thought the distance between them was growing, there was a thump against her side that knocked her off her feet and rolled her onto her side. She lie there, staring up as the brown wolf stalked over her, giving off an aura of power. He stepped over her and straddled her, staring down into her eyes with the look of a predator. She was certain that many others would have faltered under such a stare, but her wolf relaxed and panted happily with her tongue hanging out. Dirks wolfs eyes softened and he leaned in close, sniffing her neck. Her wolf rolled over onto her back, exposing her stomach in the ultimate act of submission. A nervous feeling welled in her along with other emotions such as happiness, carelessness and fear. She wasnt able to differentiate her own feelings from her wolfs.
Dirks wolf looked down at her and she stared back at him, until he moved away from her and turned, walking back in the direction theyd come. Jane jumped up and followed closely behind, confused by what had just happened. She was trying to learn to distinguish her own emotions from her wolfs, but that was difficult at the moment because her wolf was also confused by Dirks actions.
They each gathered their clothing and Dirk showed her where she could transform and dress in private, then they headed toward the castle.
I think Ive overexerted myself today, I feel a bit of a headache coming on, Jane admitted as they walked.
Ill return you to your room so that you can get some rest. I have to report to Kasimir and speak with Lou, then I’ll retrieve you later to take you on a more thorough tour of the grounds.
Jane nodded, grateful that her testing was over, at least for now.
Chapter 10
Jane opened her eyes and turned to the clock. Shed fallen asleep and was shocked to discover that shed slept until nearly eight. She looked around the room, wondering why Dirk hadnt returned yet.
She climbed off the bed and straightened her wrinkled clothing, then stepped into the bathroom to straighten her hair. Deciding that the bump on the side of her head wasnt going to smooth, even with the aid of water, she pulled it up into a ponytail.
As she exited the bathroom, there was a soft knock on the door, almost quiet enough not to be heard. She cleared her throat and said, Come in.
Dirk opened the door and smiled when he found her standing there looking back at him. Ive been here a few times, but you were sleeping so soundly that you didnt even hear me, so I hated to wake you.
Jane smiled back at him and said, You should have woken me. I dont know how I slept so long.
Has your headache eased? Dirk questioned.
Jane paused a moment, realizing that her head was no longer filled with the dull ache it had been earlier. She nodded, Yes, it feels much better.
Dirks smile widened and he said, Thats great, because I wanted to show you around a bit.
Jane nodded, still grinning back at him, anxious to explore without the task of being tested. Im ready whenever you are.
Dirk extended his elbow to her in reply and she placed her arm in his, allowing him to lead her out of the room.
They exited the castle and followed a road that veered off from the driveway, winding down the hill behind the castle. It lead them through a wooded area, but when they reached the bottom, the view of what looked like a small town was able to be seen on the other side of the trees.
Jane thought about it for a moment and said, Im surprised that so much goes on up at the castle without the humans in this town knowing.
Humans dont live here, Jane, Dirk explained. This little village is all part of our pack.
Really? How many wolves are in your pack? Jane spoke her thoughts aloud.
Roughly 700. But nearly half of them dont live here. As I told you before, we have many pack members stationed all around the world. Some in the military, some on the police force, and some in the government.
Janes eyes widened at his response. I cant imagine how Kasimir does it. It must be so difficult to manage so many pack members.
As they walked up the street of the small town, Janes attention shifted to her surroundings. The small town was beautiful. The street wasnt a modern paved road, it