Page 49 of Father of the Wolf

“No way. You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

“I’m serious,” Rath answered in his deep voice. Then he gave what might have been a short chuckle.

“That’s totally cool.” Steve laughed. “Maybe we can go to some ball games. If our team isn’t winning, you can rain it out.”

The jovial tone of their conversation must have relieved Athair, and he said as much to Hope. “I am very glad to see Steve has decided to accept us.”

“He is a good person.”

“I wanted to believe you, but I couldn’t knowingly allow him or anyone to be a threat to my clan.” He said this, and she knew that he would kill if necessary to protect his family. But he truly hoped it would never come to that.

“I’ll be sure he never becomes a threat,” she said. She understood him completely.

Athair wanted to change to a less grim topic of conversation. So, he urged her to sit down beside him at the table and asked, “Will you tell me about your work?”

“I am a veterinarian.”

“I know. You’re a good one.” He said with a grin. He wanted to know everything about her. What was it about her that drew him like no other woman ever had? He reached over and clasped her hand gently. “Is that what you always wanted to do?”

“For as long as I can remember. My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I think animals are more worthy than most people.”

“I agree.” He paused, wondering what had made her lose her faith in people. But instead of questioning her about that, he asked about the clinic portion of the house. “Why do you have the equipment here at home?”

“I am planning to open an animal hospital here. I know it must seem cowardly, but I can’t face the ride back and forth to town every day. Once I open, I won’t have to travel. And besides, the small towns nearby can use a local vet. But now—”

“Now what?”

“Now, with what Granny told me before dinner, I don’t know what I should do. She told me I’m supposed to be the next Keeper and that I don’t even have a choice in the matter.”

He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I don’t know much about what the position will demand from you, but I would think that if you want to have the hospital here, you can.” Her slight tremble awoke his protective instincts. Somehow, he wanted to be part of her life here. Then he could give her what she needed and help her do what she had to do. In the old days, he would have spoken to her family. Perhaps he should speak with Ella before expressing any intentions to Hope. But one look into her soft eyes, and he knew that no matter what Ella said, he would pursue Hope and claim her. He brushed a loose tendril of hair back from her face.

“I guess I’ll just continue with the plans for the clinic until I figure out exactly what it means to be Keeper for the clans.”

“I suppose that is a good plan. Will Steve be working with you?” he asked, wondering just how close they were. Even if they were only friends now, would Steve have better appeal as a mate because of his humanity?

“He offered.”

“So will you be partners?” The thought of the two of them working together every day, sharing everything and relying on each other was enough to tighten Athair’s gut. He couldn’t let it happen. Not if he could help it. Even logically knowing there was no more than friendship between Hope and Steve, he had to tamp down a surge of jealousy from his more wolfish side.

“Probably not. I don’t think Steve wants the responsibility of being a full partner. He has offered to continue as my assistant.” She changed the subject on him. “You seem much better now. Does it help having the others here?”

“It does help. I am almost completely healed now. Sgrios is our strongest healer. He will be able to complete the healing if he is willing.”

“If he is such a strong a healer, why are his scars so awful?”

“He chooses to not heal them. He will always appear as damaged as he feels.” Athair stroked her palm in rhythmic circles. Each touch was both tender and sensuous. She placed her other hand over his wrist and returned his caress. Her touch fanned his desire, sending his pulse jumping out of control.

He wanted nothing more than to carry her off to her bed and claim her for his own. No, the wolf might demand possession, but the man needed much more. He needed to do more than simply breed, needed more than just a quick sexual release. He wanted her for his mate. He’d never felt that before. Athair hadn’t yearned so strongly for a woman’s touch in centuries.

Truthfully, he had yearned. Just never enough to risk his family to search for a convenient body. This was so much more. He needed to touch her, to bring her pleasure. He stared into her eyes. Did she want him, too?

Emotion welled up inside him. He wanted her. He wanted her heart. He wanted her children. But right now, he’d settle for her hands and lips. He turned his hand over to grip hers, and sparks shot between their fingers like static electricity.

“Oh!” Obviously startled, Hope jerked her hand away.

“Oops,” he said with a wry grin. “That sometimes happens when I get… excited.”

“Is that what you are? Excited?” Her voice faltered, but her gaze met his with her own demands.

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