* * * *
Over the next two days while Kranor’s strength returned, she and Jude had worked in the garden, prepared meals, and made love. It was as if she was in some kind of fantasyland where she got to live in a world where everything was wonderful. She knew full well that both men would have to go about their business once she left, but even getting away from the constant demands put on her by family, friends, and her business made being here nice.
Loneliness would be an issue, as would living here with Kranor since she wanted both men. Every time Kranor walked into the room, the sexual tension nearly strangled her. On the few occasions she dared to glance at his crotch, she could almost see his cock get hard. However, if she pretended to check his wounds, he put up a wall so tight no one could breach it. She wanted a man like Jude, who was open and easy.
“You ready?” The icy two words from Kranor convinced her he was good to go.
“Yes.”
Kranor picked up her pack and slung it over his shoulder. If she hadn’t seen the wounds herself, no one would have been able to tell that he’d nearly died. Had it not been for the doctor, he might have.
Jude came in from outside. “It looks good.”
She didn’t ask what that was about. She knew. Jude wanted to make sure there weren’t any pack wolves nearby waiting to pounce. Jude had said they’d like nothing better than to get back at Kranor by hurting someone he cared about. There was no use trying to tell him that it would be Jude who would be crushed if she was injured, not Kranor.
Jude had already packed water and some food for the ten-mile hike back into lion territory. While she did have a portable phone, she’d foolishly left it sitting on her dresser at home. They’d have to stop by Taryn and Kellum’s place first anyway if they wanted to go underground. Lara and the baby would be there if her brothers weren’t. She bet Jude would love to see the infant.
The moment she stepped outside, the warm day greeted her, but her heart turned heavy. Jude, who seemed to know every feeling she had, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, leaned down, and kissed the top of her head. She was going to miss them. They might only live a short distance away, but the dangers that separated them were vast.
Kranor kept up a fast pace. It was almost like he was trying to either run from the demons coursing through his body, or he couldn’t wait to get rid of her. She didn’t like either scenario. Sure, it was dangerous to be traveling here, but that couldn’t be helped. Going during the daylight made it easier to spot other wolves.
Hell, wolves showed up even when she was in lion territory. She just wished they all could have gotten along. Surprisingly, the trip back seemed to go by quickly. Maybe it was because she didn’t want her time with them to end.
When they passed the communal garden, Taryn and Kellum appeared. They both rushed over to them, and each gave Kranor a friendly hug.
“Knew you were too tough to kill.”
He laughed, a sound that nearly weakened her knees. It was something she hadn’t heard in days. With her brothers, the chip on his shoulder seemed to disappear. What she wouldn’t give to have him be so free with her again.
“It’ll take a couple of lions to finish me off.” Kranor puffed out his chest.
She stepped in between them. “Okay. Enough of the testosterone-laden bragging.” She faced her brothers. “Kranor wants to see Mom and Dad again. Do you think you could act as an escort?”
Kellum cocked a brow. The silent conversation only lasted seconds. “Sure.”
Even though she was with two of the most powerful men in lion territory, she feared she’d be stared at. While her men were every bit as handsome as her brothers, and looked rather similar, except for their darker hair, everyone would know they were enemies, or at least think they were.
Thank goodness her brothers didn’t seem to care they were about to take two wolves into a hostile environment. Kranor at least had been to the underground as a kid. He was probably one of the few wolves who even know how to access the outer door. If he let that information slip, there would be trouble.
Cool air met them as soon as they descended to the tram platform. There were three people waiting to get on. The two women kept their gazes averted, but the tension rolling off the male’s shoulders was significant. She glanced at Jude, who seemed oblivious to what was going on. He was looking at everything, from the walls to the tracks on the ground.
“This is really cool—literally and figuratively. I wish we had something like this.”
She had to pull on his arm to get him to stop looking around and get in the tram. She thought one of her brothers would have insisted they sit at the end of the car, but neither one did. Instead, he motioned she sit across from the door. It was almost as if he was daring someone to challenge Kranor’s and Jude’s presence in the lions’ sacred underground.
With each stop, the tram became more crowded. If they’d had more time, she would have loved to show them the shop, but that would only prolong the pain of separation. More people glanced their way. The expression of concern on each of their faces pained her. She wanted to shout at all the lions and tell them to mind their own business. At least no one dared to make a scene. While she’d never heard of a fight breaking out on the tram, there always was a first time. Despite Kranor still not back to one-hundred-percent strength, if any of the lion shifters took on these four, someone would die.
Mercifully, their stop appeared, and she couldn’t wait to get off and into her home. The reception would be a good one, she was sure.
“Wow. This is amazing.” Jude wasn’t able to walk in a straight line for all his gazing.
She tugged on his arm again. “Can’t you feel the need to hurry?” He couldn’t be oblivious to the fact this was hostile territory for him.
He smiled down at her. “The only time to worry is when there is cause. Look for trouble and it will find you.”
“Like in that wolf bar? Were you looking for trouble then?”
Kranor must have been listening for he looked back and lowered his gaze. She figured that was a yes.
They rushed up the steps to her house and went in.
“Mom? Dad?” Taryn tore through the house.
Noise came from the living room. They had company. A loud roar reverberated off the walls. Skelak. One of her two brothers must have silenced the person because when they stepped into the room, all were in their human form.
She recognized two men from the government who most certainly wouldn’t understand that these men were friends. The silence that greeted them chilled her. Fortunately, her experienced mother strode over to Kranor and gave him a hug.
She then held him out at arm’s length. “Let me take a good look at you, boy.” Somehow he let her mother examine him. “I’d say my daughter patched you up real good.”
She was about to say it was the doctor’s medicine that had done the trick, but Jude warned her to keep quiet. How he’d warned her had scared her even more. She’d read his mind.
The two elders stood. “We need to go.”
A low sound came out of her father’s chest as a warning to the men. “Stay and share a drink. These men saved Cavon and Malik from certain death.”
The two men stood and pulled back their shoulders, but even with the added inch that caused, they were a good five inches shorter than either her brothers or Kranor and Jude. Saying nothing, they stomped out and left, their disgust clear. The dismissal hurt. The testimony of how her men had saved two lions should have swayed them, as well as the fact that her two brothers had brought them here, but clearly their hatred ran too deep. To them, all wolves were bad.
“I’m sorry.” She would have given each a hug, but right now they didn’t seem receptive.
Kranor slipped off her pack, and his face softened for a moment. “Thank you.”
Then as if he and Jude had already made the decision to leave right away, he nodded to her brothers who seemed to understand.
Her mother stepped forward. “Don�
�t be a stranger, boys. Not all lions are full of distrust.”
Even a three-year-old could have detected that lie. Henla stepped forward to give the man she’d fallen in love with a hug. When she crossed that line, she didn’t know, but she and Jude were so much alike it was almost frightening. He was a wonderful man, one she would surely miss. She loved Kranor, too, but in a different way. Unless he could give of himself and open his heart, her love could never bloom.
Before she could shed the first tear, her brothers ushered the men out. Her mother must have sensed her turmoil because she led Henla over to the sofa.
“Let me get you some of your favorite tea. I made cookies, too.”
Normally, that would have cheered her up. Now she doubted anything could.
* * * *
It was two more days before Henla felt like going back to work. She’d forgotten how much being with people helped elevate her mood. The place had been so busy that morning that she hadn’t had much time to talk with Rein. Finally, there was a break in the customers.
Henla had given her bits and pieces of what had occurred but few details. Rein slipped down next to her on the seat. “Spill. I want to know everything. Two customers came by a few days ago and were talking about seeing Taryn, Kellum, and two amazingly good-looking men on the tram.”
That perked her up. “Oh, yeah? They weren’t upset Kranor and Jude were in their sacred and safe home?”
“That was the part I found most intriguing. They were put off they were wolves, but they couldn’t stop gushing over how handsome they were. They speculated about what a fierce wolf would be like in bed.”
For the first time in days, Henla really smiled. She leaned closer, acting as if there were hidden microphones around. She wouldn’t put it past the elders of the community to have hired people to do just that. “In fact, they are better.”
Rein giggled. “They?”
She waved a hand. “Figure of speech.” She’d been bursting to tell someone. “I think I’m in love with Jude.”
Rein’s eyes sparkled. “That’s so dangerous and adventurous and daring and hot!”
She wagged a finger. “Don’t you go getting any ideas. I can’t be with him, so it’s a moot point.”
Rein slumped back in the seat. “Why not?”
She rolled her eyes. It was such a good expression of how she felt. “They’re wolves. We are their enemy.”
Rein sat up straighter and twisted to face her. “But those men aren’t your enemy. What about Kranor? I know you guys used to play together.”
She let out a heavy sigh. “He’s changed. He still hates the wolf philosophy, but he’s grown distant over the years. I was hoping to break the icy shield around his heart, but I failed. The only person he seems to let in is Jude.”
“Why not go to them and say you want to be with them? Do you think Kranor would turn you down?”
“You have a wild imagination. I don’t want to live in the middle of nowhere and see no one. If there were others who had the same belief it would be different. Would you like not interacting with people day in and day out?”
It didn’t take her long to respond. “No.”
“There you go. I had a wonderful few days. I’ll remember the lovemaking for the rest of my life. I do worry that Jude has spoiled me for other men though.”
Rein’s mouth formed an O. “He’s that big?” Another giggle escaped.
Heat raced up her face. “I’m not telling.”
“What about Elan?”
Henla crossed her arms. “Ugh. What about him?” Rein looked to the ground and drew in her bottom lip. Her friend never could keep a secret. “Did he come by the store?” She’d never get rid of him.
“He came by looking for you.”
Henla closed her eyes for a moment. “I told him I wasn’t going out with him again. The man can’t take a hint.”
Rein shrugged. “I think it’s cute he’s so earnest in his pursuit.”
“Earnest? I call it stalking. If I recall, you didn’t think he was so cute when he took me to Prinak’s party and Elan spent most of the time flirting with every girl there.” What she’d never told Rein was that after the party he’d practically forced himself on her. Elan was a jerk through and through.
“He’s easy on the eyes.”
Gah. She would have loved nothing more than to sit around and talk about how wonderful Kranor and Jude were, but to discuss former boyfriends soured her stomach. Talking about Elan would only cause more distress.
The chatter outside the store picked up, and she glanced to the outside mall. Whorls of color floated by and people talked or window-shopped. Her mind pushed aside the bitter taste of Elan and focused on her men. Deep inside his heart, Kranor wanted to be loved, but his experiences had taught him to hold back. Maybe someday the world would be ready for them to be together. Too bad that day was really far off.
Chapter Nine
Jude and Kranor had been back at the house not more than three hours when Dr. Kran knocked on their door. They let him in.
His gaze traveled over Kranor. “You’re looking well.”
“Come in.” Tamor probably wouldn’t have come all the way out here for a house call. He would have come only if someone had summoned him. “Get you something to drink?”
It was hot outside today. Their mild winter had yet to arrive.
“Sure.”
Jude pulled three beers from the fridge and handed them to both men. “Let’s sit where it’s more comfortable.”
Jude prided himself on reading others. Tamor had something big on his mind. The fact he hadn’t even come with his case spoke volumes.
I’ll leave you two alone. Kranor twirled his bottle and turned away.
Sometimes his friend could be so freaking dense. Stay. It’s important.
At least when one wolf spoke to another telepathically, no one else could listen in. The image of Henla appeared for the hundredth time since they left the underground city. He’d not figured out how to bring up her special talent to Kranor. He’d never believe that she could feel what he felt, but also actually understand and communicate somewhat telepathically. There would be denial on Kranor’s part, and he wasn’t ready for a battle.
Kranor’s chest deflated, but he did as Jude suggested. Once seated, Tamor guzzled half the beer as if he needed the fortification more than just to quench his thirst.
“There’s been some talk around town.”
Jude’s gut soured. He didn’t need to hear this. It was bad enough to have gotten the piss-poor reception at Henla’s house. “About us keeping an enemy here for a few days?”
“In a way.”
Kranor seemed to perk up. “Tell us.”
“You know that I have always detested the way the wolves have treated the lions.”
“You’re a doctor. You’re allowed to have that opinion.”
A small smile escaped. “True, but did you know there is a small faction of others who share your beliefs?”
He’d heard mumblings, but if no one vocalized their dislike it was as if they didn’t object. “Give me names.”
Tamor leaned forward. “Before I do, let me ask you this. Suppose there were a few families who would like to move out here. Would you be willing to join forces?”
Kranor’s back stiffened. “No.”
What the hell are you doing, buddy? We’d love to have others nearby. Maybe it was time to part ways if his best friend was going to be such a stick in the mud.
“Kranor is still reeling from the fight. We’ll get back to you.”
They shared a moment of understanding before Tamor stood. “Thanks. Let me know.”
He let himself out. As soon as Tamor was out of earshot, Jude shot out of his seat. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
The one thing he didn’t like about Kranor was at times he could put a block on what he was thinking. Like now. “What do you mean?”
“Do want to live a hermit’s life forever?”
“If it means staying at arm’s length of some jerks, then yes.”
“What about Henla?”
One of the main reasons they hadn’t just tied her to the bed and kept her here was because he knew she needed to be around people. “Don’t give me that innocent look. You care about her.”
“Sure I do, which is why she needs to stay as far away from us as possible.”
He sat back down. “Tell me one thing. If the wolves didn’t hate the lions and vice versa, would you have welcomed her into your arms?”
His gaze traveled over the room. At least he was giving it some thought, but it shouldn’t have taken him that long to respond.
“Perhaps.”
“Don’t you find her hot?” He knew he did. Hell, every time they got in the same room together he could smell Kranor’s hormones shooting sky high.
“Dumb question.”
That satisfied him for the moment. Pushing him when the demons were working their magic on him wouldn’t do any good. “I’m going for a run. Care to join me?”
They often would blow off an afternoon and run to the highest mountain and back.
“You go ahead.”
“Still weak?” He knew how to piss him off.
Watch it, little one.
In their human form, two inches might mean one could win over the other, but in their wolf form, they were equal in stature. Too bad Kranor was a marginally better fighter. “Fine.”
Not wanting to shake the crap out of his friend, he left and shifted. Being free to run would put everything in perspective. He might even stay away for a few days. Not having Henla in his home and bed was eating away at him, but he knew they had to stay apart for her sake.
As he raced through the woods toward the mountains, he tried to clear his mind. If he could get Kranor to be the one to decide they needed others around them, they might be able to emerge from this prejudice whole. Though if he never saw Henla again, what would be the point?
* * * *
Kranor had watched Jude leave. He wanted to exorcise the demons but if he went with his friend, the two of them would chase animals and possibly joke. While he might feel better at the end, he needed time to ponder his whole situation. He’d been mostly content until Henla showed up. It made him realize how much his life was lacking. He wanted it to be like it was when he was eight, but he knew a person could never relive the past.
Enemies in Love [High-Country Shifters 4] Page 7
