Page 10 of Twisted Howlidays

“Hi, Ryan. Have a seat. What can we do for you?” Gavin said, handing him a beer.

“Now, I know this is going to sound like a strange request, but I’m really hoping you could both shift into bears and go for a run, up on the mountain tomorrow afternoon. And then once more the following day. I have a route all figured out.”

“What? Why?” Gavin asked.

“Well, see there’s this girl visiting Twisted Tail and—”

“Let me guess. The pretty blond staying with Daisy and Calder?” Bailey asked.

“Yeah, her name is Kendra. Anyway, she’s a wildlife photographer and she’s here working on a calendar. She needs pictures of grizzlies. But they’re all denned up already. We got to talking and one thing led to another, and I promised I could guide her to a place where I know she could get some great pictures.”

“So, you want us to help you impress this young lady so you can get laid? Are you serious?” Ryan hadn’t failed to miss the look of disbelief on his friend’s face.

“Dead serious. Come on. Please? I’ll pay you a hundred bucks. No, two hundred since it’s both days.”

“Can’t you just take her out for some fancy dinner and maybe some dancing?”

Bailey leaned forward, looking into Ryan’s eyes. “I don’t know, Gavin, but I think there is more to this than him just showing off for this girl.”

“Is that so? Who the hell is this chick anyway, Ryan?”

Ryan let out a deep sigh. “My mate. I can’t believe I’ve finally found her. But she’s a city wolf, and not part of a pack. She hasn’t been able to process what is happening here. I just need to, you know, get her out for a couple days and show her what I can do.”

“I? Um, you mean, what we can do,” Gavin replied.

Baily shrugged. “Listen, Ryan, I’m not sure tricking her in order to demonstrate your expert guiding prowess is such a good move. Have you thought this through?”

“Oh yeah, definitely. I know it will work. It’s more than just a chance to impress her, it’s the opportunity for the two of us to be alone, and to let our wolves run together. For sure, she will realize we’re mates. I even have Calder’s hunting cabin all set up. It’ll be the perfect location.”

“Great, take her to the love shack. Cue the cheap porno soundtrack.” His wolf snickered. “Bow-chicka-wow-wow.”

“Shut up.”

Gavin looked like he was ready to choke his guest. “Excuse me?”

“Sorry. It’s just my wolf being a smartass as usual.”

Bailey sat down on Gavin’s thigh and wrapped her arm over his shoulder. “Maybe we should help him out. After all, they’re fated to be mates. They just need to seal the deal, so to speak.”

“So, you’ll do it?”

Gavin glanced at Bailey and shrugged. “Sure. Why not. But keep your money. We would never want to be accused of running some weird kinky business. Especially if you fuck up.”

“It’s foolproof. You two shift and when I show up, I’ll signal for you to pass the cabin. But don’t allow her to get any good shots right away. I need to stretch this operation out.”

With the details of the mission agreed upon, Ryan headed home, feeling better about the situation.

“I can’t believe this is your great plan, dancing bears and a hunting shack in the mountains. Damn, she’ll be so impressed she’ll just rip her panties right off.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Kendra stood on the porch and watched Ryan’s old truck weave along the winding trail. Parking in front of the cottage, Ryan energetically hopped out from behind the wheel, and she couldn’t help but notice a change in his attitude overnight.

“Good morning, Kendra!”

“Wow, you remembered my name. I was wondering if I was going to be answering to Tree Hugger all day.”

“I could, but then you’d be calling me Redneck or worse. Anyway, it looks like you’re all set to find some bears. Here, let me take your backpack,” he said, lifting it into the bed of the truck.

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