“If not, you can always make a video,” Luna said.
He gave her a long-suffering glance as everyone asked about the video and he had to explain that he wasn’t doing a video, come hell or high water. He’d do his best to be here in person, he said.
Luna wasn’t counting on it. He’d meant to come back while Geraldine was alive, too, and the obligations in Scotland had prevented him from returning. Considering that, she wouldn’t expect him at all, and be thrilled if he happened to show up every couple of years.
Obviously, if she could wave a magic wand to stop Colin from leaving, she’d be tempted to do it. But then he wouldn’t handle the family problems that troubled him so. He did have to leave, and she’d faced that reality.
As they all sat discussing more plans for the grand opening, Luna thought about the good fortune that had led her here. She loved the island and the castle, but she loved these Weres far more. They were her family as much, or maybe more, than her grandparents.
They accepted her for who she was. At last there were no more secrets, which meant the friendship and love would grow as they all worked together to make Whittier House a success. She was home at last.
Sybil finished off the last of her dessert and laid down her fork. “You know what we should do now? We should all go back to our rooms, shift, and go for a run in the woods. It would be like old times.”
“Sybil!” Dulcie gazed at her in open admiration. “That’s a brilliant idea.”
“I have ideas sometimes,” Sybil said. “I just don’t usually mention them because I’m afraid they’re stupid, but we’ve had such a great time, and it seems fitting on Colin’s last night that we should all go for a run.” She glanced around the table. “I’m faster than I look.”
“I’m not,” Janet said, “But I wouldn’t mind working off a little of that dinner. Let’s do it.”
“I would love for us to go for a run,” Luna said. “Thanks for suggesting it, Sybil.” She made a mental note to draw Sybil out more as the weeks went by. She’d been living in Dulcie’s shadow far too long.
“Does the front door still have that revolving panel in the bottom section?” Colin asked.
“Yep.” Dulcie nodded. “I tested it just the other day. I’ve been hankering for a run, but I didn’t really want to go alone.”
“I would have gone,” Sybil said. “I didn’t know anybody else wanted to.”
“I think this is a great idea,” Colin said. “But I haven’t run through these woods since I was seventeen. Anybody want to volunteer to take point?”
“Me,” Hector said. “We’ll meet down by my cottage. I go for a run nearly every night, so I know the best trails.”
All heads turned toward Hector. Luna was beginning to wonder if she’d completely underestimated the groundskeeper.
Dulcie was the first to comment, as usual. “Hector, you sly Were. I had no idea you’ve been gallivanting through the woods every night. Maybe sometime you’d take me along.”
“I might.” He gave her an assessing look. “If you think you’re up to it.”
“I can certainly keep up with you, you old Were.”
Hector smiled. “We’ll see about that, won’t we?”
Luna was fascinated by the interchange. Hector seemed to have dropped ten years in the past few hours, and Dulcie had definitely taken note of it. Interesting.
“Let’s carry the dishes to the kitchen and stick them in the dishwasher before we go,” Sybil said. “Janet shouldn’t have to come back to a mess.”
“Good plan,” Luna said.
“Excellent plan,” Janet said. “Thanks, Sybil.”
Sybil flushed. “You’re welcome.”
Luna smiled to herself. Sybil, having scored with her previous idea, had promptly lobbed in another one. No doubt about it, Sybil had promise. Maybe Luna should ask if Sybil wanted to learn how to keep the books for Whittier House.
With everyone helping, the dishes were dispensed with quickly and they each left for their respective rooms. Luna gave silent thanks that Colin had encouraged her to shift the night before in the penthouse. Otherwise she might have begged off for fear she’d keep everyone waiting. Instead she was eager to join in the fun.
Even so, she wondered if they’d all be down at the cottage ahead of her. Once she’d shifted she loped out of her room and started down the stairs. Colin, his chocolate and caramel coat shining in the light from the chandelier, waited for her at the bottom of the stairs.
He glanced up when she appeared. There you are!
I know I’m slow. Is everyone else already outside? She hated being the last one out the door. She’d have to do this more often so she got faster.
Don’t worry. Janet just went through the door. You’re not that slow.
She joined him at the bottom of the stairs. Thanks to you. Thank you for last night.
His blue eyes flashed with amusement. Which part?
All parts. Now let’s go! She trotted quickly toward the door and pushed her head against the bottom section. It revolved silently, giving her ample room to step through.
She turned as Colin came out the door right behind her. He barely fit, but she didn’t expect her future guests to be bigger than he was, so the door should be adequate. He gave the panel a nudge, and it clicked back into place.
She stayed by his side as they loped toward Hector’s cottage. Maybe, when the inn opens, I should offer nightly guided runs.
Colin glanced at her without breaking stride. Led by Hector?
If he’ll do it. He’s an interesting Were.
Colin snorted softly. Dulcie seems to think so, too.
I’ll let you know what happens. She planned to keep in touch with Colin by phone and email, which might be more frustrating than no contact at all, but she’d take what she could get.
I’m glad we’re doing this group run. Colin’s voice was clear and strong. But when it’s over, don’t go in. I want time alone with you.
She was amused by the alpha nature of that statement. He didn’t ask. He announced. At times he could be open and flexible, but this wasn’t one of them. He was in full wolf mode.
Because she wanted alone time as much as he did, she would agree, but she couldn’t resist teasing him. I’m at your command, Your Much Honoured Lairdness.
He looked over at her. Good.
She couldn’t be sure, but she thought he was smiling.
They reached Hector’s stone cottage and found his small front yard dominated by the presence of three wolves. Dulcie was the trimmest of the females and her reddish coat had a slight curl to it.
Sybil remained stocky in Were form and had a glossy black coat similar to Luna’s. Janet was broad of chest and her rich brown coat looked well-cared for.
Hector hadn’t shown up yet, and then Luna saw him coming around from the back of the cottage. She stared at the large, silver wolf as he walked with regal assurance to the front of the cottage. As a human, Hector wasn’t the sort anyone would notice, but as a wolf, he was imposing.
Luna glanced over at Dulcie to see how she’d reacted to Hector’s somewhat grand entrance. Dulcie seemed riveted by the sight of Hector, his head held high, as he surveyed the small pack he was about to lead through the forest.
Hector looked at each wolf in turn, as if counting noses. We’re all here. Even his voice sounded stronger. Follow me.
Dulcie leaped into action and took off after Hector. Janet and Sybil followed.
Colin held back. Go ahead of me, Luna. Hector’s taken point, so I’ll guard the rear.
Luna had never run with a pack of wolves before, but Colin had, so she followed instructions and bolted into the trees after Sybil. Joy rocketed through her as her fantasy came to life. Running full out along a narrow path through the trees, she stretched her muscles and savored the freedom of using her powerful legs the way they were meant to be used. Leaves scattered beneath her paws as she ran.
Along the way she caught the scent and sounds of night
creatures—the soft hoot of an owl, the scurrying feet of raccoons, the sour smell of a skunk that had crossed the path. Best of all, she wasn’t alone.
Colin’s voice came from behind her. Having a good time?
Colin, I love this. All these years, I’ve missed so much!
And now you can have it all.
That startled her. Did he really think he meant so little to her? Not quite all, Colin.
Tonight then. Tonight you can have it all.
Yes. And it would have to be enough.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Colin hadn’t been sure that he’d recognize the route after fifteen years, but he did. A few trees had fallen and others had grown, but Hector obviously maintained this running path along with everything else on the estate. And he’d used it, even when no one else had.
The route took them in a large circle that would end at Hector’s cottage. Once around should be plenty for Janet and Sybil, but Colin fully expected Hector and Dulcie to add a second lap. Luna, who wasn’t used to this, already sounded out of breath.
Yet she kept bravely on as Hector broke out of the trees and skirted a bluff on the far side of the island. Few boats came this way in daylight, and none at night. That was fortunate, because if anyone happened to spot wolves running along a bluff in the San Juan Islands, wildlife officials would seek access to the area.
But Weres had learned to be very careful. They’d successfully kept their presence a secret for centuries, which was why this new concept of mating with humans was so risky. Luna’s mother had apparently kept the secret, but what if she hadn’t? Colin couldn’t agree with Byron Reynaud’s decision to mate with a human, just as he couldn’t agree with Duncan’s stated desire to do it.
Although Colin might not be able to keep Duncan from making a potentially dangerous mistake, he had to try. But bloody hell, how he hated the idea of leaving Luna tomorrow morning.
She would be fine, though. After seeing how the staff had rallied around her this afternoon, he was not worried about whether she could survive without him. It wasn’t Luna’s mental health that concerned him now. It was his own.
Three-quarters of the way around the circle, Janet slowed to a trot.
Sybil’s telepathic message floated through the cool night air. Thank you, Janet. I was dying back here.
Then Luna, her sides heaving, also slowed to a trot. I like this running business, but I need to get in shape.
Janet’s trot became a walk. We all do. Well, three of us. Dulcie’s doing just fine, the showoff.
Sybil snorted. Showing off for Hector.
And he’s showing off for her. Janet tossed her head. I didn’t see that coming.
Luna added to the telepathic conversation. I think it’s sweet. They could be good for each other. She glanced back at Colin, who had slowed to a walk along with the female Weres. Sorry, Colin. Y’all would probably rather be running.
I’m fine. I don’t mind conserving my energy. He wondered if she’d figure out what he was conserving it for. She must have, because she looked back at him with a definite gleam in her eyes.
When they reached the end of the path, Hector and Dulcie stood waiting for them. They barely looked winded.
Dulcie faced the latecomers. Who’s up for another lap? Hector and I are going around again.
Janet shook her head. Not me.
Sybil flopped to the ground. I’m done.
Colin decided this was the moment to break off from the group. Luna and I are going down to Happy Hour Beach. We’ll see you all in the morning. He turned and started back to the main house.
Luna fell into step beside him immediately, but she glanced over her shoulder as she walked away. Bye, y’all.
Ah, he was going to miss that sweet Southern accent, although he could hear it over the phone whenever he called. But a phone call wouldn’t give him what he had in mind right now. He walked faster.
Impatient, your lairdness?
He slowed down. Yes, but you’re tired. Sorry.
Not that tired. She trotted ahead of him.
Got your second wind?
Could be. Race you to the bluff!
He could have outrun her, but he didn’t try. Instead he loped alongside her and matched her stride. When she picked up speed, so did he. When she slowed, he slowed.
You have good rhythm. Can you dance?
Yes. He thought of the lessons he’d been forced to take as a young Were. Can you?
No, you’d have to teach me, like you’ve had to teach me most everything.
I’ll teach you next time I visit.
All right.
He was glad she hadn’t asked him when that would be, because he couldn’t give her an answer.
They reached the stone steps leading down to the beach, and he went first, testing to make sure it wasn’t too slippery for them. The steps were damp, but if he moved slowly, he kept his balance.
He turned back to her. Watch your step.
I’m a very careful Were. That’s how I’ve survived this long on my own.
You’re not on your own any more.
I know. I have Janet, Sybil, Dulcie, and Hector. And maybe my grandparents.
He accepted the fact that she hadn’t included him, although mentally he put himself squarely on her list. If she needed him, he would come. It might take him at least twelve hours, but he would get on the first available plane. He doubted she’d require that kind of heroic gesture, though.
He reached the bottom of the steps and gazed up as she came toward him. The scent of her was an aphrodisiac that never failed to arouse him. He’d wanted her from the moment they’d met, and his response to her had only grown stronger.
A leisurely stroll along the beach sounded like a nice prelude to Were sex. When she reached the sand, he turned to lead the way to the far corner of the crescent beach.
She obviously had a different scenario in mind. With a yelp of pure pleasure, she took off, flinging sand in his face. He spit it out and raced after her. He’d been thinking sweet and romantic. He didn’t know what the bloody hell she was thinking.
The night had been calm until now, but now the weather was changing. Clouds scudded across the sky, driven by a wind that whipped the waves and sent them pounding against the shore. The water was wild, and so was Luna. She splashed through the swirling water and danced with the surf.
Pausing, she lifted her head and looked over her shoulder. Come on! Play with me!
And then he understood. This was her way of handling their inevitable parting. She’d work off the tension she felt by cavorting in the sea.
They would come together eventually. He was confident of that. But first, they would chase away their demons by playing in the waves. He plunged toward her, but spun away at the last moment to lead her in a race across the wet sand.
She followed, and in a startling burst of speed, she passed him and jumped straight into the waves. Well, if she was going to swim, so would he. The cold water shocked his system, but once he started swimming, he began to warm up. Moving fast, he put himself between Luna and open water.
She swam to the end of the crescent before turning toward shore. Thrashing through the waves, she regained solid footing, and Colin followed close behind. He arrived just in time for her thorough body shake.
The shower of salt water didn’t matter. He was already soaked. But he took some satisfaction in shaking next to her so that his spray covered her, as well.
She dropped into a play bow, and then raced away again. He took off after her, all the while thinking he hadn’t had to work this hard to pin a female in his entire sexual history. Maybe that was the idea.
She’d been a willing partner from the first time he’d kissed her, mostly because she’d been dying of curiosity. But now she understood the process and might think he needed a challenge. He could imagine her deciding that his last episode with her shouldn’t be too easy for him.
He’d been willing to play along, but by God, she’d had the up
per hand long enough. He caught up with her halfway down the beach and dashed in front of her, blocking her path. She whirled and started back the other way, but he got there first.
She wouldn’t win this game. He’d spent far more time as a wolf, and when he put his mind to it, he could outmaneuver any Were. The chase had accomplished one thing, however. He wanted her with a fierceness that put every other coupling to shame.
She stood panting at the edge of the water, the surf sliding up over her paws.
Holding her gaze, he advanced. Game over, Luna.
Maybe. Maybe not. Wheeling, she ran back into the water.
He reached her before she lost her footing and mounted her before she could dodge away. Be still!
Miraculously, she was.
He managed to keep his balance as the waves rolled past, surging against his groin as he sank into her. The pleasure surpassed anything he’d known, and he concentrated on that pleasure as he blocked any thought of a soul-deep connection. The possibility hovered on the edges of his consciousness, but he denied it with every frenzied movement of his hips.
When he felt her contract around him, he surrendered to a mind-shattering climax. Then it was over. The water cradled them both as he stayed buried within her and stared out at the rolling sea. They’d shared so much, including this numbing sorrow for what could not be.
There were moments, Luna realized, when silence was kinder than words. As she and Colin returned to Whittier House, neither spoke. Yet she knew he battled the same bittersweet emotion that filled her heart.
The incredible joy of their physical connection was overshadowed by the knowledge that their special time together was nearly over. She’d tried to lighten the intensity with her beach romp, and he’d obviously understood.
Her plan had even worked for a while. But then…passion had taken over, sending them dangerously close to a true mating. They’d fought that urge and won. Sadly, they’d won. As if they both understood the cost of that victory, they’d touched noses in the entry hall and parted.
She would see him again before he left, but this was the private farewell they would both remember. She should take comfort in knowing he was as miserable as she was, but that didn’t work for her. For the first time, she began to understand why Hector had shut himself away from the world.
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