“Doesn’t matter now. Because of the accident, Mason and I became best friends. He always challenged me to be a better person and I like to think I am better than I would’ve been without his influence.”
“He sounds like a great man.”
“He was. He died a few years ago.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” The compassion shimmering in Nel’s eyes tugged at Tristan’s heart. She resettled against him and Tristan felt his world starting to right itself. “With all the terrible things that happen to children, I’m amazed when anyone grows up to be a decent human being.”
“That’s why I volunteer. When I see the kids at Outreach, I remember me and Jaxen at their age. Then, Mason came along and I discovered I really could change my life. I want these kids to know that, too.”
“I’m sure they do know.” Nel glanced over her shoulder. A sweet smile played on her lips.
He resisted the urge to kiss her. Too much testosterone and wolfan hormones were flooding his body to stick to just one kiss, and they were in a very public place.
“Just like I knew you wouldn’t let me sink.” She relaxed into his chest. “You’re a good man. With a very big heart. And I’d trust you with my life.”
Mine!
This time, the declaration in his head synchronized with the steady strum of his heart. And in that moment, Tristan knew he would do anything to keep her safe. Even from himself.
Chapter 20
Hunched down at the river’s edge, Tristan, in wolf form, lapped the cool, clean water. He wasn’t on sentinel duty, even though he’d told Nel that he had a Co-op meeting to attend tonight.
Being in the cabin with her for nearly a week had wreaked havoc on his sensibilities. Whenever he was with her, thoughts of possibilities he shouldn’t imagine kept popping into his head. He needed a good run to clear his brain and to help him get a handle on his hormones before he did something really stupid.
He shook the dribbles of water from his snout and trotted upriver with no particular destination in mind. The exercise stretched sore muscles and loosened the joints that had stiffened from inflammation and reduced activity.
Nudging a fallen tree branch, he unearthed a large bullfrog. It croaked and leaped, and Tristan jumped back. The back and forth between the two became a game that lasted several minutes until something barreled into Tristan’s left shoulder. His right side hit the ground, and pain flared from his previous injuries. He rolled several times from the momentum of the tackle.
Laughter ran through his mind.
“Dammit, Jaxen. What the hell is your problem?”
“Lighten up. I’m just trying to keep you on your toes.”
“It’s not my toes I’m worried about.” Biting back a groan, Tristan pushed up on all fours. “I’m going rafting with the kids from the Outreach next week. I’d like to get there without the use of a stretcher or wheelchair.”
“You’ll bounce back. You always do.” Jaxen’s steely gaze followed every step Tristan took to shake off the effects of Jaxen’s body slam. “How about we go for the run that we got rained out of?”
“No more blindsiding me, Jax. I didn’t like it when we were kids. I don’t like it now.”
“All right, but I’m just trying to help.”
Tristan doubted that.
They loped side by side, weaving through the forest like old times.
The times before Jaxen had become an enemy. Or, at least, become someone Tristan was wary of, which was why, as they trotted, he made sure Jaxen stayed to his right and completely in view at all times.
“How’s work?” Tristan asked to fill the silence.
“It is what it is,” was Jaxen’s only comment.
They only made a mile loop because Tristan didn’t want to overtax his muscles.
“What’s up with you and the curvy brunette? I heard you shacked up with her. Any truth to that?”
“Her name is Penelope and I haven’t shacked up with her. She offered me a place to stay after the accident. I wasn’t in any shape to climb three flights of stairs.”
“By place, do you mean her bed?”
“Not your business.”
Jaxen’s laughter had no real mirth. “Are you just fooling around, or does she mean something to you? Because she seems soft and sweet, and I could use some comfort from a woman like her.”
Ordinarily, Tristan wasn’t possessive, but Nel brought out his protective nature. “It’s not personal, Jax.” Okay, it was. “Pick any other woman and I won’t compete, but stay away from Nel. She’s mine.”
“So you’ve changed your mind about claiming a mate?”
They’d reached the trail that led to the resort’s property.
“Good night, Jaxen.” Tristan parted company without responding to the question because he had no idea how to answer it.
* * *
“Are you painting Cassie and Brice’s wolf?”
Even though Nel hadn’t heard Tristan come in, she wasn’t startled by his sudden presence.
“I got the idea one morning watching Cassie play on the floor with Brenna.”
“It’s stunning, Nel. Contemporary, but it also has a fairy-tale quality to it.”
“Great.” Nel’s confidence soared. “That’s exactly what I’m going for.”
“Will you paint my wolf?”
“I’d love to, but I need a better picture.” Nel wiped off her hands and picked up her phone. “This one isn’t very clear.” She showed Tristan the photo she’d taken of his wolf one night when she’d seen him watching the cabin from the edge of the trail. “He hasn’t been around lately, but I guess that’s because you haven’t been on patrol.”
“Will you paint him watching you from the woods?”
“I’m not sure yet.” She began closing up her paints and cleaning her brushes. “When the idea comes to me, I’ll sketch it out. I could show it to you to see if you like the concept.”
“I’d love to see anything you create.” Tristan moved behind her and rested his hands on her hips. Chills ran along her skin while heat flashed inside her body. “You’re beautiful, Nel,” he whispered in her ear. “But when you’re painting, you’re absolutely breathtaking.”
“You give the best compliments.” She hugged his arms snaking around her waist.
“Hmm.” He nuzzled her hair and gently nudged the sweet spot behind her ear. The one that made her knees weak, her breath short and her sex clench.
Tristan kissed the shell of her ear, then slowly pulled his arms away and stepped back. “Hungry?”
“A little.” Nel laughed because Tristan seemed to have a bottomless stomach and was always in search of food.
He went to the refrigerator and pulled out the sandwich meat, cheese and condiments. Nel retrieved the bread from the pantry.
Tristan always prepared whatever they ate and she enjoyed watching him whip everything together.
“How did the Co-op meeting go?” She took a bite of her sandwich.
“Actually, I went to run my wolf. I needed the exercise, he needed the exercise. I should’ve told you outright.”
“Why didn’t you?”
Tristan toyed with the crust he’d torn off his bread. “I didn’t want you to worry.”
“You didn’t want me to fuss at you.” Nel grinned over her sandwich and Tristan grinned back. “I’m not your mother or your keeper, Tristan. You can do whatever you want.” Of course, that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be concerned. Maybe outright worried. But he obviously knew how to take care of himself.
Except for the rule about not running out in front of cars.
Tristan polished off his sandwich. “Go ahead. Ask. I know you want to.”
“How do you feel? You didn’t do too much running, did you? Are
you sore? In pain? Is there something you need me to do?”
“Just keep doing what you do, sweet cheeks. It’s nice to be fussed over.” Especially since this was the last night he could indulge in her care and concern. Doc had released him to go back to work. Limited duty for the first couple of days and then without restrictions, which meant he’d see a lot less of Nel.
Tristan’s heart squeezed. It hadn’t taken long for him to get used to Nel’s company. He wondered if he would adjust to being alone again, just as quick.
The restlessness he felt suggested he wouldn’t.
Chapter 21
“Happy birthday, Brenna!”
The little girl’s strawberry blond curls bounced in pigtails as she nodded her head. “I this many.” She stuck her index finger toward Nel’s face.
Cassie put the child down. “Go tell Daddy that Nel is here.”
Her cherub face grinning, Brenna toddled off as instructed.
Cassie looked a little tired. “Her grandfather gave her too much sugar this morning. We keep expecting her to run out of steam and crash for a nap. Oh, no. She’s too stubborn for that—just like her father.”
“I hope I’m not late...” Nel began.
“Not at all.” Cassie’s brow creased. “Where’s Tristan?”
“He started back to work, but he’ll stop in later.” Nel hadn’t seen him for a few days, but he had texted. “Several deputies are on vacation, so he won’t stay long.”
“Bren will be disappointed. He’s one of her favorite people. But so are you, and we’re glad you came.”
“This is for Brenna.” She gave Cassie a brightly colored present. “And...” Nel picked up a large package wrapped in brown paper. “This is for you. My way of saying thanks for the opportunity at the resort and your kindness.”
“Thank you.” Cassie smiled, accepting the gift. “Come in.”
She followed Cassie into a spacious living area that opened out to a gorgeous wood-and-tile patio.
Brice, leaning against the bar between the large kitchen and living room, lifted his glass of iced tea. “Want something to drink?”
Nel nodded and he headed to the cooler. Gavin Walker sat in the leather recliner, his shoes kicked off. He looked more casual than Nel had ever seen him. Abigail Walker, his wife, sat in a rocker holding one of Grace’s twins—Reina—considering the bright pink bow fastened in a gelled blond curl on top of her head.
Grace dozed quietly, leaning against the shoulder of her husband, Rafe, who held Ryan—the other twin—whose hair was as red as Rafe’s own.
Brenna had climbed onto the couch beside Rafe and was rubbing the baby’s back.
Cassie set Brenna’s present on the coffee table, which held only a few other gifts. Even though the child’s parents and grandparents seemed well-off, it was heartwarming to see that they weren’t extravagant or overly indulgent with Brenna.
“Look what Nel gave me.” Cassie waggled the package at Brice.
Nel sat on the love seat and smiled her thanks as Brice handed her a drink.
“What is it?” he asked.
“A token.” Nel shrugged. “Something on Cassie’s desk inspired me and I thought this was something she might like to have.”
Nel hoped they liked it. Really, really hoped they liked it.
She gulped her drink but it seemed to lodge in her throat because her heart was in the way.
Cassie carefully removed the paper. She and Brice simply stared. Nel’s mind raced and her heart dived into her stomach.
Wordlessly, Brice showed the others the painting of Cassie in a white linen shift, with her red curls spilling over her shoulder, sitting in a moonlit forest with a black wolf beside her gazing into her face.
Abigail Walker gasped; her hand flew to her mouth. Gavin Walker got up from his chair and walked over to inspect the painting. Rafe’s gaze settled on Nel. She could barely breathe, uncertain what everyone’s response meant.
He tipped his head toward his sleeping wife and quietly spoke to Nel. “Grace will want one of her with my wolf.”
Brenna hopped over to Nel and pointed at the painting. “Mama, Dada’s woof.” She climbed into Nel’s lap.
Within seconds the child fell asleep and the entire room heaved a sigh of relief.
“It’s a lovely work of art,” Gavin Walker said. He took the canvas from Brice, allowing him to wrap his arms around Cassie, who had started crying.
“Thank you, Nel.” Emotion choked Brice’s voice. “We love it.”
“I know someone else who’d love a portrait like this one,” Abigail said. “Would you consider taking orders?”
“That’s very kind, but I’m not a professional artist.” Nel’s cheeks warmed. “I paint for fun.”
“A talent like yours would be appreciated and admired here, Nel.” Gavin Walker propped the painting on the bar counter and returned to his chair. “Please give some thought to Abby’s suggestion.”
“I will, Mr. Walker.”
Brenna snuggled against Nel’s chest. Her lips parted slightly and her nose whistled softly as she breathed.
“She’s taken quite a liking to you,” Brice said softly to Nel. He sat in the chair next to the love seat. “I think Tristan has, too.”
“I’ve taken a liking to them, too,” Nel said lightly, although her heart pinched. It was going to be hard to say goodbye come the end of summer.
* * *
Tristan rapped his knuckles against the door twice before walking inside. From the echoes of Brenna’s squeals of delight, he suspected everyone was on the back patio.
He glanced around the old log-cabin home redesigned with a sprawling first floor and second floor. Hard to believe it used to be little more than a two-bedroom shack.
He’d helped Brice with the design. Tristan loved architecture and his parents once hoped he would become an architect. They had grand dreams of building a Durrance family niche in the housing market with his dad’s construction business, his mom’s interior design firm and Tristan’s structural designs.
Unfortunately, he liked the idea of architecture much more than the actual work.
Needless to say, his parents never understood why he chose a career in law enforcement.
His plan had been to gain some practical experience locally before Mason announced to the pack that he’d been offered an apprenticeship with the Woelfesenat. Tristan had had no aspirations for a seat on the international wolf council, but a position on their security force, well, that had been a different story.
Of course, Mason’s murder changed everything. Tristan didn’t have the heart to pursue a career with the Woelfesenat when his best friend never had the chance to do the same.
Most days, Tristan was happy with his path. Days like today, though, when he’d almost missed an important event because of his work schedule, it rather sucked.
He eased outside, no one aware of his arrival. Cassie, Grace and Abby were lounging comfortably in the seats around the unlit fire pit. Gavin, Brice, Rafe and Shane were gathered around the grill. The twins were rocking in their dual swing sets.
Anticipation built as he searched for Brenna and Nel.
A light breeze tickled his nose. He shifted his sense of smell from the sizzling meat on the grill and homed in on the buttery-sweet, feminine scent that reminded him of honeysuckle. The canter of his heartbeat kicked up its pace. A child’s innocent laughter danced on the air before he made visual contact.
Sunshine highlighted the honey tones in Nel’s hair. She held Brenna’s tiny hand as they slowly and deliberately climbed the wooden steps from the river.
Nel looked so sweet, she made Tristan’s heart ache with a yearning for home.
Instantly, he knew why he’d been so irritable lately. He missed Nel.
Brenna saw him first. Observant little scamp. She squealed, “Tiskan!” and started to dash toward him, but Nel held steadfastly to her hand.
“No running until we get off the stairs.”
The commotion caused everyone to turn in Tristan’s direction and they called out greetings.
Tristan said his hellos, then strolled to the edge of the patio and went down on one knee. Opening his arms, he welcomed the toddler with a giant hug, then picked her up and kissed her cheek.
“Dial down the charm,” Nel teased. “She’s too young for you.”
God, her smile warmed and exhilarated him.
“What can I say,” he said. “It’s a gift.”
A gift, Tristan was beginning to realize, he no longer wanted to share with a multitude of women. Just one.
He set Brenna on her feet and she ran to show her daddy the rocks she’d collected.
“Thanks for texting me a reminder.” He draped his arm over Nel’s shoulders and they walked leisurely toward the others.
“You’ve been busy.” There was a touch of sadness in Nel’s voice.
“Something wrong?” He halted their stroll.
She shook her head, but didn’t meet his gaze.
“I’ve missed you.” Nel’s voice infiltrated his thoughts.
“I’ve missed you, too.”
Her cheeks pinked and her eyes widened. “I didn’t say anything.”
“I could tell what you were thinking.” He laced his fingers through hers. “I told you that your face is very expressive, Nel. You’re easy to read.”
The voice he’d heard was pure imagination. Wolfans were only telepathic with each other in wolf form. They couldn’t hear a human’s thoughts unless connected through a mate-bond. And he doubted the feasibility of one forming between him and Nel. No one in his family had ever bonded with their mates. Tristan didn’t expect to be the exception, though for the first time he wished he could be.
Chapter 22
“How about that dinner I promised you, love?” The cadence of the masculine voice behind Nel at the deli counter was close, but not quite Tristan’s deep timbre.
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