Book 1 - Page 47 (1/2)

“Was it Volan or the reds? That’s what I can’t quit worrying about.”

“The reds. Volan doesn’t know where you live.”

She looked up at him. He gave her a small smile. “I sniffed around the wreckage when you were sound asleep last night. I didn’t want you to worry, but I knew you’d be more concerned if it was Volan.”

“I couldn’t make myself check it out.” She let out her breath and, for the first time since they’d found her greenhouse on fire, she relaxed.

“Come on inside, Bella. I know Chrissie’s kids are back at their dad’s, but I don’t want Thompson to see me dressed like this, if he’s still at Chrissie’s house, in case anyone peeks over your fence.”

Bella glanced down at Devlyn’s nudity and her lips rose a hair. “You are one big, very bad wolf, you know?”

“And all yours.” He coaxed her back inside the house, ready to prove it.

“What about investigating the reds further?”

“We’re done with that for now, honey. Time for the big showdown as soon as the moon makes its appearance. I’m sure at that time we’ll resolve the issue of the murdered girls once and for all.”

Later that morning, Chrissie pounded on the back door, her face solemn. Bella let her in and glanced at the blueberry pie Chrissie was holding.

Chrissie handed her the pie. “I’m so sorry about your greenhouse. I wanted to come over last night and say something more, but Henry stayed late and helped me take the kids over to their dad’s place. Then, well... “ She shrugged.

Saddened about her greenhouse, Bella managed a small smile, glad that Chrissie had found someone she enjoyed being with after her husband had dumped her for a much younger woman. “I’m thrilled the two of you hit it off so well. Come in.”

“I’m sorry I’ve been kind of distant, too. Henry and I have been dating up a storm, and, well, you know how it is when you’ve getting involved with someone. I have to make time for the kids, too, so it’s been a juggle.”

“No problem.” Bella headed for the kitchen and Chrissie followed, glancing around the living room. Bella was sure she looked for signs of the naked hunk and was glad Chrissie hadn’t come any earlier in the day.

“Devlyn still sleeping?” Chrissie took a seat at the dining room table.

“Devlyn’s looking over some emails. Want a slice of pie?” Bella carved up a piece.

“Sure. Things have been awfully quiet over here. Well, except for the insurance people and the arson investigators tromping all over the place.” Chrissie took the plate Bella handed her. “I wondered if you needed me to run out and get you anything. I imagine you don’t want to leave the house after what has happened, and Devlyn shouldn’t leave you alone.”

No one needed a neighborhood watch program with Chrissie acting as the eyes and the ears of the whole community. “We’ve been rather preoccupied, but we have plenty to eat and are just fine.”

Chrissie sat at the table and considered Bella’s neck.

This morning, at least, Bella’s appearance was neater, although she imagined Chrissie was looking at the hickey gracing her throat. Bella’s hair rolled in s.h.i.+ny waves over her shoulders and down her back. No one would suspect Devlyn’s hands had tangled her curls in the throes of pa.s.sion only half an hour earlier.

Chrissie scooped up a bite of crust, stained blue and dripping with berries. “Are the two of you getting married?”

“We’ve already done so.” In the lupus garou way.

Chrissie’s eyes widened. “When?”

“About the time we first had our reunion.” How could Bella explain that, for lupus garous, selecting a mate meant for a lifetime and the traditional human-contrived marriage vows meant nothing? h.e.l.l, half the human population ended up divorcing the same mate they promised to share their lives with together forever. Hmph. Look at Chrissie, even!

Chrissie seemed saddened not to have been told earlier. But then she looked at Bella’s unadorned fingers. Explaining the lack of a wedding ring would be even harder.

“Allergic to metal.” Bella flipped her hair back and pointed to her ears. “No earrings, no bracelets, no necklaces. Can’t wear any kind of metal.” In truth, most jewelry hindered their turning into the wolf. If it didn’t, it would be lost with the change. Or, in the case of pierced-ear jewelry, what would someone think if they found a wolf with pearls or gold secured to the leather of their ears?

Chrissie glanced at Bella’s wrist. “Jeez, I never realized.” Her gaze met Bella’s. “I never noticed you don’t even wear a watch.”

“Nope. Can’t.”

“How do you tell time?”

“Clocks. When I’m in the Escape, it has a clock. The computer has the time. The oven, microwave, my alarm clock in the bedroom... clocks surround me. If I’m somewhere that I don’t know the time, I just ask.” She couldn’t let Chrissie know she had an innate ability to know the time, from the elevation of the sun in the sky.

“I would have liked to have been present when you got married,” Chrissie said softly. “I would have gotten you something.”