Free Josie's Miracle (White River Wolves Series, #1) by Dawn Sullivan Page A

depths of hell when she was held by the General, and she had set her path on revenge.  But seeing the team help people like Layla and Chloe, being a part of it, was slowly helping her broken heart mend.  She was not ready to set aside her vengeance, but she was slowly allowing herself to open up to new possibilities.  Closing her eyes she allowed herself to dream of a man with light blond hair and gorgeous blue eyes.  Bran...her mate.  No, she could not give up her vengeance, not even for him.

Chapter 10
    I t was Christmas Eve and the party was in full swing.  Chase was decked out as Santa Claus and Josie was his elf.  Josie had talked Chloe into taking pictures of the children on Santa’s lap while Josie gave them their presents. 
    One of the pack children had claimed his place on Santa’s knee and was telling him what he wanted for Christmas.  Santa was listening intently and giving the correct responses, but he seemed to be keeping an eye on the door.  At Chloe’s startled gasp, Josie swung around.  With a cry, Chloe ran to the door, passing Josie the camera on her way by.  Standing in the entrance stood a small, stunning woman with long dark hair and hazel eyes.  Her arms were opened wide as she waited for Chloe to reach her.  Wrapping them tightly around Chloe, the woman patted her back as they both cried softly.  “Mama,” Chloe cried.  “Oh, Mama, you are really here.”
    Chase gently placed the child sitting on his lap onto the floor and rose, making his way over to the women.  “Welcome to my pack, Ms. Samson.”
    “Please,” Chloe’s mother whispered as she raised her head to meet his gaze.  “Call me Layla.  Thank you so much for everything you have done for my daughter and me.”
    “You will be safe here, Layla,” Chase promised.  “I will protect you and Chloe.”  Smiling, Chase gestured to the room behind them.  “Go, enjoy the festivities.  Meet your pack members.  You will be staying with Josie tonight, but tomorrow we will move you into your new apartment.”
    Smiling gratefully, Layla and Chloe made their way further into the room.  They did not get far before they were surrounded by the women of the pack.  Guiding Chloe and her mother over to the buffet table, they introduced themselves. 
    The RARE team filled the doorway once the women were gone.  Nico’s daughter, Lily, squealed from across the room when she saw Nico.  Running to him, she launched herself into his arms placing kisses all over his face.  Laughing, Nico picked her up, holding her close and strolled into the room.  Going to his mate, Jenna, he slid an arm around her waist and kissed her softly.
    Looking around, Josie smiled.  Her heart was full of joy.  Phoenix and Serenity were there with Hunter.  Chase’s girls, Hope and Faith, were playing with their new dolls in the corner.  Janie’s daughter, Alayna, was dressed in a bright red dress with frills and squealing with delight at the other children in the pack.  This was her family, her pack.  The only thing that would make her night complete would be a visit from Ryker.  She had not heard from him since he left three days before to meet with the council.  As much as she missed him, she understood he had a job to do and resisted contacting him. 
    Looking at her watch, Josie decided it was time to check on Storm.  She had been slowly recovering but seemed to be fighting it for some reason.  Josie had expected more of an argument from Storm when she had forbidden her from moving around too much in the first week.  However, Storm had easily surrendered and only left her bed to go to the bathroom, which she required assistance with because she was not doing the exercises Josie had given her.  She did not watch television, she refused visitors.  Josie decided it was time to shove some Christmas cheer up Storm’s ass.  Grabbing a cup of eggnog and a piece of cake, she headed to Storm’s room.
    When she heard Angel’s voice, Josie