Page 8 of Don't Howl At Me

“At first, I wanted to ensure we explored everything. Were there companies after something we had? We turned down a couple who approached us to help them with training due to their unethical practices. Could they have something to do with the attacks? But those turned out to be dead ends.”

“I’m here to help, to ask questions you haven’t thought of yet.”

“I am glad you took the assignment. I wasn’t sure you would at first.”

“I was already thinking about trying to reach out. But, once I found out what was happening, there was no longer a question about my decision.”

“So, can you think of any questions we should ask?”

“A few.” I pulled out my notebook. I had been jotting down ideas since I opened the case file. “Who is being affected the most? Is there a rhythm to the attacks? I’m good at finding patterns.”

“I was excited to hear you were coming out here to help us.”

We drove into a beautiful forest. “Is this where we’re meeting everyone?”

“Well, this is where you’re meeting your mate.” Zander slid a crooked grin my way. “Rayne and I decided that before we begin your part of the investigation, you need to talk with Wolf and figure some things out. It won’t all happen tonight, but at least lay the groundwork.”

He was right. I probably wouldn’t have figured out the cause of all the drama going on until I faced the drama in my own life. “Okay, then. Let’s go get this straightened out.”

I followed Xander up the walkway to the front door. This territory was beautiful, with a lot of green and space for shifters to run free. My dragon was pleased. There were many areas where he could fly. From the drive, I knew neighbors were very far out.

“Don’t worry,” Zander said. “There will be plenty of time to shift. The closest neighbors are somehow connected to the pack, coven, or clan. They’ll be able to keep secrets. As a bonus, the coven has put a protection spell over the area, so no one outside the community can see us.”

“More shifters need to learn those wards.” Although humans knew about shifters, some of them were still freaked out by large flying objects. “This is amazing.”

“It really is.” Zander scanned our surroundings. “When I first came here, I didn’t know what to think. I felt the magic here with all my senses.”

Entering the coven house, Zander led me into a casual-looking living area. Brown and tan couches with an eclectic mix of tables filled the room. And in the corner of the room, I saw the most beautiful sight – my mate.

Wolf had yet to acknowledge our arrival. He stared out the window into the field behind the house. I’m sure he sensed us. The smell of one’s mate was not easily missed. I could understand needing a moment to gather himself before making eye contact because when we did, my life transformed. My dragon yearned to meet his beast. The past no longer mattered, only our present and our future. I made the right decision. I was home.

Chapter Five

Wolf

Striking.

I remembered he was attractive, but my memories were no comparison to the spectacular sight of my mate before me. The aura surrounding him was bright purple and sparkled with magic. Breathless, I drank in his sight.

His smell alone was enough to bring me to my knees. Cinnamon apples. Spicy, sweet, and perfect for my mate. Images of Christmas parties, family, and my childhood home played across my mind. I wanted to bury my nose into his neck, filling my senses with him.

I had to go slow. I knew this. My wolf was trying to force me to claim our mate. The silly wolf needed to learn patience.

“Hi,” I addressed Ollie finally. I figured I had stared at him long enough in silence.

“Hey,” Ollie responded with an awkward wave. “Can I sit down?”

“Oh, sorry. Of course, come here.” I gestured to the couch beside me. “I’m glad you could come.”

“I figured it was time to stop being a fucking idiot.” Ollie rolled his eyes. “I am unsure how to explain why it took me so long. But I am here to work this out. If you want to, I mean.”

“I do,” I reassured my mate. “I have wanted to talk to you every day.”

“I know,” Ollie responded. “I have the voice mails and emails.”

“You didn’t trash them?” I asked, surprised.

“No.” Ollie locked eyes with me. “I couldn’t. I wanted to hear your voice and read your messages.”

---