Page 39 of A Wolf's Wound
I look at the marks too.Now that she’s said it, I can clearly see that this was the work of a wolf.Not just claws, but teeth too.“I think so,” I tell her.
I want to call Ryder and tell him what’s happened, but I need to finish up here first.I work as quickly as I dare, seized by a fierce urgency to let him know what happened.If a wolf is prowling and attacking in Stonehaven, the pack will need to stop him as soon as possible.
But when I finally finish and call Ryder, his phone is turned off.I leave a message.He’s probably still asleep.And while I’m glad he’s getting rest, I’m frustrated that I can’t talk to him.
An hour later, there’s still no word from Ryder, and his phone is still off.So I call Gavin.
“What’s wrong?”he asks as soon as he answers.
“Gavin, it’s Hannah Kelly.A deer was brought into the clinic earlier.It was attacked by a wolf.”
After a beat of silence, Gavin responds.“Do you know where?”
“I’m pretty sure it was in the woods.Two women brought it in.”
“Okay.Thanks for letting me know.I’ll get an extra team of enforcers over to the woods.And I’ll be by the clinic after you close this evening.Wait for me.”
Before I can say anything, he hangs up.
The hours seem to drag by.I try Ryder a few more times but don’t get an answer.I check on the deer, but there’s no change in his condition.At least he’s no worse, I tell myself, but that’s cold comfort.
Finally Melinda goes home.She’s only been gone a few minutes when Gavin comes in.“Let me see the animal,” he says.
“Hello to you too,” I reply sarcastically.
He stops and looks at me.I raise my eyebrows and he shrugs.
“I’m not trying to be rude,” he says.
“Yet you are.”
“I’m sorry.Hello, Dr.Kelly.I hope you’re having a lovely day,” he says with exaggerated politeness.“If it wouldn’t trouble you too much, could I please see the patient you called me about?”
“Certainly,” I reply.
He smirks, but once he sees the deer, his face becomes serious.
“You’re sure he was attacked by a wolf?”
“Yes.The marks are consistent with damage done by wolf claws and teeth.”
“What’s the prognosis?”
“He’s resting, which is good, but I’ll know more over the next twenty-four hours.”
“Okay.Keep me posted.”
“Of course.And one other thing.Those other animals, the ones that were also injured in the forest.They were also injured by wolves.Right?”
Gavin looks surprised.“Where did you hear that?”
“Nowhere.I didn’t need to.I saw the animals.Remember?I know we thought there might be other causes, but after seeing the injuries on this deer, I’m convinced there weren’t.Also,” I add, “Ryder’s out there looking for whoever’s behind these attacks.He thinks there’s a connection to the two times I was targeted.”
“He told me about what happened last night,” Gavin says.“I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Me too.I was lucky Ryder was there,” I say, feeling the truth of the words.
“We think that—well, wethoughtthat humans were committing these crimes while they were shifting,” Gavin tells me.“But looking at this deer, I’m not so sure anymore.”
