Blood of a Werewolf

by T. Lynne Tolles

  Rowan went back to the hotel and crashed. Her body was so out of sync with being up all night and sleeping most of the day, but it was only for one more night. Then it would be all over – all over. These words kept repeating, echoing in her head. She fell asleep.

  Chapter 23

  Rowan had a sheet in the car and had just picked up a 12 pack. She figured she’d be nervous with Devon around, especially the naked thing, but she was looking forward to sharing the experience with someone.

  She pulled up to the front of the hospital and he was just walking out of the building. Perfect timing. “Hey, Devon.”

  “Hey,” he said as he got in the car.

  “When was the last time you got a full night’s sleep?” she asked, looking at him concerned.

  “Ummm...the night I met your sister, I think,” he answered, not actually realizing how long it had been until he said it.

  “I think you are due. You can cut out early if you like tonight, take the car, and crash in my hotel room. I’ve been crashing at Dean’s.”

  “Oh!” he said, surprised.

  “Not like that,” she said, then realizing, well kind of like that, but not really. “Here’s the key. Just leave the key in the room in the morning when you leave. They’ll charge it to my credit card. Then after you get Darby, you can swing by and pick me up. It’s on the way out of town anyway.”

  “Ok, thanks. So what are we going to do tonight?”

  “I don’t know. Do you like to run?”

  “I do,” he exclaimed with enthusiasm.

  “We do a lot of that. We play around, wrestle, and play tag. We hunt too, but I don’t kill. Dean does sometimes. I love running after rabbits. They're fast and they keep you guessing. They change direction on a dime, always keeping you on your toes. Last night we swam and chased frogs.”

  “Sounds fun. I guess it wouldn’t be too cool to play fetch with a Frisbee or something?”

  She gave him a glare at first, but as she thought about it she thought it might be fun. “Actually, that might be fun. I think too, that you and Dean have more in common than either of you thinks.”

  “How’s that?”

  “You have many of the same gifts: strength, speed, agility, smell, hearing, and telepathic abilities.”

  “I suppose we do.”

  “Makes me wonder, too.”

  “What?”

  “That maybe vampires and werewolves were brothers at one point – siblings even – who took different paths in dietary preference.”

  “Interesting concept.”

  “I thought so. So here we are. Dean’s grown up hating vampires, and he’s trying very hard to be accommodating here. Please be sensitive to that.”

  “I will, Rowan, I promise. I have no qualms with werewolves whatsoever. Please believe me. I have a great respect for the species.”

  “Thank you, Devon. It’s important to me.”

  “I know, and I understand more than you know.”

  They drove up to the house and got out of the car. Rowan carried her sheet and Devon the beer as a peace offering. They were greeted by Dean’s stern presence at the door.

  Devon offered his hand in friendship as he approached the door. “Dean, nice to meet you officially. Darby and I will forever be in debt to you for helping Rowan through this. You’ve been a Godsend.”

  “Ummm. Thanks!” Dean said, a little caught off guard.

  “Beer?” Devon offered.

  “Please,” Dean answered.

  “Rowan?” Devon asked

  “Definitely.”

  Devon raised his open beer and said, “To family and friends, not to mention the beautiful full moon.”

  “Cheers!” Dean and Rowan said, clicking beer bottles together.

  Devon, Dean, and Rowan talked for about an hour. Dean was reluctant at first and slow to warm up. Devon was his charming self, and though Dean would never admit it, Rowan could see that Devon was growing on him. It was hard not to like Devon. He was charming and funny and, whether Dean wanted to or not, he saw that he was genuine. All his life he had been taught what horrible creatures vampires were, but here was this man, not all that different from him in so many ways; it was frightening to Dean. He tried hard not to like Devon, but he just couldn’t win the battle. By the end of the hour they were all laughing and enjoying one another’s company.

  Rowan started to feel her skin tingling and looked at Dean; they both nodded. Rowan explained that it was nearly time and that she would have to disrobe and put her sheet on. Devon sat on the couch as Rowan went to the bedroom and Dean to the bathroom. Of course, Dean was the first to return in his towel and then Rowan came out looking like a Greek goddess in her makeshift toga.

  Rowan told Devon that she wasn’t sure if they would be able to communicate once they were wolves, but asked him to try telepathy with them. She told him that she and Dean spoke to each other that way once they were wolves. Devon asked if he should go outside for the transformation. Although Rowan was hesitant to show this vulnerable side, she figured if he was going to be with Darby, they’d probably run into this eventually. Better now than later when she might really be embarrassed. “No, Devon, stay. That’s why you’re here, after all. I trust you.”

  “Thank you, Rowan; it’s an honor that I hold your trust.”

  This made Dean smile that tiny incidental smile he owned. Tiny though it was, it was genuine.

  Rowan said, “Okay,” looking at Dean for affirmation and then to Devon, “Here we go.”

  Devon watched the two transform. There was absolutely nothing grotesque about it in any way. In Devon’s mind, he compared it to a beautiful dance, like watching a butterfly open its wings for the first time displaying such beauty to anyone who was lucky enough to be watching. Rowan was just as beautiful in her wolf form as she was in human form. Her pretty blonde hair transformed to a reddish brown, tan colored wolf. She was graceful and mesmerizing. Her beautiful blue eyes were the icing on the cake, contrasting brilliantly with her fur. Dean was a handsome beast too, brawny and strong with scruffy brown fur and hazel eyes.

  Devon focused his thoughts on Rowan to see if he could hear her voice and, like a radio tuning into a channel, he found it loud and clear along with Dean’s. They both looked at him as they trotted for the front door, only Rowan stopped and pushed Devon with her muzzle. Come on, lets go run.

  Okay! Devon said and they went out into the moonlight and ran. Devon had forgotten how much he enjoyed this. This was something that he and his brother used to like to do when no one was around so they could go as fast as they wanted.

  The two wolves took off after one another and Devon kept up with them. Rowan loved this. Being able to share this with him meant so much to her. If only she could do this with her sister, she thought to herself. But now was not the time to think about that; now was the time to enjoy what they had - the pleasure of the company of friends and family.

  They ran for miles under the beautiful moon, enjoying the rush of the wind in their faces. Rowan nipped at Devon’s heel, getting the cuff of his pants and tangling his feet, throwing him to the ground where she wrestled with him. She mouthed him as they rolled on the ground, like a dog and his master playing together, and Dean was so intrigued by this that he joined in. Devon was enjoying the roughhousing like he used to with Blake.

  They wrestled and played tag. Devon tried fetch and Rowan loved it, but Dean was hesitant. In the end, though, he indulged himself in a few fetches just to out-race Rowan, and he found that it was just as fun as tag. After several hours running and playing with Rowan and Dean, he told Rowan that he was exhausted, as she had guessed earlier that day. Do you mind if I head out? We’ve got another long day tomorrow on the plane.

  Not at all. Thank you for everything, Devon.

  Devon stroked her on the head between her ears, and then turned to Dean. Dean, I hold a great debt to you for all that you’ve done for Darby and Rowan. If you ever need me for anything, please don’t hesitate to conta
ct me.

  Dean nodded in gratitude. Devon continued, but I hope more that you would call on me as a friend. I think Rowan is right; we have more in common than I ever thought two different species could have and I would be very honored to call you a friend.

  Dean pawed at him as if wanting to shake hands, and Devon put his hand out. Dean put his paw in Devon’s hand and thought to him one word – ‘friend’.

  Thanks, Dean. I’ll bid both of you a goodnight. Rowan, I will see you in the morning.

  Bye, Devon, Rowan thought to him.

  As Devon was about to get in the car, he heard from the distance two howling wolves, wishing him goodnight. Devon smiled as he got in the car and headed for Rowan’s hotel room. He thought about his adventures that evening with the wolves and how amazingly perfect it had all been. He had felt a oneness with nature and an appreciation for how perfect and simple life could be. He wished that he and Darby could experience this amazing feeling, but as he thought he realized though their bliss was not the same as this feeling tonight, it was perfection in a different way - a way that was their very own. He was very lucky indeed. His love for Darby was all he could ever hope for and this closeness with her sister was like that which he and his brother had shared as boys. Now he had a friend where an enemy had been. Lucky wasn’t good enough to define all the compassion he had found these last few weeks. Blessed was the only word that covered it all accurately. Truly blessed.

  Chapter 24

  Devon slept well. He felt he could have slept another two days, but maybe he could do that once they were all home safe. He got up, showered, and dressed. He left the key in the room, as Rowan had requested, and headed for the hospital.

  Darby was a vision. The color in her face was back and her eyes twinkled. She was ready to go home. She had told Devon if she never got on a plane again, it would be just fine with her. Devon had to agree with her. With all the craziness of the last few weeks, he was ready for some relaxation himself.

  Devon signed all the discharge papers and helped the beautiful, healing, witch to the car. He was so happy to have her next to him outside of the hospital. The way Darby felt about planes, well, that was how Devon was feeling about hospitals. He was glad to be heading home, his home with Darby - their home.

  They headed away from the hospital and to the outskirts of Longmont to 1414 Old Oak Hollow Road, an address that had held terrifying expectations just a few days ago. This place now felt safe, friendly, and good. He looked forward to seeing his new friend in the flesh – literally.

  Rowan woke up that morning facing towards Dean. The only things touching one another were their feet, which must have been looking for warmth while they slept. She looked at his face to find that he was awake and looking at her.

  A sadness came over her that ached in her to her toes. How could she survive without him? Could she do this wolf thing without his help? Would she want to?

  He said in a whisper, “I’m going to miss you, Rowan.” His strong face seemed so soft and vulnerable at that moment.

  “I’m going to miss you too. I don’t know how to do this without you.”

  “You’ll know what to do; it’s primal, instinctual. It just happens. That’s not what I’m going to miss, though. I’ve been alone for a long time. I know how to survive alone and you’ll learn to do it too, but that’s not what I’m trying to say. I’m trying to tell you that I’m going to miss you as a human, as a wolf, and as Rowan.”

  “You’re just saying that because you don’t get out much. It’s not like there are a ton of women out here. Plus, I’m the only werewolf you’ve been in contact with for a while.”

  “That’s not it, Rowan. I live in the country but I’m only 15 minutes from town. If I wanted a woman I could go and meet one. What I’m saying is that whether you were a werewolf or not, I would feel the same about you. You’ll have to forgive me, I’m not very good at this kind of stuff, but I’ve grown incredibly attached to you, protective of you even. I can’t explain it because I’ve never felt it before and I don’t know how to verbalize it. I just wish to God you weren’t leaving so we could explore this, whatever it is.”

  “I wish I weren’t leaving either, but I think I need to clear my head. I have grown attached to you too. Too much so, I think. I need to understand if it is because we are wolves in a world of so few wolves, or if it is something deeper, more intimate. Can you understand that?”

  “Yeah. You’ve had a lot thrown on your plate. You need to sit back and digest all this new information.”

  “Exactly. I was hoping, though, before I go back to school in September, that you would consider flying to California for a visit. I could take you to Big Sur; we could go surfing or just hang together and talk. I just want a few weeks to clear my head and decipher my feelings.”

  “I’m not much of a traveler. I’m more of a homebody.”

  “I know, but it would be a treat for me to be able to show you some things you’ve never seen, like you’ve shown me things I’ve never experienced.”

  “I’ll think about it. Truly. The only person in the world I would even consider leaving home for would be you, so after a couple of weeks of missing you, I’m sure you could persuade me.”

  “Thank you, Dean, for everything.” She leaned in and kissed him and he returned it tenderly. It was an unforgettable kiss in passion and respect. Yes - respect was something she’d not felt from many people, but Dean’s respect for her was built on trust, friendship, and acceptance. That meant more to her than he would ever know.

  She got up and got dressed and waited for Devon and Darby to arrive. When it was time to leave, the tears spilled in torrents, touching Dean’s heart like nothing else he had ever experienced. When she hugged him on the porch she whispered in his ear, “Don’t forget about me.”

  He responded, “That would be impossible; I might as well have your name tattooed across my forehead. You are unforgettable, Rowan.”

  She kissed his cheek and pulled away. Just before she got in the car, she yelled, “Please consider my request for a visit! I’ll call you.”

  He nodded to her and waved. Devon yelled out the window, “Goodbye, friend! I look forward to our next visit.”

  “Me too. Bye, Devon, take care of them both.”

  “I will.”

  Darby waved as they turned the corner and headed for the airport. Finally they were on their way home.

  Rowan turned to look out the back window and watched Dean and the house became smaller and smaller. In many ways she felt she was leaving home. The tears fell when she could no longer see Dean on the porch, and they continued to fall all the way to the airport. She wondered if she had made the right decision.

  The flight back was uneventful and mostly filled with memories, rushes of feelings, and tears. Darby attempted to help console her, but Devon could see that Rowan needed some distance from everything and he pulled her back to him. Rowan was grateful for Devon’s insight and understanding.

  Once in San Francisco she could be alone. Devon and she had both taken their own cars, so Rowan was able to drive home in complete silence. She thought at first of not going home right away, but she was tired and she needed to find out if home still felt like home to her after all that happened.

  Devon pulled into his driveway and Rowan pulled into hers and continued to the garage. She parked, grabbed all her stuff, and went in the back door of the house. She was headed for the front door to unlock it for Devon and Darby, when she noticed someone sitting on the couch. All around him were vases of roses in every color imaginable. Shocked and speechless, Rowan could only stare as Darby and Devon unlocked the front door and walked in. Devon saw the shock and confusion on Rowan’s face as she turned towards them. Then Devon saw what Rowan had seen. There was a man on the couch surrounded by roses.

  “Blake, you’re back.”

  The End.

  Special Thanks

  A special thanks goes out to Jason Lilleboe who helped me with guy stuff and
fight scenes. To my readers: Cyndi True, Bonnie Tolles, Betsy Riccomini, Tina Rollins, and Lori Day – without you all, this book would have never made it any further then my computer. And lastly, to my family and most especially my husband, for enduring a dirty house while I wrote; thanks for putting up with me.

  Other Books by Author

  Book 2 - Blood Moon

  Book 3 - Blood Lust

  Book 4 - Bloodstone Heart

  You can also find out more about the author at the website.

  Table of Contents

  Title 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

  Special Thanks

  Other Books by Author