by Stella Night
Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
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The Call of Her Wolf
(The Whiskey Springs Pack Book 1)
by
Stella Night
Copyright 2016 STELLA NIGHT
All Rights Reserved
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or person, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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Enjoy!
Chapter 1
Ella’s cheek throbbed in time with the windshield wipers. The pain of the bruise was bearable, unlike what David had done. She would never forgive him for this. She should never have dated him. Five years down the drain. She was putting as many miles between them as she could. And now the weather matched her mood.
What had been nothing more than high humidity in Houston had become a downpour by the time she had hit Austin. Now, a hundred miles west of the capital city, she could barely see the road ahead of her in the dark. Nothing like a country side road with no street lamps in a monsoon.
The weather had turned cooler with the rain. She wished she had thought to grab a sweater. Hell, she wished she had thought to throw some clothes in a bag, even if it had just been a change of underwear. But no, the always impulsive Ella had run out of the house with nothing but her phone and her purse, hell bent on escape.
She had finally turned the radio off. The jarring sound of emergency warnings had her already frayed nerves going into overdrive. She knew she would need to find a place to stop. Driving on roads prone to flooding in the dark would be tantamount to suicide. Maybe it was a mistake to head west of Austin into the Hill Country, but now she was committed to her choice.
Lightning flashed illuminating a sign that read “Welcome to Whiskey Springs”. A big drop in the posted speed limit heralded a typical small-town main street with a few storefronts.
Another bolt of lightning ripped the sky apart, followed by booming thunder so loud the car actually shook. Through the pounding rain she could just make out the imitation old-west style facades, so typical of tourist towns in the hill country.
They probably would have looked charming on a pleasant day. But in this storm, the place looked like a ghost town.
A few lights shone dimly in the torrential downpour. Maybe there would be an inexpensive hotel where she could spend the night. Then she could decide where to go from here. She would have to stop and ask directions but the last thing she wanted to do was get out of her car in the cold rain.
Seeing lights, she pulled into a space in front of a shop titled “Old Masters Books” just as the bottom fell out of the sky. Nothing else looked open.
She knew it was getting late and the shop would be closing soon. She had no desire to get out of her warm dry car but she had to get in before the doors were locked. She opened the car door and the rain started coming down in sheets so thick she could barely see her hand in front of her face. By the time she walked fifteen feet from the car to the door of the shop, she was drenched.
A bell over the door jangled as she entered. Ella looked down at the puddle she had created on the hardwood floors. Sniffling as water ran down her nose, she turned to leave and caught sight of herself in the glass door. She closed her eyes in dismay.
“I’m sorry. We’re just closing for the night. Can I help you?”
Ella jumped and her eyes flew open. She turned to see a pretty girl standing before her. Ella could clearly read the confusion in the girl’s hazel eyes. Then she glanced down at the puddle and a slight frown marred her features.
Ella tried to smile but grimaced as her cheek protested. Looking up, the girl’s frown deepened. Ella’s hand flew up to hide the bruise that had formed. The girl’s expression changed. Her eyes filled with compassion.
Ella could see how bad she looked in the girl’s eyes. When she had seen her reflection in the window, it had stunned her. The over-sized sweatshirt hung shapelessly, even as it stuck to her skin. The yoga pants she had hurriedly thrown on were not in any better condition and her feet were freezing in her wet shoes. Her curls were plastered to her head and neck. And she was still dripping on the hardwood floor.
“Oh! I’m sorry I’m making such a mess.” Ella looked around helplessly for something to help clean up the water.
The girl walked behind the counter, then came back with a towel clutched in her hand. “Here. This will help.” Her light brown hair was cut pixie short. She was tall, with an athletic build - the kind that always made Ella aware of her own abundant curves.
The girl’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oops! I’m Celia. Welcome to Old Masters Books.” She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “I’m supposed to say that every time someone comes in.” She grinned and ducked back behind the counter only to return with a handful of paper towels that she used to wipe the water from the floor.
Ella suppressed a laugh and whispered, “Your secret is safe with me. I’m Ella.” She used the towel and tried to dry off as much as she could.
She looked around, then smiled. In an unusual stroke of good luck for a change, she had landed in a book store.
As she looked around she noticed the vintage tables, leather chairs, and velvet sofas. Warm lights shone from the corners and classical music played softly in the background. Then, she noticed the leather spines and gold foil lettering of a few of the books. “Are those first editions?”
Celia took the now damp towel from her and nodded. “Sure are.” She beamed proudly. “This is my brother’s store and those,” she gestured widely, “are his pride and joy.”
Taking a few steps in, Ella turned slowly. “Wow. This is fantastic!” She stood a few feet from a shelf, turning her head to the side so she could read the titles. “More than fantastic, this is a dream come true.” Such an odd place for a bookstore like this.
“Ella, what are doing out on a night like this?”
She turned back toward Celia and said, “I was actually stopping to ask for directions to a hotel.”
A deep, masculine voice emanated from the rear of the store. Ella couldn’t make out what the man was saying, but the sound of his voice sent tingles dancing down her spine. His words were followed by a musical, feminine laugh. For some inexplicable reason, the sound of that laugh made her frown.
When Ella’s attention had turned toward the back rooms and the voices there, Celia smiled and headed that way. Over her shoulder, she said to Ella, “That’s my brother now. Hey Josh! Come meet Ella.”
The man who stepped into the shop was huge, his broad shoulders straining the seams of the shirt he wore. He stood a good six inches taller than Ella. Her bre
ath caught in her throat at the sight of him. His jeans were snug but not too tight. He had a towel across his shoulders and his still damp hair indicated that he, too, had been caught in the downpour. His jaw was strong and square, his mouth sensual. His deep brown eyes held no warmth.
He nodded at Ella. When she smiled in return, her cheek protested. Her hand flew up to cover the bruise again. She managed to whisper “Hi” before she ducked her head, afraid to see the pity that might lurk his eyes.
Josh looked her up and down. “You’re not from around here, are you?” Ella shook her head, afraid to speak. “The roads are closed - flash flooding.”
His sister whispered something in his ear. “Hold on just a sec.” His voice was gruff, almost as if he was angry. Ella wondered how he knew what she had been discussing with Celia when he motioned for his sister to follow him into the back storerooms.
Ella turned as Josh and Celia came back into the sales room. A scowl marred his features when he looked at Ella. “You can to stay here for the night. You won’t get anywhere with water over most of the roads.”
“Oh, no thank you. I can’t put you to any trouble, and a hotel would be fine.”
Celia smiled, dimples bracketing her mouth. “There isn’t a hotel in Whiskey Springs, Ella. And it’s no trouble. I’m not going anywhere either. The roads are just too bad right now.” She looked up at her brother then turned her attention back to Ella. “We can have a girls’ night. You know, old movies and popcorn.”
Josh’s intent gaze had not wavered from Ella’s face. “I have an extra room and you’re more than welcome to it. If you haven’t eaten, there’s a fully stocked pantry. Feel free to help yourself. And if the power goes out, Celia knows where the generator is.”
“Thank you so much.” Ella tried to run her hands through her hair but it was too much of a tangled mess.
Josh raised an eyebrow slightly, then nodded his head. Turning to his sister, he said “I need to go back out with the others and make sure the houses and cabins along the river have been evacuated. I think we got everyone but I’ll be happier if I check again. I’ll be back by morning.”
“Well, be careful. Remember, you’re my favorite brother.”
He hugged her and kissed the top of her head. Ella caught a glimpse of dimples when he smiled down at the younger woman, highlighting their similar looks. “Go ahead and lock up. I doubt anyone else comes by tonight.” He turned back to Ella. “It was very nice meeting you.”
With that, he left. Celia locked the front door, flipped the “Open” sign, and then turned out a few of the lights as she made her way toward the back of the store. She gently pushed Ella into a back hallway and locked the door that went into the store. Then motioned for Ella to follow her up the stairway off a hallway behind the store.
“Let’s get you dried off and out of those wet things.”
“Celia?”
“What’s up?”
“I have no clothes with me.” Ella swiped at a tear that threatened to roll down her cheek.
Celia stopped on the stairs. She turned and took Ella’s arm, gently pulling up to the same level. “Everything will be fine. I have some things here that you can wear tomorrow.”
Ella glanced down at her generous curves, then back to Ella’s athletic frame. “Oh honey, I don’t think we’re near the same size!”
Celia laughed, throwing her head back. “We keep extra clothes here - all sizes, all kinds. Sometimes a neighbor needs a place to stay, kind of a spur of the moment thing, and they need a change of clothing. Sometimes it’s tourists who vacation along the river who have to be evacuated, like tonight.” She glanced at Ella. “So, we always have something on hand, no questions asked.”
As they reached the upstairs, Celia led her down the hall where she opened a door into a softly lit room. “And a bed for a night, or two, or three.” Celia’s dimples deepened as she smiled. She pulled Ella into a hug. “I have a feeling we are going to be friends. And if you need to talk about things, I’m here.” She hugged Ella then said, “I’ll bring you an outfit for tomorrow along with some toiletries. Bathroom is right across the hall. Then we’ll go down and fix some hot cocoa.”
This time the tear did fall down Ella’s cheek as the returned the hug and whispered “Thank you.”
Chapter 2
Ella woke as the first rays of sunlight streaked across the room. She stretched and laid there for a moment, taking in everything that had happened. It was amazing what a difference a few hours made.
She thought about last night’s horrendous drive. She didn’t want to think about what might have happened to her if she hadn’t met Celia and Josh. The two of them had been lifesavers in more ways than one. Although Josh seemed more reluctant about letting her stay than his sister had been.
It warmed her heart to know there were still people in the world like the Masters’ siblings. People who would help a stranger in trouble. It felt so different from the place she had left the day before.
Rising, she crossed the room to the mirror. Seeing the purple bruise, she frowned. She would need to do something about that. Celia had provided clothes and a note that made Ella smile. “Take a look around the store. I could tell that you wanted to last night. There will be coffee in the kitchen. I’ll see you later. C.”
Ella carefully applied her makeup, using plenty of concealer to hide the purple bruise. She left her hair down, hoping it would provide some camouflage as well. After dressing in the borrowed clothing, she made her way downstairs.
She opened the door leading into the store. She took a deep breath and smiled. The soothing scents of book glue, old paper, and worn leather washed over her. It was like being greeted by old friends.
This is fantastic, she thought. Turning her head to the side, she read a few of the titles. As she turned back toward the door, she spotted a sign in the window that read “Help Wanted”.
A plan formulated in her mind as she turned to make her way to the kitchen. She knew she had landed in the right place. An added plus was that David would have assumed she had driven north to Dallas. He would never find her here in the middle of the Hill Country. She decided to go all in and ask for the job. If Josh said no, she would keep driving, but she really hoped he said yes.
***
Josh Masters sipped coffee as he stood in his back door, gazing out. Sunshine glinted off the deep puddles that stood everywhere, the only testament to last night’s deluge. Only a couple of cabins near the river had flooded. He and his pack members managed to get everyone out safely.
He frowned when he thought about what else had, or rather had not, transpired. The elders were becoming impatient with his lack of pursuing a mate. And the pack’s monthly run had been postponed, even though a few stalwarts like Mrs. Gilbert and Liza had wanted to go out for a bit with him after the evacuations. Unfortunately, Liza had wanted to come back for a bit of him, which had resulted in an argument.
To top it all off, a stranger showed up on his doorstep during the biggest storm of the season. He had to offer a place for the night as he wasn’t about to let anyone risk a flooded creek or river on his watch.
He heard footsteps in the hallway then recognized the scent of the woman he had met the night before - clean and fresh, like the rain, but woodsy with an exotic spice.
Human, not pack. Just one more thing for Josh to deal with.
She hadn’t been much to look at and, as much as she had tried to hide it, he had noticed a bruise blooming on her cheek. It made his wolf snarl and gnashed its teeth.
Where the hell had she come from and why was she out driving in those dangerous conditions? She obviously wasn’t one of the usual tourists that frequented Whiskey Springs. He hoped she didn’t bring trouble with her. If the weather had let up and Liza hadn’t followed him back to his apartment above the shop, he might have been able to find out a little more.
Liza. The woman had once been fun, if flirtatious. Lately she had become a thorn in Josh’s side, constantly i
nsinuating to anyone who would listen that they were a couple. She was rude to his sister and to the pack elders, both inexcusable in his book.
Liza would not be happy about the newcomer.
Thinking of the she-wolf who had suddenly put him in her sights had him gripping his mug so tightly that it cracked, spilling coffee. Cursing it and her, he tossed the remnants of the mug into the trash. As he reached for a towel, his movements stilled.
***
Ella headed back toward the rear of the store and into the private area beyond. Someone was moving around back there. She followed the sound and paused in the doorway to the kitchen.
Josh was there, wiping up what appeared to be spilled coffee. She couldn’t help but watch him. Was this the same angry man she had met last night? He gave new meaning to the word gorgeous.
Sunlight from the open door glinted off his tawny hair. She could see the muscles of his back rippling beneath the polo shirt he wore. Somehow he had seemed much bigger last night, and somewhat superhuman as he came to her rescue with the offer of a place to spend the night.
But in the bright light of day he was simply a good-looking man who owned a store full of classical literature. An ache formed in her heart as she wondered how different her life might have been had she met someone like him five years ago.
She felt self-conscious in the form-fitting clothes and heeled shoes Celia had picked for her. The outfit was nothing like the loose shapes and sneakers she usually chose. David’s voice echoed in her head, telling her that no one wanted to see her plumpness. Consequently, she had begun covering everything. Now she had to cover bruises as well, thanks to him. She resisted the urge to put her hand over her cheek, hoping the concealer had done its job.
