Sensing my anxieties, Moheeladeck pulled me closer into his embrace. “What troubles you, my love?”
I felt like a nervous virgin bride on her wedding night. I longed to be in his arms again. As before, it was as if he could read my emotions and thoughts.
“Do not be frightened, my love. You already know there is nothing to fear from me.”
I clung to him. He bent his head and brought his warm lips to mine. He took possession of my lips, my mind, my spirit, my very soul, and all my fear melted away. He lifted me into his arms and carried me into the lodge. As we entered, I saw Half-Breed take his place as guard outside the door.
In the dim firelight of the lodge, we undressed each other in what seemed like a ritual. We made love that night tenderly, fiercely, gently, completely—all the while enshrined by the vibrating energy of the union of our bodies, our spirits, and the stones.
Just before the first rays of dawn, Half-Breed nudged us to consciousness.
“Noooo,” I murmured. “It can’t be time to go already. Please, just a little longer,” I whispered as I snuggled deeper into the furs and into the warm embrace of my Warrior Chief. He held me gently as Half-Breed laid down heavily with a sigh. Har-humph.
“Is he going to give us a little more time together?” I whispered to Moheeladeck.
“If he is, let us not put it to waste,” he answered.
We made love again sweetly, tenderly. Afterward, Moheeladeck held me and rained kisses over my hair. But when Half-Breed whined, I knew it was time to go. We dressed quickly and left the lodge hand-in-hand.
“I wish I didn’t have to go back,” I said.
“You must . . . for now.”
“Will there ever be a time when I won’t have to leave you?”
“That answer is held within your heart and in the power of the stones.”
“The stones?”
“Yes, in your world you must reunite the stones,” he said, and then . . . I woke up.
Chapter 9
I rolled over consumed by the feeling that I was floating on air, so sated and well loved that I must have been glowing. I glanced at my watch. Ten o’clock. I gasped and leapt out of bed. I had to meet David at the kennel at eleven. Shoot, no wonder Half-Breed was so anxious for me to wake up. “You’re not going to ruin my after-glow, wolf,” I murmured as I sprinted to the shower.
I didn’t want to bring a purse nor did I want to leave the catcher at the hotel. What could I do? Then it dawned on me that I had an extra set of rawhide shoelaces for my hiking boots in my backpack, so I rifled through the pack until I found them. Stringing the catcher on a long strand of rawhide I put it around my neck and hid it under my sweater. I expected the dream catcher and stone to feel cold against my skin, but much to my surprise, warmth emanated from the stone as it rested over my heart.
I arrived at David’s kennel ten minutes late. The little bell over the door chimed as I entered. David stood behind the counter and Half-Breed was lying on a huge dog bed in the corner of the room, just beyond the large plate-glass window at the front of the shop.
“Sorry I’m late. I, um, a, overslept.”
Har-humph.
My cheeks stung with embarrassment at the wolf’s sigh, imagining he knew exactly what had kept me. Now this is getting ridiculous.
“Ah, are you late? We hadn’t even noticed, right, Half-Breed?” David asked, aiming the last part of his remark toward the wolf.
Har-humph.
The sound of dogs barking came from back in the kennel as I took a few steps further into the room.
“He’s brooding,” David said, keeping his tone low as I approached the counter. “I’ve never seen him like this. He was prancing back and forth in front of the door watching the clock until eleven. He must have thought you weren’t going to show up because then he took to his bed and started this.”
Now I know everything in my life these past few days had been strange, but this was even stranger. I heard a gruff, gravelly voice in my mind say, What’s he talking about? I never prance!
“What?” I said aloud, shaking my head in disbelief.
“I said, I think he’s brooding.”
Could it be that David hadn’t heard the voice?
“I’ll grab Half-Breed’s things and get them loaded in my truck,” he continued. “I’ll be back in a few and we can head over to the park.”
I nodded and when David left the room I turned to face Half-Breed. I heard the gruff voice in my mind again. Sleepy head . . . We tried to tell you it was time to go.
Oh my God! Was the wolf actually speaking to me? I knelt down next to him and stroked his head. “I’m sorry, Half-Breed. I’ll pay more attention to you in the future.”
Har-humph, he groaned aloud, but my mind heard, Apology accepted, don’t let it happen again.
I giggled. “Friends?” I asked.
Forever, he answered, lowering his head as if bowing in acquiescence as he placed his large paw lightly on my hand. I have a message for you from my Alpha.
“Your Alpha?”
Moheeladeck, he answered impatiently, and it dawned on me that this was how the wolf would view Moheeladeck, as his Alpha master.
“I can speak to him through you?”
Yes, that is one of the reasons he has sent me to you.
“Okay, what’s his message?”
I hate this, the wolf complained.
“He hates this? Hates what?” I questioned, confused.
No, I hate delivering messages dripping with human sentiment.
“Oh.” I giggled. Not only was I having a conversation with another species, it was with a wolf that had some interesting opinions.
So forgive me if I paraphrase.
Did he just say ‘paraphrase? ’ “Please, do go on.”
He says ‘Good Morning. He loves you and misses you. Well, a lot.’ YUCK. There, I gave you the message.
“Thank you, Half-Breed. Please tell him the same from me.”
The wolf’s gruff voice relayed my message to Moheeladeck, but I could only hear one side of the conversation, as if the wolf was talking into a telephone to Moheeladeck.
Then the wolf’s thoughts. Ewwwwww. I realize that you ARE the Alpha, but please don’t make me say THAT!
Before I could hear what my dream lover had said, David came back into the room. I was eager to hear the message Half-Breed was so reluctant to deliver. I hoped my disappointment wasn’t apparent.
I smiled as David said, “I see you two have made up.” He chuckled. “My truck is parked right outside. Are you ready to go?”
“Sure,” I said sheepishly, then stood, embarrassed to have been caught talking to Half-Breed. “I’m really looking forward to learning how to control this wolf.” Was it my imagination, or did Half-Breed growl under his breath?
David held the door open. While he locked up, I headed to the truck followed by Half-Breed.
Ha! I only let him think he controls me. I only answer to one Alpha. Besides, I hate the way he was looking at your butt just now. The wolf’s thoughts intruded into my mind.
He was looking at my butt?
Like a starving dog.
Oh my God—this is so cool.
You think him looking at your butt like a starving dog is cool?
No, I think it’s totally cool that we’re actually talking like this.
Yeah, it is pretty cool. But, Princess, you should know that Moheeladeck can hear my side of all of our conversations, so he’s well aware of David’s . . . ah . . . shall we say . . . interests.
Oh. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
David held the door to the truck opened and I climbed in. As he circled the rear of the truck to the driver’s side, he tapped the side of the truck bed and Half-Breed jumped in effortlessly.
“We’ll head over to the park and run through a few commands and I can show you how to handle Half-Breed. Although, you seem to have him wrapped around your little finger already,” David said with a
wide smile.
Mmm, that dazzling smile.
Grr filled my thoughts.
“He’s great! I think Half-Breed actually does like me,” I said to David.
“I think he does, too.”
The wolf’s voice intruded, I’ve pledged my duty to Moheeladeck to protect you. Liking you is a benefit, Princess.
I turned to David. “You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to this.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this, too. I could hardly stop thinking about seeing you again,” he said.
The wolf’s voice rushed into my mind with a growl Back off, Horn Dog! He Better Not Touch You! He Better Never—
Half-Breed, you’re over reacting, I thought and then cleared my throat. I’d better change the subject before that wolf makes a scene.
I looked over at David. He seemed at ease behind the wheel. “So, how long have you had Half-Breed?”
“He came to me a few weeks ago through a rescue service from up north. I don’t know too much about him, but I’ve been working with him. He’s smart and very well trained and I feel really confident placing him with you.”
“I think we’ll get along fine.”
The conversation for the remainder of our drive consisted of things such as what to feed Half-Breed, exercising him, and discipline. When we started to discuss the subject of sleeping arrangements, Half-Breed’s growl intruded into my mind.
What are you going on about back there, Half-Breed?
The wolf’s voice sprang up. Nothing of concern. I’m simply bored with hearing him talking on and on about my habits. And you’re sleeping arrangements are none of his concern.
When we arrived at the park, David got out and came around to the passenger door to help me out of the truck. He sure is handsome.
Grrr.
Oh, man. Is nothing sacred? I thought. I have got to get a grip.
David circled around to the bed of the truck. “Come on, Half-Breed, this is your chance to show off for the pretty lady,” he said as he clipped the leash onto Half-Breed’s collar, then led the wolf over to a grassy area and I followed.
“Okay, Pam,” David began as I came to stand beside him. He took my hand in his and our eyes met briefly as he slid the loop of the leash over my wrist.
“The best way to control Half-Breed is to keep the leash over your right hand.” He moved and stood behind me. “And hold the strap of the leash in your left hand.” He put his arm around me and illustrated placing his hands over mine.
Half-Breed’s growl filled my mind the entire time, as well as his complaining about David getting too close.
David smiled at me. “That’s great. Now lead him around and bring him back here. He knows how to heel, so he won’t give you any trouble.”
“He’s really gentle for such a large animal,” I said, smiling back at David as I led the wolf around in a wide circle.
David taught me the hand commands and we put Half-Breed through his paces, but soon I started to feel on edge. Is David standing a little closer than he should? Did his hand linger a bit longer when he touched mine to emphasize a command?
Half-Breed’s persistent grumbles only added to my uneasiness, and I hated knowing that Moheeladeck was hearing all of the wolf’s comments.
But despite the discomfort that came from Half-Breed’s complaints, I had a great afternoon with David. Half-Breed made it clear he didn’t care for the fact that we liked each other, and it appeared we did like each other . . . a lot.
We headed back to the kennel and David loaded most of Half-Breed’s things into the trunk of my car.
“Let me go inside and grab his bed and some of his food. You know, you can stop by anytime to pick up more food for him at no charge, my treat. It’s sort of expensive, he’s on a raw diet and after all, I feel guilty. It was Aunt Agnes who suggested you take him.”
“That’s very nice of you. You know, David, since the attempted break-in I haven’t felt safe. I’m so glad to have Half-Breed for protection and I want to thank you.”
We all went inside, and David was about to get the food and load it into my car when he said, “Can I take you out for a late lunch? Now? I mean today?”
I was surprised by his sudden offer, but realized I wasn’t ready for our time together to be over yet either. “I think I would like that very much.”
A growl rolled from deep in Half-Breed’s chest.
“What is it, boy?” David asked.
Silence.
“Maybe he’s hungry, too,” David said. He took out a bowl and put some food in it. “Here you go, Bud. You stay here and eat your lunch, and we’ll be back when we’re finished with ours.” He placed the bowl down near Half-Breed and turned to me. “I know a new place where the food’s great. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Come to think of it, I am.”
Half-Breed ignored the food bowl, moved closer, and sat right in front of me. He stared up at me. Please, Princess, don’t go.
It’s only lunch.
You know it’s more than that. He wants to mate with you.
“HALF-BREED, COME!” David’s voice was stern with authority.
Please, Half-Breed, don’t make a scene.
I’ll do as you ask, but only because Moheeladeck has commanded me to do so. He trusts you with his heart.
The wolf turned, padded over to his bowl, and started eating.
“Half-Breed, you keep an eye on the place,” David said, then facing me he said, “If you’re ready, let’s go.”
David held the door open for me. I heard the wolf’s growling voice. I don’t like it, either, but YOU are permitting it, and YOU ARE ALPHA. Personally, I would have bitten him in the—
HALF-BREED! My reprimand cut him off.
Chapter 10
David had said that the restaurant was a quaint, out-of-the-way place, but when we entered the parking lot, it was apparent that quite a few other people knew about it as well.
The place looked like a log cabin, rustic and rough with a front porch that seemed to be carved out of trees. We went in and David gave the hostess his name. The interior was charming with its circular bar in the center of the room, and booths all around it. Stairs on either side of the bar went up to a second story. The area above the bar was open so that the diners upstairs could look down. The nose of a small airplane was suspended above the bar and local artifacts hung on the walls. A model train chugged along and tooted every so often. It was a fun place and the crowd at the bar wasn’t at all rowdy.
We got a table right away. Did I see David slip the hostess a twenty-dollar bill? She led us toward a small alcove in the back, which was obscured from view by a variety of potted plants. She said our server would be right over. No sooner had she left than the waiter appeared.
“Hello, my name is Ian, and I’ll be your server this afternoon,” he said, handing us menus.
Although the menu was huge with dozens of delicious entrees, we ordered burgers. The place was starting to get crowded and music kicked in from somewhere.
“Guess we hit it just at the right time,” David said with a smile.
That smile. What is it about David’s smile that draws me in?
“This place is so different. I like it,” I said.
“Wait till you taste the food. It’s so good.”
“Really? Well, I’m a pretty good cook so I’m kind of critical.”
“Oh yeah?” he said. “Well, once you get moved back into your place again, I think you’ll just have to prove it.” Again, he presented me with that dazzling smile.
Ohhhhhh yeeeeaaaaah. He’s HOT.
“So, how long have you known my Aunt Agnes?” David asked.
The catcher softly vibrated against my bare skin. “Well, she’s worked at the museum since I was a child.”
“Yes, but she doesn’t usually make a habit of inviting museum patrons to dinner, so I assumed . . .”
“Oh, yes, well”—think-think-think—“She’s been helping me recently w
ith some research I’m doing for a work project.” That should keep his curiosity at bay. An alarm was sounding in my mind. Say nothing. Keep quiet! The catcher continued to vibrate over my heart. As much as I was really starting to like David, I couldn’t bring myself to confide in him. I had learned from recent experience to pay attention to the catcher. I changed the subject.
“Have you always wanted to be a dog trainer or breeder?” I asked. I should be safe as long as I can keep him talking about himself.
“No, actually, I wanted to be a veterinarian. My mom encouraged me because I always loved animals and sort of have a way with them. Aunt Agnes wanted me to go to a local college and stay close to home, but for the first time ever, my mother went against Aunt Agnes’s wishes and paid for me to go to a good school. I went to the University of New Hampshire. They have a great vet program there. I was making a lot of friends and had good grades.”
“What happened?”
“Two years into the program, my mom suddenly became ill so I came home to take care of her.” He got quiet for a minute. “She died a few months later and I guess my dream to be a vet died with her. It wasn’t in my heart to return to school.”
“I’m sorry. What about your father?”
“He died in an accident when I was three so I really don’t remember him at all. My mom raised me on her own after that. Well, her and Aunt Agnes.”
“She never remarried?”
“No. She said Dad was the love of her life and that I was enough to keep her busy.”
I smiled. “You miss her a lot, don’t you?”
“Yeah. It’s been tough on me.” He paused and then said, “You know, the whole kennel thing was her idea. Near the end when she realized that I wouldn’t return to college, she encouraged me to start the kennel.”
The waiter showed up with our burgers, made sure we had everything we needed, and then slipped away.
David told me more about his life and I felt drawn closer to him, but I still couldn’t tell him about the catcher.
“Do the police have any leads on who tried to break into your house?” he asked.
According to Legend Page 6
