again. I glanced back to the young wolf. She was sound asleep in my arms—peaceful. Everything would be alright.
It had to be.
* * * *
A poke to my face woke me. When I opened my eyes, I wasn’t pleased to see the sun still in the middle of the sky. Only a couple hours sleep never stood well me.
Another poke came. When I looked away from the window, to say I was shocked was an understatement, as I found myself wrapped around a woman. She looked to be about my age and the softest thing I’d ever held. She had long baby-soft brown hair, deep silver eyes and porcelain skin with perfect rosy cheeks.
“Well, this is a first I have to say.” I laughed quietly.
She smiled softly and her eyes grew more beautiful by the second. “Me too.”
Slowly, I eased my arms from around her and cuddled up with the blanket. “I see you shifted. That’s very good.”
“I don’t remember doing anything,” she said. “I remember going to sleep and when I woke up, I was back to normal.”
“I’m guessing it’s because you relaxed. Valor said something like that, but really, don’t ask me. I’m no expert in the wolf department.”
“Valor is the big one?” she asked, curiously.
“Yeah, he’s the Patriarch.” When she looked so confused by the word, I laughed. “Don’t worry. They’ll explain the ins and outs of the wolf world to you later.”
She gave her head a little shake, apparently dismissing her further questions. “Thank you for talking with me last night. I…well…I was…”
“Scared shitless,” I finished for her.
She laughed. It was so sweet and soft. “Exactly.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve been there too.”
“So, it’s true what you told me?”
“Every last bit of it. You are now in a world that will amaze you every day. Trust me on that. But it’s good. Really good.”
“Are we alone here?” she asked, glancing around.
“No. They are here…”
Just as the words left my mouth, the door flew open. Briggs stood, wide-eyed and speechless. I sat up as Kyden entered.
Kyden laughed and gave Briggs a slap on the back. “You could have knocked, you wanker.”
“Hi. This is…” I glanced back to her. “Gosh, I never asked your name.”
She was staring at Briggs, a little wide-eyed herself. “I’m Rynn Murphy.”
“Rynn—pretty name.” I looked back out at Briggs and Kyden. “Everyone, this is Rynn.”
“Are you well, Rynn?” Valor asked, from the doorway.
“Yes.” Her voice was quiet and reserved. “Nexi fixed the wounds last night.”
Valor smiled, genuinely. “Wonderful,” he exhaled.
The meaning of that sigh was clear. He finally relaxed, knowing he wouldn’t have to destroy her. His whole body seemed to decrease in size as the tension left him. Even I let out a relieved sigh.
Briggs reached out his hand to Rynn. She hesitated for a moment, but then took it. When she stood, he wasn’t the only one a little taken aback. This woman was beauty personified. Her figure was flawless. She was a petite little thing that came up to Briggs’ chest and her curves were rounded and soft.
Briggs stood dumbfounded.
Kyden stood to the side, laughing quietly. As was Valor. Obviously, this wasn’t the norm for Briggs. I cleared my throat. “I think this is our cue to leave.”
Rynn grabbed my arm frantically, nearly begging. “Do not leave me.”
“Okay.” I took her hand and she grasped it tightly. “I’ll stay.” Then, I glanced to Valor. “What’s on the agenda for today?”
Valor gave Briggs a hard shove in an apparent attempt to get him to snap out of it. “Come on, Briggs, let’s show them around.”
Through the house, we passed a proper dining room, sitting room and a sizeable kitchen. French doors sat at the end of hall and led out to the back. Once outside, I looked around at Valor’s spread a moment. Behind the house was a small barn with horses grazing the fields. It was endless beauty here—mountains, green valleys, rolling hills. “So, where are we exactly?”
“Cache Valley in Utah,” Valor answered.
Now here, I could understand Utah’s whole Adventure Awaits get-up. This city was paved for just about every outdoor activity ever made. As we made our way around the grounds, Rynn stayed glued to my side, her hand tight in mine. The way I figured it, she was probably going to stay close for the next couple days or so. I didn’t mind. She was sweet. My instinct to protect her was fierce, and if that meant, lending her a little of my strength as she tried to make sense of