Wolf on the Hunt

by N. J. Walters

  “If you decide to sell your own work online as original sketches, limited-edition prints or art cards, you’d have to set up an online store or join one of the big ones already available. But that’s down the road. Right now, all you need to do is enjoy drawing.” Gray didn’t want to push too far too fast. “Have some fun. Give yourself six months to a year and develop your skills and styles. Try some different mediums.”

  “You’ll help me, won’t you?”

  For the first time, Gray didn’t feel the walls closing in around her. “Sure, I’ll help. Even if I’m not here, I’ll only be an email away,” she added, just so Cherise knew she’d help even if she and Louis parted ways.

  “Thank you.” Cherise hugged her and she returned the embrace. Gray was beginning to really like these people, especially Cherise. She’d never had another good friend who was shared her passion for art.

  Gwen stuck her head out the back door. She’d been in the office all morning working on her novel. “Anny just called. She made oatmeal raisin cookies. Anybody hungry?”

  Cherise and Gray looked at one another and then back at Gwen. All three women burst out laughing. “Okay, silly question,” Gwen conceded. She stepped out and closed the door. Shadow, who’d been watching them all, stood and went to Gwen to get petted.

  Gwen rubbed the dog and then practically bounced down the stairs. “Come on. I need coffee and cookies.”

  “I think she’s already had too much coffee,” Cole muttered.

  “I heard that,” Gwen shot back.

  Cole almost smiled. His lips twitched. Gray held her breath but it didn’t quite happen. The big man wrapped his arm around Cherise and nodded at Gray to go ahead of them.

  “Will my things be safe here?”

  “They’ll be fine,” he assured her.

  Taking him at his word, Gray started after Gwen. Coffee and cookies sounded really good right about now.

  * * * * *

  Pierre LaForge stood at the center of the group of men he’d brought with him. There was some grumbling in the ranks but not much. This time, he would crush his sons and any future rebellion. He’d been too lenient with Jacque and Louis by allowing them to move to Salvation.

  They’d betrayed him and the pack they’d come from.

  “Go in pairs and observe only. Make sure you get some rest too. We’ll attack tonight after dark.” It was always best to hit your enemy when their guard was at their lowest. “Don’t shift. Stay in your human form, for now.”

  His men nodded and faded into the surrounding bushes.

  “You should have killed those hunters,” he told Jean Paul.

  The big man scratched his beard and contemplated his words. “I thought about it but figured that would only bring a shit storm down on us. More authorities, more men with rifles combing the woods, and with no way of knowing how long they’d stay. Figured you’d want to move quickly and not have to wait.”

  Pierre hated that the other man was right.

  Jean Paul shrugged. “Besides, we can always kill them later if you want.”

  The other man’s bloodthirstiness pleased Pierre. His sons had always had a holier-than-thou attitude. Too good to simply kill because it was in their nature to do so. He blamed their mother for that character flaw.

  “The woman is with them?” Pierre wanted to make sure he had all the details. He’d learned over the years it was good to ask questions multiple times. Not only would people sometimes remember more details, but it was also easier to catch someone if they were lying to him.

  “Oui.” Jean Paul motioned his brother closer. “Robert kept watch all night.”

  Robert Dupointe nodded. “They all stayed in their homes and the artist lady stayed in the alpha’s home.”

  Pierre struck out, slamming his fist into the man’s face. Robert dropped like a stone. “I’m the only alpha around here.”

  Robert scuttled back, nodding as he went. Pierre took a step forward, but Jean Paul smoothly gripped his brother’s hand and pulled him to his feet. “Robert meant no offense,” Jean Paul assured him.

  Pierre’s gaze narrowed as he studied the younger man. Jean Paul was a hard man to read, but all men wanted power. He could use a man like this one. Smart and ruthless. And he could use Robert to control him.

  Jean Paul continued as though nothing untoward had occurred. “The men are out patrolling today. They’ve picked it up a notch because of the hunters, but it’s nothing we can’t get past.”

  Pierre could almost taste victory. “Good. I’m going to take a look around and then take a nap.” He wanted to be at full strength when he claimed his final victory over his sons.

  * * * * *

  Elise tried to see everything at once as the truck barreled down the highway. She was sitting by the window while Corrine sat next to her husband, who was driving. The window was rolled down and she rested her elbow on the edge of the truck door as she peered outward.

  “This is it? You’re sure this is it?” she asked. The land was so different up here. The air was cooler even though it was hot outside. The mountains and landscape were very different here than back in Louisiana. This was where her sons had been living since they’d left home.

  “Oui.” Joseph pointed to the sign just down the road. “The town of Salvation is just ahead. The boys’ home is about a half hour on the other side.”

  Corrine reached out, covered Elise’s hand and squeezed. She knew her friend had to be feeling the same way she was—excited and sick at the same time. They were finally going to get to see their sons. That is if Pierre and his men didn’t kill them first.

  Non, she would not allow that to happen.

  “We need to find a place to lay low.” Joseph continually scanned the road in front of them. “Pierre and his men will be out exploring the area and keeping a watch. We have to ditch the truck and get around them so we can be in position to help if the need arises.”

  He glanced at both women. “I know you both want to see your sons, but we must wait. We’ve come too far to lose the upper hand now.”

  Elise knew Joseph was right. Pierre didn’t know they were here, didn’t realize the Salvation Pack had more protection then he thought. It could mean the difference in their sons’ survival.

  Elise nodded. “We watch and wait.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  When Louis came back from patrol, Gray wasn’t where he’d left her earlier. Her easel and supplies were still on the back porch. He lifted his head and sniffed, but it was hard to pick through the smells. There was always someone coming and going.

  He headed down the path to the other two houses. Cherise and Cole still hadn’t moved into their place. Maybe that’s where everyone was.

  The sun was hot, but Louis didn’t mind. He’d grown up with the muggy, stifling heat of summer in Louisiana. A light breeze wicked away the perspiration from his bare chest and cooled him considerably.

  There was no sign of activity at the new house, but he could hear voices coming from the other pack house. His step quickened. Gray was in there waiting for him. He jumped onto the deck, bypassing the couple of stairs, and opened the door. Sure enough, they were all sitting around the table drinking coffee. An empty plate with crumbs sat in the center.

  All eyes turned his way when he entered, but he only had eyes for one person. Gray’s eyes widened and warmed when she saw him. Louis was suddenly infinitely hotter than he’d been only moments before.

  Shadow came scurrying from where he’d been lying on the sofa in the living room, his tail slapping back and forth. Louis rubbed the dog’s head and scratched behind his ears. “How you doing, boy?”

  He walked around the table with Shadow at his side, bent down and captured Gray’s lips. The kiss was long and hot. She tasted like coffee and, surprisingly, oatmeal. When the kiss ended, she stared up at him, a slightly bemuse
d expression on her face. Louis smiled and then turned to Anny. “Any of those cookies left?”

  Anny laughed and stood. “Of course. I put some aside for you.” She went into the kitchen and took a container down from the cupboard.

  Louis pulled out the chair next to Gray. Shadow, happy that all was well in his world, went back to his comfy place in the living room. The cats were nowhere to be seen so Louis assumed they were probably hiding in one of the bedrooms.

  He surveyed the room and was satisfied with what he saw. Armand leaned back in his chair, his long legs kicked out in front of him. Cole sat in much the same position next to Cherise. Gwen was laughing with Gray about something. Jacque, Gator and Sylvie were the only three missing, and that’s because they were out on patrol.

  Anny put a plate with a half dozen cookies in front of him along with a mug of coffee. “Here you go.”

  “Merci. You’re an angel, Anny.” He was hungry after his run this morning. He lifted the first cookie and had it halfway to his mouth when his wolf chuffed inside him. Louis immediately turned to Gray. “Do you want one?” He held the cookie out to her even as his stomach grumbled.

  She smiled and his cock immediately grew substantially. “No, thank you. I’ve already eaten more than I should have.”

  Louis jammed half the cookie into his mouth and chewed. His need to make sure Gray was fed and satisfied first had overridden his hunger. If there’d been any doubt lingering in his mind, it was gone. There was no denying she was his mate.

  All that was left was for him to convince her of that.

  Louis enjoyed the conversations flowing around him. Cherise and Gray talked about drawing and art and supplies. Gwen and Anny added their opinions, especially when it came to shopping for the necessary supplies.

  Cole shifted slightly to his right and Louis turned to him. “You moving into your new place today?”

  “Not sure. Might stay here until this latest threat blows over.”

  Louis understood. There was safety in numbers. The women were more protected here at one of the main houses.

  Cherise had heard his question. “I don’t mind waiting.” She smiled at her mate. “I’m still waiting on delivery of curtains, new sheets and a couple other small items. This way, everything will be here when we do move.”

  Armand stood and so did Cole. Louis glanced at the clock. It was nearly lunchtime. Jacque, Gator and Sylvie would be returning soon, which meant it was time for the next shift to leave.

  The men kissed their mates and left. Sure enough, they weren’t gone ten minutes when Gator strolled in, Sylvie beside him. “I’m starving,” he announced. “Anyone else ready for lunch?”

  Gray leaned closer to him. “Is it just my imagination, or do we spend most of our time eating around here?”

  Louis couldn’t help himself. He laughed, and not a polite chuckle, but a full, bend-at-the-waist belly laugh. Gator must have heard her comment, because he turned to Gray. “We do love our food.”

  Gray held up her hands. “I’m not complaining.”

  Gator settled Sylvie at the table. “I cooked a turkey last night. How about sandwiches?” He headed to the refrigerator.

  While the others added their opinions, Louis leaned closer to Gray. “Did you have a good morning?”

  She nodded. “It was good. I do need to spend more time painting. I have a show in two months and promised the gallery at least three more pieces, five if I get in the zone.”

  “There’s nothing for you to do this afternoon but paint,” he promised her. The last thing he wanted was for her work to suffer. That certainly wouldn’t encourage her to stay.

  “That’s the plan.” She stood with her mug in her hand. “Want more coffee?”

  Louis downed half his in one mouthful and held out his mug. “Sure.”

  Gray chuckled and went to the coffeepot to help herself. He recognized it as a big step forward. It was the first time she acted like she belonged here and not like a guest.

  The front door opened and Jacque strode in. “What’s for lunch? I’m starving.”

  Louis smiled as a blanket of contentment settled over him. Everything was as it should be.

  Gray was enjoying herself. She certainly wasn’t accustomed to being around so many people for such an extended period of time. She was used to hours and days of solitude with Shadow as her only companion.

  She liked the other women. They were all very different in personality. Cherise was a little shy but came out of her shell when talking about art. Sylvie was quiet but intelligent and observant. Anny was kind and caring, and Gwen was brave, able and willing to hold her own with her scary mate.

  And there was no denying Jacque was scary, but Gray liked him. Every now and then, he’d do or say something that reminded her of Louis. That made the alpha a little less frightening. Armand was as kind as his mate. Cole was mostly silent and intimidating. Gator was a badass, but how could you not like a guy who always wanted to feed you mouthwatering food?

  Gray bit into her thick turkey sandwich on slices of wholegrain bread slathered with mayo and piled high with lettuce and tomatoes. Delicious. Some of the others had opted for different toppings, but they were all enjoying the simple but yummy lunch.

  When they were done, she helped load the dirty dishes into the dishwasher. It felt right to be helping out rather than sitting and watching while everyone else pitched in.

  “Ready?” Louis asked her.

  “Yes.” She was more than ready to get back to her work. Shadow had been watching the proceedings with interest and was right there beside them. He beat them to the door and stood waiting with anticipation.

  “Thanks for lunch and the cookies.” Gray gave them all a wave and then stepped outside. As much as she enjoyed their company, she was ready for some alone time.

  Louis kept silent as they walked along the path that ran between the pack homes. It was a comfortable silence that got even better when he reached down and took her hand in his. Shadow ducked into the bushes but returned a short time later. Gray felt more relaxed having both of them around. Nothing and no one could sneak up on her with the two of them on guard.

  Her easel and paints were exactly where she’d left them. Her fingers were already itching to hold her brush. “I’m going to change into something cooler,” she told Louis. “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

  She left both Louis and Shadow on the back porch and headed to the bathroom first. When she was finished in there, she shucked her jeans and tank top for a loose, orange and yellow sundress. The afternoon promised to be even hotter than the morning, and Gray wanted to be as cool as possible while she worked. Yes, the porch was covered, so she was shaded, but it was still going to get hotter.

  She detoured into the kitchen on her way out and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. Both animal and man looked her way when she opened the door. Louis was seated on the porch stairs with Shadow sprawled out beside him.

  “You look cool and very pretty.” Louis was always saying things like that, and darned if she wasn’t starting to like it.

  “Thanks. I’d like to say the same, but you don’t look cool.” He raised one eyebrow in question and she let her gaze fall over his bare chest. “You look hot. Very hot.”

  He growled, and the sound made Shadow raise his head and give Louis a quizzical look. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”

  Gray shrugged. “It’s the truth.” Her dress was loose and airy, but where it touched her skin the weight of the fabric seemed heavy. Her breasts swelled and her breathing quickened.

  Louis pushed to his feet and started to come toward her. He stopped suddenly, swore and raked his fingers through his hair. “You need to work,” he reminded her. He took several steps back. “I’ll be around.”

  He disappeared before she could ask him to stay. She didn’t want to work any
longer. She wanted to spend the afternoon in bed with him. If she did that, she’d be mad with herself later. Louis knew that.

  “He’s a very clever man,” she told Shadow. The dog thumped his tail and looked longingly in the direction where Louis had disappeared. “You can go with him if you want.” It was strange to think that Shadow would rather be with Louis than with her.

  The dog whined and then pulled himself closer to her, settling at her side. She reached down and patted his side. A shiver raced down her spine and she sat up straight and peered around her.

  The sounds of nature were undisturbed and she couldn’t scent any threat, but Gray couldn’t help shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

  She sat almost frozen in place for long seconds. Then the sound of voices reached her and she relaxed. She must have sensed Jacque and Gwen coming home.

  Satisfied that everything was as it should be, Gray picked up her brush, wiped the bristles carefully and dipped them in the hunter-green paint she’d squirted onto her palette.

  Louis forced himself to stay away from Gray. Inside, his wolf was howling for him to go back, but he exerted control to keep from turning around. Gray had to work. If her painting suffered, if he interfered with that part of her life, he feared she’d leave. That settled his wolf somewhat. He consoled himself with the promise of having her in his bed tonight.

  He ignored the tightness of his jeans and the way his cock was pressing against the zipper. He licked his lips at the thought of having Gray naked and spread across his sheets. Oh yeah, that was what he wanted.

  Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to happen for hours yet. And thoughts like that weren’t helping his erection go down one little bit.

  “Focus, damn it,” he muttered.

  Armand and Cole would patrol the east and west perimeters before heading north. Jacque and Gator, who were back at the houses, had covered the southern section. Since there would be no one to the north until later, Louis headed there now.