"Now, Lynn. Why would I be doing that?" Samuel looked at her as if she was crazed.
"Get him off now, or I'll give him a knot on his head he'll never forget." She raised her broom ready to strike.
"But he's winning, lass," he whined. She didn't retreat.
When he made no move to stop the dogs, Kolyn stepped forward, her broom aimed. She whacked the larger dog on the head, getting his full attention. He growled at her.
"Get him off, Samuel!"
Samuel finally moved forward and grabbed his dog. He pulled the dog away, shaking his head. "I could have won a pile o' coin." Kolyn reached into her pocket and retrieved her tip money. "Here. Take it."
She was furious. She knew it showed, in her voice, her movements, her look. When he hesitated, she stomped over to him. "Here's your bloody money, Samuel." She shoved it into his hand, ignoring the growls of his dog. "Now go
on home before you spend it all on ale." The dog snipped at her, and she turned back and swung her broom with accuracy. The wispy straw struck the dog a second time. "You be quiet." She rounded on the gathered men. "You ought to be ashamed. All of you!"
The dog clamped his jaw shut and sat down. The men began to scatter. A man stepped forward. "Jus' who the bloody hell are you?" Kolyn was not swayed by his anger. She pointed at the smaller dog. "You must be the man who brought this poor animal here to fight?" "Aye," he sneered. "He's me dog all right."
"Not anymore," she said so matter-of-factly it took him back. "What's tha' you said?"
"You heard me." Kolyn was beyond irritation. She had no patience with this man. She knelt beside the dog. "He's near dead, and I'm taking him." "Like hell you will," he yelled, grabbing her by the arm.
He whirled her about, but she brought the broomstick up under his chin, knocking what little teeth he had together. "Don't try and stop me. I will have this dog."
Her threat seemed to slide off him like water from a duck's back. "You are a feisty lass, I'll give you tha'. But you'll no' be taking me hound." ''If the lady says she wants the dog, then she can have him."
The man's attention was diverted to Ian, who stood only a few feet away, Geoffrey by his side. "A dead dog will get you nothing. Let her have him."
The man seemed to think the situation over and stepped back. "He's near dead anyway," he said, then walked away. "I didn't need your help," Kolyn said to Ian.
He looked at Kolyn and wondered at her sanity. To do what she did was totally without sense. Then she had the audacity to stand there and say she didn't need his help. "Have you lost all your senses, Lynn?"
"No, and I'd appreciate it if you'd just stay out of my affairs. I was doing just fine without you."
She bent down and tried to lift the dog, but he was too big. Still, she wouldn't ask Ian's help. Ian had to fight back the laughter that tickled him. He walked over and gently pushed her aside. "I'll carry him over to that pile of hay." He pointed to the exact spot in the barn. "Go get some hot water and bandages from Molly."
This time, Kolyn didn't argue. She ran to do as he said. Ian carried the animal over to the corner and laid him upon the soft straw. He knelt down to examine the dog's wounds. The dog was bleeding badly. Kolyn came back with the water and cloth and sat upon the dirt floor beside him. Carefully, she cleaned away the dirt and blood. The dog lifted his head to look at her, and she talked to him softly.
"It's going to be all right boy. I'll take care of you." The animal seemed to understand her words, his look one of trust. She continued with her work. Ian watched Lynn closely, helping when asked. Neither spoke except when necessary. When she had done all she could, Lynn sat with her back against a stall post, the dog's head in her lap, her hand stroking him with love. The night was nearly gone, but Kolyn continued her vigilshe didn't want to leave the poor animal alone. Her hand could feel his uneven breathing, each rattled breath a struggle. He lifted his head.
"Ssshhh, be still, boy. You'll hurt yourself."
The dog looked up at her, his eyes dull and pained. Kolyn felt angry at how his master had abused him. Gently, he licked her hand. "It looks like you've made another friend, Lynn." Ian sat across from her. "You're getting quite a menagerie of animals. The tavern will never be the same."
Kolyn brushed away the tears that filled her eyes. It seemed all she did was cry lately. "You don't need to worry about that," she said sadly. "The dog is dead." "I'm sorry, lass. You did your best to save him."
She lifted her head and looked at Ian, his eyes sympathetic. "I'd like to bury him. Perhaps by the creek among the trees."
Ian said nothing more. He stood and walked to where some tools were hung. He grabbed the shovel and left.
Kolyn continued to hold the dog, her hand still stroking his head. When Ian returned, he lifted the dog from her arms. She followed him outside. The sun was coming up, a spray of pink softening the black sky. The spot Ian had chosen was beautiful, and Kolyn was touched by his consideration. Whether it was for her or the animal she neither knew nor cared. It only mattered that the dog would rest in peace along the bank, tall birch trees to watch over him.
Gently, Ian placed the animal in the grave he had dug, then shoveled the dirt over him. Lynn pulled her shawl tighter about her, the chill of the late fall morning touching her. Ian finished and moved to stand beside her.
She turned to him. "Thank you, Ian."
Ian watched her go back to the tavern, pleased she had called him Ian. He knew it meant more to him than it should. Still, he could not help but wonder if it was to be short-lived, if the next time he saw her she would call him my lord again. He strolled back to the stable.
You look quite pleased for a man who has sat up all night with a mongrel dog."
Ian stepped past Geoffrey, who leaned casually against the barn door, and placed the shovel back on its peg.
"Aye." Ian smiled. "I think the woman has taken away all my sense." Geoffrey chuckled. "Aye, that she has."
Ian slapped his friend upon the back. "'Tis time to ride home, my friend."
Geoffrey stared at Ian, amazement rounding his eyes while laughter pulled his lips into a broad smile. "You have lost all your senses, Ian." "Aye." Ian's deeper, long laugh mixed with Geoffrey's shorter one, filling the tavern's stable with their blend of sound. Ian sobered, but the twinkle remained in his eyes. "This slip of a woman has me thinking and doing strange things. I seem helpless to stop myself, even if it means risking your ridicule, my friend."
"'Tis good to see you smilin'. I'll do my best to refrain from laughin' at you." Geoffrey failed almost immediately, unable to keep his chuckle down. Just the sight of Ian holding that mongrel dog was too humorous to keep from laughing. "Do you think it will work?" Ian set the dog on the dirt floor, the mutt's dark brown eyes never leaving Ian, looking anxious to please. "Limp," Ian commanded and the animal immediately obeyed, limping forlornly across to the door. He looked back, waiting for Ian.
You're a sneaky man, Ian Blackstone. 'Tis something I dinna ken about you." "I just want to see Lynn smile again." Ian thought back on the few times Lynn had smiled with genuine happiness. "I am a fool, but I don't seem to care much these days."
"Just remember that, my friend, when she breaks your heart." Geoffrey laughed again and slung his arm about Ian's shoulder. "'Tis amazing how short our memories get when we become a fool over a woman. God help us if we ever stop lovin' the fair maidens, God help us when they stop lovin' us."
Geoffrey's warning struck the small, hidden memories Ian fought so hard to forget, but they couldn't rise above the good feelings inside him. "Stay here with the dog while I get Lynn." "You're determined to mix me up in your schemes." Geoffrey cast a mock look of being disgusted. "Aye, go get the lass. This I've got to see."
Ian left the dimness of the stable, the scent of hay and horses still strong in his nostrils. The sky, overcast and cloudy, emitted streams of sunshine sporadically through the floating blackness, as if it couldn't make up its mind whether to clear or not. Ian strolled into the inn,
his purpose in mind. He still couldn't believe he would go so far for a simple smile.
Instantly, his eyes found Lynn, drawn to her by feeling more than sight. It amazed him how beautiful she was, dressed simply in a wool skirt and blouse, no frills to take away from her loveliness. Kolyn heard the door open, the cool blast of air in the staleness telling her someone had entered, the strange thrill that tickled her insides telling her it was Ian. She delivered the mugs she carried, trying to calm herself before acknowledging his appearance. He didn't give her much time to accomplish such a difficult task.
"Lynn."
His voice was soft, stirring. But it paled in comparison to what his golden gaze did to her when she turned to face him. "Good morning, Lord Blackstone." She saw his eye twitch slightly with disappointment, but he gave her a big smile nonetheless, his dimples showing. "Good morning, Lynn." He stepped closer. "I've a favor to ask."
Ian's look had turned so serious she could not deny him. "What is it you need?"
He took her hand and guided her toward the door. "I found a dog as I took my morning ride. He seems to be hurt."
Tears sprang immediately to her eyes, an old heartache blended with a new one. It had been a week, but she still couldn't keep from crying when she thought of the cruelty the mongrel she had tried to save had endured. "The poor thing," Kolyn whispered, brushing an escaped tear away before Ian could see it. "Where is it?"
"In the stable. Could you look at him?"
"Of course." Kolyn untied her apron and laid it on a nearby table. She turned back to look for Molly, finding her standing in the kitchen doorway waving her to go on. Ian took Kolyn's arm and walked with her to the stable, his touch unnecessary but pleasant.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Then she saw the dog, lying on the straw-littered ground. He lifted his head as she approached, his eyes large and warm as his curled tail thumped a happy rhythm stirring the dust. Tan, wiry wisps of hair stuck out in every direction, giving him a homely look. Kolyn immediately fell in love with him.
"What's the matter with him?" she asked, turning her gaze back to Ian's. For the first time, she noticed Geoffrey standing just behind him, a strange grin plastered across his face. Suspicion nudged her. "He's limping pretty badly." Kolyn moved a few steps away. "Come on, boy," she cooed, coaxing him to stand and walk.
"Limp," Ian stressed, then finished when Lynn looked at him curiously. "See." He pointed. "He's limping."
The dog struggled over to Lynn, one leg lifted as he hopped along on his three others. She kneeled down and pulled him into her arms. Gently, she examined the animal.
"His leg doesn't seem to be tender to the touch."
"Somethin' must be wrong. He's limpin' quite badly," Geoffrey observed. Ian felt he was enjoying himself much too much and cast him a warning look.
"Well." Lynn stood, bewilderment clear on her face. "I don't know what it could be."
"Perhaps he just needs some love," Ian said. Kolyn felt stifled by his look, the heat in it flowing to her. "I couldn't . . ."
She stopped when she saw the disappointment on Ian's face. "I already have the goose to take care of. How could I possibly take care of a dog too?" Ian stepped closer, too close for Kolyn's comfort. She tried to step back but found herself surrounded, Geoffrey having closed in behind her. Ian took her hand into his. "He needs your help, Lynn."
She was trapped with no way out, but it was a pleasant dilemma. Ian looked too serious, and Geoffrey . . . looked too amused. Kolyn smiled. "You two are up to no good. I can feel it in my bones." Ian's lips quivered as he tried not to smile, and Kolyn knew she had been right. She glanced back at the dog, who still sat where she had left him, then called to him. "Come here, boy." Before Ian could say anything she put her finger to his lips to stop him. They all watched the dog scatter over to her, his limp suddenly gone. He jumped into the air and barked, twisting about in a healthy, rambunctious manner.
"Look," Ian declared, his tone overly anxious. "He's better already."
Kolyn tried to keep from laughing, wanting Ian to suffer a little for his teasing. She failed as the little dog did his best to get her attention, and laughed wholeheartedly. He was more than adorable. She gathered him into her arms happily. "You two are terrible." Her scolding came off with little success.
"I told you she'd not be fooled." Geoffrey slapped Ian on the head, just as they had since they were boys. Not wanting to take any blame for Ian's fool-hearted behavior, Geoffrey protested, "I had nothin' to do with this, Lynn. Blame that culprit, if you will." "What a friend you are," Lynn teased back. "Do you always run at the faintest sign of trouble?"
Geoffrey liked this side of Lynn, and he too wished they could see more of it. "Of course. What are friends for?"
"Thanks, Geoff," Ian mumbled under his breath. His look played into a scowl, but it didn't reach the twinkle in his eyes. "I'll remember this." "Well, I've got to go." Geoffrey winked at Lynn, then quickly made his exit.
"Are you angry?" Ian watched the top of Lynn's head as she played with the dog, her manner loving, caring. When she lifted her eyes to meet his, he had his answer. It pleased him.
"No," Kolyn whispered, knowing it wasn't worth the effort to try to pretend otherwise. "Where did you find him?"
"I bought him from some traveling players. He is trained to do all sorts of tricks." "Including limping?"
"Aye." Ian smiled, looking much like a child caught in a lie. "Including limping." Kolyn liked the easy feeling that had descended upon them. Determinedly, she did not allow anything to sneak in and destroy it. "And you were very convincing." She hugged the dog to her, his wiry hair tickling her cheek.
"Will you keep him?"
"You went to a lot of trouble, Lord Blackstone. I don't know if I understand why." "Isn't it obvious?"
Ian's voice sounded gentle, drawing Kolyn further into a warm sense of comfort and pleasure. She should go back to work, but couldn't bring herself to do so. She wanted to know all his reasons, even if she chose later to deny or disbelieve them. "No, I don't seem to
understand, even if it is obvious.''
"'Tis simple enough," Ian conceded. "I wanted to see you smile, my lady." Ian watched Lynn turn her face away from him, her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment. He knelt down and turned her face to him. "My efforts have been rewarded. You are even more beautiful when you smile, Lynn."
Kolyn couldn't help the nervous giggle that escaped. "You only wanted me to smile?" "Aye." Amazement, embarrassment, pleasure . . . it all danced inside her and she did just that. She smiled. The dog's wet nose rooted beneath her hand, wanting her to continue her petting, impatient she had stopped. "He's very demanding." Kolyn scratched his head and when he rolled over, scratched his belly.
Ian reached out and picked him up, his look serious once again. "Now, let's get something straight, you mangy-looking rat." The dog's tail never missed a wag as Ian lectured him kindly. "I didn't bring you here to occupy the lady's time and attention." He turned his gaze back to Kolyn, his look now intense. "There are others who long for her affections as well." Kolyn wanted to kiss Ian. Slowly, she leaned closer. Her mouth was slightly open, inviting him to her. Her body had claimed control over her mind. The warnings it could have given, the sense it could have offered, she never considered. She wanted to kiss Ian.
Her lips touched his, their softness molding to hers. He tasted good. He smelled good. Kolyn moved her hand to his neck and pulled him closer. Ian felt good. Kolyn's kiss started sweetly, curiously, but deepened with passion with each strong beat of his heart. Ian pulled away and held her at arm's length, holding the dog between them. Her smooth forehead wrinkled together in dismay.
"You didn't like it?" Kolyn's voice sounded hurt, the slight quiver to her lower lip adding to Ian's turmoil. "No." Ian tried to gather more air into his lungs, her one kiss having stirred him greatly. But his pause caused more dismay to Kolyn. He rushed on. "No, Lynn. I more than liked it." Her face did not show any understandi
ng.
"I liked it too much, lass." Slowly, her lips turned up into a small, shy smile, her eyes pleased. Kolyn stepped closer, but Ian stepped back.
"Have mercy," he muttered, his own voice sounding strange, strained. "One sweet kiss and I'm tempted to take more, and more." Kolyn felt confused. He had always made it clear he wanted more from her. She asked the obvious question. "What is stopping you?" His sigh touched her. It was sad, apologetic. "Because I want more than a quick dalliance in the stable, Lynn."
She still didn't understand what he was saying.
"When I make love to you," he explained, "I want to do so with leisure. I want to enjoy each moment and every inch of you. I don't want to push your skirt up and take you in the hay." Ian leaned closer, his words now whispered into her ear. "I want to smell the sweet heather that scents your soft skin, the firelight dancing off its milky complexion in temptation. I want to lose myself in the tangles of your hair filling my senses with its aroma. I want to taste the salty sweat on your belly as our passion heats our bodies."
Kolyn struggled for air, feeling as if she had run miles when she hadn't taken a single step. Ian handed the dog to her and walked to the stable doors. He turned back to say, "His name is Dax." Then he was gone. Trembling, Kolyn hugged Dax to her. "Oh, my," she said softly. She buried her heated face into his wiry fur. "Oh, my."
The Black Wolf Page 10