Shannon knew what she meant.
“No, I’m afraid not.”
“It’s not something that can be discussed over the phone. Just know this, Fletch loves you and there will never be anyone else. Can I let Gary know when you’ll be back?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Go to him, Shannon. Go to Fletch, he’s the only one that can tell you what you need to know. Give me your number. I’ll get the address from Frank and send it to you. If he doesn’t have it, I’ll get it for you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Lizzi. Sorry if I came off sounding like a bitch.”
“It’s alright. When you know more about our kind, you will understand. Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“What is Stan like?”
“Stan? He’s the sweetest, kindest man you could ever meet. Whenever I’m down, he always knows how to cheer me up.”
“I’m so glad, I think he’s my mate,” Lizzi admitted.
“Lizzi, what does that mean? I know you said we shouldn’t talk about it on the phone, but I need to know.”
“It means that we were predestined to be together and nothing can change that. I consider myself fortunate, some never find their true mate.”
“What happens if you don’t?”
“We never know what it is like to be truly loved. Don’t let it pass you by, Shannon. He loves you and by the sound of your voice, you love him too."
“I do. I really need to find him. Thanks, Lizzi, can’t wait to meet you.”
“Me too. I’ll send you that address as soon as Frank gets back. Talk to you soon.”
Shannon started to pack.
“Michelle, could you look on the internet for flights to Great Falls, Montana?”
Michelle punched her fist in the air with a yeesssss! Shannon gave a funny look and then a big smile.
“Do you want to go with me?”
“Wish I could but I’ve used up all my vacation time moving. This week was the last of it for a while.”
“Next time you take vacation, you have to come and visit me,” Shannon told her.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Shannon booked the next available flight to Montana. If she hurried, she could catch a flight in the afternoon that would get her into Great Falls by ten in the evening. She would have one stop in Denver. Hopefully by then, she would know exactly where she was going. She could always stay at a hotel.
Chapter 41
Fletch wanted to take his time driving to Great Falls, but he needed to get there. He wished he could stop and visit Charles McCormack and Jackie, it wasn’t that much out of his way, but he decided he better not, it would slow him down. He had three team members that could be waiting for him. Levi Lewis had given Fletch the files for his three employees. During one of his rest stops, he did a quick review of the personnel files.
Craig Wheaton was a pilot, the oldest of the three. He had flown helicopters in the service and flew planes for the Forest Service before becoming an EMT. Picking up injured hikers and campers should be a cinch for him.
The second member, Dakota Daniels, was a mechanic and a damn good one. His references gave him straight A's. His bonus was he was also a licensed pilot.
The last of the trio, was Royce Shepard. He was an electrical expert. He could rewire an entire helicopter without a manual if he had to. He also took care of the computers, both on the helicopter and in the office.
All three had work as EMT's on the ground for several years before deciding to take their experience into the air. Fletch had no doubt Levi personally hand-picked his crew.
Now that he was the boss, he had to concentrate on his new job and get Shannon out of his head. He wanted to go after her but knew there was no point. She was the one that had to decide their future. If she didn’t come of her own free will, it would never work.
Piccolo rode with her nose glued to the window, or asleep on the seat. When they needed a break, Fletch looked for a place away from the highway where he didn’t have to worry about Piccolo. Montana was the land of hunters and he was sure they would love to bag a wolf, even a young one.
Once they got settled in their new home, he would make sure the locals knew about the wolf and that she was a member of the Air Rescue team.
*****
It was about a nine-hour drive from Caldwell to Great Falls. Fletch had left early in the morning. He wanted to have time to check out his new home and hoped to arrive before dark, but it took him longer than he planned. The city manager of Great Falls was going to meet him at the station, show him around, and turn over the keys. All Fletch had to do was give the man a call when he got there.
When the city manager arrived, he gave Fletch a short tour. He was a bit frightened by the wolf cub but Fletch assured him that Piccolo was part of the team. She wouldn’t hurt anyone if no one hurt her or him. It was late, the manager said he would come back in the morning. He showed him where the light switches were located and the living quarters and gave Fletch the keys.
Fletch liked the place. It had a nice kitchen and dining area. There was a lounge with a huge flat screen TV on the wall, and comfortable looking furniture.
“Well, Piccolo, do you think we’ll be happy here?”
Piccolo looked around, picked out a corner and sat down.
“Is that it? That’s where you want your bed?”
She lay down.
“Okay, day bed goes in the corner.”
Her day bed was a folded moving blanket.
“Let’s check out the rest of this place.”
Fletch and Piccolo checked out the kitchen and pantry. He had been given a set- up budget. He’d wait until the others arrived before grocery shopping. The kitchen was completely stocked with everything they needed to cook and eat with. Food was the only thing they needed to buy.
They checked out the office and all the rooms. Fletch had his own room. There were two dorm type rooms, sleeping areas were divided into cubicles for privacy. Each dorm had bathrooms and showers.
“What do you think, Piccolo? Shall we check outside?”
He knew she probably needed to go out. He hit the switch for the outdoor lights. Light flooded the parking lot and the helicopter hangar.
“Wow,” Fletch liked what he saw.
Piccolo started to growl.
“What’s up, little one?”
Fletch saw someone coming towards them, carrying a duffel bag, a six pack of beer, and a grocery bag.
“Are you Captain Fletcher?” the stranger asked.
“I am.” Fletch chuckled, it was the first time someone used his new title. “And you are?”
“Craig Wheaton. Did I say something funny?”
“No, not at all. I’ve never been called Captain before. We’re not on the clock, call me Fletch.” He put out his hand and they shook hands.
Craig Wheaton was about six foot four, black hair and as big as a house. He looked at the helicopter in the hangar and let out a whistle.
Piccolo growled.
“Craig, before you wander, I'd like you to meet Piccolo.”
Piccolo approached the stranger and sniffed. She walked all the way around him. She looked at Fletch.
“He’s one of us.” Fletch told her.
Craig gave him a questioning look.
“I rescued her. We’ve become good friends.”
“I don’t smell shifter.”
“Nope, just a wolf and smart as they come. She’s free to come and go. I just got here myself.”
Fletch pointed to the helicopter.
“Let’s go see what we’ve got.”
The two men checked out their new chopper. Piccolo decided to explore the rest of their new home.
After giving the chopper a quick once-over, they headed inside. Fletch showed Craig were to put his belongings; he got first pick of where he wanted to sleep. He seemed to know where everything was. When he was done, he joined Fletch in the lounge.
“It’s
good to be home.” Craig remarked as he handed Fletch a beer but Fletch turned it down, he picked up a soda. Piccolo had curled up on her bed.
“Home?”
“I lived here off-n-on when I was young, I was a volunteer fireman.” He took a swig of his beer.
“What happened?” Fletch asked.
“I went in the service, learned how to fly choppers and flew medivac. I went back three times. I was going to re-enlist a fourth time but decided not to press my luck.”
“Sounds like a wise decision. You flew for the Forest Service.”
“I did for ten years. Only a crazy person would stay in any longer than that. You fly by the seat of your pants and hope you make it. I lost my brother and several friends a couple of years ago when their plane crashed while doing a chemical drop; I never did like flying those planes. I decided to quit before my ticket was punched.”
“Here’s to coming home.” Fletch clicked his soda against Craig’s beer in a toast.
“When are the others going to be here?”
“I’m sure they’ll wander in over the next day or two. You must be from around here.”
“Lived here most of my life. Went to school here, was homeless here. Tried the big city, but it wasn’t for me.” Craig stretched. “Be happy to show you around tomorrow.”
“Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”
“I think I’ll call it a night. Good night, Captain.”
Fletch shook his head.
“Good night, Wheaton.”
“Before I forget, I put coffee and filters in the pantry, figured there wasn’t any. I set up the pot to brew at six in the morning”
“You figured right, thank you,” Fletch answered, “see you in the morning.”
*****
Fletch and Piccolo took a walk. Fletch wanted to make sure everything was secure. Just as he was about to go inside, a car pulled up to the entrance to the parking lot, but didn’t pull in. Piccolo whined and started for the car.
“Piccolo, come back here.”
Fletch heard the car door open and close, he couldn’t see who it was in the dark. He knew Piccolo wouldn’t run to a stranger. As he approached to see who it was, Shannon came out of the darkness. She bent down to say hello to Piccolo.
“Shannon, what are you doing here?”
She glanced up at him.
“I came to say I was sorry and ask you for your forgiveness.”
He opened his arms as he walked towards her and she ran to him. He kissed her long and hard. She felt good in his arms. He chuckled to himself.
“What?” she questioned breathlessly.
“I am madly in love with you and that is only the second time I’ve kissed you.” He placed his forehead against hers. “I thought you were in New York.”
“I was, but I had to find you. I’m not afraid of your bear anymore. Fletch, I’m sorry I behaved the way I did. Can you forgive me?”
Piccolo pushed her head between the two of them and they both laughed.
“It’s alright, Piccolo, I love you, too.” Piccolo sat beside him.
“Why don’t you pull your car over next to my truck and come inside.”
Shannon gave him a beautiful smile and walked back to the car. Fletch waited for her to park.
“Do you have a bag?”
Shannon popped the trunk.
“I still can’t believe you’re here. Come on,” he picked up her bag, “let’s go inside. When do you have to go back?”
“That depends on how long you want me to stay.”
Fletch stopped. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. A dozen things ran through his mind. “What about her job, where would she live, could she join his new team.”
“Fletch?” She was having doubts. “Don’t you want me to stay?”
“Yes. Of course, I want you to stay. I haven’t been able to think about anything but you. I’m so glad you’re here.”
He kissed her again to reassure her. They went into the lounge. He wanted to take her to his room, but he needed to know exactly what she had in mind.
“Shannon, sit down, please.”
Shannon sat, Fletch sat next to her and held her hand.
“I need to know what you plan to do. Don’t get me wrong, I want you here more than anything.”
Shannon took a deep breath and let it out.
“Fletch, I know you have a team and I can’t just barge in and go to work here. I understand that. My friend Michelle said something that got me thinking. I’m a doctor, and a damn good one. I won’t say I'm wasting my time working for Air Rescue, but I'm wasting years of medical training.”
The more she spoke, the more committed she became.
“I don’t have to worried about who is waiting for me around the corner anymore. Thanks to you, I’m finally free. I know what I want to do. Fletch, I’m a doctor and a surgeon. I want to be a doctor. I'd like to open a small medical office.”
“You told me once that your father was a small neighborhood doctor. Are you sure that is what you want too?”
“Yes, but most of all, I want to be wherever you are. I love you; I know that now.”
Fletch gathered her in his arms and kissed her. Piccolo came to them and put her head in Shannon’s lap.
“Yes, girl, I’m going to stick around. Fletch, can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“How did Piccolo know what I smelled like?”
Fletch reached into his pocket and pulled out the piece of torn shirt she had left on a bush when Weston Cruz was chasing her.
“I remember. I used the branch to tear my shirt. You’ve had that all this time?”
“Every night I would hold it to my nose so I wouldn’t forget what you smelled like. Then I would let Piccolo smell you. Your scent is almost gone from it now. I love you, Shannon. I didn’t want to forget you.”
Shannon put her arms around his neck.
“I love you, too.”
She kissed him deeply.
Chapter 42
Shannon woke to an empty bed. If it weren’t for the soreness between her legs, she would have thought it was nothing more than a fabulous dream. She and Fletch had made love most of the night.
It was daylight already. Before she could get out of bed, Fletch returned with a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, how is my beautiful mate this morning?”
“Mate?”
“Yes, sweetheart.” He pointed to his neck and then at her. She jumped out of bed to look in the mirror. She could see the bruise on her shoulder.
“Lizzi told you about it, didn’t she? She told you about the bond. That’s why you asked me to do it.”
“Yes, she told me. Are you mad?”
“Mad? No, I couldn’t be happier.” He set her coffee down and leaned over her to give her a kiss. “I love you.”
“Is it okay if I take a shower?”
“Of course, it is, but stay in this room until you’re dressed. We are no longer alone.” He gave her a wink.
“Who is here?”
“My new pilot, Craig Wheaton. He arrived last night before you did.”
“He was here? He could hear us? Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t worry,” he laughed, “he won’t say anything.”
Shannon threw her pillow at him.
“That isn’t what I meant, and you know it.”
He just laughed.
“Time for you to get up, we have a lot to do today.”
“We do?”
“Yeesss, we do. I have to go grocery shopping; would you like to come? We can both get lost, cause we don’t know where we’re going.” He paused. “Sweetheart, I didn’t ask before but what are you going to do about your job with Gary? Are you going to give him your notice?”
“We have to talk about that. If I stay here, were will I live?”
“The city manager is coming by this morning to show me everything I need to know about this old fire station. I’ll ask him if ther
e are any rentals available. Maybe a little house that isn’t too far away.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her and made her laugh.
“Alright, I’ll take a quick shower. Will you be here?”
“I’ll be downstairs in the kitchen. Don’t be long.”
He gave her a kiss and went out the door.
*****
Shannon finally came down to the kitchen.
“Well, hello gorgeous.” Craig greeted Shannon with a big smile. Piccolo immediately went to stand between them.
“Good morning, Piccolo.” She gave the wolf a pat. “You must be Craig.”
“I am little lady, what’s your name?”
“Her name is Shannon,” Fletch announced, “and she’s my mate. Doctor Shannon Stevens, this is my second in command, Craig Wheaton.”
“My apologies, Dr. Stevens.”
“Don’t worry about it, Craig, apology accepted. You had no way of knowing.”
“No, it was disrespectful. It shouldn’t matter who you are, and I should know better.”
“Yes, you should.” After what Fletch had been through and how the women had been treated, he wouldn’t stand for any disrespect of Shannon or any woman. “Don’t let it happen again.”
The tone of his voice told Craig he wasn’t joking.
“Yes sir. Sorry again, Dr. Stevens.”
Shannon just gave him a nod. There was a knock at the door.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for Captain Fletcher.”
“That’s me,” Fletch replied.
“I’m Royce Shepard, computer and electronics are my specialty.” Royce stood six foot six, blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. Shannon instantly thought about her friend Michelle, she’d be all over him in a heartbeat. She loved blondes.
“Welcome.”
Fletch shook his hand and introduced him to Craig and Shannon.
“Craig, would you mind showing Royce where to put his things. I’d offer you breakfast, but we haven’t done any shopping yet.”
“Do you have a list? I’d be glad to take care of it for you.”
“Really, why?” Shannon asked.
“I was a chef in another life,” he said with a laugh. “I’m used to cooking for other people.”
“You’re hired,” Fletch joked. “Where are you from, Royce?”
Haunted by the Wolf- Shannon Page 22
