Page 6 of Sexual Appetites of Werewolves

“He signals the wolves to hunt.”

Olivia jumped and turned to face Fay.

“Sorry to frighten you,” Fay apologized.

“I was lost in thought, watching a large, black wolf in the front of the castle. Did one escape the preserve?”

“Nay, that’s Laird.”

Olivia’s first thought was that Fay was referring to Tiernan but that was another absurd thought.

“He’s called Laird because he is the leader of the pack that dominates the preserve. The first snow has him leaving the preserve and roaming wherever he pleases on MacMadadh land. Lord Tiernan allows him free rein in the winter when the place is closed. He’s a fierce protector of his pack and keeps his distance from humans. His howl was a call for his pack to hunt.” Fay smiled playfully. “But you need not hunt for your food, supper awaits. Lord Tiernan sends his apologies. He will not be joining you for supper. There is an ill wolf that needs his attention.”

“I can help,” Olivia said, taking an anxious step forward.

“A kind offer but not necessary. Besides, with the wolf not familiar with your scent, your presence might upset him.”

“That’s true,” Olivia said. “When it comes to wolves, I am always eager to help. They are such magnificent creatures. I just can’t resist them.”

“I hope you get a chance to meet some of the wolves, but with the way the snowstorm shifted, you might be wise to take the first train out of here tomorrow. If not, you may be stuck for some time, possibly throughout the winter.”

Either way, it was devastating news. She wasn’t ready to leave yet, and she certainly wasn’t ready to be marooned here for the winter. Unless, of course, she had a position here.

“The train engineer did warn me about that,” Olivia said.

“Well, nothing can be done about it until morning. So, come and enjoy some Scottish steak pie. It will warm your innards and fill you on this snowy night,” Fay encouraged.

Olivia cast a quick glance at the three books on the coffee table. “Would it be all right if I brought those three books with me?”

“I’m sure his lordship wouldn’t mind.”

Olivia smiled and grabbed them off the table, along with her tote from the couch, and followed Fay to a small dining room.

“This is quite lovely, Fay, but for future meals without his lordship, the kitchen would suit me just fine.”

Fay laughed softly. “Maybe you, but not his lordship. When you finish, I will see you to your bedroom with a pot of tea for the evening, then I’ll be leaving with my husband for our cottage.”

“I will be alone in the castle until Lord Tiernan returns?”

“No worries. We don’t have any ghosts, and the werewolves aren’t allowed in the castle.”

Olivia stared at her, not knowing what to say, and Fay started laughing.

“You have a wicked sense of humor,” Olivia said, taking a seat at a table meant for four. “So, does everyone know it’s werewolves that bring me here?”

“Mostly, but they’re a good lot and won’t tease you too much. Now, no rush, enjoy your meal. Hubby and I will be in the kitchen. Just tinkle that little bell by your plate if you need anything and I’ll hear it.”

Olivia sat staring at the delicious-looking crust on the steak pie, her thoughts far from food. She felt her hopes dashed at acquiring a position here since none of the staff would take her seriously knowing her assignment. Did Tiernan feel the same way? He might have mentioned that her resume impressed him but what about this assignment? Did he feel that she was foolish for accepting such a task?

There was nothing she could do about it now. She was here and had to make the most of it and, being she was not one to give up when it came to her career, that was what she intended to do… make the most of it. That was if the snow would let her.

Olivia stoodin the bedroom glancing around after Fay left. The room was comfortably heated, the fire in the fireplace contributing to its toasty warmth. Thick gold-framed portraits, she surmised were various MacMadadh ancestors, graced a good portion of the walls, but the piece that caught the eye the most was the corniced and heavily draped full-sized, four-poster bed. It beckoned her, the long day having finally caught up with her. She had planned to continue reading through the three books she still had with her, but she was too tired. She was glad she declined the tea Fay had offered her, having had more than enough to eat and drink at supper.

She hurried to retrieve her flannel pjs from her luggage and her toiletry bag as well and hurried through her nightly routine in the bathroom, then eagerly got into bed. She sighed withpleasure, the mattress a bit soft, just as she liked it, as she settled beneath the warm blankets. And as soon as she closed her eyes sleep took hold.

Olivia didn’t know what woke her, a sound, or a scent, maybe, but when she opened her eyes, she froze. Beside her bed stood the black wolf she had seen out the window… Laird. He stared at her with those bold green eyes, but he showed her no teeth, and she felt he meant no harm. He stepped closer with a soft whine, and she remained frozen, unable to move. He placed his muzzle against her cheek, caressing it softly, then he stepped back and stared at her a moment, then he was gone. She continued to lay there unable to move.

A dream.

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