Page 2 of Twisted Howlidays

“There’s been an increase in wolf sightings. The thing about these sightings that have people alarmed is that an unusually large wolf has been spotted in urban areas and showing somewhat strange behavior. Do you think it’s one of our Twisted Tail wolves?”

Calder sipped his coffee and quietly thought about recent developments in Twisted Tail. “Interesting. It just so happens we’ve been having some unusual behavior right here in Twisted Tail. A certain young man has been spending more time in wolf form than human form. He’s been getting aggressive, picking fights, and doing some risky dumbass stuff.”

“Are you saying we have a Twisted Tail wolf going rogue?”

“Not quite rogue yet, but now is the time to nip that shit in the bud.”

Daisy suddenly realized which young wolf he was referring to. “Let me guess, Ryan Harper?”

“The one and only.” Calder confirmed her suspicions.

“Wow. It’s bad enough for him to act like that here, but it’s downright stupid for him to go out into the human community and cause problems. It could put everyone in danger. I know he has a reputation for being a little wild, maybe even occasionally reckless, but not stupid. What in the world has gotten into him?” Daisy asked.

“It’s not what he’s gotten mixed up in, it’s what he’s missing out on. All his best friends have found their mates. And I know he’s been desperately hoping to find his. His family and friends all see it. Hell, they’ve even tried to get him to find someone to settle him down a bit, even if it’s only temporary.”

“I guess some wolves just want more than a convenient superficial relationship. Holding out for his true mate? I think that’s romantic,” she replied.

“It is…for the patient wolf.”

Daisy patted Calder’s hand. “Well, I’m sure a visit with his Alpha would do wonders for his patience. Put things in perspective, so to speak.”

“Right. It wouldn’t hurt to lay down the law with him. But this is the mating urge we’re talking about. It’s the strongest call of his spirit. He won’t be able to deny it for much longer. This is the kind of power that has been known to drive a wolf mad. I feel bad for the guy.”

“Hmm. Well, then I’m glad I’m the one to be the recipient of your wild passion. But if you don’t think you can get him to calm down, maybe it’s time to call in an actual professional.” Daisy suggested.

“A professional like Willow K. Sprout? I suppose it can’t hurt. I just hope Ryan isn’t a little too wild, even for her skills.”

“I guess we’ll find out. Won’t we?” Daisy leaned in and kissed her mate. She was beyond thankful for the help that Willow had given her and Calder. After all, if it hadn’t been for the matchmaker, she never would have met her mate or found her true calling. If anyone could help Ryan, it was Willow. Daisy knew it was the right call.

* * *

“Just calm the fuck down, Ryan,” Wyatt growled.

“You know, I remember when you guys used to like having fun,” Ryan said shoving him aside. Now his so-called friends were nothing but a drag and it sucked balls.

Ethan shook his head. “Sorry but fighting and raising Hell no longer rates on the list of fun things to do. I’m way too old for that shit. And we can’t just take off for the mountains whenever we feel like it. We have responsibilities. You know, mates, kids, jobs.”

“Yeah, I can tell. Screw it. I’ll go hunting by myself, as usual.” Ryan rolled his eyes as soon as the excuses flew from Wyatt’s mouth. He knew they had mates, and kids, and jobs for fuck’s sake. All those things added up to exactly what he didn’t have. Well, the mate and kids thing. They were also the things he wanted more than anything, but it just didn’t seem to be in the cards for him. He’d been searching for his mate for what had felt like forever, and he’d never so much as caught a single scent of the one who was supposedly destined to be his.

Wyatt squared his frame, blocking him. “Hold up, not so fast. Calder wants a word with you. Now.”

So now the Alpha wants to have a word with him. “Fuck me.” That was awesome. Just fucking awesome. The last thing he wanted to do was to get his ass chewed out again by his Alpha.

It started with his friends, well, they used to be his friends until they had all mated up. Then there was no time for him anymore. “We work in the morning” or “the kids this, and the baby that,” there was always something. “You should settle down,” they said. Then they tried to set him up with a seemingly endless list of partners. Some were nice, sure. But why waste his time or energy? Not a single one of them was fated to be his mate.

But the whole situation lit a fire inside of him. His wolf was burning to find his true mate. Apparently, his non-existent mate. The only thing that seemed to calm him was letting his wolf out, to run wild and free.

Ryan pressed the gas pedal to the floor, sending a shower of gravel out from behind his truck. Maybe it was time to just get the hell out of Twisted Tail. But that would have to wait until the Alpha had a piece of him.

Slowing in front of Calder’s house, he brought his truck to a stop. Sucking in a deep breath, he prepared himself for a good old fashion ass-chewing. For what? He wasn’t sure.

“Ryan, I haven’t seen you in months. You look good,” Daisy said, greeting him on the porch.

“Thanks, Daisy. It’s nice to see you too.”

Sensing his anxiety, Daisy placed a hand on his shoulder. “Calder is inside, waiting for you. Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite. You’re not in any trouble.”

Stepping inside, Ryan was immediately met by Calder.

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