And a sexy distraction, as well.
Beck. She shoved a hand over her hair. Hadnt looked at it since stepping out of the shower this morning. Yeesh. I wasnt sure Id see you again after, well, you know.
Do you want to see me? He remained behind the threshold, hands shoved in his front pockets. I mean, should I be here?
Yes. She took his hand and tugged him inside. I didnt want to influence you one way or the other so I didnt make the first move. Also, I dont have your phone number.
He tugged out his cell phone and pressed a few buttons, then handed it to her. Lets remedy that right now. Type in your number. If you give me yours, Ill do the same.
She grabbed her phone from the counter and handed it to him. Typing in her digits, she entered simply Daisy Blu, and not her last name. She didnt want anything in there to remind him of her father.
I dont want to disrespect your father, he said, handing her back her phone and reclaiming his. But I couldnt stay away.
Why is that?
That I dont mean any disrespect to a pack principal?
No, I understand that completely. And I have to say Im glad that humiliating episode did not keep you away. It must have been my hot chocolate that lured you back, right?
While I admit that wicked brew could certainly provide a strong lure toward you, thats not the reason. How can a guy walk away from pink hair and fluttery lashes like yours? And youre not like most women. Youre smart, and you have interests in things beyond shoes and celebrities.
I dont know what torture king expects us to walk in those wobbly high-heeled shoes.
I like you in pack boots and your kitty hat. Can I, uh... His eyes danced over her face nervously. Then he splayed out his hands. We never got to finish that kiss before your father showed up.
Indeed not. The man had an excellent memory, and thank the goddess for that.
Daisy stepped up to him and tilted back her head because he was tall, and she wanted to stare into his eyes all day. Until such a view didnt matter, and she closed her eyes and tipped forward onto her tiptoes.
He met her mouth with his. A warm, sure kiss that belonged nowhere but now. She gripped the front of his sweater, beneath the open coat, and when he spread a hand up her back she leaned into him. He was so warm, and strong. The muscles beneath her hands were hard as rock, and she curled her fingers against the curve of his pecs. Yet at her mouth, everything was not hard but eager and searching. Inviting and exploratory.
He smelled like caramel and coffee. Whatever hed had to drink before coming here, it was delicious. Beck moaned into her mouth and lifted her by the hips. Daisy wrapped her legs about his waist without breaking the kiss. He dipped his head to deepen their connection, dashing his tongue along hers. The taste of him ignited her desires. Her skin prickled, and her nipples tightened. She almost grinded her mons against his stomach but stopped herself. This was only their second kiss. And actually, it was just finishing the first kiss.
You do that very well, she said against his mouth. You said something about our kiss never ending?
I could keep this up for years. He kissed her eyelid, then tilted his forehead against hers. You do things to me, Daisy Blu.
Good things?
Good. Bewitching. You make the wolf inside me want to howl.
At that moment a wolf howled on the television turned to low volume before the couch.
Daisy laughed. Appropriate timing.
You watching a nature show?
No, Ive had the news on while Ive been trying to figure out how to make a computer program pair up with my camera.
Behind them the news anchor reported on last nights encounter between two hunters and the ghost wolf.
Kare11 can suck it, Daisy said. She slid out of Becks grasp and picked up the TV remote and clicked it off. I almost had an interview with one of those hunters last night. I should have told him I was with Kare11. Hed only speak to them. Hows that for sucky?
Last night? You were out looking for interviews? How quickly does word get around when something like a white wolf stalking hunters happens?
Pretty fast. But even faster when its witnessed firsthand. I was there. She spun, and her enthusiasm over what shed witnessed last night made her bounce on her toes. In the forest. I got a few shots of the hunters running in fear from the ghost wolf, andyoull never believe thisI actually photographed the ghost wolf. Theyre too blurry, though. Nothing I can use unless I figure out the computer program. Im so not tech savvy.
Becks mouth hung open for so long, Daisy wondered if hed slipped into a sort of catatonic state. When finally he swept a hand before him and clenched it into a fist, he blurted, What the hell were you doing in the woods again? Alone? I thought I told you that was dangerous?
Im fine. See? She spun before him, not about to let the big tough male treat her like a helpless female. Been there, done that. Learned to punch the lug in the gut. And you know what? The ghost wolf walked right up to me. Sniffed me, even.
Daisy! It could have killed you.
Oh, I dont think so. Im ninety-five-percent sure its a werewolf. Except bigger. And stronger. Its muscles were just so much... she caressed the air in the shape of the wolf ...more. And you know, it really does kind of glow. Its white and transparent. Maybe iridescent
I cant listen to this. Daisy, what would your father say? Does he know you go wandering in the woods alone at night where hunters are waiting to shoot their prey? You being just such prey.
Im no mans prey. I wore an orange vest. Its not the hunters I worry about. Besides, I went in human form because I needed to get the shots. Why are you getting so bent out of shape about this? Im a reporter. Or I hope to be. Im doing what is necessary to win the internship.
Daisy, reporters dont risk their lives by standing before a wild animal.
I think they do. At least, this reporter does. But I didnt fear the ghost wolf. Not for long, anyway. In fact, I know it wouldnt have harmed me. I felt that from it.
Must have recognized your scent.
What? How could it? Recognize it from when?
Beck shook his head and wandered over to the long table before the windows. Her notes, books and various sketches were scattered beside the laptop and a digital camera.
He gripped his hair and paced. I dont think its wise. We dont know anything about this ghost wolf. And even if you think its werewolf, its not like us, Daisy.
Yeah, Im trying to figure that out. Let me show you.
She slipped around behind the table where half a dozen books on myth and even some volumes written by paranormal breeds listed a variety of the known and fantastical creatures that existed within this mortal realm.
I havent found anything exactly like what I saw. At first I thought it could be an incarnation of Fenrir, but I doubt that. This one comes close. She tapped a page in an open book that featured Chibiabos. Its a Native American legend, and this area of the state is steeped in Indian traditions. Theres a reservation not far from here. Or this one.
She pulled another book before her and Beck leaned over, though it didnt seem as if he were interested, but rather distracted. And not in a good way. She could sense his tension and smell not so much anger as concern.
She pulled another book before her and Beck leaned over, though it didnt seem as if he were interested, but rather distracted. And not in a good way. She could sense his tension and smell not so much anger as concern.
Here. She picked up the picture shed printed out earlier. This is the best shot I could get of it.
He took the photo and looked it over. It was a blurred image of something white. Could be the abominable snowman for the clarity. If she hadnt seen it with her own eyes, shed never be able to look at the picture and say, Yes, thats a werewolf.
What do you intend to prove by getting a picture? he asked. I know you want the internship, and that requires a winning article, but why this story?
Its what I know.
Beck frowned.
Okay, I know Im treading dangerous territory with our breed. Were all about secrecy.
And for good reason.
Right, and I get that. But the ghost wolf is already out there. The humans are making it out to be some evil creature. But I think of the ghost wolf as more of a superhero.
Right, your hero in a cape theory. Its nonsense, Daisy.
I didnt say he wore a cape. But that hed dismissed it as nonsense hurt. Daisy lifted her chin. And I want to make sure its not hunted as a monster, but rather honored as something that made the hunters take a pause to rethink their motives toward mindless killing. The ghost wolf is helping the wolves.
A noble goal, but... Beck sighed and turned to sit against the table, facing her. He clutched the table edge and leaned forward, entreating, What if one of these nights a hunters bullet goes astray and you get hit? Daisy, this story is not worth the risk.
So long as its not a silver bullet, Im good.
SilverDaisy. Wait. Beck stood, his hands pressed together, going to his face. Silver.
Right. Thats the only thing that can kill us.
Yes, but...fuck.
Beck? Whats wrong?
She could sense his increased heartbeats. As well, her heartbeat sped up. What had she said? His mood had shifted from concern to something like angst. He must be thinking about his father. She had heard he had been with him when hed been murdered.
I dont know why I havent been pursuing this all along.
Pursuing what? she asked.
The shotgun shell that killed my father had silver in it.
Thats odd. Arent most shells filled with lead shot?
Exactly. So the hunter had to have made it special. And to use silver...he had to have known what he was hunting. Who would do something like that?
You think it wasnt a human? Daisy asked. Vampire?
Huh? He found her gaze, as if coming up from the depths, his eyes focusing on hers. No, it wasnt a vampire. I jumped on him that night, held him down. He was human, and though I was in wolf shape at the time, I felt his fright.
Thats to be expected if a wolf attacks you.
I didnt attack him. I just...kept him away from my fathers body.
Daisy sucked in her lip. They were moving into intimate territory, and she felt the need for caution. It hurt Beck to retell this information, but that he trusted her to reveal a few details was immense.
I have to go check on something, he said. This is big. He started toward the door. Im sorry. I had come here to spend some time with you. But this is important.
I understand. I have your digits now. She rushed to beat him to the door and pressed her shoulders to it as he arrived before the threshold. I want to help you, Beck.
I dont need any help. And I dont want you getting shot in your quest for a picture of a creature that could very likely kill you. Will you promise me to stay out of the forests? Please, Daisy?
That wasnt something she could promise. And she was smart; she knew when she was in danger, and she hadnt felt it yet. Not even when the ghost wolf had walked right up to her.
She touched Becks cheek and traced his stubble-darkened jaw. His thoughts were miles away, back at his fathers side as hed died in the forest. She didnt know how to deal with grief. It hadnt touched her life. And it had only been a few months since hed lost his father. He seemed normal and stoic on the outside, but could he be a bundle of agony on the inside?
Have you spoken to anyone about this? Losing your father?
Why? Im not a weepy girl, Daisy. Something bad happened. Im dealing. If anyone needs help, its my mother. Shes Hell. Ive got to go. Im sorry about this.
Dont apologize. I just... Can we make another date? Tomorrow night? Ill cook if you come over.
Id like that. You like wine?
Sounds good. Bring red. Ill make meat and potatoes.
He bracketed her head with his palms and bent his forehead to hers again. You could win my heart, you know that, Daisy Blu?
Ill give it a try.
You dont need to try, just...be you.
He kissed her again, this time holding still at her mouth. She thought she felt his heartbeat in that touch. And in the seconds that her heart stood still, Daisy knew she would try for that win, whether or not he wanted her to.
Chapter 7
Beck found his mother in the kitchen cleaning the copper-tiled backsplash behind the stove. Why she cooked was beyond him, but he was glad to see her not sulking in the big easy chair where she and Dad had always snuggled. She looked good, actually had color in her cheeks, and greeted him with a genuine hug and a kiss.
How you feeling? he asked.
Im well. She patted her growing belly. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow.
Do you want me to come along with you?
No, you dont have to. But youre a sweetie to offer. Did you go to the iceworks the other night?
I did.
By yourself? she asked in a tone that implied she had already deduced the answer.
Why do you ask?
I havent been a complete hermit since your fathers death. I talk to Blu on the phone once in a while. She said her son Malakai was all in a huff because he saw his daughter with my son. I only have one sonat the momentso...