by Kate Steele
As she let herself out, she breathed a sigh of relief and contentment. The night air was cool and fresh and she felt her spirits lift as she walked away from the house into the surrounding woods. The moon, a few days away from being full, rode high in the sky, making it easy for her to see the path that wound through the trees.
Hayley wandered slowly, no destination in mind. She’d always had a good sense of direction and felt at ease with nature. As she followed the path, she heard the soft splash of water in the distance.
Spotting the reflective glint of moonlight, she moved forward until she entered a clearing where a shallow pool of water was fed by a trickling stream. A smile lit her face as she walked to the edge of the pond. Kneeling, she trailed her fingers in the clear water. It was warm.
She gave the water a speculative look and then checked the surrounding area. Deciding to go for it, she quickly began to peel out of her clothes and, naked, stepped into the welcoming water.
She didn’t see the pair of eyes that glowed with a bluish-green incandescence as they watched her lower herself into the pool.
The water was deep enough that she could swim, which she did, taking a few laps around its circumference. Wearying of that exercise, she flipped over on her back and floated, admiring the clear night sky with its moon and myriad stars all shining so brightly. Her body was so relaxed, she stifled a yawn as she found herself missing the bed she’d left not so long ago. With a sigh, she paddled to the edge of the pond and stood, walking from the water.
Hayley was unaware of the picture she presented as the water sluiced from her body, leaving it pale and shimmering under the moonlight. Her hair, slicked back, revealed the pure, lovely features of her face. Tall and lithe, her curves were full and firm. Bounteous breasts were topped by pink nipples that had hardened in the cool night air. A trim waist accentuated her generous hips and the sleek curve of taut buttocks. Below her slightly rounded belly, the nest of curls that graced her mound was pale and glistened with water from the pool. Her legs were long and curvaceous, from the tops of her shapely thighs to her slim, arched feet.
Reaching her clothes, she bent to retrieve her shirt and began to dry herself. A slight rustling sound caught her attention and she searched the darkness until her eyes found the wolf.
It stood with an air of calm majesty not twenty feet away. Hayley froze in surprise. A slight frisson of fear tightened her belly, until she remembered all the things she had read about wolves. One researcher in particular had said that wolves did not commonly attack humans and that during her study of them, the wolves, especially the males, had been curious about her and had often spent hours near her, seemingly studying her as she’d studied them.
Hayley strove to relax her tightened muscles as she admired the wolf. Its fur was thick and sleek, mostly black, lightening toward the chest, underbelly and legs. It seemed huge, although she had nothing to compare it with, never having seen a wolf before. And its eyes… Were they glowing? Surely it was a reflection of the moonlight off the water, she mused. Not sure what color eyes wolves usually had, she found the blue-green quite remarkable.
A wisp of night air blew across her skin, causing her to shiver. “I hope you don’t mind,” she told the wolf softly, “but I’ve got to move. I don’t have any fur, you know, and it’s a little chilly here with no clothes on.”
In answer the wolf cocked his head, then sat, staring at her expectantly.
“Guess that means it’s okay,” Hayley muttered, as she carefully, with smooth easy movements, dressed herself.
All the while, the wolf watched with interest.
Slipping into her shoes, she faced the wolf. “Well, it was nice meeting you,” she offered, “but I have to go. Hope you enjoyed the show.”
In answer the wolf’s mouth opened, his tongue lolling out in a large canine grin.
A suspicious frown crossed Hayley’s face. “Did anyone ever tell you you were strange?” she asked, then admitted, “But very beautiful. Thank you for keeping me company. Maybe we’ll meet again some time.”
She backed away a few steps, just to see if there was any objection. When the wolf made no move, she turned and followed the trail back to the house. Slipping quietly into the kitchen, she locked the door and crept upstairs to her room, quickly changing and sliding back into bed.
Safe, warm and pleasantly sleepy, Hayley began to drift away until the haunting howl of a wolf pierced the night’s quiet. She listened to the sound with awe as a shiver slid down her spine.
Just down the hall, Logan and Bryn both listened to the howl.
“Jace,” Logan identified.
“What’s he doing?” Bryn asked with a sleepy yawn.
Logan hugged her to him. “Probably just out for a run.”
“Mmm,” Bryn murmured, as she snuggled in and went to sleep.
Logan lay awake and listened to a second rolling howl. He’d heard Hayley return earlier from her moonlight ramble. He lay quietly, speculating upon the possibilities…
About the author:
Having been an avid reader of romance for years, and being possessed of an overactive imagination, Kate decided only recently to try her hand at writing. She discovered that, like reading, writing romance has become addictive. Whether writing about werewolves and otherworldly creatures or contemporary gay/erotic romance, she has found the perfect outlet and is thrilled to be part of the Ellora's Cave family.
Kate lives in a turn-of-the-century house located on three acres in the midst of Indiana farm country. Keeping her company is her family, dogs, and other assorted pets.
Kate welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1337 Commerce Drive, #13, Stow, Ohio 44224.
Also by Kate Steele:
Chosen of the Orb
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