Chloe ripped opened the end then extracted a wet wipe. A strong astringent scent permeated the air.
“This should do the trick.” She returned to his side, gripped his arm, and invaded his personal space. With her free hand, she gently drew the soft cloth over his cheek. The look of reverence in her features just about brought him to his knees, and he placed his hands on her hips to steady himself, although he also had the urge to touch her. If he thought for one moment she’d want to become his mate, he was a fool. Just like the others he’d thought were his soulmate, she’d leave him for sure.
She is our mate. I know it this time. His inner wolf’s whispered words traipsed through his mind like a bad movie on replay. He didn’t trust himself.
“Thank you for saving me.” Her cool, minty breath cascaded over his chin and along his neck, lighting up his senses.
“That wolf… I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t showed up.” She trailed the thin cotton over his cheek, the tips of her fingers grazing his skin.
Gods, how he craved more of her touch.
“I’ll protect you. Always.” His grip on her hips tightened, and he shook with the need to draw her close.
As if she sensed his desire, she lifted her gaze from her ministrations to his eyes. She bit her lip. Her cheeks reddened a beautiful shade of pink, accentuating the smattering of freckles along the bridge of her nose.
Before he could wrap her in his arms and remind them both of the fire between them, she drew away.
A line formed between her brows. “What about your other injuries? You had spots along your back where the wolf ripped out your fur.”
“Minor injuries. No need to worry.” He smiled at her.
She tossed the blood-stained cloth into the fire then rubbed her arms. “I have so many questions. I’m hoping you can answer them.”
“I’ll tell you what I can. Where would you like to start?”
A laugh burst from her, and her breath crystalized in the cold air. “I have no idea.”
After her ordeal today, she must be in shock. Anyone would be. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. It took all his willpower not to draw her into his arms.
“You should eat something. There’s probably some canned food in the cupboard. Let me see what I can find.” He removed his coat, set it on the other chair at the small table, and placed his boots next to hers. Other than the table and two chairs, the room contained a sideboard, a kitchen countertop, and a queen-sized bed. In the far corner was a tiny room consisting of a toilet and sink hooked to a septic tank his father had buried when he’d built the place. Issac had never much minded the limited decor, but now, he regretted not making the place a bit comfier, especially for Chloe.
He wanted to cherish her, protect her, do everything in his power to make her happy, but he struggled to figure out what to do. Damn his shy side.
As he approached the kitchen with the propane coffee maker and single burner stovetop, he gazed through the window over the sink. Snow continued to fall at a furious pace. At least he’d had the presence of mind to fill the woodpile next to the fireplace. It looked like they’d need all he’d brought in before the night was over.
He opened several cupboard doors, each one revealing empty shelves. In the last one on the right, two cans of chicken stew rested on the top shelf along with a dusty bottle of red wine. Victory lifted his spirits.
“Bingo. How does cold stew and a bottle of wine sound?” He held up his spoils.
While he’d searched for food, she’d wandered over to the sideboard and studied the pictures lining the walls.
She glanced at him.
A smile brightened her features, and a giggle escaped her lips. “Sounds great.”
His chest warmed, his heart leaping at any scraps she threw his way. Damn him, he was in trouble.
She approached and accepted the cans from him along with a couple of spoons and a hand-crank can opener. With her loot in her hands, she returned to the fireplace and settled onto the rug near the hearth.
His pulse jackhammered, and he snagged the bottle of wine and two plastic glasses from the cabinet then joined her at the fire. His knees rubbed against her thigh, and heat flared at the contact.
Chloe cranked on the second can with the opener, the first already opened and resting on the stone hearth. “I saw a wanted poster for Hiram Adaire in Delight’s Diner. When he threatened me, oh, God…”
He poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her. “Here, have a sip. I think it will help.”
She set the opener and the can next to the first one, where the food would warm from the fire, then accepted his offering. Light from the fire danced across her face, accentuating her freckles. Like little brown diamonds, they highlighted and complemented her eyes. He could lose himself in those gorgeous green depths if he wasn’t careful. Perhaps he already had.
As she took a sip, he poured himself a glass and joined her. “Have you ever noticed that you hear things better than others or notice scents others don’t?”
She perked up, her eyes widening. “I used to hear my mom chatting with my neighbor on the porch from my bedroom. Mom said that was impossible. When I quoted a few things the neighbor said, she got mad. Told me never to mention anything like that again. She scared me. After that, I kept my thoughts to myself.”
He nodded. “I’m not surprised. That fits with my assumption.”
“Your assumption?” She visibly swallowed.
He didn’t want to scare her, but she needed to understand her circumstances. “Are you antsy sometimes and don’t know why? The only thing that helps is a good run, preferably outdoors, right?”
“Yes.” She took another sip of her wine. The glass shook in her hand, and she set it on the hearth next to the cans of stew. “I think I know where you’re going with this. I’m a shifter. Why didn’t I know until now?”
Chapter Nine
Chloe sat cross-legged on the soft faux fur rug, her fingers trembling. She grasped her knees and forced herself to breathe. The fire’s warmth had chased away the chill in the room, but a shiver still crested over her shoulders and down her arms. Could she really be a shifter? How was that possible?
Issac still hadn’t answered her question, so she glanced at him. Lines etched around his beautiful brown eyes displayed the depth of his concern. He exhaled and placed his palm on top of her hand, giving her a gentle squeeze. The warmth of his skin eased into her, along with a calming sense that everything would be all right.
“Do you know if your mother or father was a shifter?” His gaze never wavered from hers.
The scab of her mother’s death ripped off. Even after two years, Chloe still missed her. A lump formed in the back of her throat, and it took her a moment to reply.
“Mom, her name was Jadelyn, passed away a couple of years ago. Stage four breast cancer. She was human. I’m sure of it.” She sniffled a soft laugh. “Mom hated the outdoors. Preferred to stay inside and read most days. She didn’t approve of my choice to pursue my desire to work with my hands instead of going to college.”
Issac’s grip on her hand tightened, his reassurance comforting and welcome. “I’m sorry you lost her under such tragic circumstances. That must’ve been difficult for you, and as far as college goes, it’s not for everyone. I work with my hands, too, and I run my own profitable business. You’ll be fine.”
She nodded and glanced into the fire. The flames had consumed a good portion of the wood. As if he’d read her mind, Issac squeezed her hand once more, let go of her, then grabbed two more pieces from the nearby stack and added them to the fire.
“What about your father?” The low, masculine tone of his voice settled over her, calming her in ways she didn’t quite understand but accepted, nonetheless.
“I never knew my father.” Chloe studied the fire. The mesmerizing flames licked greedily at the new wood. “My mom refused to talk about him.”
Issac’s shoulders tense
d. “You don’t know anything about him?”
She shook her head. “Not a thing. Every time I asked Mom for details, she’d clam up. I don’t know his name, where he lived, nothing.”
“That’s too bad.” Issac picked up one of the cans of stew and handed it to her. “This feels warm enough. You should eat something. I think you’ll feel better.”
She accepted the open can from him and shoveled a spoonful into her mouth. The stew tasted a bit salty and was lukewarm, but he was right. The food did ease some of the ache.
He picked up the other can and ate a spoonful. “Based on what you mentioned about your parents and observing your partial shift, I’d lay odds you’re a half-shifter, courtesy of your father’s bloodline.”
“Maybe my mother knew he was a shifter and that’s why she didn’t tell me about him.” Chloe exhaled long and slow. “I wish I’d known my father.”
When Issac didn’t reply, Chloe ate another bite then set the can down. She still had a hard time believing shifter blood flowed through her veins. “If I’m half-shifter, why didn’t I ever shift before now?”
Issac shrugged. “The change usually happens during puberty, but when and how varies by individual. Some learn to shift right away, others take practice. I think the stress from the rogue’s attack brought out your inner wolf. She tried to emerge to fight, but you wouldn’t let her. It’s a fine balance between the wolf and human side. You’ll need to accept her.”
Chloe’s mind swam as she tried to take in his words. Her heart raced, rushing along at lightning speed. She couldn’t sit here another moment. Uncertainty, confusion, and the slightest bit of fear propelled her to her feet.
With quick strides, she paced to the large picture window and stared into the woods. During their time in the cabin, darkness had fallen. All she could discern through the gloom were the few falling snowflakes closest to the window.
Issac strode up behind her and placed his strong hands on her arms, wrapping her in a gentle embrace. His strength and calming influence seeped inside, and her rapid heartbeat slowed.
“This can’t be easy for you, finding out you’re part shifter. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.” His warm breath teased the fine hairs along her nape.
A shiver, but not from the cold, slid down her back and tickled her bottom. Sexual tension sparked between them.
She drew away from his embrace, memories of his kiss and run flitting through her mind and adding to her confusion. Sooner or later, she’d call him on it, but not now. First, she had to deal with her new reality.
“Teach me.” She blurted the words before she lost her nerve.
“To shift?” He tugged on her shoulder, encouraging her to face him.
She complied and stared into his eyes. “One thing I’ve learned in life is that change is inevitable. Sometimes it’s better to jump in feet first. The shock might be a bit rough, but in the long run you’re better off.”
Issac’s brow furrowed. “That has worked for you?”
“Yep, many times.”
His features relaxed, and a warm, buoyant laugh burst from him. “Maybe I should give that a try sometime.”
The easiness in his voice settled over her, and she couldn’t help the smile that formed on her lips. Maybe, just maybe, this whole shifter thing wouldn’t be so bad. “So, what’s it like, being a shifter?”
“Depends on your wolf. Mine has a habit of acting out sometimes and he’s hard to control, but for the most part, we get along fine. You can talk to your wolf in your head. Go on, give it a try.”
Chloe blinked. “Talk to my wolf? What should I say?”
“Ask her if she’s ready to come out. I’ll be here to help her.”
Chloe…
The word reverberated in Chloe’s mind. She held her breath.
Wolf, are you there? I don’t know what to call you.
I’m a part of you. Call me Clo if you want. You’ve had me asleep for so long. I’m glad to finally wake up. Just so you know, I would’ve saved us from the rogue.
A sense of euphoria expanded in Chloe’s chest. She gripped Issac’s arms. “Wow, that’s awesome. She talked to me. Her name is Clo.”
“Clo. Nice.” Issac’s handsome features brightened. “I’m glad she talked to you.”
“How do I shift?” An eagerness she hadn’t expected propelled her into the center of the room, and she drew Issac with her. “Teach me.”
“All right.” He grasped her fingers and gave them a gentle squeeze. “To shift, give control to your wolf. She’ll do most of the work for you.”
Chloe huffed. “How do I do that?”
Issac released her hand and trailed his fingertips along her forehead then tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear. Everywhere he touched, her skin tingled.
He met her gaze, and his brown eyes sparked. “You need to relax. I suspect that’s not easy for you, is it?”
She tried to purse her lips, but a laugh escaped instead. “Am I that transparent?”
A shy smile tugged at his lips. “A little, but that’s okay. I like your energy.”
The endearing note in his voice stole the breath from her lungs. “Y…you do? I’m not too much? Too high strung?”
His chuckle reverberated in the space between them and settled in her chest, warming her. “Never.”
An affectionate flutter inside tore at the protective barrier around her heart, as if trying to find a way in. She pushed it away, afraid of what it might do, what it might mean. No way could he care for her, could he?
Issac placed his hands on her arms. Even through her thin cotton shirt, the heat of his skin lit up her senses. “Close your eyes. Breathe. Welcome your inner wolf. She is a part of you, and you are a part of her.”
On an intake of breath she closed her eyes, counted to three, then let it out with a slow exhale. Once, twice, three more times, she repeated the process. Issac rubbed his palms down her sleeves. The gentle caress grounded her in place and settled her nerves.
Let me take over now. Clo’s soft voice echoed in her mind.
Chloe kept her eyes closed, but a tendril of unease wound around the muscles in her back, tightening them. “I’m trying but I’m not sure I can do this.”
A frustrated growl reverberated in her head.
“Listen to my voice, Chloe. I’ll distract you. Maybe that will help you relax.” Issac’s deep baritone eased into her senses.
“There’s nothing to fear from your wolf. Shoot, most of the time, mine has much better awareness and intuition than I do.” A self-deprecating laugh eased from him as he continued to rub her arms. “She’ll provide a whole new world of experiences for you, one’s you’ll love. I just know it.”
She focused on his low voice and his tender strokes, letting his words and his touch work their magic.
“Several times a month I let my wolf run wild through the forest. The rush of the wind in my fur, the pounding of my paws on the terrain, and the rush of blood through my veins is a high like no other.”
I’m taking over now.
Chloe’s bones and muscles shifted, morphing into her alter ego. The wolf’s magic came forth, and her clothes disappeared under the fur. She opened her eyes.
Her gaze widened at the pair of clawed gray paws that had replaced her hands. She turned her head and glanced down her side. Dense fur, a mixture of darker and lighter colors, covered her torso.
She tried to speak, but only a short bark burst from her.
Issac’s eyes sparked with happiness. “You did it, Chloe. You shifted. Well done.”
Clo, you there?
I’m right here. We’re together now.
Relief shot through her with such intensity, her body shook. She glanced behind her. Actually, it was her tail that shook, the tip wagging to-and-fro.
She jumped, once, twice, three times, eager to run. The windowpane grabbed her attention. Night still ruled, but she caught a reflection of a pair of tall, pointy wolf ears.
Her pulsed raced,
and a need to know what she looked like drew her forward. Her nails clicked on the wooden floor with each step. In the window, her full reflection became visible.
Long, pointed ears led to two green eyes, ones she recognized as her own. A narrow snout with a black nose descended to sharp canines protruding from her open mouth.
Issac crouched next to her and met her gaze in the reflection. “You’re absolutely gorgeous.”
Her tail pounded the floor, and before she could stop herself, she swiped her tongue across his uninjured cheek.
He laughed, cupped her head, and ruffled her fur.
She enjoyed his playful attention more than she cared to admit. Handsome, polite, and sweeter than candy, he made her feel special. Her heart leapt for joy.
Mate… Clo’s voice echoed in her brain.
She tensed and immediately morphed back into her human shape. Her knees gave out, and she fell.
Issac wrapped his arms around her and coaxed her against him. His cool, minty breath brushed across her cheek. “You all right?”
Confusion wracked her mind, stealing her thoughts. “Y…yeah, fine.”
Had her inner wolf called him her mate? What did that mean?
A different kind of fear, one she didn’t know how to handle blended in with her shock. White spots formed in her vision then the world dimmed, taking her into oblivion.
Chapter Ten
Issac returned to Chloe who was sleeping by the fireplace. He set down the two pillows he’d snagged from the bed, easing her head onto one. Then, he drew the bedspread over her shoulder and cradled her unconscious form. It wasn’t uncommon for new shifters to pass out after their first time turning, and he decided she needed her rest. Warmth from the fireplace would keep them both comfortable the remainder of the night.
Her sweet strawberry scent eased into his senses. As she snuggled against his chest, her soft breath tickled the skin along his collarbone. A part of him longed for time snuggling together at the cabin to become a regular occurrence, something he hoped they would both look forward to and relish, but he didn’t believe that was possible. He was a small-town kind of guy, and she was a big-city girl intent on returning.
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