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“Eh, women. They hold grudges. Fortunately, I’m charming. Midir will not be able to resist me.”
Brandy shook her head. “Ready to use all that charm on Albi?”
“Round her up.”
They ran through the physical for Albi with ease and soon only one wolf remained on the roster.
“I know we collected some things when we tended to Alator’s leg,” Parker said, “but I’d like to do a full physical so we have everything neat and tidy in our records.”
“This is why we get along so well.” Brandy squeezed Parker’s shoulder. “You’re a big nerd like me when it comes to record keeping.”
“Guilty. I love data.” Parker opened the clinic door to let Albi out. “Have you seen Alator this morning?” He squinted into the nearby woods, moving his head in a slow, scanning motion.
“Not since breakfast.” Breakfast. Where the big, black wolf hadn’t left her side. She half expected him to crawl into her lap and share her cinnamon toast. He’d been like that all night. Clingy. Snuggly. Wanting to jump up on the bed, which she’d never been one to allow. She’d actually had to yell at him and threaten to toss him outside to get him to stay on the bedroom floor.
And then he’d pouted. As much as a wolf could pout anyway. His large head rested between large paws as large green-gold eyes peered up at her. She’d nearly caved. Nearly. But she’d been tired from her extracurricular activities with Reardon. She needed some sleep so perhaps she could repeat those activities tonight.
Assuming Reardon didn’t pop out of bed and need to leave all of a sudden.
She’d thought about that all night as she attempted to sleep. They’d made love and it had been wonderful. She’d been looking forward to some serious spooning with the beautiful man, but he’d bolted up, gasped for breath, and she hadn’t known what was happening. At least it hadn’t been a medical emergency, but still… she wondered what had made him have that reaction.
Did he regret what they’d done?
No. He wants to see you again, stupid.
Didn’t he enjoy what they’d done?
No. His body had definitely reciprocated in a positive fashion.
Had he not been with a woman in a while and had a panic attack?
Perhaps.
It was quite possible Brandy had been the first woman Reardon had been with since returning from active duty. Maybe the intensity of everything crashed down on him all at once. She’d take that into consideration tonight. After all, she’d been the one to lead him to her bedroom. She’d been the aggressor. Perhaps it’d been too much too fast. She didn’t regret a moment of what they’d shared, but she could take it slow.
Ishouldtake it slow.No need to get swept away. Brandy wasn’t normally theswept awaysort anyway. Time to screw her head back on and get logical about this whole thing… whatever it was.
“Where’s Dylan and Meredith?” Parker asked.
“They’re in the library preparing for an art project Mom wants to do with a Girl Scout group this week. Mom wouldn’t let any of the wolves in there if she’s got craft supplies out.”
“Okay, so Alator’s not with them. He’s got to be—”
At that moment, a loud gun pop sounded, immediately followed by a long howl that echoed through the trees, cutting off Parker’s response.
“Shit.” Brandy ran back inside the clinic and grabbed a tranq gun while Parker unlocked a cabinet and snatched the sanctuary’s only rifle.
“Sounded as if it was coming from the east.” Parker broke into a run in that direction with Brandy right beside him.
She took a mental attendance as they ran. She counted fifteen wolves along the way. Only one was missing. Only one was in possible danger. Though he was the newest wolf to Silver Moon, Brandy couldn’t help but think she knew him best.
Alator was… well, he was her favorite.
She felt a little guilty about that. She shouldn’t have favorites. Every wolf at the sanctuary needed her attention. Every wolf was as important as the next.
But…
“Over here!” Parker picked up speed and led Brandy to the fence at the sanctuary’s perimeter.
