The cabin was small with not much more than the two sets of bunk beds and a scarred wooden table. He placed a bag on top of the table, making it wobble sharply to the left. He grabbed his bag before it toppled to the ground.
A small pot-bellied stove took up one corner, its presence attesting to the coldness of the winter. Logs of wood filled the cane basket sitting alongside. Surely the temperatures didn’t get cold enough for fires up here during the middle of summer?
“Man, I’m looking forward to this summer. I can’t wait to ditch the drugs and run in wolf form. I’m John,” he added.
“Scott,” a short, dark-haired boy said.
“Teague,” the tallest and biggest of the three said. He scowled at Corey. “You’d better not snore.”
“No one has complained before.”
A thump on the door made them jump. They turned to see R.J. filling the doorway. “You,” he said, jerking his thumb in a gesture at Corey. “Your bags are blocking the bus.”
“Why didn’t you bring them with you?” Corey wallowed in the burst of attraction. R.J. sure smelled good.
“I’m not here to wait on you. If your bags aren’t moved by the time I’m ready to shift the bus, I’ll back over them.”
“Okay. I’ll come and get them now.” Corey stepped through the doorway and purposely brushed against the older man. He savored the quick rush of lust and the heat coming off R.J.’s body. A second hit of the man’s scent didn’t hurt either. He greedily dragged the smell into his lungs, trying to decipher the exact origin. Their gazes met for a second, held, and in that moment Corey knew he’d found what he was looking for. Oh, yeah. There was no doubt about it. He wanted this intriguing steely man like a chubby kid wanted a second piece of cake.
Chapter Two
R.J. registered the instant the kid made a decision. His gut cinched tight at the recognition, but he couldn’t dispute the attraction simmering inside him. Something about Corey snared his interest. A city kid for God’s sake. They had nothing in common. He eyed the tight black jeans practically painted on the kid’s shapely ass. His gaze wandered higher, taking in the broad shoulders and surprisingly muscular chest, given Corey’s pale skin indicated he preferred to spend his time indoors.
At almost twenty-two, he was bigger and bulkier than the others. It was difficult to decipher his natural looks under the layers of makeup. R.J. shook his head in bemusement.
Lipstick, and black at that.
The urge to drag the kid behind the nearest pine tree and lay one on him brought edginess and irritation. A single kiss, so he could tell himself they wouldn’t suit and this urge was his body’s way of prompting him to make a trip to town. Yeah. On his next weekend off, he’d go to Cody. Maybe find himself a hot cowboy at the Cody Nite Rodeo and fuck the willing man into oblivion before returning to Yellowstone.
The kid fell into step with him. R.J. didn’t like the way his wolf came to attention, stretching under his skin as if waking from a long slumber. He’d gone hunting only last night. His wolf should rest peacefully, but instead he stirred because of Corey.
Thinking about a kiss was a bad, bad idea.
“What do you do for entertainment around here?” Corey asked.
“I don’t get much time off during the summer while we’re running camps.”
“But you must get some time off. What do you do then?”
“I go hunting.” R.J. wasn’t about share the fact he did his hunting in pubs and clubs. He went out to meet willing men.
“What if you want to get laid?”
R.J.’s wolf jolted at the punch of heat that struck him. “I go to the bar and find a willing woman.”
“A woman?”
R.J. wanted to laugh at the kid’s obvious disappointment. If experience had taught him something, it was how to lie convincingly. “Our equipment works well together.”
“Male equipment works with either sex,” the kid retorted with a sidelong glance at R.J.’s groin.
R.J. willed his body not to react, even though Corey’s attention sent more heat skipping through his veins. “Move it, kid. I have lots to do before dinner.”
“I’m not a kid.”
Yeah, R.J. agreed with the assessment, which made Corey a problem for him. He’d always allowed himself to follow up on an attraction. This time he couldn’t. Taking advantage of one of their charges wasn’t appropriate. Besides, the kid’s father held a position of importance in the L.A. pack. No way did R.J. want to attract attention and have suppression drugs forced on him again. No, he preferred to keep under the radar and enjoy his life here at Yellowstone. He focused on puncturing Corey’s smirk. “You’re a kid to me.”
“Do you know my father?”
“Are you trying to threaten me?”
“No, it was a simple question. Do you know my father?”
“I’ve never met him.” Thank goodness, by all accounts. R.J. turned away to head for his bus, confident of handling his attraction to the kid. He’d be too busy to indulge his desires anyway.
The orientation meeting started with Hal running through the rules. “You will follow every direction issued by either me or R.J. This is for your safety.” He paused to scan the kids. “There will be no sneaking into the cabins of the opposite sex. R.J. will make bed checks every night.”
R.J. hid his amusement when he saw the consternation on a couple of faces.
“Everyone will have a chore assignment. You’ll take turns to help with meals and the cleanup afterward.” Hal nodded at him.
R.J. took over. “We’re going to wean you off the suppression drugs gradually and help you learn the skills to control your wolves before the drug leaves your systems. We will teach you to track and read your surroundings using all your senses. At the end of the month, we’ll start camping out overnight. The goal of the program is to get back to nature and to embrace your wolves. At the end of the three months we expect you to each make a kill.”
“We have to kill an animal?” The young girl gaped at him in disbelief.
Hal glanced at R.J., silently indicating he should jump into the conversation again before mass hysteria erupted.
“Making a kill is a natural thing and part of nature’s controls,” R.J. said. “The game populations swell to unnatural numbers if the regular cycle isn’t adhered to. It’s a fine balance.”
Another one of the girls raised her hand. “You mean we have to kill a Bambi?” Her voice rose to a squeak toward the end of her sentence.
“Killing prey to eat is a natural thing,” R.J. repeated in a firm voice before any of the other eleven kids offered their opinion. “There will be no discussion. Your parents have paid us to give you this experience.”
“Any other questions?” Hal scanned their faces and waited.
Corey put up his hand. “Yeah, what can we do in our free time? Are we allowed to leave the camp?”
“You can join in with any of the park activities,” R.J. said. “You’re free to interact with humans, keeping in mind they aren’t aware of the existence of werewolves. If you wish to leave the camp area for any reason, you must tell either me or Hal. No alcohol allowed since you’re under age. If we catch a whiff of alcohol, we’ll kick you out of the program. No second chances. This is the only warning you’ll receive.”
“I’m legal.” Corey leaned back on his chair until the front legs left the ground. “I’m an adult.”
R.J. met his challenging stare. “Act like a mature adult and I might believe you.” Instead of arguing, the kid scrutinized him thoughtfully before nodding. The tacit agreement should’ve reassured R.J., but instead an alarm fired to life. The kid’s attitude implied he liked to flout convention rather than follow along with everyone else. Not that R.J. could do much about his mind-set. No. He’d impose the camp rules and take appropriate action if or when any of the kids broke one.
He shoved his trepidation aside. “Any more questions? No? Good. Hal will pin the chore roster on the notice board in a few minutes. We�
�ll split you into two groups and start your training tomorrow. Meantime, I want you to collect the correct dosage pills from me before you leave.”
R.J. dispensed the pills, ticking off names as the kids received their tablets. The last one to receive medication was Corey. Of course.
“Where do you go to get a drink around here?” The kid’s eyes gleamed with challenge, and R.J. found himself wanting to grin. The makeup didn’t bother him now that he’d become used to the startling effect of stark black against Corey’s pale skin. He stared a fraction longer, and when he wondered what Corey looked like without the makeup, he admitted the kid had reeled him in like a curious trout.
“We told you earlier, you don’t get a drink around here.”
Corey clicked his fingers. “Well damn. I’ll have to settle for sex.”
The minute the kid mentioned sex, the vague element of trouble rumbling in R.J.’s gut solidified. He forced himself not to react to Corey’s smirk. Instead, he stared at Corey’s mouth. Normally sexual attraction came and went. Sex was like scratching an itch—a momentary thing he took care of when the need arose. This weird…fascination…had struck without warning, pouncing out at him.
Aware of Corey’s amusement, R.J. forced his mind back to business. He couldn’t let the kid rattle him. “Take the blue pill tonight and the pink pill tomorrow night. The medication will ease you down and help you keep better control of your wolf until Hal and I can run through some exercises and give you more information tomorrow.”
Corey nodded. “Blue then pink. Got it. You didn’t answer my question.”
“You didn’t ask a question.” R.J. cursed silently. Talking about sex with Corey Wilson wouldn’t help keep his mind straight.
Corey glanced over his shoulder, confirmed they were alone and leaned closer. “I’d like to have sex with you.”
His words hung between them, inherent with promise. R.J. wanted to turn away and couldn’t. The kid didn’t mince words. No, like any good wolf he went for the throat.
“You can’t say that.”
Corey’s too-black brows rose. “Why?”
“It’s inappropriate.”
“But not impossible,” Corey countered. “See you tomorrow.”
He strode away with a real swagger, leaving R.J. staring after him in consternation.
“Something wrong?” Hal returned from the kitchen and came to a halt beside R.J.
“No. This intake of kids seems like a good group.” A lie, but if all else failed, denying everything worked for him. Corey Wilson was a problem waiting to happen.
The next morning, R.J. mentally checked off the kids’ names against the list he’d memorized. Everyone was present apart from Corey Wilson.
“Has anyone seen Corey?”
One of the guys paused, his spoon of cereal hovering in front of his mouth. “He was still in bed when we left the cabin. Said he didn’t do breakfast and would catch some extra zees.”
He did not need a mental visual of Corey plus a bed stuck in his head. R.J. cursed under his breath. Still in bed. Figured. “Finish your breakfast. I want you outside, waiting near the bus, in fifteen minutes with your day packs. Grab a packed lunch from outside the kitchen before you leave. They’re all the same. And don’t forget to bring your water bottle. Make sure it’s full because by the time we’re finished with you you’re gonna need the water.”
R.J. left the dining hall and made for cabin six. The door stood closed when he arrived. He sniffed, letting the restraint on his wolf loosen while he scented the air. He caught the distinct scent of pack, which he expected since the pills they gave the kids contained chemicals to make them smell alike. He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door hard enough to smack it against the wall. The crack of wood echoed in the small cabin. Only the top bunk nearest him contained an occupant. One pale leg stuck out from beneath a white sheet.
“Corey,” he barked. The urge to raise the sheet, to touch bare skin, whispered at him. It was his healthy libido. The impulse was nothing to do with his inappropriate attraction for the kid. “Corey, wake up.”
Nothing happened. A couple of young girls strutted past, curiosity burning in their faces. Cursing softly, R.J. stepped into the room and shut the door after him. He grabbed Corey’s shoulder and shook.
The kid’s eyes popped open. Sexy brown. They stared at each other. Corey’s face held the softness of youth still, his skin pale like pristine winter snow. The coming days, spent outdoors, would leave their stamp on him.
“Hey,” Corey said, his face open and full of yearning. Distinct sexual hunger.
R.J. backed up a step, both hands tightened to fists at his sides. He forced himself to remain where he stood, while inside he trembled with the yen to touch Corey again, to stroke and explore the tender skin.
Hell! R.J. mentally shook himself and retreated even farther from temptation. “Everyone is waiting for you.”
“I’d better get moving.” Corey flung the sheet off and slid down from the top bunk in a quick graceful move that had R.J. blinking. “Care to help me out here?” His grin widened as he gestured at his morning wood.
R.J. recoiled, the hard wall at his back halting his retreat. Hell, he was the one in charge here. “Meet the rest of us out front in five minutes. Bring your day pack and a full water bottle. Collect your lunch from the kitchen.”
“Five minutes? But I have to shower and put on my makeup first.”
“Five minutes or we go without you.”
Corey’s chin shot upward. “I didn’t want to come here. It’s no skin off my nose if you leave me behind.”
“Let me rephrase.” R.J. straightened, carefully keeping his gaze on Corey’s face instead of sightseeing. “If you’re not waiting with the rest of the kids within the five minutes, I will drag you to the bus myself.” He backed up his threat with a glare before he left.
Three steps from the cabin he let his breath ease out. There was nothing kidlike about Corey Wilson. Sweet Jesus, he’d tried not to stare, but the one quick glimpse he’d managed had seared his retinas. He wouldn’t have difficulty recalling Corey’s body in the future.
Most of the kids loitered around the bus when R.J. reached the meeting point. The girls chattered together like noisy birds, and it wasn’t difficult to spot the flirtatious moves taking place between several of the youngsters. R.J’s mouth set, even though an evil grin wanted to take possession. By the time he finished with them today they’d be dog-tired, too exhausted to do anything except fall onto their bunk beds.
“Okay, everyone on the bus. Have you packed your water bottles?”
A chorus of affirmations greeted him.
“I’ll return once I grab my day pack and lunch.” R.J. jogged around the front of the bus and came face-to-face with Corey. He wore his pack slung over his shoulder and his face was makeup free. Although he’d donned black clothes again, the view was one hundred percent better than yesterday.
“Looking good, kid.” As soon as he uttered the words, R.J. grimaced. Big mouth. Corey didn’t need that sort of encouragement. Fuck, he had no idea what drew him to Corey, but this crazy behavior had to stop.
“Everyone ready?” Hal asked, falling into step with R.J.
“Yeah. I’m collecting my lunch.” Hurried steps behind him made him turn. Corey. Of course. “Where are you going?”
Corey grinned. “I’m gonna grab something to eat before we head out.”
“Breakfast is finished,” R.J. said firmly. “If you miss a meal, that’s your problem. The kitchen staff aren’t here to cater for individuals. Do you have your lunch pack?”
“Yes, but I haven’t—”
R.J. nailed Corey with such a fierce glare the kid pulled up short and took half a step back. “Everyone else managed to rise in time for breakfast. Think about that while you’re waiting on the bus.” He waited for Corey to argue, part of him amazed when he didn’t. To his surprise Corey gave a curt nod, wheeled around and headed to the bus.
Hal ba
rked out a short laugh. “I didn’t see that coming. I thought he’d argue.”
R.J. ripped his gaze off Corey’s ass and rubbed his face. “Yeah. Stunned me too. Do you have a lunch package? Should I get you one?”
A feminine shriek came from the bus. “Good idea. I’ll go and calm the restless natives.”
They parted company, and five minutes later, R.J. climbed behind the wheel and started the bus. He aimed the vehicle in the direction he wanted, driving on automatic pilot. His pack held an extra lunch, and he still couldn’t fathom why he’d retraced his steps and grabbed another one for Corey. He scowled at the road, still perturbed by the impulsive action. When he’d told Corey to go without breakfast, he’d meant to teach him a valuable lesson.
In the wild, it was survival of the fittest. Each of the kids needed to take responsibility and own their actions. Corey needed to follow the rules. R.J. barely restrained a grunt of amusement. The kid took great pleasure in flouting convention.
R.J. slowed and came to a halt behind a line of cars, waiting for a herd of bison to meander across the road. As usual, a couple of dumb-ass tourists parked haphazardly, intent on approaching the animals, stalking them with digital cameras in hand. They wanted a souvenir picture to show the folks back home. Idiots.
“See those people over there,” R.J. called out.
“Yeah,” a few of the kids replied.
“They’re setting an example of what not to do with bison. The herd might appear slow and friendly, but they move fast if the desire strikes them. If they’re in the mood they can also take exception to vehicles.”
“I’ll show you a couple of film clips after dinner tonight,” Hal added. “You’ll view footage of what happens when people get too close.”
“Does that mean we shouldn’t choose a bison when we come to make our kill?”
Lone Wolf Page 2
