Wolf on the Hunt (2 page)

By rights, he and Jacque should hate one another. Their father had always pitted one son against the other, had always compared him unfavorably to Jacque, who was the eldest. They had their mother to thank for their rock-solid relationship. She’d been the only soft spot in their world. Whenever the old man wasn’t around, she’d gather them to her and praise them both. She’d tell them their relationship was special and could make them stronger if they allowed it.

There had been something inside Louis that had known her words were true. And, fortunately, Jacque had felt the same. They’d refused to fall in line with their father’s teachings. That had led to many beatings, which had only served to make both of them even more stubborn and determined to be friends, much to their father’s consternation. Their hatred of their father had created another bond between them.

To Pierre LaForge, everything was about pack hierarchy. The fighting and politics and games the rest of them played were all about solidifying or improving their position. Personally, Louis always thought it was a total waste of time.

He grabbed a handful of water and splashed it over his face. He didn’t want to remember those dark days. This moment was so much better. The water felt warmer now and caressed his skin like a lover.

His cock immediately responded, and he swore. Like all werewolves, he had a high sex drive, but he had no readily available partner out here. Sure, he could get in his truck, drive to Salvation’s End, the local roadside bar, and find a willing woman, a human to slake his sexual hunger. But the thought of doing that left him cold.

He wanted more than that. He wanted to feel something, a connection to another person. He wanted a mate.

He growled and grabbed his cock with his right hand. Better to deal with this now. Privacy wasn’t something readily available at home. That last thing he wanted was for Gwen and his brother to hear him jacking off alone in his bathroom. Talk about embarrassing. His brother wouldn’t care, would understand it was his normal sex drive, but Gwen would stare at him with her big blue eyes, and he’d see concern or worse, pity.

He closed his eyes to shut out the dazzling-blue sky and sunshine and concentrated on his dick. He jerked his hand up and down his wet shaft, allowing himself to imagine the water was really a lover’s caress.

He pumped faster and squeezed his shaft harder. His balls tightened and he gritted his teeth to keep from yelling as he came. Semen spurted over his stomach but was quickly washed away by the running water.

Chest heaving, Louis allowed himself a moment to simply enjoy the release. The sense of relief was fleeting, and within seconds, he was left with an empty sensation he felt more and more lately.

He swore and stood. Water sluiced down his body. He dipped into the river over and over, running his hands over his arms, torso and legs until he felt totally clean.

Once back on the bank, he shifted back into his wolf form. He’d spent too long away and would be late for the celebration. Worse, he knew they’d hold dinner until he arrived.

He let go of all his sad thoughts and focused on the positive. They’d just finished building a house for their expanding pack. Now they were going to celebrate. Life was good.

* * * * *

Pierre LaForge spent a moment wishing his old friend Andre Dubois was still alive. They’d understood one another. All Andre had wanted was to kill with immunity. He’d had no desire to be alpha of the pack. Since Pierre often had enemies who needed killing, their relationship had benefited them both over the years.

He’d also lost Travis Dubois, Andre’s younger brother. Travis had proven himself to be just as much of a wanton murderer, but he hadn’t been nearly as smart as his older brother and had gotten himself killed.

Now he was stuck with Robert and Jean Paul Dupointe. They were big and brawny, no doubt about it, but brains weren’t exactly their strong point. Still, there was something to be said for having a werewolf who’d do whatever you wanted without asking any questions.

Too bad his sons couldn’t have been more like these two. They’d still be here and the pack wouldn’t have lost so many able-bodied men.

“It’s time,” he told them. Pierre had set aside his war with his sons for the summer and simply enjoyed himself. He knew it would mess with their heads. He enjoyed the thought of that. Could imagine them spending hours patrolling and watching. It made him smile.

“We’re heading to North Carolina?” Jean Paul was the smarter of the two. Pierre sometimes thought the wolf was a lot more intelligent than he let on.

“
Oui
.” He narrowed his gaze and pinned them with a glare. “Watch and report back to me. I want to know if their numbers have grown.” He still couldn’t believe his eldest had mated with a human. Pierre conveniently ignored the fact that she was a werewolf now due to his attack on her.

Jean Paul nodded and turned away, motioning for his brother to follow. They jumped into their truck and headed out.

Pierre swiveled around and studied the thick undergrowth of the swamp. He thought he’d heard someone. Then a gator slid into the nearby water with a splash. Nothing but a gator.

Pierre shifted and raced deeper into the swamp to do some hunting of his own. Whether his prey had two feet or four depended on who or what he found first. Didn’t matter to him when the bloodlust was on him.

The air was still and thick, almost impossible to breathe. The insects buzzed and a bird took flight. Long minutes passed before the watcher finally stood. It was time to make a decision one way or another. This war had gone on long enough.

The watcher pondered the options. The walk home was long. There was much to be done and it would have to be done quickly and quietly. And soon.

Chapter Two

Gray Everson nodded. “This is perfect. Exactly what I was looking for.”

Mark, the local real estate agent, handed her the key. “You understand the house is for sale and I may have to show it while you’re staying here if there’s any interest in the place.”

She closed her fingers around the key and nodded. “That’s fine.” With the bad economy and the isolated location of the small cottage, Gray didn’t think she’d be bombarded with company anytime soon, but she appreciated the warning.

“The owner left all the furniture?” The home had that closed-up smell, not quite musty but not fresh either. Still, it was neat and tidy, even if it could use a good dusting.

“She moved suddenly.” Mark hesitated. “I should warn you before you sign the papers that the owner was attacked in the woods by a wild animal.” His gaze darkened. “Anny Conrad was well-liked around here and we were all sad to see her leave. Guess she just lost her nerve for being alone out here.”

Gray nodded. “I understand. Do they know what kind of animal attacked her?” Her heart raced, but she kept her voice level and almost disinterested, even though she wanted to grab the real estate agent by the shirt and shake him until he told her everything he knew.

Mark shook his head and tugged at the collar of his dress shirt. “Can’t rightly say. Some think it was a bear or cougar. Others say it was a wild dog or wolf.” His laugh was forced. “We haven’t had a
real
wolf sighting around here since my granddad was a boy.”

“That’s fine. Where do I sign?” She wanted to get settled in and unpacked.

If Mark was startled by her abrupt manner, he didn’t show it. He set his briefcase on the dining table and drew out two single sheets of paper. “It’s straightforward. You’re renting weekly and have agreed to a two-week stay.” He glanced at her and she nodded.

“Two for now, but it might be longer.” Gray wasn’t sure how long she’d be in Salvation.

“That’s fine. We’ll go two weeks at a time. You can come into my office and sign another short-term lease if you decide to extend your stay.”

Gray took the pen he held out, leaned over the table and quickly perused the document before signing both. Mark initialed both papers and handed her one. “Here’s a copy for you. The rent is payable in advance.”

“Of course.” Gray reached into her purse and withdrew the check made out to the real estate company. She handed it to Mark. He glanced at it and tucked it into his briefcase along with his copy of the lease.

“I would have had someone come out and clean the place if I’d had some advance notice.” He looked around and seemed almost embarrassed. “I was away for a few weeks on vacation and stopped the cleaning service while I was gone.”

Gray had simply walked into the man’s office this morning and asked what properties were available to rent. She hadn’t been sure she’d want to stay in Salvation, not until she’d seen the town and surrounding area for herself. “That’s fine. I don’t mind a bit of dust.”

“I can have a cleaning crew out here first thing in the morning.”

She shook her head. “I’ll take care of it myself.”

He smiled at her, more relaxed now that their business was concluded. “You said you’re an artist?”

Gray nodded. “Yes. I like privacy when I’m working.” She hoped he’d get the subtle hint.

He did, nodding in understanding. “I’ll let you get settled in then. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call the office. If it’s after hours, call my cell.” He collected his briefcase and headed to the door. “We’re a small operation, but we’re always available for our clients.”

“Thank you.” She appreciated the offer but had no intentions of calling him or anyone else. She was here to paint and explore.

She walked outside with Mark and watched as he climbed into his truck and drove away. He held up one hand and she waved back. The sound of his truck faded, leaving only the silence of the surrounding woods.

Gray inhaled the fresh air and enjoyed the heat on her face. It had been a stroke of luck that this house was available to rent just outside the town of Salvation. She’d never been to North Carolina before. It was a new adventure.

A sense of anticipation gripped her. She wanted to plunge headfirst into the woods and explore. “Get settled in first,” she reminded herself. She had two weeks or more if she wanted it. That was the great thing about working for herself. She could live where she wanted for as long as she wanted.

She walked to the back of her SUV. The windows were all rolled down and a familiar head poked over the edge of the door as she approached. “Hey, boy.” She ran her fingers through his thick fur. Shadow was part German shepherd and part timber wolf. He gave a low woof at her greeting.

Gray opened the back door and Shadow jumped down. He extended his front paws and stuck his butt in the air as he stretched. “Thanks for laying low, buddy.” Not everyone liked to rent to dog owners, especially when the dog was as big as Shadow. She hadn’t lied to the agent. She just hadn’t told him everything.

“But I would have if he’d asked,” she assured her companion. “He never asked if I had a pet.” Shadow gave a low growl. “Yes, I know you’re not a pet, but most folks wouldn’t understand.”

Shadow had come into her life two years ago when her beloved grandmother had passed away, leaving Gray totally alone in the world. The pup had turned up outside her door that same night, and the two had been inseparable since. Gray believed her grandmother had sent him.

“Let’s get settled in.” She reached into her vehicle, grabbed two bags and dragged them into the house. She bypassed the living room and went straight to the master bedroom. It wasn’t large, but the bed looked firm and there was a dresser.

“What do you think?” She didn’t have to glance behind her to know Shadow was there. He’d gotten his name for a reason. The dog was her constant companion.

He huffed out a sigh and then sneezed. Gray laughed. “It is a bit dusty, but we’ve stayed in a lot worse.” She opened the window and the hot breeze flowed through the screen. “Won’t take long to get the place set to rights. It’s not dirty, just a little dusty from being shut up for a few weeks.”

Three more trips to her vehicle and she had her painting supplies and groceries all in the house. “I really should start cleaning the place.” She looked around the neat kitchen. The counters were bare, except for a coffeepot and toaster, and there were enough dishes and pans in the cupboard for her to use. There were even some towels in the bathroom. They looked fairly new, and she assumed the real estate agent had put them there to help stage the place.

“It’s a lot like home, isn’t it?” Shadow tilted his head to one side at her question. Her grandmother’s house was hers now, even though she spent about half the year living elsewhere. She liked to paint on location and had traveled all over the country. She loved the little house she’d grown up in, but it was lonely now that her grandmother was gone.

Gray knew she should get to work if she wanted everything cleaned and put away today so she could start fresh in the morning. She grabbed two bottles of water and Shadow’s bowl and headed out onto the porch.

She sat on the step and set the bowl beside her. Shadow made himself comfortable on the porch and lifted his head, his big ears perking up.

“Lots to see and hear around here, isn’t there, boy?” Gray opened one of the bottles and emptied it into his bowl. Then she opened the other one and took a swig.

“It’s real nice here.” She liked being alone. It wasn’t that she didn’t like people. It was simply that she was always aware of being different, of not quite fitting in.

Shadow drank deeply, his slurping sounds mixing with the twittering of robins and the squawk of a blue jay. Gray swiveled around and leaned her back against the post. “Do you think the news reports were right? Do you think there’s a wolf out there?”

Since she was a child, she’d always had an affinity for wolves. Her mother had feared them, but Gray never knew why. Her mother had died in a car accident when Gray was only eight, and since she had no idea who her father was, she’d gone to Wyoming to live with her grandmother. It had been just the two of them until her grandmother had lost her battle to cancer. Knowing she was dying, her grandmother had made Gray promise not to grieve, but to go out and live her dreams. And she had. But some days it was lonely.

Shadow whined and plunked his head in her lap. He was always very aware of her moods. “I’m okay.” He raised his head and gave her such a look of disbelief that she laughed. “Really. I’m just a little melancholy.” He huffed and put his head back on her thigh, and she rubbed his fur, content to sit and listen to the woods.

Nature spoke to her in a way most people couldn’t understand. She could sense the rhythms of the forest and the animals. Her grandmother had called it a gift. To Gray, it was as much a part of who she was as the color of her eyes and the shape of her nose. She couldn’t imagine herself any other way.

Gray shivered and realized that the sun was no longer shining on the porch but had shifted location. She glanced at her watch and was surprised to find she’d been sitting out here for almost two hours. Shadow stirred when she stood and grumbled as he climbed to his feet.

“I’ve got work to do if I want to start sketching tomorrow morning. You can stay out here if you want.” He started to follow her until she reminded him. “I’m probably going to have to use the vacuum.” Shadow might not understand everything she said to him, but he did understand the word
vacuum
. The dog stopped in his tracks and plunked back down on the porch.

Gray laughed. “I figured that would be your answer.” She left the door open in case Shadow wanted to come inside. It didn’t take her long to dig out some cleaning supplies she’s brought with her and set to work.

* * * * *

Louis leaned back in his chair and patted his full stomach. Gator and Anny had outdone themselves. The table was filled with empty platters and bowls. They’d devoured everything—the thick slabs of turkey and roast beef, potato salad, pasta salad, bread and more.

“Time for dessert.” Anny popped up from the table and went into the kitchen. Gator was already there pouring coffee into thick pottery mugs.

He almost groaned but knew he’d find room for a slice of pie or cake. Anny had made both. Cherise ferried the mugs over to the table and Louis nodded his thanks when she placed one of them in front of him. Each day, he was thankful for this pack, marveled at how they all worked as one unit for the greater good. This was how it should be.

“Everything okay?” Gwen asked.

He smiled at her. “Everything is fine,
chère
. Just looking forward to dessert.”

As he’d hoped, she laughed. “You men are always thinking about your stomachs.”

“And you’re going to turn it down?” he teased.

She shook her head, making her short blonde hair dance and her blue eyes twinkle. “Never,” she told him.

Anny put a chocolate cake on the table in front of him. “I know this is your favorite.”

Her kindness never failed to move him. “Thanks.”

She nodded and then placed a cherry pie in front of her mate. “And I know this is yours.”

Armand grabbed Anny and pulled her onto his lap. She shrieked and then laughed when he kissed her cheek. Louis glanced at Jacque. The corners of his brother’s mouth twitched upward, and Louis knew Jacque was enjoying himself.

Their father would have beaten Anny for daring to place the dessert in front of anyone but him. As alpha, Pierre LaForge deemed it his right to be first always. It wouldn’t even occur to Jacque to be upset about such a trivial thing.

Cole held out a knife to Louis. “You gonna stare at it or slice it?”

Louis laughed and grabbed the knife. He cut a big chunk, set it on a plate and then handed it to Jacque. His brother took it but cocked an eyebrow in question. “Figured you and Gwen could share it.”

Jacque smiled and forked up a piece of it for his mate. “Open up,” he told her. Louis smiled when Gwen complied and ate the cake.

He cut slices for everyone who wanted one and then pulled what remained over in front of him. The first bite was heavenly. Rich and thick and delicious. Chocolate might not be good for dogs but, thankfully, it had no effect on werewolves. Louis thought it would be a crime not to be able to enjoy Anny’s chocolate cake.

“I got a text from my real estate agent today,” Anny announced.

Armand reached out and took her hand. “Any news on your house?” They all knew it had been a difficult decision for her to sell her home. Most folks in Salvation thought she’d moved away. She’d kept a low profile in the months following her attack and remained in touch with her close friend by phone and email only.

“He rented it.” She licked cherry-pie filling off her fork. “It’s only for a few weeks, but I don’t blame him for doing it even though we hadn’t discussed it beforehand. The property has been empty since last fall, and this is a chance for them to make a few bucks. It will offset the money I’ve paid out for heat and to the monthly cleaning service to keep the place presentable for showing.”

Armand nodded. “Makes sense. As long as you’re okay with it.”

Anny nodded. “I’m fine. Mark said the tenant is an artist who wanted a quiet place to work.”

Louis listened with half an ear as he finished eating his cake. When he was done, he rose and started cleaning plates from the table. Cherise jumped up as well, but he waved her back to her seat. “Sit and enjoy your coffee.”

“You’re sure?”

Louis nodded. “I got this.” He worked quickly and quietly, listening to the others talk, watching the couples interact.

Jacque leaned closer to Gwen whenever she spoke to him. Armand was always touching Anny in some small way. Cherise coaxed a smile out of the usually somber Cole, and Sylvie made Gator laugh.

He loaded the last of the dirty plates into the dishwasher and started the cleaning cycle. The only thing left on the table was the coffee mugs they were all using. Louis grabbed his and refilled it before slipping out the back door to stand on the porch.