“Michael, umm, things are fine. How are things in Canada?”
“What’s wrong? You sound funny”
“Well, you woke me up, and I haven’t had time to pull myself together.”
“Are you sure that’s it? You haven’t had any episodes have you? Did Remus Wind River come to check on you? Have you called Dr. Constantine?”
“One question at a time, please,” Maddie said, getting annoyed. “No, I haven’t had any episodes. Yes, Mr. Wind River came to check up on me yesterday, and, no, I haven’t called the good doctor. I’ve had no reason to call him.”
“Don’t try to run Mr. Wind River off, Maddie. I want him checking up on you for me. It gives me peace of mind to know he’s near.”
“Was there a purpose to this call, other than to annoy me, of course?” Maddie let the sarcasm come through her tone clearly.
“Don’t be a smart ass. I was lonely and wanted to hear your voice. I’m sorry for waking you. I honestly didn’t think you’d still be sleeping. I’ll try to be more careful when I’m harassing you in the future,” he snickered, annoying her even further.
“Now who’s being the smart ass? I’m fine, everything’s fine. I slept better the last two nights than I have in years, straight through without waking or having nightmares. That should tell you something.”
“Maddie, if this turns out to be good for you, then nobody will be happier than me. But I’m still hoping that when I come home, you’ll come back and live with me. You can keep the cabin for vacations, but I want you in the city with me. I like having you in my home and my life.”
“That is so not happening, Michael, not in this lifetime. You need your space, too, you know? You need to find a nice woman and get married. Believe me, you’ll have much better luck dating if you’re not living with your spacey sister.”
“Maddie!”
“No, Michael, I’m not discussing this with you right now. Since I just got woken up, I need to get moving and take care of personal business, if you know what I mean. Now, I’m going to say so long, glad you called, and stay well. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“All right, I can take a hint. I’ll call you in a few days, but please think about what I said.”
“Okay, brother dear, I’ll think about living with you when you return. Happy now?”
“Deliriously. Have a great day, kid! Talk to you soon. Bye, love.”
“Bye, Michael.”
Slowly, she hung up the phone. Sitting up in the bed, she glanced over at her reflection in the mirror. “Okay, I’ve given it some thought, and I reject his proposal that I come and live with him again.”
Feeling silly, Maddie giggled and raced toward the bathroom to start her day.
After taking a quick shower and dressing, she went to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast. Crossing the room, she heard something scratching at the front door. Walking quickly to the window, she peeked out and saw the black wolf standing on the porch. Delighted, she rushed over to the door and opened it, then stared down at the wolf.
“Well, good morning. Do you want to come in this time?”
After Maddie’s greeting, the wolf walked past her through the front door and continued on to collapse on the couch in front of the fire.
She glared at him in astonishment. “Well, it certainly looks like you’ve been in here before. Did Grandpa let you come in and keep him company?”
The wolf continued to stare at her, giving her the eerie feeling that he understood everything she said.
After fixing herself a bowl of cereal, Maddie sat down next to the magnificent animal on the couch to eat. Once she was seated, he scooted closer and lay down with his head and front paws over her lap. When she finished her breakfast, Maddie reached over to set the bowl on the table and leaned back to pet the wolf’s head.
I wish I had a best friend to talk to. There are so many things inside me that I want to share with somebody.
She looked down at the beautiful animal and realized that he was the closest thing she had to a best friend.
How ridiculous is that? My closest friendship is with a wild animal!
“Wolf, I had the strangest dream last night.”
The animal raised his head to stare at her. She laughed.
He looks like he’s ready for me to tell him a story.
“It was so erotic, which is weird because I haven’t had any romance in my life, so how would I know what was erotic and what wasn’t? The most romance I’ve been exposed to was in books, and I’m not sure if they were erotic or not. All I know is that they made me just plain hot!” She jumped, startled when the wolf gave her that chuffing sound again that was so much like laughter.
Absently, she began rubbing her hand down the wolf’s back while she thought back to her dream, then proceeded to tell him more about it.
“It was so good, wolf, the things he made me feel. I’ve never had kisses like those. He made me wish I could feel his tongue in other places.” Maddie laid her hand over her mound through her jeans. She looked around guiltily. She had this weird feeling like someone was watching, or listening to her. Maddie sighed, and settled back down into the cushions of the couch. “Even now, I can feel my nipples hardening and rubbing against my bra, and my panties are wet just telling you about it.”
Her wolf shifted around on the couch and burrowed his head over to sniff between her legs. Slightly stunned, Maddie laughed and pushed his head away.
She gazed into the wolf’s eyes. “I want it for real, wolf. I want his hands and mouth on me, and I want to make love with him completely. I’ve never been with a man, but I know with him it would just be so perfect.”
Maddie leaned her head back on the couch, closed her eyes and whispered. “Oh, Remus, would it be like that for real with you?”
She was surprised when the wolf jumped off the couch and walked over to the cabin’s door. He looked back at her and yipped.
“I guess you’re ready to go back outside, huh, big fellow?”
Sighing, Maddie got up and came to open the door for him, then watched as he took off running down toward the trees. “Hmmm, guess my love life wasn’t of any interest to him.”
Laughing, she shut the door and headed back to the couch. She’d only taken a few steps into the room when the phone rang. “Oh, great. What does Michael want now?” She glanced at the receiver but didn’t recognize the number on the display. “Hello?”
“Hello, Maddie. Dr. Constantine here.”
Maddie froze at hearing the voice of the man who tormented her for so long. “Dr. Constantine, how did you get this number?” Maddie voiced her question, not bothering to mask her fury.
“Now, Maddie, don’t be that way. Michael gave me your number. He wants you to be safe as much as I do. After he talked with you yesterday, he was worried, and he asked me to give you a call to evaluate your condition now that you’ve been out on your own for a short time.”
“My condition, Doctor, is just fine and none of your business. I don’t need your services at all. As a matter of fact, I’ve never been happier or healthier than here in my grandfather’s cabin.”
“How are you handling the episodes, Maddie? Have you had any instances where you lost control since you’ve been there?”
“I’m sure my charming brother already told you about getting his dirt shower, but he probably failed to mention that he provoked me into anger at the time.”
“I’ve told you time and time again…”
“Just a minute, Doctor, there’s someone knocking at my door. I’ll be right back.”
Maddie laid the phone down without waiting for his response. She’d heard the firm knocking and now hurried over to the window to see who it was. Smiling when she saw Remus standing on the porch, she hurriedly opened the door. It never occurred to her to be embarrassed about their last meeting.
“Hi, Remus, come on inside. I’m on the phone, but I’m about to be off. Why don’t you have a seat in the living room, and I’ll be right
back.”
Maddie pointed toward the couch and then picked up the phone on the table. Walking toward the kitchen area, she resumed her conversation.
“Sorry, Doc. I have a neighbor here to visit, so we’ll have to cut our conversation short.”
“Before you go, Maddie, I want to finish my thought. You know I’ve told you over and over again that we can control your anger outbursts with drugs. That would almost completely stop the violent episodes. Your brother agrees with me that you need some kind of treatment if you’re determined to live out in the world with other people. You don’t want to hurt anyone, do you? Wouldn’t it be easier and better for you to just visit out in the world during the day but come back here to the clinic at night to get treatment?”
“No, it wouldn’t be better for me. I won’t take your drugs ever again, Doctor Constantine, and that’s final. I’m not a minor anymore, and I’ve already had a judge say I can make my own decisions. I choose to live here, and I choose not to have you as a physician any longer. I can’t say it any plainer than that.”
“Maddie, it may not be up to you. No, you’re not a minor, but your brother can still petition the courts to be named guardian if we feel you’re a danger to yourself or others. Don’t make us take you back to court, Maddie. Try to think about what’s really best for you and what’s best for your brother. You have to know he won’t move forward with his own life as long as he feels obligated to take care of you.”
Maddie saw red. She couldn’t believe he was trying to make her feel guilty about her brother’s life. “Doctor Constantine, don’t call me again. My brother is not obligated to me in any way at all. I’ve made my decision, and nothing is going to change my mind. Goodbye.”
With that, Maddie slammed down the phone in anger, forgetting she had company.
How dare he threaten me! I’m not going to let him, or Michael, or anybody else send me back to that place. I won’t go, I won’t!
Suddenly, the candlesticks on the fireplace mantle flew onto the floor, followed closely by Remus jumping off the couch.
Oh my God, what have I done?
Maddie was horrified. She didn’t think she’d be able to stand it if she frightened Remus away.
“Oh, God, Remus, are you all right?”
* * * *
Remus smiled when Maddie opened the door and then frowned when he could sense her anger. He was relieved when he realized she was angry with someone on the phone and not with him. He went in and sat down on the couch while she carried the phone off toward the kitchen area to finish her call. With his enhanced hearing, it was easy to hear her conversation. It pleased him to hear her giving Dr. Constantine the brush off as he tried in vain to get her to come back to the clinic. It was one less thing he’d have to worry about.
He heard her tell the doctor goodbye, then jumped off the couch when the candlesticks on the mantle jumped out at him.
“Oh, God, Remus, are you all right?” The look on Maddie’s face said she felt terrible by what she’d done.
Remus chuckled, amused that her gift caught him off guard. “I’m fine, Maddie, it just surprised me is all. I take it the good doctor got you angry.”
When she looked shocked, he smiled sheepishly at her.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but hear your part of the conversation.” He didn’t tell her that with his increased hearing, he heard the doctor’s part of the conversation as well.
Remus felt true regret when he saw how much he embarrassed Maddie.
“Yes, he made me angry. He and my charming brother have decided that, just maybe, I should be locked away again for the good of mankind.”
He could easily tell she was struggling to control her emotions.
Remus walked over to Maddie, careful to mask how angry he was at the thought of her brother trying to take her away, and put his arms around her, pulling her close to his body. He was pleased when she didn’t pull away, and in fact, laid her head on his chest. Gently, he placed a kiss on the top of her head and tightened his arms around her.
“Maddie, you’re not a danger to anyone, especially yourself. I’ll be here for you, and I’ll protect you from the doctor. You have my word.”
Remus smiled when he felt Maddie’s arms come around his waist and hug him tightly. “I believe you. I really do,” Maddie whispered to him.
Pulling back so he could look into her eyes, Remus smiled and attempted to cheer her up. “How ‘bout we blow this pop stand and take a walk together?”
“Pop stand? Boy, you sure talk funny for a country boy.” Maddie laughed and smiled at him. “But I’d love to take a walk with you.”
“Let’s go, then.” Remus took her hand and pulled her out the back door and down the steps. Continuing to hold her hand tightly, he led her down toward the riverbank.
Content to walk along in silence, they continued downstream, following the riverbed until they came upon a shaded area still carpeted with soft, green grass despite the fact that winter was just around the corner. Remus stopped, gazed out over the flowing river, then turned and smiled at Maddie.
She seemed nervous when she smiled back up at him. He could see the tips of her breasts poking at the front of her shirt. The scent drifting up from between her legs told him she was wet with desire. Her breathing became erratic, and her body began to tremble in his arms.
Remus was having trouble controlling his need to claim Maddie as his own. Being able to smell her desire, he wanted nothing more than to lower her to the ground and explore every inch of her beautiful body. He could envision mounting her and plunging his throbbing cock deep inside her welcoming warmth while he marked her as his own with his canines. These thoughts made his jeans feel about two sizes too small. He was in danger of having a permanent zipper imprint on his cock if something didn’t happen soon. Unfortunately, both their needs would have to wait. Maddie was nowhere near ready to learn all about his wolf and being his mate.
Remus tugged on Maddie’s hand, pulling her closer to the warmth of his body. Lowering his head, he gently brushed his lips across hers, once, twice. Then, with a groan, he covered her lips with his while sweeping her up into his arms. Unable to stop himself, he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips to taste her. His senses were swimming in the intoxicating aroma of her arousal.
Maddie parted her lips allowing his tongue to sweep inside. Elated at her response, he placed one hand on the back of her head and tilted it just to the right angle to deepen the kiss. His other arm snaked around her waist to pull her body into even tighter contact with his. He was overwhelmed to feel Maddie slide her hands up his arms and grip his shoulders tightly. Feeling his passion flare at her acceptance of his kiss, Remus slowly began lowering her body down into the soft grass. He wasn’t surprised to feel her hands pushing against his arms in an attempt to make him release her. It was hard for him to remember his mate didn’t have any experience with the opposite sex. He’d have to stop pushing her so hard.
Remus loosened his hold on her but didn’t release her from his embrace. “Shh, it’s okay, Maddie. I’d never do anything to hurt you. You don’t have to worry. I’ll always stop if you tell me to.” Remus laid his cheek against her hair as he crooned comforting words to her. It pleased him to feel her relax her body into his embrace.
“I’m sorry, Remus. I’m just not use to this. I guess it makes me a little uncomfortable.”
“To this?” Remus teased her. “What’s this?”
Maddie flushed a bright red. “You know what I’m talking about. This. Kissing, hugging, being close to someone.”
Remus laughed. “I’m sorry, Maddie, I can’t help but tease you. You look beautiful when you’re all flustered.” He watched as her face became even redder and decided it was time to make her feel comfortable again. “I’d like to spend some more time with you, Maddie. Would you like that? Would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow night?”
She looked up at him, her pleasure showing in her face. “I’d love to, Remus. It
sounds like fun.”
“That’s great. I’ve got to go into town for some supplies, so how about I pick you up about four o’clock. We can make a quick stop at the market, and then we’ll have dinner at the diner. Will that be okay?”
“That’s perfect. I haven’t been off the mountain since Michael left, so I could probably stand to pick up a few things at the market myself, if that’s okay with you.”
“That’s fine. I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you.” Remus pulled her closer and touched his lips to hers. He was surprised when she opened her lips and touched her tongue to his. He didn’t have the strength to turn down her innocent invitation. Remus pulled her tightly against his body and plunged his tongue deep into her honeyed warmth. Before he realized what he was doing, he’d ground his erection against her jean clad thighs.
Remus felt her body tense, and she began to push him away again. When he felt her withdrawal, he released her lips to run light kisses over her closed eyes, then over to her earlobe, which he took between his lips and sucked lightly.
“You’re so beautiful, Maddie. You take my breath away.”
“Uh, Remus, maybe it isn’t such a good idea for us to go out tomorrow.”
Remus could hear the fear in her voice and hated that he’d been the one to put it there. “I’m sorry, Maddie, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’ve never felt like this about anybody before, and I just keep wanting to be closer to you.”
Maddie gave him a doubtful look, and he couldn’t really blame her for her feelings. It was a surprise to him, but he was telling the truth. He felt things when he held her in his arms he never experienced before.
“Come out with me, Maddie, please. I promise to be on my best behavior. I’ll always back off if you tell me no. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll never hurt you, and I’ll try to never make you uncomfortable.”
Maddie took a deep breath and then smiled. “Okay, I’ll be ready by four o’clock.”
Remus closed his eyes briefly, relieved he hadn’t scared her off. “Okay, then, I think we better head back now. I’ve got a business meeting this evening I can’t miss.”
Discovering Their Wolfen Heritage Page 4
