At least the cat stayed hidden. As tense as he was and frustrated with the need to protect her, he didn't trust himself if the cat tried to attack him.
The aroma of fresh brewed coffee woke Altheia. She stretched, kicking off the covers and slowly sat up. Boy that coffee smelled good. Last night came back to her like a punch in the stomach—the phone call ... and Michael. She quickly rose and put on her robe, Jasmine rubbing against her ankles. Picking up the cat, she went out to the kitchen. Jasmine took one look at Michael and hissed, tearing herself from Altheia's arms. Altheia cried out when Jasmine scratched her arm while escaping.
Jumping up, Michael grabbed her arm and, drawing her to the sink, held her arm under the water. When he removed it, only a small amount of blood welled up from the scratch. Unable to resist, he lowered his head and kissed her arm, and his tongue licked at her wound.
Altheia sucked in her breath at his touch, but didn't pull away. She just stared at him as he licked her arm.
Michael couldn't believe the intensity of the emotions that ran through him at the taste of her. Salt, honey, blood, all assaulted his senses. Lust rose quickly, nearly shadowing the rest. His almost overwhelming need to care for her, and the taste of her blood on his tongue, stirred the edges of his bloodlust. Yet, at the same time, it was almost as intensely intimate as sex.
With a small moan he lifted his head and stared at her with hooded eyes. She saw the glazed look and involuntarily shivered. Michael wrenched back control of his emotions. Gently releasing her arm, he closed his eyes and turned away. Reaching for another cup, he poured her some coffee. He looked at her clearly this time as he set the cup in front of her. “How are you? I hope you slept well,” he stated.
"All right, I guess. I forgot for a moment when I woke up.” She sat and, stirred sugar into her coffee, and sipped it silently. Michael sat down and stared at her, content for the time being to just sit here with her. He could almost pretend they were a normal couple sharing a morning cup of coffee.
"I don't think you should stay here alone. You're too isolated.” Last night could have been a crank call but his instincts said otherwise. “Why don't you come to town with me today? You could walk around town, read a book. I even have a TV in my office."
"I couldn't put you out like that. I'm sure you have plenty of things to do besides baby-sit me,” she demurred.
"Not really. The only thing I wanted to do today was ask you to dinner and a movie. You know I hate to eat alone and I never go to the movies by myself. In fact, I haven't been to a movie since high school. You wouldn't want to deprive me of a treat, would you?” He grinned boyishly.
She looked at him and smiled back. “Not when you ask so charmingly."
His cobalt eyes beamed. “Great! Now, what do you want for breakfast? I'll cook, you dress. I'm already going to be late for work."
"That's all right, I don't need any breakfast. I'll get dressed now,” she jumped up to leave.
"Wait.” He reached out to stop her. “I do need breakfast and I'm starved. I make a mean cheese omelet and I saw you have the fixings. Split it with me?"
* * * *
It had been a great day, she thought. They talked, they laughed, they really got to know each other. And she liked him a lot. Neither of them had said anything the last few miles, but it was a companionable silence.
They had a lot in common, she mused. They both liked to eat, though not crazy about sweets. Neither cared much for liqueur. And both liked all kinds of music, from Bach to Bolton. They each loved New Orleans. They liked science fiction and horror movies, liked to read and loved magic. Altheia had seen David Copperfield and Michael had seen Doug Henning. And they both loved nature and the great outdoors.
True, she was four years older than Michael, but he didn't seem to mind, and she certainly didn't care. And there was no doubt that they were sexually attracted to each other. The sparks flew whenever they got within touching distance. She was surprised he hadn't pressed his advantage yet. Most men would have taken advantage of her the first night he brought her home. Michael was a gentleman who treated her like a lady. But God help her, she was a woman too. She had needs and desires. She wasn't sure how much more of this chivalrous attitude she could take before she was ready to play the temptress and seduce him! There was something about this man that drew her to him like a bee to honey.
Michael stopped behind her car and turned off the van. “Give me your keys; I'll check it out while you wait here. And keep the doors locked. Blow the horn if you see anything suspicious.” He was back in five minutes. He'd circled the bungalow and searched inside. Except for Jasmine who had fled beneath the bed at the sight of him, the place was empty. There were no new messages on the answering machine she had bought and installed that morning. Maybe it had just been a one time crank call. But it still bothered him that the guy knew her name.
He wanted to spend the night again but she wouldn't let him. Reluctantly he left. But when he reached home, he changed into sweats and slipped back to Altheia's through the forest. After assuring himself that she was still all right, he stripped and transformed.
Wolf circled the bungalow, making sure his scent was dominant. Returning to the oak tree, he finally rested. He would be near if she had need of him.
Just before daybreak, he transformed back. Michael dressed quickly in the cold air and returned to his cabin. Calling her at dawn, he made sure she was still safe and told her to call him if she needed him. Reluctantly he went to work, but he worried about her all day. And wondered where their relationship was going. Something was happening between them and he didn't know how to deal with it. Somehow he would have to learn. He found himself unable to stay away.
TEN
Michael was finishing up late when he heard a noise. Swinging around, he saw Altheia step into the garage from the office. “Is anything wrong?” he asked as he quickly closed the distance between them.
She smiled reassuringly. “Everything's fine. I just wanted to invite you to dinner for all you've done for me, especially last night."
He looked at her intensely, knowing he would accept. Yet he couldn't help but wonder how in barely more than a week she had made herself a part of his life. There was no place he'd rather be than at her side.
He stood there staring for a minute, admiring her. She was wearing a dress, a cinnamon colored silk with a V-neckline and a slightly flared skirt. It flowed softly around her hips. She was also wearing dark brown hose that made him long to run his hands up and down her silky thighs. And her high heels made her calves curve enticingly. “I'm not exactly dressed for any place nice, but I'd love to go. Even if it's just McDonalds,” he grinned.
"Well, why don't you run home and change and I'll meet you where we had dinner last Thursday?” She had figured he'd want to clean up anyway.
"Better yet, I'll go home and change and I'll pick you up at your place. No sense in taking two cars,” he stated casually. “Besides, you shouldn't arrive home alone late at night."
"Okay, say in an hour and a half? I'll be waiting.” She gave him a come hither smile as she casually turned and sashayed away.
His fingers twitched as he watched her swaying bottom. How he longed to run his hands across it and pull her close against him. He was already hard with desire. Damn, he thought as he tried to stifle his lust, you'd think she was the last woman on earth. Maybe for him she was. The thought terrified him.
It was 9:45 p.m. before he got her home. He insisted on checking the place again before he would let her go in. This time there was a message on the machine.
"Hi Baby. Sorry I missed you. I'll catch you next time. Love ya."
He didn't know for sure if this was the same caller since he didn't leave a name. Hell, it could even be a wrong number. He wasn't sure whether or not to erase it or let Altheia hear it and maybe get upset. Then he realized if he did erase it, she might not let him spend the night. And he was afraid to leave her alone.
"It's him,” she whispered as
the blood drained from her face.
He quickly rewound the tape and removed it, placing it in his coat pocket. “We'll take it to the police in the morning. Do you have another tape?” She pointed to the drawer beneath the phone and he replaced the one he'd taken out.
He took her gently in his arms and turned her toward the bedroom. She didn't fight him; it was as if she wasn't even aware he was there. “I want you to get ready for bed. I'm going to get you something to help you sleep. I'll be right back.” Leaving her, he closed the door.
He fixed warm milk laced with brandy and sugar; that would help her sleep. He knocked on the door and entered. She was sitting on the edge of the bed in a long flannel nightgown with her hair loose around her shoulders. The outfit wasn't exactly sexy, but he'd never found her more desirable. Suppressing the feeling, he went over and put the cup on the night table. “Come on, under the covers.” He helped her into bed and pulled the covers up under her arms She looked so small and helpless sitting there. He picked up the cup and handed it to her. “Drink this."
"What is it?” she asked.
"My grandmother's recipe for a sleeping potion,” he teased. “Whenever my grandfather would get sick, he would drive her crazy. Get me this, get me that—she could never get any rest. So she would make him this drink and he would sleep through the night like a baby and give her a break. Drink it up."
She took a sip and looked at him wide-eyed. “No wonder he slept all night” she grinned. “It is good though. Thank you."
He sat on the edge of the bed and watched her finish the drink. He took the empty cup from her and set it down. “Now I want you to rest. I'll be right outside."
She grabbed his hand. “Stay with me till I fall asleep. Please?"
God, she was going to kill him, he thought. Being this close to her ... here ... alone on her bed. Suppressing a groan, he nodded. She scooted over so he could sit next to her. He forced himself to remain sitting up. She snuggled up against him and laid her head on his chest. His arm unthinkingly tightened around her. He breathed in her scent and it made him dizzy. Her body burned him wherever they touched. His heart was beating so fast and hard she must feel it against her cheek. But she just sighed, and throwing her arm across him, she fell asleep.
He sat there stiffly for some time, his manhood throbbing in sync with her breath against his chest. Gradually he relaxed. She felt so good in his arms. Leaning down, he pressed his face in her hair, indulging himself in her musky scent. Closing his eyes, he luxuriated in the feel of her pressed against him and her intoxicating aroma in his lungs. Slowly his control weakened and he fell asleep.
Altheia stirred, rolling over on her back in her sleep. Michael started, coming awake. Quickly he suppressed the impulse to pull her back against him. Gently slipping his arm from beneath her, he stood up. She looked so vulnerable lying there, so trusting, like a little girl. He prayed he'd be able to protect her. He didn't want to think what it would do to him if something happened to her.
Gently he leaned down to lightly press a kiss against her mouth. She uttered a soft moan in her sleep and her lips parted beneath his. With a groan, he couldn't resist a quick foray with his tongue, tasting her sweet mouth. Expending fierce control, he forced himself to end the kiss before he woke her. Watching her for a minute, he assured himself that she still slept soundly. Then he quickly turned and left the room, softly closing the door behind him.
Michael knew he'd not be able to sleep any more this night. Taking her keys, he let himself out of the bungalow, locking the door behind him. Attaching the key to a chain around his neck, he stripped off his clothes. Dropping to his knees, he let the transformation wash over him.
Wolf lifted his head, testing the air. Quietly he explored the property around the bungalow, looking for any sign of an intruder. He didn't spend much time outdoors for fear the female would wake and find him gone.
Michael quietly let himself back in. After checking to be sure she still slept peacefully, he settled himself on the couch. He spent the rest of the night trying to understand what was happening to him. Could he fall in love against his will? Of course that seemed to be the crux of the problem. When he was around Altheia, it seemed he had no control of will.
Sunday morning, bright and early, found them with the Chief of Police, John Howland.
"Well Ms Jones, I understand your anxiety, but there really isn't anything I can do at this stage of the game. There's not anything threatening on the tape. And since you don't have any idea who this guy could be, I don't see how you expect me to find him. And even if I did, I got nothing to hold him on. Unless you can get me some proof that he's threatening bodily harm...” He shrugged his shoulders.
"What do you need, John? For her to be attacked? Does he have to rape or kill her?” Michael exclaimed. He was so frustrated that he couldn't sit still and he stalked back and forth in the small room. She was just sitting there, so defeated. He wanted to protect her so badly and he didn't know how to go about it. Besides taking her home with him, what could he do? And he couldn't understand the overwhelming compulsion to do just that. Less than two weeks ago he hadn't even known she existed. And now he was sure his life would never be the same without her in it. Maybe he should just try to back away from this developing relationship before it got completely out of control. How could he even contemplate pursuing her, knowing what he was?
"Look,” the Chief was saying, “I suggest you call the phone company. They should be able to help you put a trace on these calls. If you have a name or a number and a threatening tape, we should be able to find the guy and do something. Keep me informed and call if he threatens you."
Michael led her protectively from the police station. Without the police to help, there was only him. It would have to be enough. The guy was going to have to get through him to get to her.
"I want you to stay with me today,” he said. “Then I think you should come to work with me tomorrow."
"No. The police are probably right; it's nothing more than harassment. I'll be all right, I just need to be alone for a while,” she insisted.
Michael argued to no avail. Reluctantly, he left her alone at her place. But not for long, he vowed as he raced for home. Soon after, he was perched in the oak tree behind her bungalow where he could watch over her and be near if she needed him.
ELEVEN
Michael worried all day. He must have called a half dozen times to make sure she was all right. After Joe complained that his mind wasn't on his work, he decided to leave early. He wanted to go to Altheia's, but she wouldn't let him. She said she was going to go shopping and she still needed time alone.
He was confused. His attraction to this woman was something he had never expected to feel with any woman. His sexual desire came as no real surprise, but it went deeper than that. Whenever he was attracted before, he hadn't found it hard to turn away and sate his lust where it was safe. But with Altheia, he could not bring himself to stay away for long. He wished there was someone he could talk to. The only person on earth who knew what he was, was his mother. And they had never really discussed it. If only his father were still alive.
He was so completely lost in his thoughts that he did not hear the car approach. The sound of the door slamming startled him. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had snuck up on him. He opened the door to see Altheia about to climb the steps. She was carrying a foil-covered tray as she smiled up at him.
"I promised you some beignets. I hurried over and they're still warm."
Michael's heart soared at the sight of her. It had only been a little more than a day since he'd feasted his eyes on her, but it had felt like a lifetime. The scent of the pastries and the sweetness of the sugar drifted to him and brought back memories of a happier, carefree time in New Orleans, before he knew how his differences from other humans would affect his life.
"Come in,” he said as he held open the door for her to enter. “I'll make coffee."
A short time later Michael was r
apturously devouring the tasty, little French pastries. They were the only sweet he had ever craved. Perhaps it was more emotional, since his grandmother made them for him when he was a boy. While she had servants and didn't cook, she always made them for her only grandson. “Mmmm. These are fantastic,” he raved. “I don't know how I can ever thank you. It's been years since I've been to New Orleans."
Altheia laughed, pleased that he was enjoying himself. She had wanted to do something special for him and remembered how much he said he missed beignets. Besides, she reasoned, didn't they say the way to a man's heart was through his stomach?
The night had fallen and suddenly a howl was heard nearby. Michael tensed, but Altheia didn't seem to notice.
"I think I met your dog the other day. He chased away a wolf when I was in the woods."
Michael looked at her, his expression unreadable. “So you met Wolf,” he stated calmly. “What do you think of him?"
"Oh, he's beautiful,” she exclaimed. “And so intelligent. Do you know he knew I was lost and led me home! I didn't realized I was going the wrong way. He persuaded me to follow him and then there I was, in my own back yard. Where is he anyway? I didn't see him when I came in."
"He runs wild in the forest sometimes. He's out there now,” he lied, hoping she wouldn't pursue it. He couldn't resist asking, “You didn't mind his visit, did you? I could try and keep him away.” The thought of not being near her terrified him, but he didn't want her upset. He would just stay out of sight if he must.
"Wolf was delightful. He can come visit me anytime. I've always wanted an animal like that."
He couldn't help wishing he could be that animal and more.
She stood up and started to clear the dirty dishes off the table. He grabbed her hands to stop her. “Leave them. You don't have to do that."
Electricity arched between their clasped hands. The mood between them changed instantly. For a moment they stared into each others eyes. Michael could see the passion flair in hers. He saw her breath quicken and her nipples harden beneath her blouse. For a moment he couldn't breathe, he could only stare. When his body demanded oxygen, he took a deep breath and was lost. Her musky scent filled his lungs and his body tightened in response to the scent of her own arousal.
Greywolf Page 5