by Lawna Mackie
“I do. That’s why I have to look out for her, but sometimes I can’t.” He rubbed his forehead and Samuel noticed the cut on his brow.
“I’d be foolish if I didn’t notice somebody like your mother, but I have to say that those matters are going to have to be between your mother and I. I will tell you that my intentions towards her will be honorable should we cross that path.”
Quinn nodded his head and stood up. “Thank you, Samuel.”
“Since we are having this frank discussion, may I ask you a personal question?”
The boy nodded again. “Sure.”
“I noticed the cut on your brow yesterday and having had a few of those in my time, I’m wondering if I might be of assistance?” Samuel asked.
“Really? Somebody hit you like this, too?”
He laughed. “Most definitely. Do you find that hard to believe?”
“Well, it’s just that you are so big,” Quinn explained holding his hands high.
“I wasn’t always this big, especially when I was your age. Would you like me to show you how to protect yourself? I’m sure your father would if he could be here.”
Shyly, Quinn looked down at the ground. “I doubt it would help.”
“You’d be surprised,” Samuel stated. “Come on down here and let me show you something.”
Quinn stepped to the ground.
“First of all. Watch your bully’s hands. He’ll have clenched fists if he’s going to hit you. If you see that, prepare yourself. Be quicker than he is by anticipating his moves. Stand with your feet apart and bend your knees, be prepared to step to the side. You try. Widen your stance and I’ll pretend I’m going to hit you. Remember to anticipate which way I’ll go, and be quick to move the other way.”
Quinn spread his legs with bent knees and Samuel jumped toward him. As expected the boy moved appropriately. He smiled. “That wasn’t hard.” Quinn sounded surprised.
“See, I told you that would work. It’s all about expectation. You expect what he will do and move accordingly. I don’t condone fighting, but I also don’t think you should be bullied.”
With a nod of acknowledgement, Quinn agreed.
“Now, if you need to strike back you do the same thing, but hit him when he least expects it.” Samuel went through a series of jabs, upper cuts and cross punches allowing Quinn to practice. “I used to practice on a bale of hay,” Samuel explained. “My father taught me how to defend myself. Once a bully knows you’re not scared of him, he’ll leave you alone.”
“I hope so,” Quinn said, encouraged.
“I suppose we should finish unloading this wood so I can get this wagon back to the sawmill.”
“Yes, sir.” Quinn jumped to the wagon and grabbed an arm full of wood. “Thanks for showing me that.”
“You’re welcome. I just hope you’re mom agrees.”
Quinn laughed.
The sun sat low in the sky when they finished and Samuel noticed how the boy kept looking up to the sky.
“Thanks for your help, Quinn.”
“I think I should say thank you, but if you don’t mind, I have to go.”
Samuel nodded. “All right. Where you headed?”
“I have a friend to see.”
He figured Quinn had a story behind that statement, but left it at that. Samuel watched as he removed his boots, then tore off into the house, returning with a filled sack. Odd, Samuel thought as he climbed into the wagon, taking the reins.
“Maybe you’ll be here for dinner?” Quinn asked before he took off down the street.
“We’ll see,” Samuel yelled after him. The boy certainly had something up his sleeve.
Quinn tore down the street. Once he hit the far edge of the park, he slowed his pace and entered the forest. The trees crowded out the remaining daylight, so he dug in the sack and pulled out the small lantern, stopping to light it. He continued on through the woods until he was sure nobody would see or hear him.
“Jazira,” he called.
Off to his side, he heard a whine and saw her bright red eyes shining through the trees.
“I told you I’d come back,” he said as the wolf approached.
Her tail hung down, but wagged furiously. She lay down in front of him and spoke. “I hoped you would come back.”
Suddenly, she put her nose in the air and her ears went back. She stood and leaned over to him, smelling his jacket. “It’s him. You have his scent on you.”
He squatted onto his knees, tilting his head, not understanding what she meant. “What do you mean? Whose scent?”
“Him. The man who pulled me from Lost Lake,” she stated.
He thought for a moment. “You mean Samuel pulled you out of the lake?”
“I don’t know his name.”
“Well, he’s a very large man. I don’t know much about him, but he’s been very kind to my mother and me,” he explained.
“I guess he did save me. At first I wasn’t sure, I thought I would drown again.”
Jazira’s nose reached the bag and nudged Quinn’s arm. “I’m so hungry,” she said, licking her nose.
“I’m sorry I didn’t have much time to gather stuff,” he apologized, pulling out some bread and left over eggs from the morning.
Quinn held the bread in his hand and their gazes locked. It was an awkward moment. Should he set the food down or hand it to her?
Slowly, a long string of drool slid from her mouth and down to the ground. He burst out laughing, almost knocking the lantern over. He set the bread down on the ground. Jazira snatched the food up and it disappeared without even a chew. Her eyes narrowed and her low growl surprised him. His smile faded and he held up his hand.
“It’s not nice of you to make fun of me,” she spoke quietly.
“No, it’s not like that, Jazira. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. You just looked so…well…you know,” he ran on quickly.
“No, I don’t know,” she replied.
“Cute,” he blurted out before changing his mind. Embarrassment washed over him.
For a moment neither one spoke. Quinn grabbed the bag and brought out the roast beef. He didn’t shy away this time. Placing the meat on the palm of his hand, he extended it toward her. While the shoestrings of drool were still there, she gently picked it up with her teeth, which were larger than any normal wolf’s teeth. Comparable to a bear’s teeth, he thought.
Through the glimmering light of the lantern, he noticed her canine teeth. They sparkled with gold specks, like something you’d find in the old gold mine. The color matched the stripe running down her back.
Quinn fed her everything in the sack. “I couldn’t take anything else. I’ll bring more tomorrow,” he stated with determination.
Her tail thumped on the ground, causing her to look around at it. “Thank you for what you did bring. I did almost catch a rabbit today,” she exclaimed with excitement.
Quinn grimaced. “Jazira, you need to be careful. There are bad things in the forest, like traps.”
“I know that smell, because of the man…Samuel, the one who saved me, I followed him. I know where the traps are.”
“Yes, but what about hunters?” he asked.
She shivered.
“I’m scared, Quinn. I don’t understand anything. Why did this happen to me? Girls don’t turn into wolves after dying.”
His heart broke. He’d do what he needed in order to keep her safe. “Don’t worry, Jazira, I’ll keep you safe,” he ground out.
She panted nervously. “I think I should be protecting you…after all, I’m the wolf.
That broke the tension and they both laughed.
Snow continued to fall and it was dark. “Jazira I have to go. My mom will be worried.”
She hung her head and Quinn was sure she cried. An idea formed in his head, born of his need to help her. “Do you think you could sneak through town without being seen?” he asked in a hurry.
“Well, I could try once everyone goes to bed.
Why?”
“We have a cellar. I could leave the outside entrance open for you and you could stay down there,” he said with assurance.
“That would be great.”
“Shoot, you don’t know where I live.”
“I’ll find you, Quinn. I could find you anywhere. I know your scent.”
He stood and picked up the lantern and empty sack. Jazira turned away from him and Quinn watched as she curled up underneath the bows of a huge spruce tree. He hated leaving her here all alone.
∗ ∗ ∗
Chapter Seven
Amanda fussed around her house, stopping by the mirror. She looked tired, she thought, pinching her cheeks. She wondered what Quinn was up to. She didn’t think he’d be too late.
She stared out the window, thankful for the wood nicely piled up outside. She smiled and walked to the fire, placing another piece on the hot coals. In the kitchen, she set plates out for three, just in case he showed up. No sooner did the thought enter her mind, when she heard a knock at the door. Unable to control her emotions, her heart raced with anticipation. In a happy trance, she walked to the door and opened it.
Samuel’s large frame filled the doorway. He removed his hat and she stepped aside to let him enter. When the door closed behind them, he looked over her shoulder, then scooped her around the waist and roughly pulled her to him, engulfing her mouth with his. He spun her around, pinning her up against the door while his tongue pushed between her lips. She moaned, sure she would explode before they went any further.
His lips left hers and she titled her head backward. Hot kisses and nips from his teeth traveled down the side of her neck. God, she’d never wanted anything so badly in her life. She was on fire. His hands traveled to the front of her dress, fumbling with the buttons.
“Amanda, tell me to stop now if you wish it,” he panted lifting his head. Need poured off him in waves.
She swallowed hard and blinked, but shook her head. “I may be damned, but please…don’t stop.”
He let out a breath of air. “I don’t think I could have.”
Samuel tore off his jacket and boots and grabbed her by the hand, pulling her towards the bedroom. They crashed through the door, groping and pulling at one another. Her lips reached up to nuzzle his neck, wanting to touch him. The citrus scent of the shaving soap still clung to his skin and she drank in the headiness of his male scent.
Between kisses Amanda quickly undid the buttons of her dress and let it fall to her ankles. Samuel stood staring at her and removed his shirt.
“Amanda, I swear I’ve never seen any woman more beautiful than you.”
She smiled in response and slowly removed the remainder of her clothing. A growl left his throat and he reached for her, thrusting his groin into her belly.
“Hurry, Samuel.”
In one swift movement, he picked her up by the bottom and set her on the dressing table. One hand took care of undoing his pants, while the other held her breast, pulling at her hardened nipple. His head dipped, taking her in his mouth. She whimpered with heated desire and grabbed him by the shoulders, pulling him closer. Amanda knew wetness covered her feminine folds, and when she felt his hard cock touch her there, she held her breath. She spread her legs wide. He lifted his head and their gazes locked. He was drowning in desire like she was. Without breaking eye contact, he pushed forward with the head of his penis, penetrating her. Her mouth opened with a gasp as her body accommodated to his size. She continued to hold his stare, as he thrust deep within her. She breathed deeply and the tingling started. He pulled out slowly, and then buried himself again.
Unable to control the tidal wave that built, her body shuddered and exploded like a million falling stars. She cried out, flinging her head back, continuing to ride the waves of ecstasy. His strangled breathing told her he struggled to control himself. He grew harder, and her body tightened around him with anticipation.
“Amanda, I can’t take much more,” he said desperately.
His words drove her crazy. “Yes!” she encouraged.
He plunged into her with a furious pace, and then grabbed her tightly, thrusting one last time, holding her to him. She felt his hot seed shoot deep into her centre, setting off a second heart-stopping climax.
They clung to each other, trying to catch their breaths. Amanda lifted her head to look at him. He stared down at her and bent his head, placing a gentle but smoldering kiss on her lips, leaving her breathless again.
When her thoughts returned, she smiled. “Quinn will be home anytime now,” she whispered.
He smiled back and placed a kiss on her cheek. He stepped away and bent over to pick up his clothing.
“I just need a few moment to freshen up,” she stated, gathering her clothes and leaving the room.
Amanda rushed into the washroom and closed the door, leaning against it. Her heart thundered in a frantic pattern. God, it couldn’t be possible, she’d only met him a day ago. But the ache in her heart told her it was true. She was falling in love with him, or perhaps she was already in love with him.
She quickly washed and put her dress back on. When she exited she found Samuel pouring himself a cup of coffee. He turned toward her.
“I hope you don’t mind me helping myself to a cup?” he asked.
“Of course not.” She blushed. What a silly emotion after what they just shared.
Amanda walked to the window. “I wonder where Quinn got to?” she worried.
Samuel walked across the room to stand beside her. “He’s a smart boy, I don’t think you need to worry about him. We had quite the chat today while piling wood.”
“You did?” she said, turning to face him.
“He loves you very much,” he said, taking a sip of the coffee.
“I don’t know what I would do without him.” She spoke with emotion.
“He wants you to find a husband.”
“What?” she stammered, shock getting the best of her. “He told you that?”
He continued to look out the window. “Yes, he pretty much asked me if I would marry you?”
“Oh my gosh! Samuel, I’m so sorry, I don’t know what must have gotten into him,” she exclaimed. Embarrassment flushed her cheeks with heat. “Perhaps because he was sick yesterday. Please forgive him.”
His deep-hearted laugh lightened the air. “He knows what a hardship you have without his father here.”
“We manage,” she replied, hanging her head.
She felt his crooked finger under her chin. “Yes, I know you manage, but it’s no way for a young, beautiful woman to live.”
She stared up at him and her stomach did butterflies. “Thank you for saying so.”
He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand tenderly. “Keep looking at me that way and I’m going to start thinking I can’t live without you.”
For a moment she wished that could be true. Instead, she changed the subject.
“I hope Quinn is okay, maybe he had another spell,” she said biting her lip.
“If he’s not back soon I’ll take a look for him.”
“Thank you.” She wondered if she’d been wrong to let him go visit with a new friend after school. It was dark and he should be home.
Quinn, darted out of the forest, back the way he’d come, until he came to the edge of the park. Only then did he slow his pace, but kept moving ahead quickly. His mom would be worried for sure and he wondered if he should consider telling her the truth. Who would believe him? A talking wolf…not likely.
He continued through the snow when he saw a figure stumble and fall to the ground, where it lay, unmoving. Why couldn’t he just keep walking? Quinn turned and entered the alley, stopping where the man lay face up in the snow. Immediately, he knew who it was.
“Mr. Jack…you okay?” Quinn asked.
When no response came, he bent over and shook the man’s coat. “Jack, wake up. You can’t stay out here, you’ll freeze for certain.”
A grumbled response came from his
mouth. Then the man pushed himself to a sitting position and squinted up at him.
“It’s you,” he slurred.
Quinn blinked, unsure what to say. “Pardon me, sir?”
Jack propped himself up against the building and reached in his jacket, pulling out a bottle of whisky.
“You’re Quinn, Amanda’s son, the one who has spells.” He laughed before taking a drink.
Quinn was immediately annoyed. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Jack laughed even harder and Quinn got angrier. “You shouldn’t drink so much.”
The laughter stopped and Jack pushed himself up the wall of the building. “Young Quinn, you don’t know what you’re are dealing with. Neither does Samuel.”
He shook his head, trying to make sense of the drunkard shaman. “What do you mean?”
“She’s a beauty, but not of this world. Do you understand?” Jack asked.
Panic gripped him. How did he know about Jazira? “You’re drunk. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Jack took a swig of whisky and blew it out in the snow. For a moment he stood perfectly still, then pointed at the dissolving snow and spoke. “It’s always the same, young Quinn. Lost Lake holds many souls. I’m not sure Christmas will be merry this year.”
Unable to speak, Quinn turned and ran with his lungs heaving. Sometimes he knew certain things would bring on the spells, perhaps over exertion, stress, or even the weather. He never knew for certain, but he knew he had to get home, and he hoped with all his might Jazira would make it safely to the cellar.
He rounded the corner. Not far from home, he noticed them. It just wasn’t meant to be his night.
Billy Ellis, Norman Strump and Thurston Winlop stood not more than three feet away from him.
“Well, look what we have here, guys,” Billy chided, rubbing his gloved hands together.
Quinn’s heart thudded with fear and his stomach recoiled with apprehension. He’d pretend to ignore them. Slowly, he stepped to the side, prepared to go around them. Thurston stepped in front of him, blocking the way.
“My Pa told me he saw you in the park after school. Whatcha been up to Quinny?” Billy asked sarcastically, moving toward him.
