like having a boogeyman in your closet. He’s out there and you don’t know if...” He closes his mouth into a tight line and shakes his head. “I’m so sorry.”

“He’s gone, and that’s a good thing.” Beau glances into the kitchen, where Ronan is watching from the table while Marshall happily plays with the cereal before him. He gives Ronan a reassuring smile before looking back at Adam.

“What will happen if he does show back up?” I ask. “Beau and I have already set up a security system all around the farm. But what if he returns?”

Adam’s look is grim. “We’ve done it before under these circumstances, although killing is never my first intention. He’s been warned. He knows that coming back here, he won’t be treated as kindly as before.” His usual angelic smile returns. “For now, count your blessings. Ronan is a good kid, and he couldn’t have found a better home to continue being just that.”

“We’re trying,” I murmur. “He still has rough days, but seeing the good ones makes it all worth it.”

When we go back inside, Ronan looks up attentively at us. “I-is everything o-okay?” He asks in a small voice.

“He’s gone,” I say. “He’s out of Hearthway Hollow.”

Ronan’s look of concern doesn’t fade. “G-gone where?”

Beau kneels by Ronan’s seat. “If he dares set foot back in this town again, you will be the most protected thing here. I’ll see to it myself that you never have to look at that man again.” He places his palm over his chest. “No one is ever going to take you from us.”

“I d-don’t want you t-to get hurt.” Ronan shakes his head. “I’m n-not worth it.”

Tears spring up in Beau’s eyes. He shakes his head, struggling to keep himself from bursting at the seams. “Ronan, you are worth everything. We love you.”

Ronan looks at me and back at Beau. “B-but I don’t w-want you t-to get hurt.”

Beau extends his hand to Ronan, taking his much smaller one. “I’m happy to hear that, Ronan. But don’t worry about me. As long as you’re with us, I will protect this family no matter what.”

Ronan nods shakily.

Over the next few days, we’re able to get Ronan out of the house. I take him with me around the farm, showing him some of the chores we do. I show him how to collect eggs from the chicken coop and how to feed them. I teach him how to milk the cows, which he tries and enjoys. He soon warms up to Remi, who begins following Ronan around the farm. I even catch Ronan secretly apologizing to the goat one evening, and afterwards, Remi lays his head in Ronan’s lap when they sit on the porch together. 

Marshall has started shifting more regularly. If he’s playing and starts to get excited, he’ll shift then and there. I’ve caught him several times running around naked, having stripped off all his clothing, racing around the house and howling. 

“I think I should take our little early bloomer on a run,” Beau said during dinner one night. “Let him shift and take him out into the woods.”

“You sure that’s a good idea?” I ask.

“I’ll ask Billy to tag along,” Beau says. “Maybe even invite Adam and Eve.”

Ronan perks up at Eve’s name, then ducks his head back down.

“What about Ronan?” I ask. “Aren’t you going to bring him along too?”

“I thought that was a given,” Beau chuckles. “How could I go without both my boys?”

Ronan looks up again with a slight smile on his face. “C-can Eve r-really come?” he asks shyly.

“Of course. I’ll call Adam right now.” Beau gets up to get his phone, and I see the biggest smile bloom on Ronan’s face.

I get the boys ready for their run that evening, packing them extra clothes and some snacks. “You stay with Beau, got it?” I tell Ronan as I smooth his hair back. “Stick with him or Adam, and don’t wander too far from them. They have to be in sight at all times.”

“I will,” he says softly. “W-will you be okay?”

I smile and cup his cheeks in my palms. “I have Remi with me. I’ll be just fine.” I place a kiss at the top of his head. “I want you to have fun. You’ve earned it.”

Ronan wraps his arms around me in a big hug. It’s the first time he’s given me such a hug, and I’m almost ready to burst with happy tears. I give him another kiss at the top of his head as he goes to join Beau and Marshall. 

“We’re going to go to the stone circle. Adam said he wants to tell Ronan about the history of the town and show him some of the traditions.” Beau gives me a kiss.

“That’ll be nice. Now that he’s going to live here, he should know what to expect.” I give Ronan a wink, then give Marshal a bunch of kisses. “Don’t let this one out of your sight! Neither of them!”

“I won’t, I promise.” Beau gives me a grin. “We’ll come home muddy, but we’ll come home.”

“Baths immediately when you get back,” I warn them.

Once they leave for their run, I go inside to finish up a few things. I get some laundry started, and change the sheets on all the beds. I fold up Ronan’s quilt, and a couple of papers fall out. They're worksheets from his classes, and one is a letter he is trying to write. The letter is short, with big bulky letters. “Thank you for taking care of me. I like it here.”

I clutch the letter to my chest before tucking it back under his pillow. As I go downstairs, I see Remi in front of the screen door in his attack stance. I quickly lock the door, then send a text to Mrs. Locklear. I go into the living room when I hear Remi scream. Every hair on my body stands on end as I fetch the cast iron poker from beside the fireplace. 

Mrs Locklear will be here in five minutes, tops. I just had to keep cool until then. I could possibly elude an attacker, but I can’t outrun them, and I know I can’t fight them. Remi screams again, and I step into the hidden bathroom. When the door closes it looks just like part of the wall. If I can stay hidden here for long enough, I can wait until Mrs. Locklear shows up. I just hope Remi is okay.

I hear voices as they come into the house, and a cold sweat begins to pour down my back. The voices come closer, and I can hear heavy footsteps on the ground. Sirens wailing in the distance - Mrs. Locklear must have called the police station. I just have to wait. They’ll be here soon.

Something comes very close to the wall, and I fear I may be found out. I close my eyes and hold my breath, afraid of what they can hear. I grip the poker, ready to swing at whatever comes my way.

I hear yipping and snarling as the sirens grow ever closer. I hear Remi scream in the yard, and then a loud, long howl cuts through the air. Outside there is fighting, and the police cars pull into the driveway. 

“Shauna!” I hear Daisuke shout. “Shauna, are you here?”

I come out of the bathroom as Daisuke comes into the living room, fully shifted. “Remi came and got me,” he sighs. “I came as fast as I could.”

“Thank you,” I whimper. “Is he okay?”

Daisuke grins. “He’s fine. Now stay here. I’m going back out.”

He plunges back outside and into the fray. Through the window I can make out the shapes of at least three werewolves I don’t know, three that could have been the end of me. Remi comes inside, keeping me company while the fight goes on.

Eventually, things go quiet, and I hear Mrs. Locklear giving orders. “Just beyond the mill,” she huffs. “That’ll be the best place for them. Bury ‘em deep.”

Those words send a chill down my spine. I stay put until she comes to the door. She stays in the doorway so I can’t see past her.

“You okay?” she asks gently.

“I’m just worried about the boys,” I whimper. “They’re out there in the woods!”

“Daisuke and Harun have already gone out. I’m heading that way myself, so if you...” She’s shoved aside by Remi, who runs off the porch and towards the woods. Looking out, I see two small figures running towards the house. Remi follows behind them as they come to the house, and Eve and Ronan run into my arms.

“Oh, thank god!” Mrs. Locklear sighs with relief. She kneels, grabbing Eve up in her embrace. “Are you kids alright? What happened?”

“Where’s Marshall?” I cry.

“Daddy sent us ahead,” Eve sniffles. “Him and Billy held them back while Uncle Beau hid Marshall.”

“Oh god!” I cling tighter to Ronan, who holds me back.

“It’ll be okay, Shauna,” Mrs. Locklear assures me. “Harun and Daisuke are on their way. Marshall will be safe.”

Ronan looks up at me with those wide green eyes. He touches my cheek and wipes away the tears that fall.

“I’m so happy to see you,” I whisper.

Remi rushes off the porch again, and the tiniest howl cuts through the night. I quickly jump up, rushing out the door to see Harun carrying Marshall in his arms. I grab Marshall and hug him tight.

“Is everyone okay?” I ask.

Harun’s expression is not very reassuring. “Billy is taking Beau to the hospital.”

It feels like everything inside is being crushed all at once.

“It’s okay,” he quickly reassures. “Probably just a broken arm. He’s doing it as a precaution. I’ll take you to the hospital if you want.”

I look down as Ronan comes to stand beside me. I take a shuddering breath and shake my head. “I think we need to stay here for now. I need to make them feel better. Billy and Adam will be with Beau. It’s okay,” I reassure myself as well as Ronan.

I take the kids back inside and look them over closely. Not a scratch on either of them. Marshall’s crying is slowing down, but Ronan is still shaking. Mrs. Locklear and Eve stay with me, waiting for Mabel to arrive. I make a blanket fort and some popcorn for the kids, and turn on cartoons.

Mable arrives, and upon seeing the kids together, she decides to stay as well. It’s a comfort having her and Mrs. Locklear there. I’m finally able to relax once I hear the kids laughing. Mable is extremely pregnant with a baby boy, so we distract ourselves by talking about the names she and Adam are arguing over.

“I’m leaning towards Wyatt,” she says. “But Adam keeps saying he likes Dean.”

“Both are cute,” Mrs. Locklear says with a smile. “I’m surprised he doesn’t want to name the baby Abel after his father.”

“I think Dean is his middle name,” Mabel chuckles. “But Adam thought that having Abel and Mabel around would be confusing.”

I smile and glance back towards the blanket fort, where things have gone quiet. When I check, I find all three kids fast asleep together. 

In the morning, I’m still awake, but Mrs. Locklear and Mabel are asleep in the guest room. I hear a car pull up, and when I go outside I see Adam, Billy, and Beau. I rush off the porch and into Beau’s arms, hugging him tight. His cast hits my back as he holds me.

“Not bad for a sneak attack,” he tries to joke.

“Don’t...” I huff, then shake my head. “As long as you’re okay. I was terrified!”

“He handled himself much better than the first time,” Billy assures me. “He got those kids safe first and foremost. Once Ronan and Eve got out of there, we were able to take care of things.”

“It won’t happen again,” Beau whispers to me. “That’s all you need to know.”

It takes time, but things begin to feel normal again. Ronan continues therapy and his lessons, and once the new school year comes around, he enters fourth grade. I take him to his classroom, where he looks around at all the unfamiliar faces with a wide, frightened look. He clings to my hand and looks up at me.

“Don’t worry,” I assure him. “You like playing with all the kids at the playground and you like your books.” I smooth his hair back which has grown out long and shiny. “Not to mention Beau and I will take you out for a special dinner when we pick you up today.”

Ronan fidgets. 

“Eve will be here soon too,” I tell him. “You’ve already got a built in best friend.”

Ronan nods. “I’ll m-miss you.”

I kiss his cheek. “I’ll miss you too, so much.”

Ronan gives me a big, strong hug. “I’ll b-be good today.”

“I know you will.” As I stand, Eve and Adam come into the room. Eve instantly rushes up to Ronan and hugs him, then shows him the cubbies and drags him to pick out seats. 

Adam turns and smiles at me. “Everything going well?”

I nod as I watch Ronan talking to other kids. He looks anxious, but he holds Eve’s hand and begins to smile.

“Beau gets his cast off today too, so we’re going to celebrate after school.” I turn to leave when a shout rings through the room.

“Mom!” 

I look back as Ronan runs up to me. He gives me one more hug before I go, then rushes back towards Eve. I would gladly live through all of it again, just to know he would call out to me like that.

It takes him longer to do the same for Beau, but every day is a small victory. He sits beside Beau on the sofa to watch TV, sometimes falling asleep on him. He works with Beau on the farm, and is eventually given his own chicken coop to take care of. He loves his chickens, and the three he has follow him around everywhere he goes. 

One evening, as Ronan is reading a book for school he comes to Beau in the living room. “Dad? C-can you help me?”

Beau melts instantly. “Sure, Ro. What do you need?”

It may not be perfect, but it sure feels that way.