Canyon Wolf Bride

by Alisha Paige

  Earl Wellington was half way up the drive when he saw something streak behind the cabin. It looked like some kind of an animal or maybe his old eyes were playing a trick on him. He ran back to Frank’s truck and threw the door open. He grabbed the rifle resting on the rack in the back of the cab. He glanced at the house and saw a shadow move past the blinds in Paige’s room. Good, she was still in her room. He ran to the side of the house and was surprised to see a wolf standing on its hind legs. He appeared to be looking through the kitchen window and sniffing at the window sill. The wolf whined before licking the window pane.

  “Get!” Paige’s father yelled at the wolf.

  The wolf cowered and jumped down. His tail hung low between his legs as he eyed the man cautiously. The wolf started to back up as Earl took a step forward. The wolf growled, showing off his long, white fangs and pink gums. The wolf knew the man, but why was his rifle raised? The man moved closer to the wolf, cocking the rifle. If the man decided to shoot, he wouldn’t have a chance. He couldn’t jump on the man or run away. The man had him in his crosshairs. He took another step forward and the wolf took a step back, growling louder, hoping the man would see him retreating. Why wouldn’t he just put the rifle down? He meant Paige no harm.

  “You’re the wolf that nearly ate that Indian alive aren’t you?”

  The wolf growled again, taking another step closer to the woods.

  “You thought you’d have my daughter for dessert didn’t you? I don’t think so.”

  Earl Wellington took two steps toward the wolf and aimed. The wolf had no choice. He was going to be killed. Suddenly the man lost the wolf through his scope. He raised his head up from the rifle. Where had the wolf gone?

  “Oh my God!” He watched as the wolf’s fur grew backwards and his skin turned pale. His hind legs turned to lean human legs. His tail disappeared and arms sprouted from his fore feet. The long wolf muzzle quickly shortened into a round head. Sean was naked, on all fours, looking up at Paige’s father as sweat fell from every pour. He had never changed so rapidly. It had taken all his energy, but at least he had avoided being shot to death.

  Earl turned to run toward the cabin, but he was unsure of what he was running from. He reached for the back door, hoping it was unlocked. It wasn’t. He turned again as Sean began to stand. The two men locked eyes and Paige’s father fell to the ground. Sean ran to him and yelled for Paige. Paige dropped a glass of orange juice when she heard someone yell her name. It sounded like it came from out back. She unlatched the door and threw open the screen door.

  “Daddy!” she screamed falling to her knees at her father’s side.

  Chapter 9

  Meg and Frank rose from the stiff waiting room seats to go home. They had stayed at the hospital as long as they could and didn’t want to keep the babysitter waiting any longer. Paige watched as Frank put his arm around her sister, guiding her down the hall. Her sister looked like a zombie. She barely got enough sleep as it was with a brand new baby. Now Paige was worried she’d never sleep at all. Frank promised to get up with the baby, but Paige knew her sister. She had already said she didn’t want the baby to drink formula. Meg would breastfeed that baby if it killed her.

  Paige and her mother walked back into the intensive care unit. There was one more hour of visitation left in the day, then they wouldn’t be able to see her father until morning. His doctor would then decide how to proceed. Her father had had a mild heart attack and was sedated. They wanted to watch him overnight. The doctor thought he would be able to clear the blocked artery with a shunt. Not much damage had been done to his heart and all of them were thanking God for it, though he was not out of the woods yet.

  Sean and Paige had followed the ambulance to the hospital. Sean had stayed for the first couple of hours, but Paige had finally asked him leave. They had argued in hushed whispers in the family waiting room and Paige had stormed out at one point. Out of respect for her family, he left without conflict. When Meg and her mother had asked her about it, she wouldn’t say much. Only that they had had a fight over the weekend and she had a lot to think about. Both of them looked at her with puzzled faces as she told them that now she had Dad to worry about and not Sean. Meg wondered what that meant and her mother was in too much shock to care. She knew everyone was under a lot of stress. Her years of life experience had taught her that everyone dealt with trauma differently and didn’t think much of it.

  Paige drove her mother back to Meg’s house for the evening, insisting that she at least stay in a comfortable bed and since Meg and Frank couldn’t leave the kids, they all thought it was best. Paige would pick her up bright and early and they’d meet with the doctor first thing.

  As Paige drove up the mountain, a tear slid down her cheek. She had never thought that her mother looked old, but today she did. The lines in her face appeared deeper. Her hair looked thinner and grayer and she seemed frail. Even her sweater seemed to hang off of her shoulders. She knew her mother was in shock and scared of losing her husband, but she never expected her to look so fragile. She had always been so strong and Paige knew it was her father’s heart attack that had aged her. He had always been the life of the family. Her dad filled the house with his jokes and laughter. And he had always been supportive of both of his girls, encouraging them to try new things and follow their dreams. He had been a wonderful father her whole life and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing him.

  Paige didn’t want to see or hear from Sean. All she cared about right now was her father’s health. It broke her heart when she saw Sean standing naked over her father’s body. He had explained to her days before that he removed all his clothing before he changed into the wolf. Otherwise, he’d have to buy new clothes again and again. She never asked him why he was behind her house. He apologized over and over, saying that her dad held a rifle over him and was going to shoot him. Paige guessed that Sean was returning home after hunting all night. How many times had he frequented the woods by her house as a wolf? The thought gave her the creeps. Once again, she didn’t know if she’d be able to live with someone like him. Someone who walked on all fours under the light of a full moon, killing forest animals, and eating them for dinner. Her brain didn’t seem near as cluttered with love as it did two days before. She was having second thoughts and they were serious.

  What would her dad say when he awoke? Paige prayed that he wouldn’t remember. Maybe it was so horrible that he would block it out, but she knew she’d never forget the horrible way that Aunt Bette’s body contorted as she turned into the she-wolf.

  She still couldn’t get over the way that Sean had talked to her the night before her father’s heart attack. Was this an indication of things to come? If so, the wedding was off. In fact, she couldn’t see herself marrying him now at all. He had insulted her and had put her father in the hospital by shocking him half to death. She didn’t want to deny her love for him, but for now, well she just didn’t know. She loved Sean and knew he was feeling an awful lot of guilt, but she also loved her father and she didn’t want to lose him. She couldn’t begin to deal with Sean at the moment.

  When she arrived home, she saw a note stuck into the side of the door. She read it quickly and went inside. Sean wanted to talk to her. The note said he was worried and to please call. She tossed the note into the garbage can and got a drink of water. Her answering machine was flashing six messages. She decided to ignore them. She walked to her bedroom, removed her clothes and collapsed on the bed. It had been an agonizing day and tomorrow would probably be just as difficult. Despite all that was on her mind, she fell asleep rather quickly, seeing Sean’s face smiling down at her. She smiled back at him, leaning up for a kiss. As he moved toward her, his teeth grew two inches and fur sprouted from his cheeks. She woke up screaming and flicked on the light. She left it on all night, unable to sleep in the dark. Before she fell asleep again, she checked the drawer in the nightstand, making sure the gun was loaded.

  ****

  The family met with the d
octor in the morning. The doctor allowed the sedation to wear off so he could perform the shunt procedure that afternoon. Her father awoke, unsure of his surroundings. Paige was thankful that he never mentioned the wolf, but she also thought it was strange. Maybe he was trying to protect her or maybe he had blocked it out. Frank came to the hospital and said he would bring Meg later. She had been up all night with the baby and was finally able to get some sleep. The babysitter had come over to relieve her for a few hours.

  The morning dragged by and when it came time to wheel him into surgery, they all wept. Her father promised to come out telling jokes and they tried to laugh, but it was hard. Her mother was so worried and stressed that Paige called the nurse, asking if there was something they could give her to calm her down. Her mother refused any medication, sitting ramrod straight in her chair, saying she was fine. Paige and Frank finally gave up. Both of them were worried sick as well. They suffered through the next two hours before the phone rang in the waiting room. Her father was doing fine and being wheeled into recovery. They cheered like a touchdown had been scored at the Super Bowl and really, they knew one had. God had caught a Hail Mary and landed in the end zone.

  The color slowly came back into her mother’s cheeks and they all breathed a little easier. Frank called Meg and told her the good news. Meg had echoed their cheers of jubilation and could even be heard hollering from Frank’s cell phone. Paige and her mother exchanged a smile. They went down to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee, since they wouldn’t be able to see her father for about an hour. Most of the time they sat in silence, sighing deeply every now and then. Sometimes her mother would wipe away a stray tear and Paige would squeeze her hand.

  When it was time, they walked to intensive care. Paige and her mother went in first, since only two could visit at a time. Paige stood on one side of the bed, while her mother stood on the other. Each of them took a hand and he smiled sleepily at them. It was hard for Paige to believe that her big, strong dad was lying in a hospital with tubes coming out everywhere.

  “How do you feel, Daddy?”

  Her dad turned his head slightly to his side. “I’ve been better.” He managed a weak smile and turned to his wife, squeezing her hand and winking.

  “I love you,” was all her mother could squeak out before the tears steamed down.

  “You two girls stop it,” he whispered. “I’m going to be okay. It’s a good thing Sean was there. The doctor said he saved my life. Another few minutes and it would have been sayonara.”

  Paige was surprised. So, he remembered Sean being there, but not as the wolf. Strange. Maybe he decided not tell her that part, but Paige knew her father well enough. Or she thought she did. The sight of him changing is what nearly shocked him to death. Right? She couldn’t be sure and she certainly wasn’t going to ask.

  “Where is Sean, honey?” her father asked as he looked at her. “I’d like to thank him myself.”

  Paige and her mother looked at each other, but neither of them knew what to say. Her mother knew something bad had transpired between them, but she didn’t know what and figured it was none of her business. If Paige wanted to share it with her, she would. If not, then that was her business.

  “I think he’s teaching a ski class today,” Paige replied.

  “I thought he didn’t do that anymore.”

  “Sometimes he does. He fills in for other instructors,” she lied.

  Suddenly Paige realized that it wasn’t even ski season anymore and there hadn’t been snow for weeks. She looked at her mother and saw two very narrow eyebrows raised to the ceiling in question.

  “What in the world does he teach with no snow?” her father asked.

  “Uh, they go over classroom skills. There’s a lot to learn,” Paige lied again.

  She had already lied twice to her father in the space of a few minutes. Well, what was she supposed to do? Tell him that she was mad at him because he wouldn’t come over for dinner a couple of nights ago, because her cooking isn’t raw enough for his taste? Or maybe she should tell him that she was still mad at him for nearly killing her father by shocking the hell out of him. Paige’s mother narrowed her eyes at her and shook her head. She knew she was lying and intended to tell her so once they left his bedside. Her mother decided to change the subject.

  “The doctor said you’ll be able to go home in a few days, but not home, home. Just Meg’s for now. He doesn’t want you to fly just yet.”

  Her father nodded. “So when is Sean coming by? I really need to talk to him.”

  Now Paige was nervous. “About what?”

  “Oh, lots of things,” he replied easily.

  The doctor said her father would be groggy. He didn’t seem too groggy to her. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, call him. There’s a phone,” her father replied, glancing toward the phone at his bedside.

  “Dad, I have my cell. I think he’s really busy today.”

  “Darling, I don’t think he’s teaching skiing lessons today. Maybe boating lessons. We’ve certainly gotten enough rain the last few days.”

  Paige blushed, unsure of what to say next.

  “I’ll call him myself. Baby, hand me the phone,” he commanded her mother.

  “Now, dear. Please, I’ll call Sean myself in a little while. You don’t need many more visitors today. Just get some rest.”

  Her father sighed and let his head drop back onto the pillow. They listened to the machines beep softly for a few seconds.

  “Well, dad, I’m going to go out so Frank can come in.”

  “Well, I’m glad one of my son-in-laws cares about me,” he joked.

  “Daddy, he’s not my husband.”

  “Well, he will be soon enough, darling,” her father replied.

  Paige knelt down to kiss her father on the cheek and smiled at her mother before she left.

  “I’ll see you in a minute, mom.” Her mother nodded and Paige went to get Frank.

  “Hand me the phone,” he said again.

  “No, dear. Now I didn’t want to say anything when Paige was in here, but they had a fight the other day.”

  “When?”

  “Yesterday. In the waiting room, but something tells me that it started days ago.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Meg mentioned that Paige was acting strange and didn’t want to talk about the wedding.”

  “I’m not surprised,” he replied dryly.

  “What? Do you know something I don’t know?”

  “Oh, honey. You have no idea.”

  ****

  Paige went to work the next day and immersed herself in ancient Egyptian artifacts. The new wing was coming along nicely thanks to Coming Wind’s handsome donation. Even though it was really Dark Horse who offered the gift initially, Coming Wind wanted to extend his thanks to the people of Colorado. His exhibit had been a smashing success and was still selling art to the locals.

  Paige ignored Sean’s calls and asked her secretary to tell him she was in meetings if he called at work. She was just leaving her office to meet with one of the contractors when she heard her name.

  “Paige, Paige, I really need to speak with you.” Sean was taking big strides to reach her with Paige’s secretary, Mary at his heels.

  “I’m so sorry, Ms. Wellington. I told him you were very busy. He insisted he see you and refused to leave.” Mary was out of breath and looked worried that she might be in trouble with her boss.

  “Thank you, Mary. I know you tried your best.”

  Mary nodded, relieved at the outcome. She had been told by Paige to not let Sean through no matter what. Mary was surprised and couldn’t imagine why Paige would tell her that, but she was much too professional to ask.

  “What are you doing here?” Paige asked, now angrier at him than she was before. He had upset her secretary and disrupted her schedule.

  “We need to talk.” Sean blocked the hallway, placing his hand on the wall and his body in front of hers.

  �
��Go home. We have nothing to talk about.” Paige tried to go around him, but Sean stood his ground.

  “I sold my cabin. I’m leaving for Havasu Canyon tomorrow.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes. I want you to come when you get things straightened out here.”

  God he was arrogant. Who did he think he was? He acted as though he owned her. “Oh, really? That won’t be happening.”

  “Yes, it will.” Sean tipped her chin up to meet his eyes. “Paige, come on.”

  “No, Sean.”

  “I thought you were okay with it. I promise you’ll get used to it.”

  “I’ll never get used to it. My dad nearly died because of you.”

  “How can you say that? I had no choice.”

  Paige stared at him. He saw nothing in her eyes. For a second he thought she must have amnesia. She looked as though she didn’t even know him.

  “Would you rather me be shot to death?”

  “Couldn’t you have run into the woods or something?”

  “No.”

  “What if my dad remembers?”

  “What if he does? I’ll talk to him.”

  “No. Don’t go near my dad. He’s been through enough.”

  “Paige, please. Tell me you’ll come after the exhibit.”

  “No, Sean. I can’t promise anything. I need to think.”

  He looked at the floor, then at her face, knowing that it would be a very long time before he saw her again.

  “I have to meet with the contractors. I’m late.”

  Sean stepped aside to let her by. With one glance she was gone. He watched her walk down the hall and noticed how the bottom edge of her skirt swayed when she moved. Her hair glistened down her back as the sunlight from the sky lights hit it. Her heels clicked three more times and she rounded the corner, out of sight and out of his life.

  ****

  Sean was making his way down the trail on the back of a mule named Lefty. It was hard for him to believe that he had made the trek a few weeks before with the woman of his dreams. He had proposed to her in the canyon and now she refused to talk to him or see him. She acted as though she could care less. Sean no longer cared about White Feather’s vision of his future. Paige had convinced him that she wanted nothing to do with him.