Rocky (Tales of the Were) by Bianca D'Arc

so-called clients were shifters in need of his unique abilities and counsel.
    Tony guided many shifters in esoteric matters that she’d known nothing about until the very end. She’d seen some of the few records he’d kept before she torched the lot. She’d burned everything according to his wishes, keeping only a small portable hard drive that held the work of his lifetime and some videos he’d made for his sons. Several terabytes of irreplaceable data that was her burden and her gift to their children and his people.
    She didn’t know why she hadn’t given it to Rocky yet, but the burden felt heavier every day. Maybe now was the time to release it.
    “Rocky, there’s something you should look at. Something I’ve been carrying with me since Tony died.” She turned away from his questioning gaze and went to the pocketbook that still held her most prized possessions.
    She dug through it to the hard part on the bottom where she’d secreted the drive inside the lining of the bottom support piece to protect it. It was wrapped tightly in plastic and she was glad to see it had come through its ordeal in good shape as she handed it over to Rocky.
    “What’s on it?” He seemed to hesitate as his hand touched the casing she held out to him.
    “All of Tony’s records, plus some videos he made for the boys. I’ll want those backed up to something I can carry in my bag. Along with the folder labeled Private . Everything else is yours to disseminate where you think it should go. There’s probably some stuff on there relating to other shifters Tony was helping that might be best in the hands of Allie or the Alphas, but you should decide. You know more about this world than I do.” She kept her voice low so as not to disturb the sleeping babies, but they showed no signs of waking.
    “Why are you giving this to me now?” Rocky’s hand closed over the drive still in her hand, engulfing both in his gentle grip.
    “It seemed the right time. I’m sorry I didn’t do it before now, but it just never came up, and to be honest, for a while there I’d pretty much forgotten about it. So much was happening and there was so much to get used to. I’m sorry, Rocky. I didn’t mean to hide anything from you. It’s been my burden for almost a year now. I guess I wasn’t quite ready to share it yet.” Her own words took her by surprise and made her pause.
    Had she been holding on to the past, even unconsciously? Was this last link with the life she’d had with Tony more symbolic than even she had realized?
    “But you’re able to share it with me now?” He stepped closer, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.
    A feeling of freedom caught her off guard. She lifted her head so she could meet his gaze. She’d been staring at their hands while she spoke, but she felt lighter now somehow. Braver.
    “Yes, I think so. Maybe.”
    She tilted her head and smiled at him, not really sure of her own feelings. But she was certain of one thing. Something more momentous was happening here. A sea change of some kind was just beginning. It was a slow start, but it was definitely a start. Where it would lead, she didn’t really know, but she was willing now to at least try to find out.
    Rocky smiled in return, just a little, and it touched her heart. He was so serious all the time, making plans at all hours with the other shifters regarding security and the ongoing construction. All that in addition to his regular duties for the Lords and his engineering work. She’d caused a huge disruption in his life, but he never complained. She would take some of the burden from him if she could.
    “I like it when you smile, Maggie mine. You don’t smile often enough these days.”
    “I smile all the time at the boys,” she protested as he took possession of the hard drive and placed it in his pocket. He didn’t let go of her hand, using it to draw her closer.
    Her breath caught as he tugged her nearer. A new excitement was in the air. A