"This place is deserted. There's no one here but us." He flashed a feral grin, and then lowered his lips to hers. His kiss was hot, passionate and desperate. She knew he wanted her. Right then, and right there.
Over the past couple of days, they had spent time together. It was almost as if they were a couple again. But she knew in a few weeks he'd take off again. So, she'd decided to just enjoy these special moments together while she could…and that made her happy. The happiest she'd been in long time.
Rick peeled his lips from hers and gazed into her eyes. "Let's go over here," he said, steering her to a spot beneath one of the larger trees in the wooded area. The scent of the forest was lush and green all around them as they sank down onto the ground.
"I don't think we should…" But he silenced her once more with another kiss. Allison gave in to him, letting their kiss deepen. Rick's tongue slipped between her parted lips. He tasted and teased her until she gave in and allowed the pleasurable sensations to wash over her.
"Why don't you lay back against the tree?" His voice was low, husky and sexy as hell. "I promise we won't do anything here, but I do want to make you even happier."
How did he? Allison gave a soft sigh, realizing he was sensing what she was feeling deep down, inside. And, so, she sat back against the mossy bark of the tree. It was cool and moist against her bare flesh, but not uncomfortable.
"What did you have in mind?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
But he kissed her again while his hands roamed down the curves of her naked body. When he slipped a hand between her thighs, her breath caught in her throat. She could smell the hot, musky scent of her arousal while Rick began to trail hot kisses over her flesh.
Shifting his position, Rick soon found his way to the soft nest of dark curls between her thighs. Her pussy throbbed with need. She was already slick and her heart was pounding hard in her ears. Her entire body was filled with erotic anticipation as she spread her legs wider, opening herself to him in the midst of the lush forest surroundings.
"Oh, you're so beautiful, doc." His voice was gentle and filled with a tenderness which made her heart flutter. Then, Rick lowered his head, disappearing between her legs to lightly lick over the slick outer folds of her pussy.
Allison gasped, then closed her eyes and gave into the wicked sensations of her lover's tongue slowly tracing over the sensitive flesh. "God, that's wonderful!" she moaned, while the world seemed to melt around her into a puddle of pure liquid pleasure.
While he continued to pleasure her with his tongue, Rick spread her lips wider, then slid a finger into her throbbing sex. Allison quivered. Tension was mounting with each stroke of his finger and his tongue. As he slid in two more fingers, her pussy gave a spasm. Then, he flicked his tongue over her clit and the world exploded in bright colors behind her closed eyes.
Allison's orgasm rolled through her body with such intense pleasure, she didn't even realize she'd called out his name until the heady sensations had lessened. As her senses returned to normal, Rick effortlessly scooped her up into his arms and began to carry her back to where they'd parked the truck.
She glanced up into her lover's face as the moon beamed down around them. "That was…wow!" She grinned.
"Yeah, it was," he agreed, setting her back on her feet beside the passenger door. "Now, let's put on some clothes and head on home. How about, maybe later, we finish what we started? Hmm?" Rick raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds like a good idea to me," she winked, then climbed up into the cab and picked up her clothes which were neatly folded on the seat.
Rick made a deep rumbling noise in his throat, and then chuckled before he closed the truck door. But she was already dreaming up ways to make him 'happier' too.
* * *
The ride back to Allison's house was quiet. Rick flipped on the radio to fill the silence, yet he began to sense an uneasy vibe from Allie. He glanced over to the passenger seat. Dressed in her jogging shorts and an old t-shirt, she still radiated a loveliness unlike any other woman he'd known.
Rick cleared his throat. "So, you're pretty quiet. What's on your mind?"
"I was just wondering if you've heard from your job contact. Do you know anything about where your next job may be?"
"No, not yet. I have a feeling I'll hear from Dylan soon enough. He's currently working out in Southern California. There may be a job for me, if I'm lucky."
"Southern California, huh?" She gave him a thin smile. "What's it like out there?"
"It's beautiful, really. The palm trees, warm weather pretty much all year around and, I swear, the sun just seems more golden," he replied, and then shrugged. "Well, when the city isn't surrounded by smog."
Allison wrinkled her nose. "Smog? That's sounds gross."
"It can be, but I still think the area is really nice," he said, sticking his hand out the open truck window to make a point. "At least the weather's not as humid as Heather Grove can be in the summer."
"You're right about that." Allison nodded. "Will you be coming back when Megan has her baby? I mean, you're going to be an uncle, after all."
Rick gave a nervous chuckle. "I still find it hard to believe that I'm going to be an uncle – both me and Ray." He shook his head. "Honestly, I haven't planned that far ahead. I guess that just depends on where my next job takes me."
"Oh." There was disappointment in her voice.
Suddenly, it felt as if someone punched him in the gut. Rick glanced back over at Allison. Her lips were pressed tightly together and she turned her gaze out the truck window before he could look into her eyes. She was upset. Very upset.
Bracing himself against an onslaught of emotions, he pulled into the driveway and rolled to a smooth stop, cutting off the engine. They sat in the cab while the sounds of katydids chirped in the darkness. Rick drew a deep breath, and then turned in the seat to face her.
"Listen, doc, I thought you understood that I wasn't coming back to stay in Heather Grove. It's just a visit," he said in a soft, gentle voice. "But, I've really enjoyed our time together and…" He trailed off, unsure of what to say next.
"No, you're right." She held up a hand. "I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to let you stay with me. Some things don't change, do they?"
"Allie, I'm really so sorry." He tried to reach across and take her hand, but she pulled away.
"I am too." She flashed him a bittersweet smile and placed her hand on the door handle. Before he could say any more, she pushed open the truck door and stepped out of the truck, slamming the door behind her.
Stunned, Rick watched as she headed up the front steps and unlocked the door. After she was inside, he smashed his fist on the steering wheel. "Shit!" he cursed.
This was not supposed to happen. Not like this.
I need a beer…or two. He reached for the ignition, but glanced down and realized he was still dirty from their run in the woods. Okay, after a shower. Rick got out of the truck and pocketed his keys. Heading for the front door, he came to a quick halt.
Once more, his sithech senses sharpened, on instant alert. Just like before, when he'd first arrived in town, he felt like he was being watched. Rick pivoted on the spot, focusing on his surroundings.
A couple of houses away, a swing on a playset slowly moved back and forth, making an eerie squeaking noise. The golden glow of a streetlamp cast shadows with the trees on the nearby lawns. Rick wished he could shift, because, in his human form, he couldn't detect anything more than the sensations of a late summer night.
And, as suddenly as the feeling had come, it was gone.
He sighed, then shrugged. He turned back and went into the house, locking the door safely behind him. The house was quiet and still except for the muffled sound of water running upstairs. Allison was taking a shower. Rick smiled, recalling the softness of her skin and the warmth of her body, and then his mood turned sour.
Damn it. He'd screwed up with her. Again.
And, with a heavy sigh, he headed to get a sh
ower too. Alone.
* * *
Allison was so embarrassed. She couldn't believe she'd been so emotional about Rick leaving town on their drive back from their run. After a quick shower to wash off from their nocturnal adventure, she stepped out of the shower.
I owe him an apology. She shook her head. I knew what I was getting into, but… The memories of the past few days flashed across her mind. Deep down, she wanted him to stay. She wanted Rick back in her life. But, she knew he would be leaving Heather Grove again soon. Very soon.
Sliding into a pair of jeans and tossing on a clean t-shirt, she reached for her cell phone and glanced at the time on its tiny screen. It was just past midnight, too late to call her aunt for advice. But maybe Jeni was around. More than likely, she was wrapping up her evening at The Red Lion and, perhaps, headed home.
Allison plopped down on the edge of her bed and pressed her co-worker's number. She drew a deep breath and waited. One ring. Two. Then Jeni's voice mail box kicked in. Shaking her head, she hung up instead of leaving a message.
More than likely, Jeni got lucky tonight, she thought with a wistful sigh and slid the phone into her pocket. Even though she was tired, their run had pumped up her adrenaline. She decided to go downstairs and make a cup of chamomile tea.
Halfway down the stairs, the phone in her pocket buzzed. Without looking, she flipped it open. "Doctor Browne."
"Allison, it's Bruce." He was on-duty and calling on police business. He continued to talk, and by the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, she sat down. She was numb all over, but her heart was pounding double-time as she attempted to comprehend what he was telling her.
"Wh-what do you mean she was attacked? Is she all right?" Allison asked, gripping the phone tight. Panic swelled inside her, but she was doing her best to keep calm and collected.
She was used to dealing with emergencies, but this one was too personal.
* * *
Rick was at the kitchen sink, pouring water into the tea kettle, when he heard Allison coming down the stairs. He'd quickly showered and changed, then decided to fix a pot of tea. Since he knew her so well, he thought he'd surprise her with a cup of her favorite tea.
Maybe we can talk and work things out. That was the plan, anyway. Then he overheard her answering her phone on the stairs. Rick cursed as a wave of nausea washed over him. He was picking up on her emotions again.
Something was wrong. Very wrong.
He raced into the living room and saw her seated on the bottom step. Her face was paler than pale as she clutched the phone to her ear. He was right.
"I'll be right there," she replied, and then flipped the phone shut. Her voice was calm, but the energy radiating from her definitely wasn't.
She was in shock.
"Allison? What's wrong?" He stepped closer to her and bent down to look her in the eyes.
"It's Jeni. I've got to go." She rose to her feet, but he stopped her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"You get ready and I'll drive."
She nodded, then turned and bound up the stairs without another word. Moments later, they were in his truck, headed toward the urgent care center.
"So, what happened?" He gripped the wheel tight, focusing on the road ahead.
"She was attacked while leaving The Red Lion." Allison sounded strained and distant from the passenger seat. "Bruce thinks it was an animal attack."
"Is she okay?"
"I don't know. Cary's on duty tonight. I'm sure he'll fill me in." She was tense as they pulled into the brightly-lit emergency entrance of the urgent care center. Rick rolled to a stop and Allison leaped out, heading for the automatic doors.
After parking his truck in the nearby lot, he hopped out and headed inside. For the late hour, the place was busy. He scanned the lobby and located Bruce, standing with several of his fellow officers and a couple of emergency staff members.
"Bruce!" He tossed up his hand, catching his friend's attention. Bruce left the group and walked toward him with a grim look on his face.
"Rick, what are you doing here?"
"I brought Allison over. She was in no shape to drive," he replied. "What's going on?"
"That's what we're trying to figure out."
"Allie said it might've been an animal attack. Is that right?"
Bruce glanced around the room, and then gave a nod toward the door. "Let's go outside, okay?"
Rick followed him outside. The summer night was buzzing with the sound of katydids and the humidity clung to him, but he focused his attention on Bruce. "So, what's going on?"
"I've already called Ray and told him to contact the pack council. It seems Jeni was attacked by a wolf in the parking lot."
"A wolf? Are you sure?"
Bruce nodded. "That's what she said. It bit her on the hand, but she managed to get away and run. Lucky for her, several patrons still inside heard the commotion and went outside."
"Is it the rogue wolf someone reported earlier?" Rick raised an eyebrow.
"How did you know about that?"
"Rhonda told me about it the other night."
"It figures," Bruce shrugged, giving a little smirk. "Yeah, we think it's the same one. Ernie and a few others took off after it, but it seems to have disappeared after the attack."
"But, why did it attack Jeni?" Rick frowned.
"That's another question we'd like an answer to." Bruce gave a frustrated sigh, running a hand over his face. "I really hope Allison can help us get some answers from her."
"I'm sure she will," Rick nodded, giving his friend a sympathic pat on the shoulder. "Allison will do all she can to help out. Trust me."
* * *
Doctor Cary had already filled her in with all the details of Jeni's medical case before she entered her room. Allison drew a deep breath and pushed open the door. Jeni was sitting up in her bed, speaking in a low, soothing tone to an elderly Asian man and woman. She deduced they were related to Jeni as they all turned their gaze on her.
Jeni patted the woman's hand and said something in Chinese. The older woman nodded, then placed an object in Jeni's hand and the couple quietly left the room.
"Hey there." Allison managed a soft smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Allie, thank goodness you're here." Jeni exhaled a sigh of relief. "Come over," she gestured to the chair beside the bed. "We need to talk."
As Allison got closer, she noticed the object in Jeni's hand. It was a round piece of light green stone, more than likely jade, on a red piece of string. An amulet to ward off evil. Jeni clutched it in one hand while the other was wrapped in a bandage on a pillow beside her.
"Doctor Cary's prescribed a round of rabies treatments for you," she informed her as she drew close. Jeni's eyes were slightly glazed over and her skin, which was normally golden, was paler than usual. But, it was understandable, given the circumstances. "Can I get you anything?"
"Water, please. Margaret came in a while ago and gave me a mild sedative. Now, my mouth is as dry as cotton." Jeni wrinkled her nose.
Allison poured her a glass from the nearby medical cart. After Jeni took a couple of sips, she laid her head back on the pillow and sighed. "Allie, I've got to tell you what happened tonight. I-I don't quite believe it myself. It's all so crazy."
"Officer Taylor said you reported that you were attacked by a wolf. Is that correct?"
Jeni closed her eyes and nodded, then her eyes snapped open. "But, that's not the crazy part." She dropped the amulet on the bedsheet and grabbed Allison's hand. Jeni nervously gazed to the door, then back to Allie. "I must tell you what really happened before anyone comes back in here. Okay?"
"Go ahead," Allison nodded, leaning in close. "I'm listening."
"Well, everything was going fine at The Red Lion. When I got ready to leave, Ernie Campbell was going to walk me out to my car. We stepped outside and, about halfway to my car, he remembered he'd left his cell phone on the table, so he went back inside."
"And left you alone?"
>
"Yeah," Jeni nodded. "But, after he went inside, a guy walked up to me. I guess he'd been waiting in the parking lot, but I don't know. I didn't see him until he walked up. Anyway, he asked if I knew you, Allie. He asked if I knew a 'Doctor Allison Browne'."
"Me?" She raised an eyebrow. "Who was he?"
"That's just it," Jeni shrugged. "I've never seen him before. He wasn't bad looking either. Tall, dark hair and really well-built. He was wearing all black too…you know, tee and jeans, casual clothes. I told him I didn't know, but…but as he came closer, I got a good look at his eyes." Jeni paused and gave a nervous shiver.
Allison gently rubbed her hand, comforting her. "What about his eyes?"
"Well," Jeni licked her dry lips, and then glanced up at her. "They were yellow, Allie. Large and bright yellow, like those crazy contacts some folks wear at Halloween time. I thought he was pulling some kind of sick prank. I started to panic and turned toward the door, because I thought I heard Ernie coming back. When I turned back around…" Her voice trailed off as tears welled in her eyes. "There, where the guy had been, was a big black wolf with those same freakin' creepy yellow eyes and…and he was growling at me!"
"What happened next?" Allison gently asked, yet her heart was pounding hard in her chest.
"The wolf leapt at me and knocked me to the ground. I guess I must've put up my hand to protect myself because his teeth nipped my hand. I was frantic, Allie. I started screaming for help. Next thing I remember, there was a loud bang. I think it was someone coming out of the bar and the wolf ran off!"
"Oh, you poor dear!" Allison wrapped her arms around Jeni's trembling body and held her tight. "I'm so sorry this happened to you."
"But…but it was the craziest thing," Jeni sniffled. "I was talking to a man one minute. The next, I'm being attacked by a big, black wolf!"
"Well, I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this," Allison assured her, releasing her hold and pulling a tissue from the medical cart near the bed to hand to her.
"That's just it," Jeni replied, wiping her eyes. "The emergency unit and the police kept telling me I must be mistaken. They say it was a wild dog. But I know it was a man who, somehow, changed into a big, black wolf, Allie." She shrugged. "I don't think anyone believes me. But, honest, that's what really happened."
A Dangerous Moon [Tales of the Werewolf Clan] Page 6