Page 7 of Wolf Chosen

As a conservationist, it's everything I've dreamed of. Everything I've fought to achieve in the cities and concrete jungles that have made up the backdrop of my life.

It's a silly thought, a fleeting whimsy born of delirium and exhaustion, no doubt. However there's no denying the way the town tugs at my heart, coaxing forth a bittersweet ache as I realize just how much I would have loved to live in a place like this. To wake up every morning surrounded by such awe-inspiring natural beauty, to be a part of a community that cherishes and nurtures the very thing I've devoted my life to protecting.

I steal a sideways glance at him, taking in the strong lines of his profile, the way the sunlight sets his tousled waves with golden fire. He's a mystery, this man. One I can't quite figure out, can't seem to get a proper read on no matter how hard I try but the longer I'm around him, the more that strange sense of calm begins to settle over me, lulling my doubts and misgivings until all that remains is an inexplicable sense of rightness.

As if this, somehow, is exactly where I'm meant to be.

The thought should terrify me but instead, it feels like a soothing balm against the vortex of grief and uncertainty that plagues me.

We make our way through the heart of the town in comfortable silence, broken only by Liam's occasional murmured observation about one building or another and by the time we veer off onto a side road shaded by towering evergreens that stretch endlessly in every direction, I've all but forgotten my earlier trepidation.

“They're incredible, aren't they? Those trees must be hundreds of years old.” I’m unable to tear my gaze away from the ancient growth surrounding us.

“We take preserving the forest very seriously around here. It's our home, as much as any building or structure,” Liam agrees.

Of course he would understand, would share that same reverence for the natural world. It's yet another enigma to add to the seemingly endless pile where this man is concerned. Before I can dwell too long on the implications, however, the trees part to reveal our destination–a vision straight out of a fairytale.

The Wolf's Bite is a quaint two-story building constructed of weathered stone and timber, with a thatched roof and ivy-covered walls. Flower boxes overflow with a riot of colorful blooms, and a well-tended garden surrounds the property, lush and inviting. Gravel paths meander through the greenery, leading to a heavy oak door that looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.

“Wow...” I breathe, unable to tear my gaze away from the picturesque scene as Liam brings the truck to a stop beside the entrance. “This place is...”

“Something else, isn't it?” he finishes for me with a warm chuckle, cutting the engine and hopping down to make his way around to my side.

I'm so entranced by my surroundings that I barely register his approach until his hand is there, offering me the same steady support he has been all along. Without a second thought, I accept, allowing him to guide me down from the truck to the inn's entrance.

A woman with long brunette hair and sparkling green eyes greets us from behind the old-fashioned wooden desk, her smile warm and welcoming. “You must be Taylor,” she says, beckoning me over with a wave. “I'm Cindi, the owner. I have a room all prepared for you, hon.”

“Thank you,” I murmur, suddenly self-conscious beneath her assessing gaze. “That's very kind of you.”

“Not at all,” she dismisses with an airy wave of her hand. “Any friend of Liam's is a friend of ours.”

The words give me pause, prompting a curious glance in the doctor's direction.

“Actually, Cindi, I was hoping I could use the kitchen?” His request is casual, understated, but I can detect that undercurrent of intensity simmering just beneath the surface. “Taylor missed lunch, and I'd like to get some food into her after... well, everything.”

Now that he mentions it, there's a hollow sort of ache in the pit of my stomach, an emptiness I haven't felt in longer than I can remember. It's as if my body is waking up and rediscovering its most basic needs.

Like hunger. Real ravenous, gnawing hunger that has my mouth watering at the thought of a hot meal. I haven’t felt hunger like this since before my diagnosis. It’s strange I should feel anything like this now when my appetite has waned for months.

“Help yourself, you know where everything is,” Cindi says and smiles at Liam. Then, turning back to me with that same warm radiance. “And for you, hon, Liam requested one of our very best rooms. With a view, of course.”

There's something almost conspiratorial in her tone but I don't have a chance to dwell on it because Liam is speaking up once more.

“Actually, Cindi, I was hoping to book a room for myself as well.” His gaze finds mine and holds. “I'll be staying to keep an eye on Taylor for the next little while. I need to make sure my patient gets back on her feet.”

And there it is. The red flag I’ve been looking for flapping in the breeze with all the bells and whistles that scream run.

Chapter Five

Liam

Taylor’s eyes widen and her lips part in a silent gasp. Ripples of shock roll over her delicate features as her brow furrows and her emerald eyes cloud with trepidation. Every muscle in her lithe frame goes rigid. Her scent shifts, the soft rose notes souring as fear bleeds into the mix.

I've pushed too far, moved too fast.

“It's no hassle, I promise. But Faye isn't always at the clinic. If you were to lose consciousness again...” I trail off, letting the implication hang heavy between us. “Time would be of the essence. Cindi doesn’t live in the hotel; if something were to happen, she might not find you until morning.”

Taylor worries her bottom lip between her teeth, her brow furrowed in an expression of skepticism that has my heart clenching. “Why would you do that, though?” she presses, giving voice to the doubts I can smell rolling off her. “Why is my health so important to you? I'm sure you're here to visit your family, not... not play nurse to some stranger you barely know.”

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