The Guardian (The Wolfe Series)

by Donna Oltrogge

  You’ve led your last group of crossers. Jake snarled from his vantage point overlooking the river. Painlessly the change took him over, stretching his limbs, feeling the wolf’s power in his arms and legs. His face elongated into a muzzle and his canines lengthened until they became razor sharp deadly weapons. A double coat of unrelieved black pelt spread over his skin until he stood a predator in tune with the fierceness of the desert and the rolling grasslands he called home. Jake watched his adversary, his stone cold blue eyes unwavering in their intensity as the coyote strode through the shallow water near shore, fifty feet ahead of the family struggling through the deeper water behind him.

  Jake was by himself tonight Taggert being down with a cold and Rand checking the northern boundaries of the Altar Valley for a group of crossers he’d heard had been abandoned in that area. Being alone mattered little to Jake as he watched the coyote’s stealthy approach. He knew that Taggert would rouse himself to help if need be, cold or no cold and that the helicopter would be available to Jake if he was wounded and couldn’t make it back to the ranch under his own power.

  Jake’s wolf sniffed the air and looked toward the Altar Valley, searching for the smell of the one who would be his mate. He didn’t catch her scent on the wind yet but he felt her danger and knew she was getting closer. Where the hell are you?

  His wolf raged at the frustration he felt deep inside and turned to direct that frustration and rage at the man who was just stepping out of the river.

  As soon as Arturo stepped out of the water he sensed he was in trouble. Jake leapt, not waiting for the coyote to recognize the danger he was in or to risk the coyote turning and grabbing one of the crossers to use as a hostage.

  Arturo reached for the hand gun that he always wore on his right hip but it was already too late to draw and fire at the black demon. He fell back into the water when the giant wolf hit him, knocking the breath from his lungs as the wolf sank razor sharp teeth deep into the man’s neck, effectively severing the jugular. The man didn’t have a chance to utter a word, a gurgled cry the only sound that escaped from his throat as the torn jugular vein spewed his life’s blood into the water of the river. Jake waited several more moments before releasing his death grip on the dead man and watching the body float away down river. Jake turned to face the family that had stopped in the middle of the Rio Grand, a look of horror covering their faces.

  Jake growled low in his throat, warning the father that he would be allowed to go no further. The man took one look at the giant wolf’s fierce eyes and motioned his family back toward Mexico, all the while glancing over his shoulder to make certain the monster wolf wasn’t following them as they waded once again back into the deeper water.

  Jake raised his head and howled, a long drawn out howl that sent shivers down the spines of those hurriedly fleeing back across the river. The howl was meant to intimidate, and not just the crossers he’d rescued. This was his and his brother’s territory and the howl was meant to let others in the area know that in no uncertain terms. Interference here would not be tolerated and those that tried would face the harshest of punishments.

  Jake raised his head and howled again . . .

  Chapter Eight

  “Did you hear that?” Laurie asked as she and Julie walked the final block to the Ritz where they were meeting Luc for lunch. Laurie stopped and tilted her head, listening with all of her senses as the echo of the howl faded.

  “Here what?” Julie asked breathlessly, struggling a little bit to keep pace with Laurie’s long-legged stride. The new Manolo Blahnik pumps she’d purchased for the occasion were killing her feet and she chided herself for not knowing better than to wear new shoes when they were going to be doing so much walking. She glanced at Laurie’s much more sensible flats and sighed enviously. “I didn’t hear anything.”

  “It sounded like an animal in pain.” Laurie cocked her head again, but the sound did not repeat itself. Startled, she grabbed Julie and pulled her out of the way when a very large black dog with a studded silver collar dashed out of the alley in front of them and took off down the street.

  “Did you see which way he went?” A harried-looking policeman asked as he ran out of the same alley moments later. “Big black dog,” the policeman elaborated when the women hesitated to answer.

  “That way,” Laurie pointed in the opposite direction of that which the dog had taken. “He ran that way.”

  “Why did you tell him that? You know the dog went the other way.” Julie pulled her jacket back down over her hips and straightened her hair, her heart still beating a fast tattoo in her chest. “That dog probably bit someone. It’s probably one of those killer dogs that you read about in the papers every now and then, sometimes even attacking and killing their own family members.”

  “No, he wasn’t a bad dog,” Laurie explained, although she was certain the howl she’d heard hadn’t come from that particular dog. In fact she was almost certain it hadn’t come from a dog at all. A wolf? In New York City? How improbable is that? “He’s just lost and scared.”

  “Your imagination is working overtime again,” Julie chided, knowing that Laurie’s imagination was also what made her such a successful writer. “You’ll never admit that an animal can be bad.”

  “People make for bad animals,” Laurie said as she warmed to her subject. “Animals are instinctual, they only kill to survive or to feed. People turn animals into killers by their treatment of the animals.”

  “Okay, okay, I get the point.” Julie sighed, hoping to get Laurie off her soap box. “There’s the Ritz. Finally! I’m starving and my feet are killing me.”

  The Ritz-Carlton New York was premier among the luxury hotels in Manhattan. Adjacent to Central Park it offered luxurious accommodations and amenities and its personalized service was second to none. It featured two-hundred and fifty-nine lavishly appointed guest rooms and forty-seven luxury suites and offered all of the elegance and charm of a private home in the heart of New York City.

  “May I help you ladies?” The doorman inquired politely as he moved to open the front doors.

  “We’re meeting a friend in the Auden Bistro,” Laurie said, liking the friendly twinkle in the older man’s eyes. She was nervous about this meeting with Luc and was desperately trying to still the butterflies that were fluttering around in her stomach non-stop.

  “A wonderful eatery, ladies.” The doorman motioned toward one of the bell hops who hurried over to assist. “Ricky will be happy to escort you.”

  “This way, ladies,” Ricky said enthusiastically, a smile lifting the corners of his lips. “I was wondering who our guest would be today since the whole bistro has been reserved.”

  Laurie stuttered to a stop so suddenly that Julie almost bumped into her, wondering just how rich Luc Rivera really was. “The whole bistro you say?”

  “I’m so sorry, I believe I may have misspoken. The reservation I was talking about is for tomorrow, not today,” Ricky said, suddenly realizing he had spoken out of turn and may have spoiled someone’s surprise and that such a mistake could cost him his job. The Ritz prized their customer service and also their discretion where their guests were concerned.

  Laurie knew a lie when she heard one and it was confirmed when she and Julie were escorted into the bistro’s stunning space overlooking New York’s 6 Avenue. The Auden Bistro perfectly mirrored the hotel’s impeccable classic design and the smells drifting from the kitchen caused Laurie’s stomach to rumble in anticipation.

  “I’m so glad you could make it,” Luc said as he rose to his feet and greeted the two women. He kissed Laurie’s hand, appreciating the understated knee-length pencil skirt that hugged her slim hips and the way her generous breasts strained against the soft sweater that she wore. He forced his mind away from her alluring form, pulling out a chair for each of the women and making sure they were comfortably seated before sitting down himself.

  Laurie wasn’t used to such sophisticated surroundings and found herself nervous all ov
er again. The man she’d seen with Luc the other night sat at a table nearby flanked by two other burly men. There were several groups of men like that seated at tables throughout the bistro. The men all had hard eyes and even harder expressions, their unblinking eyes trained on the table where Luc and the two women sat.

  “The cuisine here is said to be some of the best in New York City,” Luzaro said as he motioned for the waiter who had been waiting discreetly not far from their table. “It’s flavors are clean and simple yet the presentations are refined. They emphasize regional ingredients and seafood.”

  “How may I be of assistance, sir?” the head waiter asked politely. He’d been warned that their guest was very hard to please and that he expected perfection in both the food and service. And as the head waiter, he meant to see that the bistro’s reputation was upheld to the highest standards.

  “I’ll have another Manhattan, and for you?” Luzaro motioned toward Laurie.

  “I’ll have iced tea, thank you,” Laurie said, self-consciously, not knowing what else to order.

  “Oh, come on,” Julie cajoled. “Live a little, girl.” Turning to the waiter she said as she looked at the menu she’d been handed, “I’ll have The Big Apple. Chilled Van Gogh Apple Vodka with fresh apple puree served “up”. Yum.”

  “It’s not necessary that you drink alcohol,” Luzaro said, noticing Laurie’s distress. He was constantly surprised by the feelings he had for this woman. It had been a long time since he’d cared for another human being and he wasn’t sure he liked it. It made him feel vulnerable and that was something he couldn’t afford if he was going to hold onto his position as leader of the Crótalo. Luzaro sighed. Even though his mind told him to be reasonable and to draw back from this woman, his heart and body were telling him just the opposite.

  “You’re right,” Laurie said, tamping down her misgivings, determined that she would enjoy the afternoon with Luc and Julie. “I’ll have The Big Apple also.”

  “Thata girl,” Julie said, hoping the drink would help soothe her friend’s obvious nerves.

  They dined on Duck Comfit and Chicory Salad followed by Bucatini Pasta Pomodoro served with olive oil and garlic braised tomatoes, fresh basil and shaved Pecorino Romano. As good as the food and impeccable service was, Laurie still felt uncomfortable throughout the meal with so many eyes watching them. She was relieved when the meal was finally over and the head waiter approached their table once more.

  “Would anyone care for desert?” the head waiter asked, careful to address Luzaro and not the two women. “We have a wonderful warm apple cobbler, pumpkin cheesecake, and my personal favorite, our Molton chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and semisweet chocolate sauce.

  “Shall we try the chocolate cake, ladies,” Luzaro asked without waiting for the women to respond. He nodded his head at the waiter and the man disappeared toward the back of the bistro and into the kitchen, glad to escape the overpowering presence of Luzaro Rivera and his bodyguards.

  Enrique pushed his own plate aside having hardly touched his food. He was watching and waiting for the woman called Julie to succumb to the poison he’d paid so handsomely to have put in her food at Luzaro’s request. Not enough poison to kill her, just enough to make her slightly nauseous and unable to go with Luzaro and the other woman on their sightseeing tour this afternoon. Luzaro had wanted the blonde woman all to himself and planned to be his persuasive best in convincing her to see him again. Enrique was surprised that Luzaro was making such an effort with the woman and wondered why he didn’t just take what he wanted and have done with it. That fact worried Enrique more than he wanted to admit.

  “What shall we do this afternoon? The Empire State Building? Ground Zero? I’ve been wanting to see that.” Luzaro glanced at Julie and a smile lifted the corner of his lips when he saw the moisture beaded on her upper lip. “Is something wrong, Julie?”

  Laurie placed her hand on Julie’s forehead. “Are you feeling okay?”

  “I’m not feeling so great,” Julie said. She’d been feeling nauseous and slightly dizzy during the last part of their meal. There was no way she was going to get any more found down and the chocolate cake the waiter was carrying toward their table made her want to vomit. She took deep breaths and concentrated as hard as she could on keeping down the food she’d already eaten. “I think I need to go home.”

  Laurie jumped to her feet. “I’ll take you.”

  “Nonsense,” Julie said. “I’ll not have yours and Luc’s afternoon spoiled over my little old stomach upset. I’d never forgive myself. I’m sure I’ll be perfectly fine once I get home and can lay down for a few minutes. It must be something I ate.”

  Luzaro snapped his fingers and two of his bodyguards immediately rushed toward his table. “My men will see that you get home safely.” And that you stay there.

  “Oh, thank you, Luc,” Julie said lamely, not sure that she was going to be able to get out of the bistro without embarrassing herself. “You guys have fun and don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

  “Absolutely not!” Laurie said emphatically. There was no way she was going to send Julie home with two complete strangers. Julie gave Laurie a look of gratitude as she was rushed out of the bistro by the two bodyguards.

  “Your friend will be fine,” Luzaro said, trying to brush aside Laurie’s concern for Julie with a sweep of his hand. “My men take their responsibilities very seriously. She’ll be well taken care of, I assure you.”

  “I’m going with her,” Laurie said as she grabbed her purse and would have hurried after Julie if Luzaro hadn’t jumped to his feet and grabbed her arm stopping her in mid-stride. What the hell? Laurie jerked her arm out of his grasp, her emerald eyes flashing green fire.

  Luzaro realized his mistake and backed off immediately. “I apologize. You’re absolutely right. We should all go and make sure your friend is all right.” He turned toward the table where Enrique and the two bodyguards sat watching the drama unfold. “Enrique, get my car, we’re leaving.”

  Laurie’s expression softened immediately, glad she had misjudged Luc’s intentions. “Thank you for being so understanding.”

  Luzaro’s insides churned at the thought of their outing being postponed. He wasn’t used to being denied anything he wanted and had looked forward to spending the afternoon with Laurie. “Nonsense, it will give me an excuse to see you again. Tomorrow afternoon?” he asked hopefully as he ushered her toward the bistro’s exit.

  Laurie didn’t have the heart to deny his request, especially after the way he had helped Julie. “Yes, that would be nice.”

  “Are you feeling any better,” Laurie asked later that afternoon as she pressed a fresh ice pack against Julie’s forehead. Julie had lost her lunch the moment they’d gotten back to her apartment and had vomited several other times since then. She was pale and listless but at least she’d stopped vomiting which relieved Laurie to no end.

  “This damned food poisoning is a bitch,” Julie said, determined to erase the worry lines from Laurie’s face. “I’m sorry I spoiled your afternoon.”

  “You didn’t spoil anything,” Laurie said as she sat on the bed beside her friend. “Luc and I will being seeing the sights tomorrow afternoon so you don’t need to worry about that, okay?”

  Julie expelled a deep breath. “I’m glad to hear that. So what do you think of your Mr. Rivera?”

  “First of all, he’s not my Mr. Rivera.” Laurie found she was uncomfortable with that thought. “Secondly, I’m not sure about him. There’s something off about him, I just can’t put my finger on it.”

  “You’re probably uncomfortable with all of the bodyguards he has surrounding him.”

  “Yes, why does he need that many men to protect him?”

  Julie struggled to sit up and propped several pillows behind her. Leaning back against the pillows she said, “Men with the kind of wealth that Luc obviously has often travel with bodyguards. Nothing unusual in that, but if you’re really worried about it I can have h
im checked out by a friend of mine who considers himself a hacker extraordinaire.”

  Laurie thought about it for a few moments. “Let’s hold off on that. I don’t know if I’ll be seeing him again after tomorrow. He’s a little too intense for me. I think he wants something from me I’ll never be able to give him.”

  “Are you sure about that? He’s awfully handsome and charming. And all that money sure doesn’t hurt anything.”

  “I don’t think I could live the way he does,” Laurie mused. “You’d never have any privacy and you know how I feel about that.”

  “Yes, loner Laurie.” Julie shook her head. “I thought you were going to try and change that.”

  “I’m trying,” Laurie said in her own defense. “I agreed to go with Luc tomorrow, didn’t I?” She didn’t need to tell Julie about the mace she carried in her purse at all times, nor about the kick-boxing lessons she’d been taking the past six months. She had no doubt she could defend herself if necessary if Luc tried anything. What about his bodyguards, hum?

  “I know you are, honey,” Julie sighed. “Just call me the worrier. Hell, I’m turning into my mother!”

  Laurie laughed at Julie’s exaggeration, glad that her friend was finally on the mend. “We’ll see how tomorrow goes. He’s leaving town in a few days so that will probably be the end of it.” She hoped so anyway.

  The Central Park Suite was located on the third floor of the Ritz Carlton and looked out onto a magnificent view of Central Park. It boasted a large entry foyer and two living rooms and the adjacent dining room with private service entrance seated eight comfortably. Seven-hundred count linens, plush terry robes, and the very finest in toiletries pampered guests from around the world.

  The two men seated in the main living room noticed little of the details of their sumptuous surroundings. They were used to the finest and had become jaded to the point where very little impressed them. That’s why Luzaro’s declaration had stunned Enrique to such a degree.