Red Hot Wolfie

by Nyx Halliwell

  “Are you hurt?” Cinder carries the red cloak over an arm and holds it out to me.

  “I’m okay,” I reassure her and the others, ignoring the ache in my shoulder and my fuzzy vision. “Stay there, don’t make any sudden moves.”

  Robyn appears, sees Ren with his jaws locked on Jenny, and stops in her tracks. “Ruby?”

  “It’s okay,” I repeat. “Let me handle this.”

  Every set of eyes is on me and I see the trepidation and fear in them. They all want to rush to my aid, but I need them to trust me.

  I switch my attention to Ren once more. “You can let go of her now. Please, for me.”

  He holds my gaze for a tense moment. My pulse beats rapidly as we all wait to see what he’ll do.

  “Justice will be done,” I promise. “The threat is over.”

  The other wolf gains his feet. He throws back his head and howls. The ones next to Poppi join in.

  The sound echoes through the forest and I see something change in Ren’s eyes.

  The danger is gone.

  He slowly releases her leg and retreats.

  Lenore swoops down and lands on Ren. Robyn and my sisters rush to me.

  Leo and Finn emerge from the shadows beyond the lamp light to help Wagner with his bindings. Robyn jerks Jenny to her feet and places her under arrest.

  Ren goes to the other wolves, the leader limping. While Belle and Zelle fuss over me and examine my wounds, I brush past them to see about the wolf’s injuries.

  Cinder brings my cape and I drape it over the massive body, hoping it will at least offer comfort.

  Matilda, Uncle Odin, and Nonni step into the clearing. Nonni is crying and she throws her arms around Poppi's neck. “When you will start listening to me, old man?” she scolds. “I told you not to run off into the woods without me.”

  I chuckle, petting the injured animal’s head before I embrace Ren.

  He makes a soft noise in his throat, and nuzzles my shoulder. “Thank you,” I whisper. “Let’s go home.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  I sleep in Sunday morning, waking to find myself alone in the tower.

  Ren, in wolf form, walked me home after the incident with Jenny. He had totally blown out the cage, the sides laying helter-skelter on the floor, the top hanging from a wall sconce, nearly disconnecting the poor thing from its base.

  The amount of strength and power it took for him to break out of it with such force astounds me. Still, he was docile and came with me in the aftermath.

  Robyn wanted a statement, but I pointed her to the video camera I’d turned on and told her if she needed more to call me later.

  I took a shower to wash the forest off as Ren went to his bed in the tower. After cleaning up, I laid down next to him, no bars between us now, and placed my cape like a blanket over us. We fell into an exhausted slumber side by side.

  In the morning light, Lenore accompanies me to the bathroom and seems happy. She wasn’t injured, thank goodness, and I lavish her with attention. I promise her extra playtime with Korbin to let her know how grateful I am for her help last night.

  Before we reach the kitchen, I hear conversation, light laughter, and the clang and bang of pots and pans. Entering, I discover we have three extra visitors for breakfast.

  Ren is at the stove helping Nonni create an enormous meal for those gathered around the table. The smell of French toast, fried apples, and maple syrup greets me, along with good mornings from my family.

  “You’re up.” Ren rushes over and gives me a hug. Lenore flies to her perch. “I didn’t want to wake you. I knew you needed rest.”

  From the corner of my eye, I see Zelle elbow Belle and snicker. “Sleep well?” she teases.

  “Yes, quite.” I pretend nonchalance. “You?”

  She smiles as I accept a cup of tea from Cinder. “You gave me a heart attack last night.”

  “Sorry.” I turn to Ren. “How are you feeling?”

  He touches my face. “I couldn’t be better.”

  For a heartbeat, we simply stare at each other, the cup between us. Then he takes my free hand and gently guides me to the table. “I want to introduce you to my family.”

  A seated woman is dressed in a vibrant blue and green pantsuit that would give Matilda a run for her money. Layers of beaded necklaces lie on her chest, and feather earrings adorn her ears. Her hair is dark like Ren’s but shot through with silver. She offers a shy smile when he introduces her. “Ruby, this is my Aunt Violet. Aunt Violet, this is Ruby.”

  She’s devoid of makeup but her natural beauty shines. “Our Renfroe has found an exceptional woman.”

  “Why, thank you. I’m thrilled he’s moved here, and we’ve gotten to know each other.”

  “As are we.” Her eyes twinkle when she looks at him. Her voice lowers as she says, “She’s special. You better hang onto her.”

  He holds up our intertwined hands. “I intend to.”

  Lenore caws from her perch in the corner. “Watch it, wolfie.”

  Everyone laughs. I narrow my eyes at Zelle. “Did you teach her that?”

  Zelle raises both hands in a surrender gesture. “I plead the fifth.”

  Ren motions to the man next to Violet. “This is Uncle Fraser, Aunt Violet’s brother.”

  The man rises and shakes my hand. I feel a current of electricity pass through my palm.

  “You,” I say.

  He has on jeans and a pale green shirt. The wrinkles in his skin make him appear older than I believe he is. He grins, showing straight, white teeth. “Ah, you’re the brave one from last night. We thank you for what you did.”

  “She is brave,” Ren echoes and I blush.

  Do they not want my family to know they’re wood walkers? “How do feel today, Fraser?”

  The same glimmer as Violet’s dances in his dark eyes. They look similar to Ren’s. “My injuries are healed.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. If you need any salves or tinctures, please let me know. We have a small, but effective, assortment of medicinal products.”

  Ren touches my arm. “I hope you used some on yourself.”

  “I did, in fact.” My vision is clear and my shoulder feels good as new, thanks to the cream I rubbed on it and the healing powers of my cape.

  “My son, Marion,” Fraser says, pointing to a young man chatting with Matilda. “He’s a healer like you.”

  The boy grimaces. “Call me Rainhart. It’s my middle name, and I prefer it.” He also stands and takes my hand, as he shoots a warning glare at his father. “I’m currently learning acupuncture. I want to help Ren at the clinic, one of these days, as well as work on people.”

  “That’s amazing,” I tell him.

  Ren looks excited. “I’m going to offer an entire line of alternative and holistic healing methods for the animals next year. Photon and aqua therapy, Reiki sessions, acupuncture, you name it.”

  “I love that idea.”

  As Rainhart resumes his seat, Matilda smiles knowingly at me.

  On the other side of her, Poppi chats with Uncle Odin. I see a distinctive lump on the side of Poppi's head, and I study it. “Don’t eyeball me like that,” he says to me. “I’m fine.”

  “He has a hard head,” Nonni agrees from the stove.

  Poppi rolls his eyes and resumes his conversation with Uncle Odin.

  As Ren leads me to a chair near Zelle, he takes the tea from my hand and sets it down. “Your grandmother is an amazing cook, too. I see it runs in the family.”

  I stay standing, even though he’s pulled out the chair. “She is amazing at many things. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.”

  She glances over her shoulder and waves me off, embarrassed. “Don’t be silly.”

  “Do you guys need some help?”

  “No,” she insists. “Sit.”

  Zelle tugs me down and I pinch her leg under the table as I respond, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Lenore prances around on her perch. When Ren plants a kiss on my f
orehead, she croaks, “Watch it.”

  As the others laugh again, Uncle Odin winks at me.

  Soon, Nonni and Ren bring over serving plates stacked high with French toast. Bowls of fried apples and cherry compote are passed around, several syrups as well. Ren seats himself next to me and asks what I want on mine.

  “I like powdered sugar.”

  He grabs a tiny bowl filled with it, and offers to sprinkle it on. I’m not used to such pampering and insist on doing it myself.

  “No syrup?” he queries.

  “Nope.”

  “You’re missing out.” He heaps sugar on his, then follows it with syrup.

  I shake my head in wonder, but realize he needs the carbs. His aunt watches us with a bemused smile.

  Cinder fills us in on the latest from Robyn. “Jenny lawyered up, but with the video Ruby captured, it doesn’t matter. Robyn’s got her dead to rights for both murders, as well as an attempted murder charge on Wagner.”

  “Your cousin is quite the detective,” Rainhart says. When we all look at him, his cheeks flush.

  “Yes, she is,” I agree. “Have you met her?”

  “I’ve seen her around town.”

  Matilda and I share a look—one that asks if Robyn has a new admirer.

  Zelle is working through a heap of fried apples. She uses her napkin to wipe her lips. “The PIT fans are going crazy. I checked the blog and social media pages this morning. It appears Wagner and the PIT members who are left are doing exactly what Jenny said she was going to do—they’ve reached out to the Caught on Camera followers and set up a tribute to the two men who were killed. Their ‘In Memory Of’ video has gone viral.”

  “Robyn won’t be releasing what I got on tape, though, right?” I ask Cinder. The last thing I want is for my identity to be revealed.

  Ren pats my hand. “We’re safe.”

  “Yes, quite, dear.” Uncle Odin chases syrup around on his plate with a bite of toast. “I spoke to Robyn about that exact thing. She promised me your involvement will remain secret.”

  I’m relieved. I hope after the case is finished, that video gets destroyed.

  Nonni cuts her food and clears her throat. “Well, how about we discuss something more uplifting this morning? We do have our famous Sherwood Family Thanksgiving next week.” She glances at Ren and then his relatives. “We would love to have all of you as guests, if you’re willing.”

  Ren looks to his aunt, uncle, and cousin.

  I hold my breath. Please say yes.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Some form of silent communication passes between the two of them before Violet gives Nonni another of her shy smiles. “Only if you allow us to bring a contribution to the meal.”

  Poppi raises his fork in the air. “Just so we’re all clear, the traditional meal is accompanied by a nature walk and ritual my wife insists on doing every year to honor the trees and animals.”

  The Redferns seem amused and completely comfortable with the idea.

  Nonni shakes her head, exasperated, as if he’s making a big deal out of nothing. “Of course we do an honoring ceremony for Mother Nature. She gives us the bounty that we have on our table.” She waves her arthritic finger at the food we’re consuming. “It’s important we stay in balance with the trees, the animals, and the elements.”

  “I think it’s a lovely idea,” Violet states. “Our forest has been through a lot in the past week. We should clear the negative energy from it.”

  “Yes, exactly.” Nonni raises her chin to Poppi. “See? She gets me.”

  I raise my cup. “I’ll drink to that.”

  Ren beams. “I’m not much of a cook, but I can bring the pets some treats.”

  Lenore hops up and down on her perch, Jayne barks, and Rumpelstiltskin chitters. They know the word ‘treat.’

  Nonni frowns at me. “Speaking of can’t cook, Snow is making an apple pie for the dinner. I’ll make the pumpkin, but we should have a backup.”

  Snow is not known for her baking skills, any more than Zelle is. This draws a laugh from those of us in the know. “No problem,” I tell her. “How about some caramel apples and a few of my candies?”

  Poppi rubs his hands together. “I love your caramel apples.”

  “I’ve been dying to make some pumpkin streusel coffee cake,” Matilda tells us. “I saw a Food Network bake-off show that featured one. I’ll bring that.”

  I stare at my plate and Nonni clears her throat. “That would be lovely,” she says, ever gracious, even though we’re both worried how that might turn out. “You’ll be baking it here, right?”

  In other words, not blowing up Nonni’s kitchen.

  Matilda looks put out, sensing Nonni’s jab. “I’ll have you know, I baked one the other day and it turned out perfect.”

  Nonni glances around for our confirmation. “It’s true,” I tell her.

  “It was delicious,” Ren adds around a mouthful.

  “Thank you,” Matilda says, beaming.

  Belle and Zelle clean off the table when we’re done. Uncle Odin and Poppi retire to the back porch to sit in the rocking chairs and talk. Our assorted animals look for leftovers and crumbs, and Cinder offers to help Ren sketch out an idea for expanding his clinic.

  Soon, he and I are coming up with plenty of ideas, and she draws, erases, and sketches some more. His aunt and uncle are very interested in the process, and watch with great interest.

  “We always wanted to open up a rescue and sanctuary on our property.” Violet pats Ren’s arm. “Now that we have a vet who has expertise with wildlife, I think it might be time.”

  Pride blooms on his face. He takes her hand and squeezes it. “I would love that.”

  “You know,” Matilda walks past us to refill her unicorn mug, “the space next to the clinic is empty.”

  “That’s right,” I say, catching on to what I believe she’s hinting at. “You could blow out the wall between the two buildings and turn it into a bigger place.”

  “I’d have to hire help,” Ren states, considering it, “but it might be doable.”

  Matilda sighs and puts a hand on her hip. “I was mentioning it to Ruby.”

  I’m lost. “What about it?”

  “It would be the perfect place for a candy shop. You’d be right next door to him.”

  All eyes swing to me. “But I don’t want to open one.”

  She looks skeptical. “Is that so?”

  Actually it is. “While I’d love to be next door to Ren, I’m happy to stay right here. I’m working out a plan with the bakery and Snow that will make everyone happy, but I’m not leaving the family business.”

  She shrugs. “Okay.”

  Cinder squeezes my arm, her delight palpable. “Can I just say, I’m relieved? I don’t know what we’d do without you, Ruby.”

  Since Enchanted is closed on Sundays, it’s an excellent day to recoup. Ren and I walk Nonni and Poppi home, Lenore and George flying above us. Korbin joins them, he and Lenore chat, and it seems as if she is introducing him to the parrot. Korbin seems a bit standoffish at first, but soon all three are coasting on the breeze together.

  Leaves rustle under our feet as we stroll. At the boulder, the crime scene tape has been removed. I’ve brought an old work boot of Cinder’s and place it in the spot where the mouse had made a house in the trail shoe.

  Resuming our leisurely walk, I tell Ren about my vision and the fact I believe I saw the first wood walker. I mention the fact he looks just like him, right down to the tattoo.

  “Wow, that’s…”

  “Crazy?” I finish for him. “I know, but it’s very likely you might have been him in a previous life, or maybe you’re simply tapping into his incredible magick.”

  “Not crazy. It’s just you have such incredible gifts. To see into the past like that? I can’t wrap my mind around it.”

  Nonni tucks her coat closer to her and Poppi puts his arm around her waist as we continue on. “My granddaughter is one of a kind,” she
calls back to Ren. “Like your aunt said, you better hang on to her.”

  Violet, Fraser, and Rainhart went home through the woods, too, but they took a more northward route. I’m slightly relieved they aren’t with us to hear this discussion.

  “If she’ll have me,” Ren says, tucking me into his side. “I know a good thing when I see it.”

  Once we have Nonni and Poppi safely situated at their farm, Ren takes my hand on the way home. Our fingers intertwine, and I am happier than I have been in a long time.

  “I finally feel like I’m home,” he says, as we wander the path slowly, enjoying the fresh air and the birdsong.

  “It just feels right, doesn’t it?”

  He grins. “It does, and a big part of that is you and your family.”

  “Unless there’s another threat to the forest, the animals, or your Redfern relatives, I don’t think you’ll shift at the full moon anymore.”

  He glances at me from the corner of his eye and squeezes my hand. “Probably shouldn’t take any chances. Make that potion. Next full moon, I’ll be in the tower with you.”

  I think about all of the nights to come, full moon or not, and everything I’m learning about my ancestors, as well as his. “Room and board aren’t free, you know.”

  “Is that so?” He nods. “I do still owe you dinner, don’t I?”

  Zelle and Rumpelstiltskin have joined Uncle Odin on the back porch. When we get close, she raises a cup of steaming liquid and winks at me. Lenore and George swoop and dive, having fun.

  “You do, but there’s tasks to be done in the shop,” I tell him, “and until the remodeling on your clinic begins, we have plenty of projects here. If you hang around, Cinder will put you to work.”

  “No howling at night, though, wolf boy,” Zelle teases, eavesdropping.

  “I actually find the sound comforting,” Uncle Odin says. “Reminds me of the old country.”

  “Old country?” Ren murmurs in my ear.

  I draw him aside as Lenore lands on the railing. “Long story. I’ll tell you about it next full moon.”

  He loops around, putting us nose to nose. “Thank you for bringing me into your pack, Ruby Sherwood.”