New Age Werewolf Series Book 2: Hunter's Daughter, Alpha's Mate

Part 26: Never Washing This Again

"Hey."

I glanced back to see Uncle Jesse. "Hey."

"You came to dinner and you're on deck  tonight again?"

I shrugged. "Nice night."

"You're in a nice dress." He seemed pleased.

"Picked it up on one of the stops," I smiled. "Nice shops."

"You're different," Uncle Jesse tilted his head to one side, looking at me. 

"That hike did me a world of good," I told him. 

"Meet someone?"

"Yes...and no," I said hesitantly.

"Come on, is he on the ship?"

"No!" I laughed at that. "I met a wolf."

Uncle Jesse's face turned worried. "What?"

"A wolf wolf."

"Oh, that's right, you have a report with them."

"Yeah."

"Ran with him, played?"

"A little," I shrugged. "Reminded me of my father in a way. Protective, strong."

"You sure this was a wolf?"

"Yes, I'm sure, Uncle Jesse," I sighed.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you're in love--" When I put my hand on my hip and gave him a look, he quickly added, "Or serious like." He stepped up to the rail with me. "Did you name him? If you name him, he's yours."

I started laughing again. "Kyros!"

"What?"

"It's what he responded to."

"Lani, are you sure you were dealing with just a wolf?"

"Yes!" I shook my head at him. "If he was Kyros, he would have changed, and took me prisoner. This wolf just stayed with me, walked and ran with me....let me be." I didn't want to talk about how much I'd confided, or about my breakdown. That seemed too intimate.

"Lani--"

"Let me have this, please?"

Uncle Jesse looked at me for a long time. "Alright." He hugged me. "Can't blame me for being a little concerned."

"No, I don't," I kissed his cheek. "I think I'm going to stay in when we hit Detroit."

"Okay."

"I've had enough fun outside."

"What about Cleveland?"

"Maybe," I was easygoing right now. "Good night."

"Good night, firefly."

I walked back inside to my room, and took a deep breath. I showered and crawled into bed, clicking on the tv. As I channel surfed I kept looking at the clothes I wore hiking that day. I didn't want them washed. I got up and threw my jeans and underwear into the laundry hamper, but kept the t-shirt. I took it to bed, laid it on my pillow, and fell asleep with a smile on my face.

************

it was a beautiful morning, one for champagne and orange juice, steak and eggs. The skies were clear, the waters were calm...and my wolf and I were not at odds for the moment. 

"Good morning, Alpha," Gordon greeted. "You look well."

"Thanks," I gave a small smile, sipping my drink. "This is what a few nights of good sleep will do."

"So, she is on a ship--"

"Yes."

"Half a day in front of us?"

"It took that for me to rent this boat, find loyal subjects," I shrugged. "Not bad, but this is a bucket compared to the ones we have at the manor."

"Why not fly ahead of her?"

"Not necessary," I shook my head. "She told me where she was going, mostly."

Gordon's eyes narrowed at me. "What happened out there?"

I shook my head again, thinking of her soulful eyes, her soft voice as she confided in me when I was a wolf. I got a lump in my throat as I remembered her tears, and I wanted to take her then, I wanted to make it right, but... "She has no idea what this feud is about between half breeds and full breeds." I stood for a moment, looking out at the rolling waters. "Do you?"

"I think it is more about the half breeds not appreciating that we consider them less because they are...well, less."

"But they are wolf." This debate had been going on in my head, but it was the first time I really started speaking aloud about it.

"Your mate barely is."

"All the more to consider, Gordon. Why would the Goddess pick her for me?"

Gordon frowned deeper. 

"It's just something to consider, that's all." I went to a deck chair, set down my drink and reclined, closing my eyes.

"Alpha, is that--"

"What, Gordon?"

"That pillow--"

"It's from her camper." I locked eyes with him and then raised an eyebrow. "Anything else?"

Gordon half bowed respectfully. "Nothing, Alpha."

"Good." I closed my eyes again. There was a wind this morning, a crisp clean breeze that opened up the lungs, and with it mingled the scent of her, thanks to the pillow. Her sheets were in my room, put away safe from servants and crew, and my wolf and I needed them like a child needs a blanket. I laughed softly at that. 

Gordon's reaction was troubling. Pursuing Leilani brought about more experiences with the half breeds and truthfully, they seemed harmless to me. They could be their own packs or full blood packs could adopt individuals...wouldn't that make the entire wolf stronghold better, especially with the rumor of vampire populations on the rise in cities? 

I sighed, opting for a morning nap as I snuggled her pillow. More to consider...