Wild and Fevered

by Long, Heather

  Either he’d genuinely let her take the time or…he’s downwind. Turning, she scanned the basin below then the opposite cliff. Torn between curiosity and frustration, she angled her head to look at the sky. In the distance flashes of lightning promised autumn’s first big storm. Fortunately, she had the shelter of the cave, but what did Cody have?

  Cody was more than capable of taking care of himself. Still… she squinted and checked the cliff tops again. Trusting him to take care of himself and wanting to know he was safe were two different things. Inside, her wolf remained quiet. Unusual enough to warrant questioning and disturbing on another level, Mariska retreated to the fireside and began warming water she pulled up in a pail.

  Are you there?

  Nothing.

  Are you there? How did one talk to the wolf? The animal typically responded to her actions or her thoughts. Sometimes it clawed out her. Sometimes it fought to be free. Still, the wolf did nothing, said nothing, and didn’t seem to be there at all. Uncertainty mingled with fear. How could she learn to control her beast if she couldn’t communicate with her? Cody used to tell her what his wolf thought. Her question however was how.

  Maybe I should have asked him before. Using a long stick, she stirred the flames and considered the sparks rising up from the smoldering wood. She had many questions she should have asked before. So, why hadn’t she asked them?

  Growing up, Babchi used to counsel against rushing. Always in a hurry, she’d said, and always likely to miss something. If that were true, then what had she missed this time? Outside, the wind picked up and rain began to spatter against the rock. The crackle of the flames, the strong smell of wood smoke, and the water falling from the sky all combined to relax her.

  When she met Cody, she had been so certain of a great many things. She had been certain she would live in her wagon for the rest of her life. Even if she were to take a husband, the wagon would be their home. She would lead her clan. They have been traveling west to the mountains and the gold promised in the California Territory. Her father hoped to make some kind of an alliance, his plan to bargain her in marriage.

  That went in the face of everything she had been raised to believe. Among the travelers, the women led. Her clan, like so many, was a matriarchy. Had her mother survived, she would have been the leader. Her grandmother, as strong as she might have been, had been devastated by the loss of her daughter. Too much so, perhaps. Not to say that her father wasn’t a good leader. No, he had been a good one. He thought of his people and he thought of her, except on the matter of marriage.

  Still, when she had broken the guesting laws by lacing the food with herbs to make Cody and Kid sleep, her father had quickly and willingly left her behind to whatever fate the two strangers might have meted out.

  Luck—and Cody —found her instead. She tried to remember the exact moment Cody turned into the wolf in front of her eyes. Lashed to the wagon wheel, she had been helpless and at his mercy.

  His wolf hated her and didn’t trust her. She had injured them. Unintentionally, but the choice to lace their food with a sleeping drought had left Kid gravely ill and Cody exceptionally angry.

  But still, even when she had be at her most vulnerable, the wolf had not attacked. Now, as she had them, she questioned why. Neither could deny their attraction and they had become lovers swiftly…

  Had he bitten her the first time? Or the second? She thought back. Why did she not remember it clearly? Fear should’ve been her constant companion, yet even uncertain and, yes, a little bit afraid, she had also been exhilarated and intrigued. In the days that followed, they had argued, made love, played and gotten to know each other.

  When he had sent her off with the wounded Kid and went in search of the wicked wolf, she had tasted real fear. Beyond the cave entrance, the rain poured and she stared at the curtain of water. When the wicked wolf found her and Kid, that hadn’t scared her. No, it had made her angry. She would not die that way. She would not allow Kid to die in that manner, either. Instead, her fear had been for Cody.

  Even when she learned she had been changed by Cody’s bite, curiosity and—dare she say, excitement?—had filled her. So when had that changed?

  She knew the answer. She didn’t like it, but she knew the answer. The day her first change happened. Pain could be survived. The wrench of her wolf bursting free from her… it was a schism she felt all the way to her soul. It’s like dying. Every time I change, I die. Is it the same for you?

  But her silent inquiry went unanswered. Whatever her wolf was doing, she wasn’t listening to Mariska.

  Scrubbing her hands against her face, she blew out a breath. Maybe she needed to change… Maybe then… The pain hit and then all she could do was scream.

  Cody

  At the sound of her cry, he shot to his feet. He’d settled in a cave down the canyon from hers. Close enough to monitor her progress and, as long as the wind didn’t change, she would remain unaware of his presence. Shifting gave him a solid coat to keep out the chill of the rain. Below, Mariska streaked past, racing out of the canyon—in her wolf form.

  Where was she going? The rain came down steadily. Left with no choice, and unwilling to let her wander the ranch alone, he raced after her in pursuit. She ran at full speed, not slowing once she cleared the canyon, and headed into the high pastures. In the summer, the Kanes ran cattle there, but this early into autumn, the animals had already been moved.

  The lack of herding animals and ranch hands were the primary reason he’d chosen the location. Water soaked his outer coat, but protected his undercoat. The same couldn’t be said for his legs. Ignoring the discomfort, he pushed his speed to close the distance between himself and Mariska. What triggered her wolf, he still didn’t know. They ran for the better part of a mile and, so intent was his focus on Mariska, he didn’t hear the squeal of laughter until they were nearly on top of it.

  The weather had muddied all scents, but the feminine laughter he recognized. Olivia. She let out a shout and then a squeal, then more laughter. Mariska skidded to a halt and Cody cut to the left and up the gentle rise. From his vantage point, he was able to see what had so captured Mariska’s attention. Near a copse of trees, Olivia danced in the rain, arms spread wide and face turned up to the storm. Under the shelter of the trees stood a horse and the tall, lean figure of Olivia’s husband, Jason.

  Jason’s expression was one of indulgence and, though soaked to the skin, Olivia continued to dance, laugh, and play. Mariska continued to stare, but she didn’t approach. Cody knew the moment Jason became aware of her. His relaxed posture vanished and a frown gathered his brows.

  Olivia seemed to recognize his distraction as well because she turned. Instead of looking afraid, her smile grew wider. “Mariska,” she shouted. “I didn’t know you were out here.”

  His mate took a couple of hesitant steps forward, then paused. Olivia’s smile didn’t waver.

  “You’re a beautiful wolf.”

  Surprise struck Cody at the compliment. Yet, the genuine truth in her statement rang clear. Olivia had never seen Mariska’s wolf. The woman, yes. The wolf, no. When Mariska didn’t move closer or away, Olivia took a couple of steps in her direction.

  “Olivia,” Jason said, his cool tone ringing with authority.

  “Hush, she’s my friend.” Olivia waved off her husband’s concern. Mariska’s ears perked forward, but she showed no aggression as Olivia took another three steps toward her. Both the wolf and the woman ignored the rain. A half-dozen steps away from Mariska, Olivia sat down and made a face. “I love the rain.”

  Rooted to the spot, Cody tried to relax his tense muscles. Everything in him coiled, ready to spring. As long as Mariska and Olivia stayed that far apart, he could get to Mariska before she struck Olivia. His mate would never forgive herself if she hurt the woman she’d begun to think of as a little sister. Olivia remained the only person Cody considered changing—willfully—since learning he could.

  Instead of approaching the chatting you
ng woman, Mariska lowered herself to sit and then she laid down, her ears perked towards the conversation. Olivia told Mariska everything—about what she’d seen, learning to climb a tree, and how Jason was giving her riding lessons…

  “I’m terrible.” Olivia laughed. “I get so distracted that I forget to lock my legs or keep the reins up or stay seated. I’ve fallen off, I think, four times? But he keeps letting me try...how are you?” The last question came out on an exhale.

  Mariska made a low whining noise and then edged forward still on her belly. Olivia rose to her knees and said, “Can I pet you? You have to be soaking wet. I know I am. And I don’t care. I love the way the rain looks and how it feels…but you have a lot of fur.” Her nose wrinkled. “That can’t be comfortable.”

  With a whump of noise that sounded like a cross between a bark and a laugh, Mariska leapt up and brushed against Olivia. Grinning, Olivia scratched her neck. Then Mariska shook and sprayed water all over her.

  The young woman gaped, then burst out laughing. With a playful wag of her tail, Mariska darted away and then back, invitation in every step. Cody blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. One minute, the two were on the ground. The next, Olivia was on her feet and racing after the wolf. They ran and splashed and…played.

  Relaxing for the first time since he’d begun this insane plan, he spared a look toward the telepath. Like him, Jason’s attention was on the women playing, but he spared a glance in Cody’s direction.

  Normally expressionless and cold, the man didn’t bother to disguise his rueful relief. He’d been worried for Olivia as well. It had taken time, but Cody understood the Kane brother better now. Neither wanted harm to come to either woman, but Mariska’s wolf continued to play with Olivia, careful of the smaller woman’s fragile frame.

  Hope surged through him and he settled onto the rise and let the rain drench him. He wouldn’t miss this sight for the world.

  Wolf Sister

  Tired from playing, she leaned against the legs of the girl who smelled like pack and friend. Olivia… the woman inside her whispered, her memories and feelings for the girl having woken when she came across the girl laughing and dancing in the rain. The cloud of confusion parted and she dared to move closer. When the girl had touched her, she’d sensed no threat and her cheerful voice and words had washed over her.

  Friend. The whisper came from the dark place, deep inside where the woman fled when the wolf was free. Yes. Olivia was a friend. Despite the rain, the chill, and the fact that her coat was soaked, she played with Olivia.

  Even better, Olivia played with her. Careful… The urgency to keep her claws sheathed, to not jump on her and to avoid hitting her too hard, these rolled through her, too. She didn’t have to listen, but the woman’s worry unnerved her, so she did. When Olivia continued to laugh and the woman inside of her relaxed a fraction, the sense of urgency passed.

  By the time Olivia said she had to go and retreated to join the man who carried her scent, the wolf didn’t want to say goodbye. But she dared not follow them either. Watching until the pair faded from sight, she turned toward the canyon she’d left. A flicker of movement drew her attention. Stilling, she scented the air. The rain made the scents confusing, but she’d seen something.

  Stalking, slow and silent, she climbed a rise and found nothing.

  Just the faint scent of her mate.

  He’d been here. Throwing her head back, she howled then waited.

  No answer.

  Annoyed, she howled for a second time.

  Still nothing.

  Padding forward three paces, she studied the land around her. His scent was still here, which meant it had to be fresh. Testing us… Came the woman’s voice and it was annoyed. The wolf agreed with the annoyance. Her third howl carried the repudiation onto the wind.

  This time, he answered.

  From far off, but there, moving toward the canyon.

  Satisfied, she padded through the rain and followed the sound. He didn’t answer her again, but once was enough. Find him?

  No, the woman said, answering her question. Fire. Warmth. Dry. Rest.

  She didn’t agree. She wanted to find him. He had warmth. Safety. She could rest with him.

  I know. I want to see him, too. But we need to talk…

  Maybe they did.

  A flash of gold ahead. Soon. The woman told her. We’ll find him soon. Will you talk to me?

  Why should she? Resenting the woman’s disagreement, she wanted to ignore her. But since she had the other half of her soul, maybe she shouldn’t.

  Please?

  Growling once, the wolf ignored the flash of gold and headed for the cave she’d woken in.

  Thank you. The woman said.

  Silent for several moments, the wolf wrestled with her response. Who are you?

  I’m Mariska.

  Chapter 5

  Mariska

  Her wolf was stubborn. Aggravating. Distant. And a number of epithets she’d rather not consider. Three days she’d refused to allow Mariska ascendance… At least we’re talking, however. Inside, the wolf slept, her vigilance having left her exhausted. Some of the food had spoiled during her time in the wolf’s body and some of her clothes had been shredded by the change.

  But I remember seeing Olivia. Cloudy and obscured, but the memories were definitely present. She vaguely remembered the hunt. The pair of rabbits she’d caught and the satisfaction she’d taken in both. Mine or hers? Whose pleasure she experienced remained uncertain.

  And Cody’s out there. If she’d doubted the wolf’s picking up of his scent that day in the rain, she didn’t on the at least two other occasions they’d noticed him. He continued to stay out of sight and her wolf’s aggravation with the action allowed her to listen to Mariska telling her not to go to him.

  Denying their very real need to be with Cody took every ounce of her willpower. But she listened. The wolf listened to her. Exhilaration flooded her system. Her wolf had listened to her instead of chasing Cody. After adding another log to the fire, she set the rabbit to the spit so it would cook.

  His scent preceded him and she glanced up from the fire pit in time to watch the man in question enter. Wearing only a pair of loose denim britches, he looked like a wild man—dirt decorated his arms and chest. His hair was damp, and clung to his face and neck. Several days’ growth of beard decorated his jaw.

  “Hello,” he said in a low, rumbling tone that sent shivers racing over her skin.

  “Hi,” she said in an equally soft voice. A part of her knew she should be mad at him, but she was too damn happy to see him to embrace the anger. “I’d offer you some of my supper, but you don’t like my cooking.”

  Relief softened the lines crinkling at the corners of his blue-gold eyes and he circled the fire to settle on the rock next to her. Twisting, she met him halfway and wrapped her arms around him. His mouth closed over hers in a sweet, consuming kiss. When he finally released her, she sighed and rubbed her cheek to his chest. “She spoke to me.”

  “Yes?” The corners of his mouth curved when she glanced up at him.

  “Yes.” Letting the excitement burst out of her, she grinned. “Not a lot, but she did. And I saw Olivia…well, she did, but I was there, too.”

  “So was I,” he said, admitting what she and her wolf had already discovered. “You played.”

  Had she? Only fragments of that afternoon lived on in her own memory, yet she treasured each one. Olivia’s laughter and utter lack of fear had given her confidence a desperate boost. Even her wolf had appreciated the younger woman’s joy. “We knew.”

  “Knew what?” Cody motioned towards the tin container filled with water. It wasn’t fully heated, but she slipped away to retrieve the chicory. Brewing the drink added another rich flavor to the air.

  “That you were close.”

  “You howled,” he said, watching her with eyes that seemed to see everything. She frowned, combing through the labyrinth of her shared experiences
to track the elusive memory.

  “Three times.” Scrunching her nose, she gave him a dirty look. “You wouldn’t answer me.”

  He didn’t apologize for taking his time, but he did nod in acknowledgment. “You wanted to know where I was, which was against the rules. You were supposed to hunt for me.”

  Yes, she remembered his instructions.

  “But you didn’t.”

  Biting the inside of her lip, she fought smiling at the note of rebuke in his tone. “I wasn’t ready to hunt you yet.” A thought surfaced past the cloud of her confusing memories. “You said we would have to work together. We’re not there yet.” Odd to think of herself as a multiple and yet, she was. Settling next to him once more, she drank in his nearness. Several days apart had been grueling.

  “I missed you,” he said abruptly and fisted her hair to urge her closer. “I will stay a few hours then leave you again, but I needed these few hours.”

  Heart twisting, she melted to him and brushed her lips to his. “I’m sorry.” She hadn’t considered how their separation would affect him. “I’m being selfish.”

  “Yes,” he agreed. “But you need to be selfish. You need to do this.”

  Tears blurred her vision and she blinked to try and hold them back. “I love you.”

  His smile widened. “Good.” Then, with a sly look at the rabbit. “Enough to feed me?”

  Surprised, she stared. “You’re willing to eat my food?”

  Without a hint of a smile, he gave her a sober nod. “You have no herbs or spices here.”

  Her mouth fell open at the reminder of the sleeping draught she’d added to their meals when she and Cody first met. Curling her hand into a fist, she thumped him. Laughter danced in his eyes and he let her pummel him once, before catching her hand and dragging her into his lap.

  “Mean,” she said before surrendering to his kiss. She could have found plenty of herbs—useful and poisonous—from the land. But she had no reason to remind him of her previous error. Not now.