“I suppose it is late.” Her face looked sad as she dressed, and he hated that he’d caused that expression.
When they were both clothed again, Reardon took Brandy’s hands in his. She avoided his gaze so he tipped up her chin. “I would like to see you again.”
Her eyes widened. “You would?”
It made his heart hurt that she doubted what he was feeling for her. Of course she doubted. He couldn’t tell her he’d started loving her as she’d cared for him in his wolf form. He couldn’t tell her he’d known her for weeks now. He couldn’t tell her he felt her love when she interacted with him as a wolf. To her, this night was all they’d had so far.
So he’d start from what she considered the beginning. He’d be patient. He’d make her fall for Reardon McAlator, the man, as she’d fallen for Alator, the wolf.
And then he’d tell her they were one and the same.
“Of course I want to see you again, fairy lass. I already told you I had a wonderful evening, and that was before…” He motioned to the bed with his hand.
Her cheeks went crimson, and he wanted to gather her in his arms, take her all over again, never let her go.
“I could be free tomorrow.” She looked down at her bare toes, wiggling them. Her shyness—after she’d been so forward in bringing him into her bedroom earlier—was so hot. It told him that she must have really wanted him for her to act so out of character. This Brandy standing before him now, this unsure, pink-cheeked fairy lass was the real Brandy.
Not a goddess. Flidae’s voice in his ears made him wince. Fortunately, Brandy was still examining her feet.
I know she’s not a goddess, he thought back.
You’ll do well to remember. Another sharp pain threatened to crack open his skull.
“Tomorrow would be lovely. May I come back here?” Because he didn’t actually have a place of his own in Canville. The sanctuary was his place. He took comfort in knowing that after he pretended to leave, he’d be allowed right back into Brandy’s bedroom in his wolf form.
“If that doesn’t bore you, sure.”
“Bore me? Absolutely not.” He dropped a kiss on her lips and loved how her body melted against his. “It excites me.”
“Dinner again?”
“If that doesn’t bore you.” He grinned when she did.
“Wise ass.” She pretended to punch him in the stomach, her knuckles lightly meeting his abs. “C’mon, I’ll walk you out. Maybe we can find Alator and you can meet him.”
Not likely. Still, he followed her out of the bedroom, down the stairs, through the living room, and out the front door.
Fifteen wolves sat on their haunches, staring at him.
“Oh.” Brandy stumbled to a stop. “That’s weird. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them all together like this before.”
“Maybe they’re having a meeting.”
At the sound of his voice, all the wolves got to their feet, tails wagging wildly. Short barks and whines filtered out of the pack as they took turns coming to him, sniffing and licking and rubbing.
“I’m sorry,” Brandy said as she steered Lug away from him. “I don’t know what’s gotten into them.”
“It’s not a problem. They’re just curious.” He offered each of the wolves—his pack really—quick pats and whispered words of greeting.
“Well, they certainly seem to like you.” She put her hands on her hips and regarded the few wolves still nudging him. After turning in a circle, she furrowed her brow. “I don’t see Alator though.”
But you do.
“Perhaps he’s with Dylan?”
“Maybe, but he usually sleeps in the house.”
Reardon raised an eyebrow. “Special treatment for him?”
“He earned it. I have a neighbor who…” Brandy hesitated as she ran her fingers along Albi’s brown fur. “Who acted like an ass. Alator told him to knock that shit off and I greatly appreciated that. He’s a protective wolf. I really wish you could meet him.”
“Another time.”
“Yeah, maybe tomorrow.”
“I look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation, Brandy.” He stepped away from the lingering wolves and pressed a kiss to Brandy’s forehead. “Good night and thank you.”
He walked toward the entrance gates, all fifteen wolves on his heels despite Brandy calling them back. When he opened the gate, he turned, hand held out.
“Stay,” he commanded.
Each wolf sat and watched as he re-latched the gate. Trusting they’d heed his order, Reardon walked down the driveway into the darkness. He stowed his clothes in the rocky outcropping hiding spot and shifted into wolf form.
In a matter of minutes, he was getting a running start, hurtling over the gates, and rubbing noses with his wolf family. His sharp hearing picked up sounds of Brandy on the back patio of her cabin so he trotted to her.
“There you are.” She put down the glasses she’d been picking up off the patio table and kneeled, beckoning him over to her. “Where have you been all night, big boy? Huh? I wanted you to meet someone. Someone amazing.”
Reardon pushed his nose into her hands and allowed her to rub him all over. Such contact felt good in wolf form, but now that he knew what her hands felt like on his human flesh, he craved that.
Tomorrow. He could wait until tomorrow.
Chapter Eleven
“I know you don’t like this, sweet girl.” Parker held the syringe aloft as Brandy rubbed the fur between Midir’s ears. “I’ll have what I need after one prick and you can be on your way.”
Brandy stroked Midir’s muzzle, trying to distract the wolf from the blood Parker was collecting. Once a year, she and Parker did full physicals on all the wolves to keep their records up to date and look for potential problems. Wolves didn’t always reveal their illnesses in obvious ways, and she wanted to stay on top of anything that might be a hazard to them.
So far the biggest hazard had been Hank Swift. Luckily, after Alator’s warning, she hadn’t seen much of the ass or his traps. Maybe he’d finally gotten the message between the Sheriff’s requests, her yelling at him, and Alator’s razor-sharp teeth display. Whatever the case, things at the sanctuary had been good, and she hoped it stayed that way.
Because other things were good too. Really good. Last night with Reardon had been amazing. Not only the sex, but the dinner conversation as well. She’d enjoyed watching him interact with Dylan, Meredith, and Parker. He’d even had some quick replies to Chella that had been entertaining. He’d appeared to be in tune with her too, picking up that she didn’t exactly approve of Chella. Was she that obvious? She didn’t think so. She’d reconciled to allow Parker to do what he wanted. The best she could do was be there for him should Chella break his heart.
“Okay, this beauty is good to go.” Parker moved to stand next to Brandy so he could look Midir in the face. “Sorry, Midir. You know it’s nothing personal.” He removed his gloves and gave the wolf a scratch under the chin.
Midir let out a huff as Brandy released the harness they used to keep the wolves in place as they worked with them.
“I don’t think she forgives you yet, Park.” Brandy opened the clinic door to let Midir out.
“Eh, women. They hold grudges. Fortunately, I’m charming. Midir will not be able to resist me.”
Brandy shook her head. “Ready to use all that charm on Albi?”
“Round her up.”
They ran through the physical for Albi with ease and soon only one wolf remained on the roster.
“I know we collected some things when we tended to Alator’s leg,” Parker said, “but I’d like to do a full physical so we have everything neat and tidy in our records.”
“This is why we get along so well.” Brandy squeezed Parker’s shoulder. “You’re a big nerd like me when it comes to record keeping.”
“Guilty. I love data.” Parker opened the clinic door to let Albi out. “Have you seen Alator this morning?” He squinted into the nearby woods, mov
ing his head in a slow, scanning motion.
“Not since breakfast.” Breakfast. Where the big, black wolf hadn’t left her side. She half expected him to crawl into her lap and share her cinnamon toast. He’d been like that all night. Clingy. Snuggly. Wanting to jump up on the bed, which she’d never been one to allow. She’d actually had to yell at him and threaten to toss him outside to get him to stay on the bedroom floor.
And then he’d pouted. As much as a wolf could pout anyway. His large head rested between large paws as large green-gold eyes peered up at her. She’d nearly caved. Nearly. But she’d been tired from her extracurricular activities with Reardon. She needed some sleep so perhaps she could repeat those activities tonight.
Assuming Reardon didn’t pop out of bed and need to leave all of a sudden.
She’d thought about that all night as she attempted to sleep. They’d made love and it had been wonderful. She’d been looking forward to some serious spooning with the beautiful man, but he’d bolted up, gasped for breath, and she hadn’t known what was happening. At least it hadn’t been a medical emergency, but still… she wondered what had made him have that reaction.
Did he regret what they’d done?
No. He wants to see you again, stupid.
Didn’t he enjoy what they’d done?
No. His body had definitely reciprocated in a positive fashion.
Had he not been with a woman in a while and had a panic attack?
Perhaps.
It was quite possible Brandy had been the first woman Reardon had been with since returning from active duty. Maybe the intensity of everything crashed down on him all at once. She’d take that into consideration tonight. After all, she’d been the one to lead him to her bedroom. She’d been the aggressor. Perhaps it’d been too much too fast. She didn’t regret a moment of what they’d shared, but she could take it slow.
I should take it slow. No need to get swept away. Brandy wasn’t normally the swept away sort anyway. Time to screw her head back on and get logical about this whole thing… whatever it was.
“Where’s Dylan and Meredith?” Parker asked.
“They’re in the library preparing for an art project Mom wants to do with a Girl Scout group this week. Mom wouldn’t let any of the wolves in there if she’s got craft supplies out.”
“Okay, so Alator’s not with them. He’s got to be—”
At that moment, a loud gun pop sounded, immediately followed by a long howl that echoed through the trees, cutting off Parker’s response.
“Shit.” Brandy ran back inside the clinic and grabbed a tranq gun while Parker unlocked a cabinet and snatched the sanctuary’s only rifle.
“Sounded as if it was coming from the east.” Parker broke into a run in that direction with Brandy right beside him.
She took a mental attendance as they ran. She counted fifteen wolves along the way. Only one was missing. Only one was in possible danger. Though he was the newest wolf to Silver Moon, Brandy couldn’t help but think she knew him best.
Alator was… well, he was her favorite.
She felt a little guilty about that. She shouldn’t have favorites. Every wolf at the sanctuary needed her attention. Every wolf was as important as the next.
But…
“Over here!” Parker picked up speed and led Brandy to the fence at the sanctuary’s perimeter.
Brandy gasped as Alator came into view on the other side of the fence. How had he gotten out? She’d have to figure that out later. Right now, the blood pooling around the black wolf was her top concern.
“Oh, God.” She scaled the fence without a second thought, Parker close behind her, the rifle held out and ready.
She dropped to her knees next to Alator, setting the tranq gun down on the ground. A snap of twigs off to her left made Brandy look over that way.
Hank Swift stood there, his own rifle by his side. “That monster lunged at me.”
“Why? What were you doing that he didn’t like, that I’m sure I wouldn’t like either?” Brandy was torn between tending to Alator and kicking Hank in the nuts.
Parker stepped between them, making the decision for her. “What are you doing over here, Hank? I think we’ve made it crystal clear that we don’t want you anywhere near our wolves.”
“And I’ve made it crystal clear if one of them sets foot on my land, I’ll shoot to kill.” He looked around Parker, and Brandy attempted to get to her feet.
Parker put his hand on her shoulder. “Take care of Alator. Stop that bleeding. I’ve got this.”
“You’re lucky I didn’t go for the kill shot,” Hank said.
“You’re lucky I don’t go for the kill shot right now,” Parker replied. “Get out of here.”
“I need your help, Parker. The bullet is still in his leg.” Brandy pulled off her shirt, happy she had a tank top under her short-sleeve button down today. She pressed the shirt into the wound, wincing when Alator let out another howl.
“Get out of here, Swift,” Parker repeated.
“One day these beasts are going to rip you two to shreds, and I’m going to find it fucking hysterical.” Hank stomped off, and it took all of Brandy’s resolve not to run after him, tackle him to the ground, and pound on his greasy face.
Parker kneeled beside her. “Let me see.” He put the rifle down and moved Brandy’s hand with her balled up shirt.
Blood immediately seeped from the wound and Alator’s breathing slowed. “Parker, he’s going into shock.”
Parker tossed his cell phone to Brandy. “Call Meredith. Tell her to get over here with a utility vehicle.”
Brandy’s fingers struggled to punch in her mother’s number. C’mon, c’mon. Pick up. Alator’s side was barely rising and falling. She knew that wound wasn’t fatal, but it was never good to have an unconscious, bleeding wolf.
“Hello?”
“Mom, can you get over to the eastern border of the sanctuary? Alator’s been shot.” The words all ran into one another.
“On it, honey.” Meredith disconnected, and Brandy was confident her mother wouldn’t waste a single second getting to their location.
“She’s on her way.” She slipped Alator’s head into her lap, encouraged when the wolf’s green-gold eyes gazed up at her. “It’s okay, big boy. I’ve got you.” She bent forward and pressed her lips to Alator’s jagged left ear. “You’re going to be fine.”
He had to be.
Brandy had no idea how this wolf had come to be near her property the first time she and Parker had found him, but he was part of her pack now. A special part. She’d do whatever it took to make sure he stayed a part of it.
She sure as hell was going to have another talk with Sheriff Olsen about Hank Swift too. There had to be something that could be done to stop his bullshit. Between traps and rifles, the man was a menace to the sanctuary. He had to be controlled.
Alator’s paw came to rest on her knee and she let go of her anger at Hank, focusing all her energy on the beautiful wolf in her lap instead. She stroked his massive paw and a vision of Reardon’s hand on her stomach last night flashed into her mind.
This is no time to be thinking of Reardon. How selfish could she be? Her favorite wolf was bleeding out right before her eyes and her mind was wandering to her erotic escapades of last night.
Squeezing her eyes shut to erase Reardon’s image, she took a deep breath then focused back on Alator. She caressed the wolf’s head, offering whispered words of comfort as Parker used her shirt like a tourniquet. Blood still flowed from the wound, soaking the dirt around the wolf, staining her shorts and bare legs, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t moving.
Alator’s eyes closed, his breathing slowing even more.
“Parker…”
“I hear the utility vehicle. We’ll have him in the clinic in a few minutes.” Parker stood and wiped his hands on his cargo shorts, leaving bloody streaks on the beige material.
Meredith kept the motor running as she helped them get Alator into the back o
f the vehicle. She sped over the bumpy terrain without slowing down. Bless her.
As a team, they carried Alator into the clinic where Dylan was waiting.
“Is he okay?” Tears filled the boy’s eyes, and Brandy squeezed her son to her side.
“We haven’t lost a wolf yet. Today is not the day we start.” She held Dylan at arm’s length. “Stand with Gram.”
Dylan nodded and stepped over to Meredith who took his hand and gathered him in an embrace from behind. “Let’s send your buddy all our positive vibes, okay?”
He grabbed onto Meredith’s forearms and closed his eyes, concentrating, but Brandy knew it was going to take more than positive vibes.
“Let’s do this,” Parker said.
Brandy readied a tranquilizer, but Alator was already unconscious.
“Give it to him anyway. We don’t want him to wake up while I’m poking around in there. He’s not going to like that and neither am I.” Parker went to the sink to wash up and prepare for surgery.
Brandy administered the tranquilizer then washed up to assist Parker. When she stood over Alator again, she traced her gloved finger along his ragged left ear and leaned down.
“Don’t you go anywhere, big boy,” she whispered. “I need you.”
****
I need you.
The words reached out to Reardon as his leg burned. The pain wasn’t as bad as it would be if he were a normal wolf or a normal human, but he was neither. It still hurt him enough to cause him to close his eyes and succumb to the tranquilizer Brandy had given him.
Through the haze, Flidae floated above him, her hair streaming out around her on some ethereal breeze and her leafy gown rustling a natural melody. There was a time when a visit from Flidae meant safety, refuge, protection.
Reardon knew this was not one of those times.
The human means too much to you, wolf. She distracts you from your goal here.
As far as Reardon understood, his goal was to do something worthy. He’d saved Brandy and Dylan from being crushed by that car. What more did he have to do?
You may have saved them, but that was my own test. To see proof of your feelings. You have yet to do anything real on your own, Reardon McAlator.
Wolf Kiss (Warrior Wolves Book 1) Page 14