Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 113944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 570(@200wpm)___ 456(@250wpm)___ 380(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 570(@200wpm)___ 456(@250wpm)___ 380(@300wpm)
“You can’t tell anyone what I told you, Zander. Not about me. Not about Geena.”
He combed his fingers through her bangs. “I can’t guarantee that my pack mates won’t guess some of it, but I won’t confirm or deny any theory they run by me. I won’t repeat anything you’ve told me.”
She nodded, knowing that would have to be enough.
“Gwen, Andie’s here!” Bracken practically bellowed from downstairs.
Gwen winced. “That guy has got a big set of lungs on him.”
Grunting, Zander slid his hand around her nape and then took her mouth. The kiss was soft but deep as he devoured her, needing her taste on his tongue. “Let’s go. Makenna’s expecting us.”
A few hours later, Gwen frowned up at the basic redbrick building. It didn’t have a sign or in any way identify itself as a shelter. “It’s . . . unobtrusive. Not the sort of place that would snatch your attention as you walk by.”
“Maybe that’s sort of the point,” suggested Andie, flexing her fingers nervously.
“Yeah, maybe.” Gwen shot her a supportive smile as they followed Zander and Bracken up the path. Derren and Ally had decided to stay at the B&B to keep watch over Marlon, Yvonne, and Donnie, which Gwen sincerely appreciated.
Cain had left with the envelope of information she’d given him that she’d gathered from Geena, but not before making yet another offer to set her up at a safe house. Again, she’d declined. Running and hiding wasn’t the answer, and it wouldn’t solve anything.
Zander knocked on the glass door and then turned to Gwen. “You okay?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Bracken leaned against the wall. “I guess some humans would be nervous about entering a building full of lone shifters.”
Gwen’s nose wrinkled. “Nah, I have you three to kick asses and take down names and all that stuff.”
Andie shook her head, amused. “How is it that you always manage to make me smile, no matter the situation?”
“I don’t know.”
The door opened, and a slender, quirkily dressed female with long hair made up of gold, copper, dark-red, and plum-purple streaks smiled at them. She also wore a baby sling. As the sling faced inward, Gwen could only make out tiny limbs and a little mop of short, dark curls.
“Zander, Bracken, hi.” She looked at Andie, who was tense as a bow. “I’m Makenna. You must be Andie.”
The cougar nodded and flashed Makenna a quick smile.
Makenna’s gaze then sliced to Gwen and turned assessing. “And you must be Gwen.”
Gwen gave her a polite smile. “I am. I can only see a little of your baby, but it sure does look cute.”
“Aw, thank you. Come on in.” Makenna stepped back, allowing them to enter a small, bright reception area. She twisted to give them a better view of her baby. “Meet Sienna Rose Conner.”
Gwen smiled. “She’s so sweet.”
Makenna gestured toward a broad, grumpy-looking male who stood a few feet away, exchanging nods with the Mercury wolves. “That’s my mate, Ryan. The scowl is permanent, so don’t take offense. He’s extra grouchy today because he doesn’t like me or the baby leaving our territory.” Ryan grunted, and Makenna crossed her eyes. “No, I’m not. Stop being a brat.”
At Gwen’s confused frown, Zander explained, “Makenna claims she can translate his grunts.”
“Ah,” said Gwen with a slow nod.
Makenna pointed to the small, round brunette who was standing behind the reception desk with a guy who seemed to be sorting through one of the lockers lining the wall. “That’s Dawn. She owns and runs the shelter.”
Hearing her name, Dawn turned. She gave the Mercury wolves a gorgeous smile. “Boys, it’s good to see you.”
Ignoring the way his wolf’s mood typically soured at the presence of the females, Zander inclined his head at Dawn. He liked her. The born Alpha had dedicated her life to the running of the shelter, even though it was a nonprofit organization and it had to be difficult for her inner cat to be without a pride. She’d done her best to find sponsors, grants, and also funding from the shifter council. Even with the additional help of both financial and practical donations, it wasn’t easy, but she ran the shelter without complaint. He respected the sacrifices she’d made.
His wolf snarled at him, wanting to leave. He didn’t like being around females who weren’t from his pack, just as he didn’t like all the strange scents of varying shifter breeds. Zander drew Gwen’s scent into his lungs, drowning out the other smells. His wolf settled a little, finding an element of comfort in her scent.
“This is Gwen,” said Makenna. “And behind her is Andie, who I told you about.”
Dawn beamed. “Great. We’ve been waiting for you. This here is Heath. He works at the desk for us.” She gestured to the male at her side who Zander noticed was busy staring at Gwen’s legs. It wasn’t entirely surprising to Zander, given that she was wearing shorts.