Cyndi couldn’t believe she’d slept so late. Not on the day when the Pack was leaving at dawn to hunt rogues. Yet here she was, just opening her eyes, and it was well past the time for them to have left.
She rushed around, grabbing clothes and pulling them on and running downstairs to find Connie and her mom sitting having breakfast as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on. “What?” Connie looked at her as if she were mad.
“What do you mean, what? The Pack were meeting at dawn, weren’t they? It’s almost nine.” Cyndi checked the clock on the cooker in case her phone had been wrong, but no, it said the same.
“Yes, it’s nine, but the entire Pack hasn’t gone, Cyndi. Only the strongest and youngest have gone. Chad said because they’d joined forces with the other Packs that not everyone was going and they only needed the strongest Wolves. I didn’t make the cut and you were definitely not allowed to go because you’re a Healer. He’d already texted me before I even left the house to let me know that. Didn’t you get a text?”
Cyndi checked her phone and lo and behold there was a text from the Alpha. “Guess I didn’t check my phone.”
“Where’s . . .”
Before she finished Connie shook her head. “Dad’s outside, don’t worry.”
Cyndi relaxed. “So, we’re all okay?”
Selah smiled. “Yes, we’re all okay. How are you feeling this morning?”
“I’m okay. I slept better than I thought I would.” Cyndi sat down at the table. “I’m hungry though.”
“I’ve kept your breakfast warm in the oven.” Selah retrieved a full plate, bringing it over. “Here you go.”
“Thank you. You didn’t need to do that. I could’ve made my own.” She tried to complain, but it was weak. She knew how much Selah liked to cook.
“Behave yourself and eat up. Once you’re finished I believe Caitrìona is looking for you. Something about a visitor arriving from another camp or something.”
“Really?” Cyndi frowned. “She didn’t say anything yesterday. I wonder who it is.”
“No idea,” Connie said, shrugging. “But I’ve got some errands to run so I’ll catch you later. And no, I’m not going by myself, so don’t worry. I’ve got an escort and I won’t be long.”
“Good,” Cyndi retorted. “Try and keep out of trouble. Please. I’ve had enough excitement lately.”
“Ha, very funny.” Connie stuck her tongue out as she popped a piece of bacon in her mouth before she left the table. “See ya later, you two.”
“Be careful, Connie,” her mom reminded her too.
“She’ll be fine,” Cyndi said. “She’ll have her bodyguard and knowing Connie it’ll be a big tough guy.”
“Knowing Connie, I’ll bet you’re right.” Selah laughed back.
Cyndi finished off her breakfast then helped with the washing up, something Connie neglected to offer to do . . . typical Connie. “Okay, I guess I better go see what’s what with Caitrìona.”
“Are you sure you’re up to it today? I’m sure she’d understand if you took the day off.”
“I’ll be fine. I’d rather be busy than sitting around doing nothing.” Cyndi shrugged.
“I guess you’re right.” Selah moved in, giving her a hug. “I’m proud of you too, honey. You’re such a strong young woman and I love you so much. Just be careful as well. Okay? I’m all on edge today, so humor me.”
“I’ll be careful. I doubt Caitrìona will leave camp with everything that’s going on. Don’t worry and thank you. I’m grateful for everything that you’ve all done for me. Taking me in and making me part of the family.” Cyndi hugged her back, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Now, if you could bake a batch of your cookies for after dinner that would make my day.”
Selah gave her backside a swat as she turned to leave. “I’ll see what I can do, now scoot.”
“Chocolate chip . . . no wait, oat ‘n raisin. Connie hates them so all the more for me!” Cyndi laughed as she left, her smile still on her face as she made her way to the Healer’s cabin.
Making her way through the camp she noticed that many of the young Wolves were missing, her heart sinking when she realized where they were: on the rogue hunt.
She prayed to the Goddess they’d all return unharmed and not in need of her or Caitrìona’s services. She’d had her share of blood for the time being, but being a Healer meant she was on call for her Pack and if she was needed then she’d be there for whoever required her skills, although she prayed they weren’t needed. Not for a while at least. For now she hoped that the combined numbers of the Packs would be sufficient to deal with the rogues and they could return to a normal life without fear.
As she turned a corner she saw Caitrìona outside her cabin talking to a tall young man, his back to her. He was a stranger, someone Cyndi hadn’t seen before and as his scent hit her she stopped dead . . . not Wolf. That was the first thought that hit, then something else . . . her stomach lurched, her eyes zeroing in on the figure taking in every detail. His dark blonde hair that hung in soft waves down over his shirt collar. The tightness of his denim over his ass . . . whoa . . . wait a damn minute. His ass. His ass. No. Don’t you dare look at his ass.
Too late. Her eyes raked over the tight material and wound lower, his thighs looking like tree trunks and shoot . . . how did those jeans not just burst wide open? It was a feat of true magic that they were still encasing his body instead of lying in tatters around him because hot damn . . . he was built!
What? Cyndi shook her head, forcing her thoughts away from the carnality that appeared to be taking over and her beast seemed to be enjoying it as it whined pitifully inside her. Shut up. She scolded it as she inhaled, trying to get a grip on herself. What was going on with her? Had she hit her head and lost her mind?
His scent tantalized her nostrils, causing them to flare, her Wolf’s head lolling to the side and offering up its neck. What the hell are you doing? She squealed at it, shocked beyond words at its appalling behavior. Her eyes still locked on the man Caitrìona was talking with. He’d moved slightly, giving her a side view of his face and her stomach clenched again as well as her thighs . . . oh jeez.
Caitrìona’s head fell back as she started to laugh, her hand patting the guy’s arm and Cyndi couldn’t stop the growl that flew up her throat and out her mouth. Her hand flew up, covering her offending lips as thoughts of tearing Caitrìona’s throat out flashed through her head. What the hell?
Then his body tensed. Every damn muscle. As if she wasn’t already absorbed with his body, he had to go and tighten them! His shoulders bunched up and his head spun around as if he was searching for something . . . or someone. And then his eyes locked with hers. Honey. His eyes were like golden honey and they were utterly and completely beautifully fastened on hers . . . Cyndi was certain her legs had turned to jelly and she knew, without a doubt, she was going to land on the ground any second because her legs could no longer hold her up . . . yeah . . . here she went . . . down . . . down . . . down.