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There was continual talk of moving Savage Territory to the White Mountains in the northern part of the state. She supposed one day it could happen, but it would take years to move the Federal legislature to approve plans for a hundred square miles of National forest to be set up as a preserve for alter wolves.
Finishing her last bite of pasta, she realized she longed for some solitude. Though it was barely one in the morning, she was worn out. Of course, learning new skills and getting shot up in a rescue, might have had something to do with her need for rest.
“I’m about ready to retire, Grant. I need to rest. But feel free to hang with your wolves if you like. I’ll keep my wolf roaming the house for a while yet, as well.”
“Sounds like a plan. But are you okay?”
“I am. Just a little tired.”
When she rose from her chair and started to pick up her dishes, one of the wolves was before her. “I’ll get that for you, ma’am.”
She was surprised by his deferential address. “I’m not—” But Grant caught her hand and warned her with a quick squeeze. She addressed the wolf. “Thank you.”
When he was gone, Grant rose to his feet as well. “As long as you’re with me, you’ll find the wolves will want to take care of you. They’ll see it as their obligation. It’s a pack-rank thing.”
She met his gaze. “Am I with you?”
He offered a crooked smile. “For now, yes.”
She wanted to ask about the future, but it didn’t make sense to broach the subject. They were lovers at this point, there was no doubt about that. But could they be more? She was fae. He was a wolf working toward become an alpha of an entire pack. Maybe if he’d been a permanent beta like Ryan, the discussion would be much simpler.
As it was, she repressed her concerns then she kissed him again. “See you in a little while.”
She almost said she intended to have a nice soak in her bathtub but thought the better of it. No doubt one mention of her being naked in water would have prompted him to follow after her. In any other circumstance, she would have done so. But with a dozen wolves around, she wasn’t exactly eager for all of them to know what they were up to.
She said good-bye to the security detail and thanked them for their service. She was already working at learning their names and noted again their deferential attitude toward her because of Grant. Most of them touched their foreheads and offered a small bow. It would have been unsettling, but her wolf revered them so that all she felt was gratitude.
Once she reached her bedroom, she set her wolf on guard once more. The iridescent specter padded around restlessly, tongue lolling. Her wolf was content and loved being on watch.
She set the bathtub waterfall flowing, poured in some bubble bath and watched the foam rise. A delicious sensation of pure decadence moved through her, of sinking into a warm bath, of floating, of feeling at peace with the world and life. Sometimes, for brief moments, there was nothing better than a bath.
With the temperature just right, and the water level at the height she preferred, she stepped in. As she sank, she took her time and savored every second. Because the tub was deep, she floated easily. She’d made sure the bath was exactly the right size. She let her head sink as well until her hair was fully covered and swaying beneath her.
She waved her arms back and forth to approximate the gentle movements of the ocean when the sea was calm. She’d often wondered if this was what she’d experienced in utero when her mother moved around, a padded jostling, a rocking, a sense of being cocooned, safe, cared for.
The only thing she lacked was a glass of wine. But the beer still moved slowly through her veins and had left her at ease.
As the bubbles began to recede, she scooted up and played with them, letting herself relax. She tried hard not to think about the night’s events. This was her down time, as much as it could be.
Maybe for that reason, she began to ponder her evolving relationship with Grant. He was all man and more than she’d ever dared hope for once she’d become an alter fae. What rose to disturb her was an uneasiness about her part in the Fae-Wolf Wars.
She’d spoken to Grant about the role she’d played. She’d at least done that, but could he truly forgive her? Could she forgive him?
After her bath, she spent some time reading then watched an hour or so of TV. Every once in a while, she could hear the wolves laugh at something. Sh
e could also see some of them cross over the backyard on patrol.
As dawn approached and the shutters came down, a powerful longing for Grant’s company surged over her. She knew he’d needed time with his wolves, but he would also need time with her. And she needed him.
Grant?
I’m here.
She smiled. She heard and understood the urgency in his voice. Feel free to join me at any time.
Sweetheart, I’m coming to you now.
She wore a lavender see-through negligee and was reclining on the bed when he walked in. His deep voice flowed over her. “You look wonderful.” His gaze raked the length of her. “Did you enjoy your alone time?”
