by Karen Lynch
My heart wrenched at her pain, and I walked over to sit beside the bed. Quietly, I lay my head on the edge of the mattress, which shook from her muffled sobs. I watched her helplessly, aching to reach out but afraid of frightening her.
After a while, her tears stopped and she grew still except for an occasional sniffle. I was trying to decide if I should stay or go, when she moved her head and peered at me above the blanket. Her eyes were deep pools of sadness, and she looked so lost I wanted to hold her and shield her from whatever it was that haunted her dreams.
We stared at each other for a long moment. The blanket moved, and a slender hand emerged, reaching toward me.
My breath caught.
The hand paused. “May I…?” she asked in a hoarse voice.
I nodded, and her cool hand touched my snout then traveled up my face and between my ears. It was all I could do not to shudder with pleasure as she timidly explored the contours of my head and ran her fingers through my fur.
“You’re so warm,” she whispered. “Your fur is softer than I imagined.”
I stayed very still, afraid of doing anything to make her stop touching me.
“Is this okay? I just needed to… I need to know I’m not alone. That sounds silly, doesn’t it?”
I moved my head slightly from side to side, my eyes never leaving hers. I’m here, Emma. You’ll never be alone again.
She sucked in a shaky breath, and her nose twitched. “You smell like Roland. I never noticed that before. Is that why I feel so safe with you?”
My heart skipped a few beats. She knew my smell.
“Can I tell you something?” She pulled her hand back and tucked it beneath her cheek. It was another moment before she spoke again. “Before I moved here, I was in a very dark place. I came to New Hastings to start over, even though I wasn’t sure I deserved to be happy. I was scared all the time, and I felt so alone.”
Her tormented words made my chest feel like it was in a vise. What had happened to her? Who had hurt her so badly she didn’t think she deserved happiness?
She swallowed hard. “Werewolves scared me, even Roland and Peter, and I didn’t want anything to do with them no matter how much Sara liked them. It wasn’t them. They were really nice to me. It was me.
“And then I went to the cove that day, and you ran off those other two wolves. I was so afraid, but you just sat there with me. You made me see I didn’t have to fear your kind. After that, Roland and I became friends. You and I did, too, even if you never talk. I hope, someday, you’ll let me see you in your human form and tell me your name.”
She smiled, and her brown eyes lost their haunted look. “Now I have friends here, and I don’t feel as alone anymore. I wanted to let you know that…and to say thank you.”
I chuffed softly, and her smile deepened. It turned into a yawn, which she covered with the blanket.
“I think I might be able to sleep now.” She gave me a hopeful look. “Would you mind sleeping on the floor in here?”
I nodded, my heart swelling at her request. I’d rather share her bed, but I’d take the floor if it helped her sleep better.
Standing, I walked over to turn off the light. I left the bedside lamp on because Emma didn’t seem to like the dark. I lay down on the rug beside the bed and closed my eyes, oddly content. Sleeping on a girl’s bedroom floor had never played in any of my fantasies, but then, I’d never felt this way about any of the other girls I’d known.
“Night,” Emma murmured.
A few minutes later, she was sound asleep. I followed soon after.
Emma
“I think you’re supposed to put the flour in the bowl and not in your hair, Emma.”
I coughed and tried to scowl at April who stood at the counter, dropping cookie dough onto a baking sheet. She snickered when more flour fell around me like a snow flurry.
“Ha-ha.” I glared down at the heavy bag of flour I’d dropped on the table. White powder covered the table, the floor, and me. Ugh. What a mess. I grabbed some paper towels and started the tedious job of cleaning it up.
“I think it makes the place look festive…like Christmas,” Shannon joked as she lifted a sheet of cookies from the oven. “Oh, these look amazing.”
“I have the next batch ready to go in.” April carried over her baking sheet and slipped it into the oven. “Mmmm, I love the smell of butter pecan cookies.”
Shannon placed the cookies on a cooling rack. “They’re Peter’s favorite. He put in a special request for them.”
“Paul asked for oatmeal raisin,” April said, grabbing a broom and dustpan to help with the cleanup. I gave her a grateful smile as I wiped flour off one of the chairs.
“Paul, huh?” Shannon said slyly. “I thought you two looked a bit cozy yesterday. Did something happen that you’re not telling us about?”
April wore a secretive little smile. “We kind of hooked up Saturday night after the club.”
“You kind of hooked up?” Shannon gawked at her. “Oh, my God! Did he…?”
“Not yet, but we spent all yesterday together, and we went for a long run last night. We’re definitely compatible, if you know what I mean.” She let out a lusty sigh. “I think I’m half in love with him already.”
Shannon hugged her. “I’m so happy for you! If he likes you, then his wolf does, too.”
“That’s great, April.” I tossed a wad of paper towels in the garbage. I was happy for the girls, but it was hard not to feel like I was on the outside looking in.
I turned to find them looking at me. “What?”
April pursed her lips. “So, Emma, you have something you want to share, too?”
“Maybe something about you and a certain wolf who was acting more than a little friendly Saturday night?” Shannon suggested.
I shook my head. “He’s my friend; that’s all.”
“A friend who insisted on driving you home and who stayed here all night,” April said.
My ears grew warm. “He was being nice, and he slept on the couch. My cousin owns this place, and Roland grew up with her. He’s a little protective of me because of Sara.”
“Uh-huh.” Shannon crossed her arms. “And what was he protecting you from when you two did that slow dance?”
I sputtered, trying not to think of Roland’s arms around me. “It was only a dance.”
April quirked an eyebrow. “Methinks the girl doth protest too much.”
Shannon nodded. “Methinks you are right.”
My face heated, and I busied myself, washing my hands in the sink. “It’s really not what you think. I do like Roland, but we’re not dating. Even if he was interested, it wouldn’t work.”
“Why not?” April asked.
I stared out the window at the bay sparkling in the late afternoon sun. “He’s a werewolf, and someday he’ll have to take a werewolf mate. You said yourself that he really has no choice in the matter. I can’t get involved with someone who’ll only end up hurting me, even if he doesn’t mean to.”
That was only one of the reasons I couldn’t be with Roland, but I couldn’t tell them I was terrified of him finding out what I used to be and what I’d done. The thought of his eyes filled with loathing and disgust made my stomach harden painfully. I wouldn’t chance it. I couldn’t.
“I’m sorry, Emma. I wasn’t thinking,” April said quietly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Me either,” Shannon added.
I turned to face them. “I’m not upset, and I know you didn’t mean anything by it. Besides, it’s not as if I’m in love with the guy. We had one dance.” And one kiss that still made my breath quicken when I thought about it.
I went to the table where I had all my ingredients assembled, along with Steve’s recipe. “Who wants to help me with my cookies so they don’t come out like hockey pucks?”
April laughed. “I will.”
By the time her batch of cookies came out of the oven, I had two sheets ready to go in. Between the three of us,
we cleaned the kitchen in no time then sat around the table, talking and munching on cookies.
“You girls have plans for dinner?” I asked when I got up to take my cookies out of the oven. I didn’t want our day to end yet.
Shannon shook her head. “Peter and I didn’t make plans. What do you have in mind?”
“There’s a Chinese restaurant not far from here that’s pretty good. I was thinking we could order in. Or pizza if you prefer that.”
“I’m in.” April gave me a wry smile. “As much as I like being with Paul, I’m so over all the cookouts and pack parties. It’ll be nice to do something else for a change. What do you say, Shannon?”
“Chinese sounds yummy. Let me text Peter so he doesn’t wonder where I am.”
“Great. I have a takeout menu –”
The doorbell cut me off and I got up, wondering who it could be. I peered through the peephole, and my loud gasp brought the girls running as I swung the door open.
“What on earth are you doing here?” I asked the blond Mohiri warrior.
Chris held out his arms, laughing. “Emma, is that any way to greet a friend?”
“Sorry.” I smiled as my shock passed. “It’s great to see you. Please, come in.”
I stepped back to let him enter and collided with Shannon and April, who stood behind me, ogling Chris. Not that I blamed them. Like most Mohiri males, Chris was tall, well-built, and gorgeous. In addition to that, he had the greenest eyes I’d ever seen, and when he smiled like he was now, he had a pair of dimples that could make women swoon.
“Shannon, April, this is Chris.” I looked at him. “Chris, meet Shannon and April.”
“Ladies, nice to meet you.” He held out a hand, and they all shook. For a moment, he wore a puzzled look, and then his eyes widened slightly. “Werewolves, huh? And pretty ones at that.”
April’s mouth fell open. “How…?”
I nudged her down the hallway. “Let’s go inside first.”
The four of us went into the living room. Chris and I sat on the couch, and the girls took the two chairs.
“How did you know what we are?” April asked Chris warily before I could explain.
“I didn’t until I got close,” he said with a disarming smile. “I’m Mohiri, so I was able to pick up your scent.”
“Mohiri?” Shannon breathed, floored. “I’ve never met a Mohiri before.”
Chris chuckled. “You must not be from around here.”
“We’re visiting,” she said, still staring. “How do you know Emma?”
“My cousin Sara is Mohiri, and I met Chris through her.”
Sara had told me it was common knowledge with the local pack that she was Mohiri, so I didn’t see anything wrong with telling the girls about her.
Shannon’s mouth formed an O. “That’s right. Peter told me about Sara and what went on here last year. I don’t know why I didn’t put you and her together.”
She looked at Chris. “Are you the same Chris who kept putting tracking devices on Peter’s car?”
He gave her a cocky smile. “The one and only.”
“Wasn’t there another warrior? A Russian guy. Peter said he was always in a bad mood.”
“Nikolas,” Chris and I said together then laughed.
“Nikolas is Sara’s mate,” I told the girls. “They’re in Russia now, visiting his family. And apparently, Chris is so bored he came to visit me.”
He inhaled deeply. “I would have come sooner if I’d known you were starting a bakery. This place smells like heaven.”
The girls flushed in pleasure, and April found her voice again. “We’re teaching Emma to bake cookies. Would you like to try some?”
“Absolutely.” He flashed his dimples again, and I could have sworn I heard both girls sigh as they went to fetch his cookies.
“You’re looking good,” Chris said in a low voice. “I guess this place agrees with you.”
“I think so.”
“And you’re making friends, too.” His smile was warm and genuine. “I’m happy for you.”
My eyes misted. “Thanks.”
His face grew serious. “I wish this was only a social call, but I hear you’re having some trouble. Dax said it sounds like a stalker.”
“He sent you to handle it?” I knew Chris, and I trusted him. Knowing he was here to deal with my problem sent a wave of relief through me.
“I volunteered when I heard you needed help.” He gave me a chiding look. “And if you ever need help again, you call me directly, you hear?”
“I will, I promise.”
“Dax gave me what you told him, but I want to hear it from you. Don’t leave anything out.”
Shannon and April returned with a large plate of cookies, which they set on the coffee table. Chris gave me a questioning look when they sat, and I gave him a small nod to let him know it was okay to talk in front of them.
He took one of each cookie and leaned back. “Go ahead.”
I told him everything I could remember about the bald man, from the first time I’d seen him in Portland to Saturday night outside the club. My conversation with Keith – if that was his real name – hadn’t been that long, so I was able to recall it pretty easily.
Chris made a face at the mention of the Attic. “Of all the places in Portland you could have gone.”
“Why? What’s wrong with the Attic? It seemed like a nice enough place.”
He shrugged. “Did Sara tell you how she and Nikolas met?”
“Yes, she said…” I stared at Chris. “That was the club? But that’s where Eli…”
My stomach pitched, and bile rose in my throat. Eli had found Sara at that club, and if it hadn’t been for Nikolas, she would have died. Roland and Peter had been there that night, as well. And Chris.
I’d almost been there, too. Eli had liked to select a girl and have me lure them away from their friends. But for some reason, he and Joel had gone out without me that night. If I’d been with them, Sara might be dead now.
“Hey.” Chris gave me a knowing look. “It’s all in the past.”
“Emma, are you okay?” Shannon asked.
I nodded and took a calming breath while Chris gave them a brief explanation.
“A vampire attacked Sara at the Attic last fall. Emma didn’t know that was where it happened when she went there Saturday night.”
“Peter didn’t tell me any of this when I said we were going to the Attic,” Shannon said with a frown. “If I’d known, I would have suggested we go somewhere else.”
“It’s okay,” I assured her. “I was just surprised, that’s all.”
April leaned forward in her chair. “It is a weird coincidence, though, that you saw that stalker guy at the same place your cousin was attacked.”
“Very weird.” I shivered. “I hope it’s the last time I see him.”
“That’s why I’m here.” Chris reached for the plate again. “And for the cookies.”
I grinned when he stuffed a whole butter pecan cookie in his mouth. “Would you like some milk to wash those down?”
“Love some,” he mumbled, his mouth full.
I fetched him a tall glass of milk, and we caught up while he finished off the entire plate of cookies. Shannon and April didn’t say much, probably because they were still shocked to be sitting there with a Mohiri warrior. I had a feeling Chris was going to be a hot topic in the pack tonight.
“What happens now?” I asked Chris after he’d been there an hour. “How will you find this guy without a name or anything to go on?”
“You’d be surprised what Dax can do with a computer. I’ll check out the businesses near that restaurant and see if any of them have security cameras. A lot of places delete their recordings after a day or two, but some keep them for weeks.”
“They’ll let you walk in and view their security footage?” April asked with a skeptical look.
He gave her a rakish smile. “No, that’s where my breaking and entering skills come in. I�
�ll make a copy of the recordings and they’ll never know I was there. Then we’ll go through them and take stills of anyone who matches the description of Emma’s stalker. We’ll do the same with the businesses near the Hub and the Attic.”
“Impressive.” April nodded appreciatively. “What will you guys do to him when you catch him?”
“We’ll do a full background check on him. If he’s broken the law, we’ll turn him over to the human authorities. Otherwise, we’ll convince him it’s in his best interest to leave Emma alone.”
“What if he goes after another girl?” Shannon’s mouth turned down.
Chris’s smile was grim. “We’ll make sure he knows we’re watching. He won’t be a danger to anyone else.”
“That’s a relief.” If the man was dangerous, I didn’t want him hurting someone else because he couldn’t get to me. When one prey gets away, predators always seek out a new one.
Chris stood. “As much as I’m enjoying hanging out with you ladies, I need to head back to Portland and get started on this.”
I walked him to the door. “It’s really great to see you, Chris. Thanks for coming.”
“Anytime. You’ll be hearing from me soon.”
“Wait!” April ran into the hallway, carrying a large baggie full of cookies. “For the road.”
His green eyes lit up as he took the bag from her. “You keep feeding me like this and I might have to propose. And I really don’t want a pack of werewolves chasing me out of Maine.”
April actually giggled. Rolling my eyes, I pushed Chris out the door.
“Bye, Chris.”
He winked at me before he started down the steps. “See you around, Emma.”
Chapter 18
Roland
On Tuesday night, I walked through the crowd milling around outside the meeting house, ignoring the stares and hushed voices. I’d gotten used to people talking about me in the two days since the attack. I understood why the pack was in an uproar over it – using silver against another wolf was almost unheard of – but I just wanted to get tonight over with so things could go back to normal.