Ronan the Werewolf: Finale (rough draft)

The fight didn’t last long, it just took time to get Beau off his brother. His brother was being held at the jail, for the time being, but we knew that he would have to be released eventually. We just had 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.

We went back home to the farm, if only to help Ronan feel safer in his home. Ever since that night he’s been quiet and withdrawn, hiding in his room under the bed. It’s broken 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 his actions, of letting go like that. He let his anger and trauma build then burst, which I do not blame him for, I’m impressed by how long he managed to hold his composure. Adam has kept guards around the farm every night, sometimes Billy, sometimes Ivan or Harun. Adam himself has stayed a night or two, bringing Eve with him in hopes it’ll help Ronan.

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

“I know it’s so 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.” The shameful look that settles on his face has tears prickle 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-” he begins to sob.

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, he needs that.”

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

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

“It gets easier, somedays 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 anymore, 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, sitting 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. He lays there, resting his head upon 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 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 replies. “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, that’s a good thing.” Beau glances back into the kitchen where Ronan is watching from the table while Marshall happily plays with the cereal before him. He gives Ronan an assuring smile before looking back at Adam.

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

Adam’s look is stern and grim. “We’ve done it before under these circumstances, although killing is never my first desire. He’s been warned, he knows that coming back here he will not be treated as kindly as before.” His usual angelic smile returns. “For now, count your blessings. You have a wonderful new blessing in your home. 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 oh-okay?” He asks with a quiet, small voice.

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

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

Beau kneels down by Ronan’s seat. “If he dares set foot back in this town again, you will be the most protected thing here. I will see to it myself 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 duh-don’t want you tuh-to get hu-hurt.” Ronan shakes his head. “I’m nuh-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. “Buh-but I don’t wuh-want you to-to get hu-hurt.”

Beau extends his hand to Ronan, he places his small palm inside it. “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 coup and how to feed them. I teach him how to milk the cows, which he tries and happily 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 and running around the house naked 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. “Ca-can Eve ruh-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 for while they are out. 

“You stay with Beau, got it?” I tell Ronan as I smooth his hair back. “Stick with him or Adam, and do not wander too far from them. They have to be in sight at all times.”

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

I smile at him 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, giving me a big hug. It’s the first time he’s given me such a hug, 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. “Do not let this one out of your sight! Neither of them!”

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

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

Once they leave to go for their run, I go inside to finish up a few things. I get some laundry started then go 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, 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 go to get the cast iron poker from beside the fireplace. 

Mrs Locklear would be here in five minutes, tops. I just had to keep cool until then. I could possibly elude, but I couldn’t outrun them, and I knew I couldn’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 could stay hidden here for long enough, I could wait until Mrs. Locklear showed 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 their heavy footsteps on the ground. I can hear sirens in the distance, meaning Mrs. Locklear must have called the police station. I just had to wait, they would 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 tight onto the poker, ready to swing and jab at whatever comes my way.

I then 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 up 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 goes back out into the brawl. There are 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 cold 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 ok?” 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 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 down, 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 quickly grab Marshall and hug him tight.

“Is everyone okay?” I gasp.

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.” I nod along with my words. “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 is slowly starting to stop crying, but Ronan is still shaking. Mrs. Locklear and Eve stay with me as well, waiting for Mable to arrive. I make a blanket fort for the kids along with some popcorn and turn on cartoons for them. 

Mable arrives and upon seeing the kids together, decides to stay as well. It’s a comfort having her and Mrs. Locklear there. I am 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 names her 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 Able after his father.”

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

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

Come morning, I’m still awake, but Mrs. Locklear and Mable 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 in place. 

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

Ronan nods. “I’ll muh-miss you.”

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

Ronan gives me a big, strong hug. “I’ll buh-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 start to 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 everyday is a small victory. He sits beside Beau on the sofa to watch TV, sometimes falling asleep on him. He goes and works with Beau on the farm, and is eventually given his own chicken coop to help 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? Cuh-can you help me?”

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

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