by Lawna Mackie
“I talk,” she answered. “I saw you yesterday in the woods.”
“Are you from Lost Lake?” Quinn asked.
The beast’s large head lowered. “Yes, I believe so. A man saved me yesterday.”
“Saved you from what?”
“I didn’t know how to swim and he pulled me out of the water,” she blinked slowly. “I died over a year ago. I drowned in the flood. I thought I might die again.”
Quinn rubbed his head. He was logical, but sure enough he sat in the snow speaking to this wolf. “My father died in that flood.”
“I’m sorry,” she replied, then let out another cry and laid down. “I don’t know why I’m here and I don’t know why I’m in this form.” Jazira lifted her paw, looking at it in puzzlement.
The paw was unusual, large, but also deformed with an extra toe. Quinn could see the haunting sadness in her eyes. His reached out and touched her thick leg. The moment he touched her, sparkles danced between them and then up his hand. He pulled away.
“Are you scared of me?”
He knew all about people being scared of him. He was an outcast for being different. “No, I’m not scared of you. People are usually scared of me.”
“I used to be like you. My parents and I were on our way into Bandit Creek when the flood hit us. We traveled a long time to get to here. I don’t even know what I am now.”
“What do you mean you use to be like me? And…you’re a wolf, but bigger than a normal wolf,” Quinn answered turning his head to the side.
“I was a girl. I don’t know what a ‘wolf’ is? We didn’t have those where I came from.” She spoke, then licked her leg.
“Nothing has been the same since the flood, but at least I still have my mom. I’m sorry about your parents. Jazira, do you remember what happened when you were in the flood?”
She closed her eyes. “It comes to me in pieces, but I really don’t remember much, except for the screams of my parents. It got very cold and dark. I couldn’t breath. That’s all I remember.”
Quinn looked up at the sky. It was becoming brighter by the moment. “Jazira, I have to leave. Daylight is coming.”
She stood on all fours and her tail wagged. “Can I come with you?”
Quinn broke out in a laugh, and immediately regretted it when her tail sunk between her legs and she lowered her head. He stood quickly, but reached out and touched her head. “I’m sorry, Jazira, I wasn’t laughing at you. You need to hide. Stay out of sight. Don’t let anyone see you. If they see you, Jazira, they will shoot you for your pelt.”
She whined.
“Meet me further in the forest just before sunset. Stay away from people, they will hurt you,” Quinn stated firmly.
“But that man didn’t. He saved me. I’m hungry and scared,” she cried.
“I’ll bring you some food. Just meet me…okay?” He stroked her head watching the sparkles dancing up his hand and arm. He pointed for her to enter the woods. “My name is Quinn. I won’t leave you alone…I promise.”
She turned away from him slowly with her tail still between her legs. His heart broke in two.
“I’ll wait for you, Quinn.” Like a flash she disappeared into the forest.
He turned and walked quickly toward the schoolhouse. Could his life become any stranger? First his odd illness, and now a talking wolf. He looked up at the sky and spoke quietly. “Dad, are you out there? Are you something like Jazira? I miss you.”
He continued walking, hoping to make it to the schoolyard before the other kids.
∗ ∗ ∗
Chapter Five
Amanda started her day early. Mr. Murphy had been gracious to let her leave yesterday with Quinn, but she knew she’d have double the duties to take care of this morning. There would be supper dishes, and once the morning breakfast was over, she’d have those as well. On top of all that, the lady who normally cared for the rooms had taken ill.
The work helped keep her mind off things…off him. The man who’d stood in her doorway last night and kissed her, and she’d kissed him back. Her cheeks flushed with the memory. The dishes were done in record-breaking time and the lunch meal was cooking on the stove. Wiping her hands on her apron, she darted out the back door without her cloak, and up the steps leading to the rooms. After striping the first bed, she moved out the door, down the stairs and burst into the laundry room, which was also the bathhouse.
Amanda deposited the laundry on the floor when she heard the splash of water through an open doorway. Startled, she spun around with a shriek and found herself staring into those dark black eyes once more. Her mouth dropped open, as she stood unmoving, while drops of water cascaded down his perfectly sculpted body.
Samuel offered a cocky grin. “Don’t suppose you could hand me that towel?”
Oh God! What was she doing! She turned around instantly. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think anyone was left in the boarding house. Please forgive me.” She rushed toward the door, but Samuel’s smooth sultry voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Wait,” he ordered.
With her back to him, she stopped.
“You can turn around now. I’ve covered myself.”
She could barely breathe. Her heart pounded a frantic tempo and her body was on fire. She closed her eyes, wishing she didn’t feel this way.
What should she say? Slowly she turned and tried to avert her stare. He had the towel wrapped around his waist. For heavens sake, she shouldn’t be acting like this. She was a mother and a widow. Why did he have such an effect on her?
“I’m sorry for the intrusion, Mr. Campton. I truly didn’t expect anyone to be in here.”
“Am I back to being Mr. Campton today? I prefer Samuel. You know, before I left Alaska, my friends called me Snuff.” He nodded, his eyes wide.
Laughter broke from her lips and her hand flew up to cover her mouth. “Snuff? Like the chewing tobacco?”
“Yes, Ma’am. I broke the nasty habit, but the nickname stuck for quite some time,” he said.
“Well Samuel…I don’t seem to be quite myself when I’m around you. I’m sorry for laughing at your…other name.” Amanda lowered her head. “And standing here having this conversation with you, in this state, is surely inappropriate.”
He moved in her direction until he towered above her. His head bent to her ear and he whispered, “How do you feel when I’m around you?”
She was sure fainting would be inevitable. His closeness, along with the spicy scent of soap, rendered her helpless. She knew she shouldn’t have feelings for this stranger, but be damned, she did. Unconsciously aware of her actions, her eyes closed and she leaned into him. His hand slid up to touch the side of her cheek, then curved around the back of her neck.
She wanted him to kiss her, more than anything she’d wanted for herself in a very long time. His lips brushed against hers and instinctively her arms wound around his neck.
As the kiss turned to liquid fire, he pulled her tightly to his body, She opened her mouth and his tongue assaulted her senses. She moaned deeply, sinking into him…drinking from him. His hands traveled down to her breasts. Her nipples grew hard and she imagined what his hands would feel like on her naked body. Wetness pooled between her legs, something she thought she would never feel again. He broke away from her and she panted before slowly opening her eyes to looking up at him.
Hunger was what she saw. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him.
“Amanda, I want you. I can’t stand it,” he ground out.
She pulled him back down to her lips, pushing her weight against him. She felt his hardness and whimpered with desire. She broke the kiss. “I know I shouldn’t, but I want you too.”
With a scoop, he picked her up in his arms. “I have to have you. I need you now,” he said urgently.
She surrendered. “God forgive me, but yes!”
He turned, carrying her, when a “Hello” broke the magic.
Amanda watched him close his eyes and fling his head back
with disappointment.
She squirmed and yelled back, “Hello. I’ll be right with you.”
Samuel set her on the floor, but grabbed her bottom and pulled her up against his groin. In one swift movement, his mouth captured hers for one last demanding kiss. “I want you…soon,” he growled with desire.
She kissed him back, but stepped away and smoothed down her dress. Her gaze locked with his. She smiled and rushed from the room.
Her feet were slightly wet from the fresh snow, but she wiped them on the mat and entered the back door to the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her composure and walked into the dining room with a menu. Her smile quickly disappeared.
George Ellis sat at one of the tables. The hairs on Amanda’s neck stood on end.
“Well, I wondered if you were here or not,” George stated sarcastically, looking her up and down.
She reached over, as far out of his reach as possible, and set the menu on the table. “Would you like coffee?” she asked coolly.
“Stirred with tender loving care, please,” he jested.
Amanda moved back to the kitchen. How quickly her thoughts had gone from love to hatred. She poured the coffee and set it on the table before him.
He opened the menu and his eyes scrolled down the list. “I don’t see you on the menu, honey.”
“What would you like, Mr. Ellis?” she asked firmly.
The chair scraped along the floor as he stood. Amanda stepped back. He stepped forward, forcing her backward.
“I’ve already told you many times what I want.” His large hand reached out to touch her cheek and she swatted at him. She swore he waited for all her customers to leave before he came in.
“Stay away from me and keep your son away from mine,” she yelled.
The cynical laugh was pure evil. He stepped quickly in her direction causing her to stumble backward. Her head hit the wall as he pinned her up against the boards. “You’ll learn eventually, Amanda. You will be mine. When that happens, my boy will leave your boy alone, and until then, everyone will just refer to him as the freak of nature he really is.”
She slapped him hard, guessing she’d pay for that one, but in the next instant George was spun around and sent flying across the room.
Samuel took Amanda gently by the arm. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly.
George got to his feet with clenched fists. “You don’t know who you’re messing with, pal,” he spit out in anger.
“I believe the lady wants you to leave.” Samuel’s voice was deadly calm.
George sneered and pointed at her. “Remember what I said Amanda. I own this fucking town…and everyone in it. You will come to me.”
Samuel stepped forward. “Get the hell out before I toss you out.”
George Ellis laughed. “I don’t know who you are, Mister, but don’t plan on making Bandit Creek your home.”
He turned and exited the boarding house, taunting her as he went. “I’ll be waiting, Amanda.”
Tears fell down her cheeks and her legs threatened to give out. Samuel pushed a chair behind her, encouraging her to sit. “Oh God. What am I going to do?” she whispered.
Mr. Murphy entered the front door and looked at the toppled table and chairs. “Damn that man! One day he’s going to find a bullet in his back. Amanda, you okay?”
She stood and wiped her cheeks. “Yes, Mr. Murphy, I’ll be okay. Mr. Campton saved the day again.” She marched over to the chairs and put them upright. “Mr. Murphy, I’m sure I cause more trouble than I’m worth.”
He gave a hearty chuckle followed by a friendly smile. “You’re definitely worth having. The Misses and I couldn’t run this place without your help.”
“Thank you, Mr. Murphy. Quinn and I couldn’t do this alone. Now I’m worried about the trouble George Ellis is going to make for everyone.”
“Don’t worry yourself about that. He needs our business if this town is to survive.”
Samuel turned and headed for the door. “Amanda, I’ll be taking care of the wood for you now.”
She smiled and watched him exit.
“Don’t know a whole lot about that fellow, but he seems genuine,” Mr. Murphy commented. He set the table up right. “You need a good man, Amanda.”
Her cheeks heated. “Thank you for the thinking of me, Mr. Murphy.”
He headed to the back door then turned. “If George Ellis ever threatens you, Amanda, you do whatever you need to in order to protect yourself. Do you hear me? Kick him where it hurts, stab him, or throw hot water on him. Whatever it takes.”
“Good pointers, Mr. Murphy.”
The door closed behind him and she sat for a moment to gather her wits. Soon the lunch crowd would be coming in, and so would Quinn. She stood and rushed off to the kitchen.
After eating lunch, Quinn left the boarding house with his mom. She insisted on walking him to the schoolhouse, stating she needed a break.
“Mom, it’s cold out here. You don’t need to walk me back to school,” Quinn reiterated.
“I needed some fresh air,” she said, looking down at him with a smile. “I promise not to walk you right to the door. I’ll watch from afar to make sure you get inside.”
Quinn stopped and looked up at her. “Mom, is it okay if I spend some time with a friend after school tonight?”
She squinted and raised her brow. “I see.”
He looked down at the ground and scraped at the snow with his boot. “I met a new friend,” he said sheepishly.
“Really, who is the lucky person?”
“It’s a girl. Her name is Jazira,” he said looking up at her. He felt heat rise to his cheeks.
“I don’t know that name. Is she new to town? There seems to be more new folks coming to Bandit Creek each day.”
He smiled. “She’s very new to town.”
Bending down to his height, she hugged him. “I’m glad you want to spend time with somebody your own age. You may go, but I need you to do something first.” She stood back up. “That nice man, Samuel Campton, who helped us yesterday, insisted on bringing us firewood. Can you please see him first and help him unload the wood?”
“Yes, I can. It is nice of him to help us.”
“Yes, it is nice of him,”
He rounded the corner, heading to the school. “I love you Quinn,” she shouted. “Don’t be too late. I’ll bring dinner home.”
He rushed off down the street, perfectly happy and totally looking forward to seeing Jazira. Even if she was a wolf, she was the only friend he had.
∗ ∗ ∗
Chapter Six
Samuel left the mill and set out for Amanda’s home. He’d ordered a wagon full of wood to be delivered to her house. A fellow pulled up in the yard with a full wagon. Samuel sent him on his way after promising to return the horse and wagon when he’d finished.
The sun sank in the afternoon sky while he stacked the wood on her front porch. The supply wouldn’t last long, but he’d make sure Amanda and her son never ran out. He was deep in thought when he heard the voice behind him.
“Hello, Mr. Campton.”
Samuel turned around, looking at the boy who had his mother’s blue eyes. He dusted his hands off and extended his right one to the boy. “Hello Quinn,” he replied. “Are you feeling better today?”
Quinn looked at the ground as he shook Samuel’s hand. “Thank you for helping us yesterday. And yes, I feel much better today, thank you for asking.”
The young man was very polite. “It was my pleasure to assist.”
The boy looked at the wagon of wood. “I’ll give you a hand with that.”
Samuel nodded, accepting his offer. The two worked in silence for some time before Quinn spoke. “Mr. Campton, are you married?”
The words stopped him dead in his tracks and he laughed. “Well, that was a question I didn’t expect. I can tell you’re a very forward young man…I like that.”
“Well, are you?” Quinn questi
oned again.
Samuel placed a piece of wood on the stack and looked at him. “No, I’m not.”
Quinn grabbed another piece of wood and deposited it on the stacked pile. “My dad died in the flood,” he said.
“I’m very sorry to hear that, Quinn. I’m certain he must have been a wonderful father.”
Quinn sat on the porch. “I miss him a lot. Mom does too.”
“I imagine you both must miss him,” Samuel answered, guessing where the boy was going with the conversation.
“My mom is pretty, don’t you think? People tell her so all the time,” he said in a hurried pace.
Samuel leaned up against the post on the porch and laughed. “Yes, I reckon she is.” Quinn obviously had something specific on his mind.
“It’s hard for her…being all alone…and having to care for me.”
Samuel nodded. “I can see how difficult it is for both of you, but Mr. Murphy seems to be a great help.”
He let out a sigh. “Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy help us a lot, but it’s not the same. Not the same as when Dad was alive.”
“I understand,” Samuel agreed.
“Well, it’s like this, Mr. Campton.”
“Please, call me Samuel.”
“Mom needs somebody like…well…you… with her. I know I’m a handful and most people are frightened of me because, well…I’m sick, but I do try to help as much as possible. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I think Mom would like you. I don’t want her to be alone if something should happen to me.” Quinn swallowed with tears in his eyes.
Samuel stood unmoving. Nothing could have prepared him for this. He wondered if there had ever been a time in his life when he could have said something so grown up. Quinn was looking out for his mother.
“I think you and your mother are very special people. I’m glad to have met both of you. Most men I know wouldn’t have the balls to stand here and tell me what you have. I appreciate your frankness. I’m a man, and yes, I know how beautiful your mother is, but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that matters of the heart aren’t always so simple. I only met you both yesterday. You obviously love her very much.”
