“Let me drop you off at the door.” Ragen pulled her car in front of the office building. “I’ll find a spot down the block.”
“Okay.” Patty frowned. “I’m sorry to leave you. Are you sure?” She opened her door to get out. “I hate for you to walk by yourself.”
“Yes, go on.” Ragen waved her hand shooing Patty out. “I’ll be fine.”
“All right. When you come in, sit so I can see you. I’ll be worried otherwise.”
“No problem.” Ragen waved again as she got out. “See you soon.” She watched Patty walk into the building.
She drove several blocks until she finally found a space to park on a side street. All the businesses along the street appeared closed for the evening and there wasn't a soul to be found. Just as she opened the door, a loud clap of thunder sounded, making her jump. It was suddenly dark, the full moon disappearing behind the gathering clouds. “Damn, I don’t have an umbrella!” Ragen checked the back seat but couldn’t find anything to cover her head.
In a hurry, she grabbed her purse then got out of the car. Hopefully she could make it inside before the rain began. She closed and locked her door and started making her way back toward the office building.
“Hey pretty lady.” A tall bald man took up right next to her keeping up with her stride. Startled, Ragen flinched yet kept on walking. “You’re looking good, sexy baby.”
“My date’s waiting. He’s just up the street.” She picked up her pace.
“He let you park the car all by yourself? Nice date.” He chuckled. “Hey, I really dig your car. Why don’t you give me the keys and your purse, so you can keep your date tonight? Or you can come with me and we can party.”
“Sounds good.” Another man suddenly appeared from one of the alleyways they passed. “She looks real good to me. I’d like to fuck her. We can share the bitch.”
“People are waiting for me. Here’s my keys.” She tossed them to the first guy and he caught them. “Now, get away from me,” Ragen yelled. “Get away from me, or I’ll scream louder.”
“How generous of you.” He dangled her keys. “But I’m thinkin’ I like my buddy’s idea. You’re really fuckable. Your tight dress molds your ass nicely.” He smacked her behind. Ragen yelped then she started to walk faster.
Just before she was about to start to run, one of the men grabbed her arm. “Hey baby, don’t be thinkin’ about getting away from us.”
She glanced around to see if there was anyone or anyplace she could go for help. “Listen, take the freakin’ car,” she yelled. “I don’t care, just leave me alone!” Strangely, her entire body started to tingle. The palms of her hands ached, growing hot. Her insides warmed as her fear increased.
“You’ll have a hard time running away from us with those high heeled shoes.” The man squeezed her arm, but he still did not stop her. Ragen yanked her arm back and hit him with her purse.
The other man grabbed her around the waist. “Now, now bitch, don’t go hitting us,” he whispered in her ear. “Her skin is so hot.” He loosened his hold.
A sizzling sensation traveled up her spine. Just as it was about to emerge from her body, a male voice hollered from across the street. “Hey!”
The two men released her, seemingly stunned, and all three stood staring as a large silhouette emerged from between two buildings. “Drop her keys or I’ll run you two down like two fucking bitches in heat. And when I catch you, I’ll rip your bloody heads off. I have a thirst for blood tonight.” He growled the last few words.
Ragen couldn't make out the man's face, but the voice was deeply masculine, almost menacing. Its sound sent tremors through her, and for a moment Regan felt unsure which of the men around her she should be fearing more.
She made a quick decision. Wrestling free of her attackers, she darted as fast as she could toward the unknown man in the shadows. The other men turned, taking off in the other direction.
As she reached the alley, the heel of her right shoe caught in a sidewalk crack twisting her leg and sending her body flying forward. Strong arms caught her, stopping her from hitting the ground. “I’ve got you.” His voice was smooth, reassuring. “It’s okay. You’re safe.” He pulled her closer, and she allowed it, resting her face against his shirt, inhaling his clean masculine scent. She could feel his musculature beneath her fingers and felt safe in his arms, soothed.
They stood quietly for several moments. She held onto him as he rubbed her back, feeling snug in his embrace. “Better now?”
She moved back, and he helped regain her balance as she removed her other shoe. “It hurts a bit.” She grimaced rubbing her ankle. “But I heal fast. Thank you.” She readjusted her dress tugging it down her thighs.
“I’ll be right back.” He stepped away from her to examine the ground near where the men turned to run. “I think I heard him drop your keys.”
The street was deserted. Only a few lights cast shadows on the buildings around them. The area looked more eerie somehow than it had before, and a shiver ran up her spine as she remembered what had just happened.
He re-entered the alley and handed Ragen her car keys and the high-heel she’d lost when fleeing her attackers. He was enormous. Nearly two times the size of the men who had accosted her. “Thanks,” she said.
“Do you want to call the police?”
She looked toward the direction where her car was parked. “I don't know. I’m just so relieved you came along when you did. I’ve never been so afraid. I didn’t know what to do.” She giggled nervously, and the sound had an edge of hysteria to it.
“Where are you headed? I can walk you there.” They both stepped out of the alleyway onto the main street. She could finally see him more clearly. And for a moment, her mind was unable to form a thought. He had unusual amber eyes. She was a tall woman, but he made her feel small standing next to his bulk and height. He was gorgeous with dark hair that carelessly hung down over his forehead. In fact, he was easily the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Deep inside her a flame ignited in her womb making her feel warm all over. Her heart started racing, and this time it was not from fear. Her palms were damp. He was making her feel like a swooning teenager.
“I was on my way to the Tyler medical building. I’m here for a fund-raiser. I have a friend waiting for me there. You may have to help me, though. My shoes are a bit banged up.” Using him for balance, she readjusted both heels as well as she could. He took her hand and placed it on his arm, his touch making her heart quicken.
“So your friend let you park the car by yourself?” Her rescuer frowned.
“No.” Ragen shook her head. “My girlfriend’s the speaker. We were running late. I let her off at the door and told her I would find a place to park.” Ragen smiled up at him, her gaze drawn to his. His eyes were an amazing contrast against his tan skin and black hair. “You have amber eyes.” She cocked her head to the side as she studied him beneath the streetlamp. “Or, are they contacts?” she asked, her inquisitive nature taking over her tongue. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude. I just could not resist commenting. They are that…incredible.”
“No, I’m a member of a rare group of people who actually have amber eyes. I hope they don't spook you?” He grinned down at her. His smile was open and friendly putting her at ease.
She shook her head, strands of her hair falling loose around her face. “No. I’ve heard of that. They’re stunningly beautiful. You look like...a handsome wolf.” Ragen felt her face warming. Had she really said that?
He grinned. “You think so? You like wolves?”
She looked down, inhaling deeply to get herself together, then returned her eyes to his. They were enthralling, holding her attention like a magnet. She could not look away. “I do. I'm a vet. I did an internship at a local zoo working with the wolves. I still volunteer there at times. Wolves are beautiful animals. Majestic, intelligent, fierce. They are fascinating and have captivating eyes like yours.”
“I see.” He grinned. “And I re
mind you of them?” He cocked his head to the side as he regarded her.
“In a way, you do.” She gave him her brightest smile.
He looked down at her, an almost predatory gleam in his eyes. “And I'm sure the wolves like you too.” He reached out and dragged his fingers down a loose strand of her hair. “You and your deep red hair. It’s stunning.”
Ragen shivered, her heart racing with anticipation. He reached for her. “Are you cold?” His thumb caressed the back of her hand. “You’re shivering.”
“I’m a bit chilly.” She shivered again.
He pulled her closer, gathering her body under his arm as they walked. “Warmer now?”
She nodded. Another lock of her hair fell forward into her face and he tucked it behind her ear.
“Your hair is such a lovely hue. Is it naturally red? I’m guessing that’s a fair question?”
She nodded chuckling. “Yes, it is fair and yes it is my color. It runs in my family.”
“So unique. You look like a Faery queen.”
She laughed. “Have you ever seen a Faery queen?”
“I have, and you’re the spitting image of the fair Goddess Branwen.”
“The Celtic Goddess of love and beauty?”
“Yes, I’m impressed you know who she is.”
She shrugged. “I’ve always had an interest in faeries and such.” She smiled, and their eyes met again just as they reached the front of the medical office building.
”Well, Ms...?
“Kerrigan. Regan Kerrigan.”
He placed his hand on his chest. “Liam O’Neill, and it's been a pleasure Miss Kerrigan. I sure am glad I was outside my club getting some fresh air when you hollered for help.”
“I’m glad you were too, Liam.” Again, impetuousness took over, and she reached up and hugged him. “And thanks for the lovely compliment too.” She kissed him on his cheek, her lips lingering a few moments longer than she meant to. When she stepped back, she noticed his unusual eyes seemed to gleam. She blinked a few times, thinking her eyes deceived her.
He grinned. “I’m just happy to have rescued such a fair maiden.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. Can I see you inside to your event?” He nodded toward the door at her back.
“Yes, that would be wonderful.” She nodded. “But please, call me Ragen.
He pulled back the door, letting her enter ahead of him and following her inside. The building was older, probably built in the thirties. It had a large lobby with red carpeting. Ornate lighting fixtures hung on the walls.
She let out an exhale. “I guess I'm really late now.”
“Better late than never after the night you've had.”
She hesitated as they entered, gazing down at herself. “How do I look?”
“Looking for more compliments so soon?” He gave her one of his dazzling smiles. As confident as Ragen typically was, she felt like an ugly duckling next to this perfect male specimen.
She grinned. “No, I just don’t want to scare Patty. She’s speaking. If she sees me looking like I’ve been assaulted, she’ll panic.”
“Especially with an unknown man next to you, huh? I’ll try to look less intimidating.” His eyes twinkled.
She looked him over from head to toe. “Well, you’d better shrink in the next few seconds. Big guys are naturally intimidating.” She grinned, trying to peer around him. “Let me find a restroom so I can fix myself up a bit. Would you wait for me?” She touched his arm and an involuntary flow of energy passed from her to him.
Oh, my goodness, I’m sending him my crazy power. She watched his expression to see if he had felt anything, but his face revealed nothing.
“Of course I’ll wait for you.” A jolt of raw energy rushed across her skin from their point of contact matching hers in intensity and she flinched. Yet still his expression showed nothing.
Ragen turned to go to the ladies room. He followed until she reached to the door. “I’ll be quick.”
“Take your time.” He leaned against a nearby wall.
Ragen hurried inside. It was a small, one-person restroom. She turned on the light over the sink. “Damn. What a mess.” She removed the remaining two pins from her hair. Her long tresses fell to her waist. She took her brush out of her purse and fixed her hair then applied lipstick. When done making herself look more presentable, she put everything back into her purse. Sighing, she leaned against the sink, gathering her nerves. “I guess this will have to do.”
She exhaled, pushing open the door. I need to cool down.
Liam was waiting across from the door, still leaning on the wall. Seeing him made her body sizzle all over as if she was being electrified. His brilliant amber eyes followed her as she neared, assessing her. “Ready?”
“I’m ready.” She nodded.
“You look…lovely.” He drew his fingers through her tresses then took her hand again. With the ease of the gesture, a passerby would have easily thought them a couple, or maybe lovers.
“Thank you, kind sir.”
“You’re welcome.” He tugged her arm. “Let’s go in through this door.” He headed toward the middle door. “Your friend will see you, but we won’t disturb her presentation. From what I can hear, the speaker’s doing a fantastic job. You’ve got my donation.”
She gave a tight smile. “Patty always does a good job. And we'd really appreciate anything you can give.” She stopped outside the doorway and he gazed down at her in concern.
“Don’t you want to go inside?”
“I just need a minute.”
“You have been through a lot.” He put his hand on her upper arm, rubbing gently.
“Yes.” She nodded. “And it's catching up with me.”
Yet in truth, though still shaken, she really didn't want to end their conversation.
“So tell me, exactly to what cause will I be making my donation?”
“We’re an organization of local vets who are opening an animal hospital. We plan to treat wild animals and people’s pets. We want to make care more affordable.”
He nodded slowly in understanding. “Sounds honorable. I can certainly donate to such a fund.”
She smiled.
“So do you live here, in Chattanooga?”
“No.” She shook her head.” I live about forty-five miles out in the mountains.”
“I have a rural home too. I really enjoy my time there, when I can get away.” He grinned and Ragen gazed up at him, unblinking, her mind racing.
She enjoyed the way his eyes glimmered as he watched her. Damn, he's making me hot.
He rubbed her arm, returning her attention to his words. “...so do you think you and your friend would like to come to my club for some food and entertainment after your fund raiser? It’s steak night and amateur performance night. Customers come in to sing and perform on stage.”
“That sounds interesting.”
“They say, I have a happenin’ place.” He grinned. “Dinner’s on me for you and your friend, if you accept my invitation.”
“Thanks, but we buy our own dinners. Besides, I’m the one who should be taking you out to dinner, not the other way around.”
He shrugged. “We can arrange for that another time.”
“I’d be happy to.”
He smiled then glanced at the door. “Ready to go inside?” he rubbed his hand up her arm. “Feeling more relaxed now?”
Ragen nodded, warmth settling in her cheeks. “Let’s go in before we miss her altogether.” His hand landed on her back beneath her hair. She tingled all over from his touch. The more he touched her, the more she wanted him to.
They entered. Ragen saw Patty acknowledge her as she took her seat. Liam sat next to her. The table was draped with a shimmering red cloth. The lighting above made Patty’s blonde hair and dark eyes shine.
The entire audience listened intently to her friend while, at the same time, Ragen could see Patty trying to get a better look at who had walked in with her.
“In conclus
ion, thank you all for coming tonight. We hope you enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Are there any questions?” She rounded the podium, mic in hand and gazed from table to table.
“I have a couple of questions.” Liam raised his hand.
“Yes, of course sir.” Patty gestured toward him.
“Will this be fully non-profit?”
“Yes.” Patty nodded. “The vets and techs who give their time will be compensated but at a discount rate. Our goal is to operate within the boundaries of a non-profit organization.”
“When will the hospital be completed?”
“We’re hoping if we get enough donations, it’ll be completed in two more months. We’re very close to opening our doors. Many of the supporting vets have donated their time, supplies, and some equipment to get us started. With our combined passion for the animals, we’re determined to see this be successful.”
“Very well. I’ll write a check for fifty thousand dollars. Anyone here want to match it? If someone does, I’ll throw in another thousand.”
Ragen was hardly able to breathe. She coughed, almost choking. Patty looked pale as if she was about to faint. “Oh, my goodness that’s very generous. Is anyone willing to match Mr.…?” She gazed around the room to measure the response to his generous offer.
“O’Neill. Liam O’Neill.”
“Mr. O’Neill’s donation?” Patty's eyes blazed with excitement.
Another man raised his hand. “I can’t match his number, but I’ll write a check for fifteen thousand. Plus, I’ll be happy to volunteer time.”
“Fabulous, you’re both so generous. Thank you all.” Patty clapped and the others joined her. She pointed to the rear of the room where several people sat behind a long table and they waved. “In the back of the room are our volunteers who will collect your checks and pledges today. Thank you again, especially on behalf of all the animals we’ll treat and rescue. A special thanks to Mr. Liam O’Neill and to you sir.” She pointed to the other man who had offered the generous amount. “As well as all our other donors. When we have our grand opening, those who have donated will receive a personal invitation to our celebration dinner. Thank you again and have a good evening everyone.” She led the group in another round of applause.
Urban Wolf Page 3
