Page 63 of Israel

Chapter 24

When Ashley opened her eyes again, Israel had shifted back to wolf. The gibbous moon had risen over the top of the hill, and his giant form glowed silver in the moonlight.

They stared at each other for a long moment. She knew why he’d shifted back. Larik had called him an animal, said he was beneath her.

He wanted her to accept his wolf.

“You are beautiful,” she said. She held out a hand. “Can I touch you?”

He padded up to her and nosed her hand. Then he moved closer and leaned against her legs, his head pressed to her side.

She reached down tentatively and stroked his head. “You’re soft,” she said in wonderment.

He gave a huff that sounded like a laugh.

“Your fur,” she said. “Not you. You’re tough enough to face down a dragon. You’re the bravest wolf—the bravest man—I’ve ever seen.”

She stroked his ears and his neck, and he gave a soft whine.

“Thank you for coming to rescue me,” she said. “I should have known you would. I just didn’t want to put you in danger from my family. Can you forgive me?”

He rubbed his head against her, then stepped away, looking toward the path.

She put a hand on his neck and he walked beside her. He was huge—his head came nearly up to her chest. She didn’t need her flashlight this time—between the moonlight and his guidance, she was perfectly safe.

He’d come to find her. Even knowing what her family was, knowing they could kill him without blinking, he’d come for her.

He loved her. With the heart of a wolf. She hoped it would be enough to save them.

When they reached the parking lot, Israel shifted back to human, reaching for his clothes. Everything was quiet; even the cicadas had stopped chirping.

An owl flew overhead, its wings barely making a sound. Israel tilted his head back to watch it. Ashley reached out and touched his arm.

“I’m sorry I left without telling you. And I’m sorry I almost got you killed.”

He turned and gazed down at her, raising one hand to her cheek and brushing back a strand of hair. “I’m sorry I went behind your back and found out who—what—you are.”

She nodded. “Does anyone else know?”

“A couple of people who helped me with the research.” He stroked her cheek again. “Are they in danger?”

She shook her head helplessly. “I don’t know,” she said. “This is all—it’s completely unprecedented. I don’t know what Larik will do. Or what my people will do.”

She put her arms around him, wanting to feel his strength. “I’m scared,” she whispered.

Israel’s heart nearly broke right there, hearing how helpless she sounded.

He ran his fingers lightly down the backs of her arms, then took her hands, entwining his fingers with hers. He raised her right hand to his lips and kissed it.

“Listen to me,” he said urgently. “I know you, Ashley Silver. You’re the most stubborn, determined diva in this world or any other.”

She let out a little huff of breath, and the corners of her mouth lifted fractionally. Not quite a smile, but something.

“You don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. When you want something, you fight for it. Especially when it’s something your soul needs. Like music.” He put her hand against his cheek, soft against his rough stubble.

“Or love.”

The whispered words went out into the night.