Submitting to Her Mate: Drake (Cowboy Wolf Series Book 3)

by BJ Wane

  Cody rubbed his brow under his Stetson, then sent Drake a questioning look. “What? You’re not going to argue for us to keep looking or insist on staying out here alone?”

  “Not this time.” Before either of them could say anything more on that topic, he spun around and leapt off the rise, landing on the path below. “You two coming?”

  “Right behind you.” Gavin flashed Cody a grin. “He came around faster than I thought he would.”

  “And will likely fall the hardest. It will be all three of us against Mom and Dad in a few weeks. At least there’s some comfort, and hope in that.”

  Cody swung down, and Gavin followed, landing right behind him. “Some,” he agreed as they started down behind Drake. “But we both know we’ll stick with our girls, with or without their approval. Having it would be icing on the cake, though.”

  “Yeah, it would.”

  Drake turned his head without slowing his pace or losing his stride on the uneven trail winding through the trees. “What are you two mumbling about?”

  “Mom and Dad,” Cody replied.

  With a shrug, Drake faced forward. “They’ll come around. What choice do they have?”

  Gavin chuckled with a rueful shake of his head. “He’s done a one-eighty. I really like our new vet.”

  Cody nodded, smirking. “So does he.”

  Night had settled like a dark cloak by the time Drake parked off the road a mile from the clinic a few hours later. A shiver racked his body as he stripped, but as soon as he contorted and a heavy coat of dense fur covered his bare skin, he took off at a run, warming from the invigorating rush of blood through his veins. It didn’t take him long to travel through the woods and reach the clinic where he’d watched Roz the last time. Panting heavily, he lay down on the pine-needle strewn ground, settling in for a long night of vigilance.

  ****

  Roz stood up and stretched with a yawn, avoiding looking toward the folded-up bed. She didn’t need to see it to remember last night and the multiple orgasms Drake had wrung from her until exhaustion had sucked her under. The only downside to the evening had been when he’d left instead of spending the night. She shouldn’t have wanted that so much or missed him as soon as he’d walked out, but she was learning what she shouldn’t do or feel didn’t matter a hill of beans.

  It is what it is. Her aunt used to say that a lot. Such a simple term, yet it held a wealth of truth. Some things you couldn’t change or avoid, and she was starting to reconcile with the fact she was in over her head with Drake, much more than was wise. Picking up her phone off the end table, she swore that wasn’t a stab of disappointment poking her throat at seeing no new texts from him. She hoped they finally caught up to the cougar causing so much trouble and had stayed safe in doing so. Caution was required in dealing with wild cats, especially if there were signs of instability.

  Padding into the kitchen, she picked up the trash, calling to Scruffy as she carried it to the dumpster right outside the door. “Come on, boy. Let’s go out one more time.”

  Wagging his tail, he hobbled over from his bed in the corner, and she bent to pet him. “You’re such a good dog, even after someone mistreated you.”

  Roz opened the door and paused, blocking Scruffy from dashing out until she checked the area. The light above the door didn’t shed enough illumination for her to see much beyond the middle of the yard between the clinic and the woods, but as she stepped out and walked to the dumpster, Scruffy’s growl drew her gaze toward the trees. She tossed the trash, closed the lid, and moved forward as the dog barked, wagging his tail.

  “What…oh!” She halted in the grass, resting her hand on Scruffy’s quivering shoulder, the strange prickling sensation she associated with Drake returning to dance across her skin. “You’re back,” she said to the wolf rising to sit up from lying down. She had no way of knowing if it was the same canine she’d glimpsed before; she was going by her same quick response to the animal’s nearness. What did the wolf and Drake share in common that could account for her identical reaction to both?

  The wolf sat still, making no move toward her or Scruffy, who continued to yip with excitement. Roz couldn’t explain why she wasn’t moving away out of caution. She’d never been so close to a wild canine, which thrilled her even though she didn’t know if her natural affinity toward animals extended to this species. Wolf attacks were rare, usually by a rabies-infected animal, and they tended to stay away from people out of fear of being hunted. This one didn’t appear to fear her or Scruffy, and seemed content to watch her out of eyes that seemed unusually light for a gray wolf.

  “Scruffy, stay.” Roz took a step forward, drawn to the animal for some strange reason. She stopped a few feet from him, and he never moved, never took those strange eyes off her. “Are you okay, fella?” She chuckled, wondering if she’d lost her marbles. “Don’t mind me, big guy. I’m just one of those whacko humans who has shucked common sense in favor of new experiences, like getting this close to you.”

  His ears twitched, and he cocked his head, but other than that, made no move to leave. Still, Roz backed away slowly, deciding not to push her luck. “If you return, I’ll bring you a nice bone. Would you like that? God, I must be nuts,” she muttered as she reached Scruffy who sat shaking, waiting for her. “Good boy,” she praised him, taking his collar and leading him inside. Before closing the door, she turned to see the wolf had laid down, seeming content to lie there and watch the clinic.

  Why that gave her a sense of comfort, she didn’t know. After closing the door, she locked it and got ready for bed. She tossed and turned all night, mixing up Drake with the wolf in her dreams until she couldn’t separate the two, and waking out of sorts. A quick shower and two cups of strong coffee helped rejuvenate her, and she entered the clinic hoping the boost got her through the three surgeries on her Friday morning schedule.

  “Good morning,” she greeted Stacy and Karen who were already seated behind the reception desk.

  “Morning, Doc. Hey, Scruffy.” Karen came around and opened the side panel for the dog.

  Roz’s new pet trotted into the enclosure, tail wagging, nudging Karen’s pocket for a treat. “I appreciate you letting him hang around. It helps getting him socialized.”

  “He’s such a sweetie.” Stacy gave him an affectionate neck rub before sending a sly glance toward Roz. “How did you manage an honest-to-goodness date with the elusive Drake McCullough?”

  Feigning surprise, Roz exclaimed, “What? Word has just now reached you? A whole thirty-six hours has passed since we went out Wednesday night.”

  “Ha-ha, very funny. I heard it at the salon last night while getting my nails done.” Stacy waved her blue-tipped fingers.

  “I listened to Maybelle and Regina White chatting about it while I waited behind Regina to check out at the grocery after work yesterday. Maybelle was as pleased as she was when Olivia and Cody paired up,” Karen said.

  With a rueful shake of her head, Roz could easily picture both Maybelle and George Frisk, the older couple who owned the small grocery on Main, gossiping in friendly tones with their patrons. She’d shopped at the grocery twice, and both times one or both had welcomed her with enthusiastic insistence on helping her with her purchases while asking all kinds of questions about how she liked their small community. They’d reminded her of doting grandparents, which had conjured up a sentimental longing for her aunt.

  “So, back to my question, and hurry. Our first appointment has just arrived. You and Drake. Tell us.”

  Roz eased away from the question and Karen’s earnest look. “It’s more fun to keep you guessing. Gotta prep for surgery.”

  The morning flew by, and Roz didn’t have time to think about anything except her patients until she took her lunch break and walked Scruffy outside. Leaning against the building, she munched on a granola bar with the sun shining on her face, admiring how well the dog was getting around with his splint and wondering if she would see Drake that evening. He hadn’t mentioned
getting together in his brief text yesterday, and that should relieve her. Instead, the thought of not seeing him caused her heart to clutch with a pang, reinforcing what she already knew.

  She’d fallen hard and fast for her surly, protective, sexy cowboy.

  Her phone pealed, and she fished it out of her medical coat pocket, the tightness surrounding her chest easing when Drake’s name popped up. “Hey there,” she answered, wishing she could have controlled the breathless catch in her voice.

  “Hey yourself. I hope your day’s going better than mine,” he growled, his irritation vibrating through the phone into her ear,

  Roz loved that surly tone. “Aww, what’s wrong? Did you have to spend the morning with someone other than your brothers? Because I can see how that would make you cranky.”

  “You’re quite the comedian. I’ve been breaking in one of my rescues, getting thrown on my ass three times, but that fun was ruined when Gavin informed me our cousin Jesse wouldn’t return in time to work the club tonight. Now I have to, again.”

  “I thought you liked the place. You are part owner.”

  “Doesn’t mean I have to like hanging around it. Meet me there, then I’ll follow you to your place.”

  Scruffy trotted up to her, his tongue hanging out, sides heaving from chasing a squirrel. “I want to, but I’m leery of leaving Scruffy alone for that long after the clinic closes.”

  “Got it. I didn’t think of that. We’ll stay the night at my place. Bring him with you. He’ll be fine out here.”

  His quick understanding endeared him to her even more. The thought of spending the night in his bed was enough for a burst of wet heat to dampen her panties. She was so screwed. “Okay, but at some point tonight, plan on us discussing this penchant you have of telling instead of asking. I’m only agreeing so easily because I want to get naked with you again more than I’m put off by your bossiness.” Popping the last of her granola bar into her mouth, Roz didn’t bother turning away from the phone as she crunched.

  “I’m always open to discussion. What are you eating?”

  “The last of my lunch. Gotta get back to work. See you tonight.” She clicked off, content with getting in the last word and the warm buzz his call had produced.

  After filling Scruffy’s bowls, Roz called in Ava to assist her with stitching up a cat who thought it wise to take on the neighbor’s dog. She wasn’t surprised when the vet tech brought up the gossip, and took advantage of the opening.

  “You’re the envy of every single woman around here,” Ava said, holding the sedated cat’s leg for Roz to shave.

  “You’re talking about Drake. I can live with that. Speaking of dating the hunk, is there a shop in Brooksville or Ashton where I can find something sexier than jeans to wear tonight?”

  “You’re better off running into Gail’s Goods. Next to the women’s lingerie, is a rack you’ll want to check out. I’ve found a few little numbers there. Gail can show you where it is.”

  Roz checked the time. “That’ll work great. Thanks for the tip.”

  “You can repay me with details Monday morning.”

  “Some details,” Roz agreed to, grateful Dr. Dennis had insisted on giving her Saturday morning off. After last night’s restless sleeping and the prospect of another hot and sweaty sexual extravaganza with Drake tonight, she would need the day off to recuperate.

  “I’ll take what I can get. Have a good weekend, Doctor.”

  “You, too.”

  As soon as she finished with her last patient, Roz drove into Brooksville and found a parking place half a block from Gail’s Goods. Rushing inside, she smiled at the man holding the door for her.

  “Thanks,” she said with a nod.

  “Sure thing, miss.”

  Everyone is so friendly. How can I not want to stay? Maybe a miracle would happen, and Patty would give up on seeing her in jail for Dean’s condition. She waved to Gail, who was busy checking out customers, grabbed a cart to pick up a few things then veered toward the rear of the store without bothering her friend. It took one look at the denim halter dress with the fitted top that left the back bare, and flared, short skirt, to want it. Unfortunately, it also took one glance at the $100 price tag to turn it down. Nothing else appealed to her as much as the dress, and she decided to make do with what was in her closet for now.

  Roz grabbed a few toiletries and some toys and treats for Scruffy, and returned to check out up front, setting her basket on the counter for Gail to ring up.

  “Find everything, hon?”

  “Yes, thanks. Will you be at the club tonight?”

  Gail nodded, grinning at the soft, fuzzy raccoon squeaker dog toy. “Sure will. Friday night is date night, and Clive is as ready for a few hours to cut loose without kids as I am. Cute.” She wiggled the toy.

  “He’ll love it.”

  “So, are you going with Drake?”

  Rolling her eyes, she returned Gail’s grin. “Yes, I’m going with Drake. Don’t people around here have anything better to do than speculate about the love life of the newcomer?”

  “Nope. Come on, I’ll walk out with you. There are only a few lingering customers left before I close.”

  Grabbing her bags, Roz asked about Gail’s kids as they strolled toward her car, the bright-orange ball of the setting sun turning the clouds golden brown and the western sky violet. Opening the back door, she tossed the bags on the seat then went rigid with a sudden, indrawn breath of disbelief. Peeking out from under the front seat lay the denim dress she’d coveted but passed on earlier.

  “What the hell?” she muttered before remembering Gail stood next to her.

  Peering over her shoulder, Gail asked, “Is that one of mine?”

  Roz spun around, her voice choked with desperation as she pleaded, “I swear, Gail, I didn’t swipe it. I have no idea…”

  “Oh, hush,” Gail snapped. “I never thought for a minute you had stolen it. I put that dress on the rack myself not thirty minutes before you came in, and you weren’t shopping long enough to sneak it out, stash it, and return, not that you would do such a thing. Someone else did this.” Her eyes narrowed as she searched up and down Main for the culprit.

  Shivers of trepidation crawled down Roz’s spine as she pulled the dress out from under the seat and held it out to Gail with a shaking hand. Swallowing past the fear clogging her throat, she struggled for something to say. “I’m sorry. It means a lot you believe me. I don’t know why someone keeps doing this to me.”

  Gail’s eyes sharpened. “What else has happened, Roz? Tell me.”

  She did. Gail deserved to know Roz was apparently being targeted by some prankster. “It’s best if I stick close to the clinic for now, until this person gets tired of harassing me.” Shutting the car door, she went around Gail to the driver’s side.

  “No, don’t do that. That means he wins at whatever game he’s playing. Don’t let him.” Throwing her arms around Roz, Gail gave her a quick, hard hug. “I’ll see you tonight. You tell Drake about this. He’ll get to the bottom of it.”

  Roz nodded without answering. She was no longer in the mood to party and refused to bring trouble to Drake’s ranch. Formulating excuses in her head, she drove home with a heavy heart—perplexed, angry, and upset this was happening to her. The last thing she needed was another wrench in the prospect of having a future here with Drake.

  ****

  Rodney swore under his breath, watching Kingman and some woman come out of the store together and find the dress he’d stashed. Seated in the coffee shop across the street, he had a clear view of their expressions and knew right away the other woman wasn’t suspicious of Kingman. He couldn’t believe his shitty luck. It had been easy following her around, driving by the clinic at closing, and spotting her heading into town. He’d spied on her at the clothes rack, and as soon as she walked away, grabbed the dress and snuck out the back door, chuckling at how easy these small town proprietors made it for guys like him.

  He hadn’t counted
on anyone finding the dress before she got home, which would have made it harder to explain. The timing for a witness to see it when Kingman left the store couldn’t have been worse. Next time, Rodney would do something to make up for this blunder, if for no other reason than to amuse himself. Jobs like this could get boring unless he upped the ante once in a while.

  ****

  Drake’s phone vibrated against his butt. Reaching behind him to retrieve it, he hoped it was Roz, this time telling him she had arrived. The loud chatter and laugher circulating around the club, combined with the pounding, two-stepping rhythm blaring from the speakers, was getting on his nerves as much as waiting for her to show up.

  Reading her text, he bit out a few choice curses, oblivious to the curious looks from around the bar. Sorry, I can’t make it tonight. Rain check? That unexplainable excuse snapped the final thread holding his patience together. He let her evasive call earlier slide, not happy when she’d phoned to tell him she was running late, and planned to drop Scruffy off at Dr. Winthrop’s instead of bringing him out. He wanted to wait for her but had caved to her insistence on meeting him at the club. This time, his suspicion something was wrong overrode her wishes.

  Gail and Olivia stepped up to the bar as Drake turned to Cody. Ignoring their interested stares, he refused to ask his brother’s permission to leave. This place had been Cody’s idea from the start; he could just deal with being shorthanded for one night.

  “I’m leaving to check on Roz. I don’t know if I’ll return.” He reached for his Stetson off a hook next to the back mirror and slapped it on his head, tugging the brim down over his brow, well aware his glare challenged Cody to argue.

  Instead of getting angry, concern clouded Cody’s face. “Is she okay?”

  Drake blew out breath, wishing his brother wasn’t always so congenial. His gaze skimmed toward Olivia, who watched with an equal amount of worry, and he remembered a time last month when a threat to Olivia had shredded Cody’s usual calm.