“Drastic is the correct word.” Tynan rubbed his cheek against Meggie’s silky soft hair. The tears had stopped, and she was in the half-drowsy aftermath of violent emotions and exhaustion. “I’d hoped you were right that spending time with me in fur would help. But the minute I dressed, my badge and uniform triggered her. And I realized she was as volatile and angry as she was fearful. If she attacked a uniformed human, well…”
Shay’s mouth tightened. “I see your point.”
“So you set her off?” Donal’s scowl was directed at Meggie. “If she’d had a knife, I’d be trying to heal you—or bring you back from the dead.”
Fuck. Donal had focused on her attack, rather than the reason behind it. That wasn’t like his soft-hearted littermate. Then again, after their time apart, Donal tended to act like a cougar defending its cub.
“I checked her for weapons. It’s not her fault, Donal.” Tynan kissed the top of her head. “It’s time to call it a night and head home.”
“Yes, it really is.” Donal’s words didn’t conceal the underlying snarl. He rose to his feet, movements stiff. One cat who wouldn’t be letting down his guard.
Shay nodded. “Can you drop by the Wildwood tomorrow?” The alpha wanted his update.
“Aye. In the morning.” Tynan rose and half-smiled when Meggie startled awake.
“Tynan?” She looked up at him. Seeing him.
“I think I won the argument that you’ll accept a ride home.” He smiled down at her, keeping her in his arms. By the Gods, she fit right there…perfectly, so soft and female. “It’s not like you’re out of the way, aye?”
“Gods, you’re stubborn,” she muttered. Sighed. And whispered, “Thank you.”
Chapter Eight
Cold Creek, North Cascades Territory - Beltane - waning crescent moon
Following the posted signs and the sounds of people, Margery walked around the side of the Wildwood Lodge to the back patio.
Bree had said that every other Sunday during the warm season, the lodge held barbecues, open to their guests and the town. Today was special since it was Beltane—or what the humans called May Day. If the fire festival day had arrived closer to full moon, the Cosantir would’ve celebrated during the Gathering, but this year, Beltane fell near the new moon.
She smiled at the bright red tulips in a bed by the side of the lodge. Farther out in a sunny patch, apple trees bloomed, casting a heady scent. Beneath them, wild strawberries showed off their white blossoms.
Under a vine-covered arch, a middle-aged female served as the lodge’s gatekeeper. Spotting Margery, she motioned her forward and said in a rough voice, “You’re the new one in town. Angie’s waitress, right?”
Small towns were so fun. Introductions were almost unneeded. “That’s right. I’m Margery.”
“Rosie. I work at the Wild Hunt. Next time you’re in there, I’ll buy you a beer. Us waitresses have to stick together.”
Margery grinned. “We do.”
“Go on in—and be warned, Breanne’s drafting people to help.”
“I’m up for that.” A quick sniff said Rosie was a shifter. “It’s an honor to serve an alpha like her.”
“That’s the spirit.” Rosie gave an approving nod. “Bright Beltane to you.”
“And you.” Feeling thoroughly welcomed—and betting that Rosie and Angie were good friends—Margery walked past and stopped to get her bearings. Because…people.
Whew. She hadn’t been expecting such a large party.
Along the back wall of the lodge, long tables held a wealth of food, from appetizers to desserts. Nearer at hand, Shay was turning steaks and burgers on a huge grill. A closed grill gave off the fragrance of smoked barbecue.
Across the wide patio, people at tables were eating, playing board games, and socializing. On the grassy area between the patio and the stream, cubs were playing soccer.
A darling small playground had a batch of kits swinging and bouncing and climbing. So cute.
“Margery, I’m glad you came.” Blonde hair pulled back in a long braid, Bree hurried up and gave her a one-armed hug before stepping back to study her face. “Shay told me about the trick Tynan pulled on you at the tavern last week. Zeb said you cried. Are you all right?”
The alpha female’s concern warmed Margery’s heart. “I’m fine. Really.”
Bree’s eyes narrowed. “Tynan can be damn intimidating when he goes all authoritarian. But you’re fine.”
“Really, I am.” Although Bree had a point. The commanding cop was daunting. Scary.
And disconcertingly captivating. How could someone make her anxious, yet melt her insides at the same time? Every night since then, she’d dreamed of being in the circle of his hard arms, her cheek pressed