Dark Wolf: 1 (Spirit Wild) (33 page)

An acrid stench filled her sensitive nostrils as a pool of urine stained the carpet between his legs. Star chuffed, which was the closest her puma could get to laughter, spun about on the bed, and shifted once more.

She didn’t even look his way as she snagged her clothes off the floor and quickly dressed. Grabbing the door handle, she glanced over her shoulder. He was still sitting in a soggy, stinking heap on the floor across the room. She gave him her most disdainful look. “Don’t ever pull that stunt on a woman again, or I will hunt you down.”

Then she walked out of his room and headed back to her apartment.

Not quite the way she’d expected her night to end, but at least it hadn’t been boring. And, if nothing else, it had helped make up her mind about the doctoral program.

Her mom was right. She had enough letters after her name, and she’d played the coward long enough. It was time to return to the pack, even if it meant finally having it out with her spirit guide. Igmutaka had been running her life for far too long—the fact she’d not felt comfortable returning home was proof she’d given him more control over her life than he deserved.

If he didn’t love her, it was on him, and it was his loss, not hers, but it was time for Star to move forward.

It was early morning when she finally reached her own apartment—still much too early to call Montana. She showered, grabbed something to eat, and gave her folks until six before she finally called home. Her father answered, and she almost broke down and cried when his beautiful face flashed on the screen. There was something so elemental about him with his dark skin and strong Lakota Sioux and Hispanic features, an innate power that few men wore as well. Only Igmutaka came close. She missed her dad, missed her mom, and missed her other dad AJ just as much.

“What’s up, sweetie? Mom said she talked to you last night. Is everything okay?”

She thought about that, and realized that yes, it was absolutely wonderful. Finally. “Everything’s good, Dad. I’ve decided to come home, though not right away. I’m hoping for a chance to spend some time alone once I leave Connecticut. Is the cabin at Lassen free? I thought I’d go there for a week or so.”

“We’ll make sure it’s available. When do you need it?”

She loved that about her parents. No questions. They just did what they could to make her life easier. “It’s going to take me at least a week to get my stuff packed up and shipped, and another week to make the drive. If I can’t get out of my lease, I’ll have to sublet the apartment, but that shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a great location.”

“It’s going to be cold at the cabin. No one’s been there for a while. I’ll have it stocked for you. Will you be flying to California or driving?”

“Driving. And, Dad? Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mikaela Star. I’ve missed you. We’ve all missed you. Be safe. Come home to us as quickly as you can.”

© Doug Moore

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