To Trust a Wolf Read online

  “More?” he offered, indicating the water pitcher. “John said you need plenty of fluids.”

  “I think I’ve had enough for now. Thank you,” she answered, then stood awkwardly, waiting for him to leave.

  Logan smothered a smile. “I’ve seen you naked you know,” he reminded her.

  “Yeah, well, I haven’t seen you see me naked, and if it’s all the same to you, I’d just as soon delay that experience for a while.” A rosy blush brightened her cheeks.

  “Progress.” Logan’s affectionate smile and the tender heat in his eyes held Bryn captive.

  “What?” she asked in a slightly distracted manner.

  “You admitting we’ll be naked together. I call that definite progress,” he said, giving her a wicked wink.

  Bryn felt a thrill stab through her midsection as a reluctant smile twitched her lips. “Go away, Logan,” she ordered.

  “I’m just downstairs if you need anything,” he informed her with a grin. Placing a quick kiss on her lips, he left her to disrobe in private.

  Bryn snuggled under the warm blankets. Sleepy contentment filled her being as the medicine settled her stomach. Yawning, she turned on her side and drifted off to sleep with a tiny smile on her lips.

  Downstairs, Logan moved around the kitchen with practiced ease. He fixed coffee and made himself a ham and cheese omelet, all the while humming an off-key tune. His thoughts resided with the woman who even now warmed his bed.

  Bryn was such an intriguing contrast. Sweet, shy, childlike and innocent, a wild sexy siren, at times exasperating, stubborn, spiritedly independent. She stimulated and challenged him as no other female had ever managed. His mind and body hummed with the flood of emotions she engendered in him.

  Logan thought of his parents and knew unerringly that this was what they had, what they felt for each other. He knew how pleased they would be when he let them know he’d found his mate. His mother would probably cry, he thought with a smile. She was a bit emotional, just like Bryn, and he wouldn’t change her for the world.

  He considered calling them, then dismissed the notion. Better to wait until he broke the news to Bryn about his status as a werewolf. He exhaled a deep sigh. To say he was worried was an understatement. It would be a shocking revelation for Bryn to deal with. He was depending on her intelligence, her kind and caring personality, and the growing affection he knew she was feeling, to help her accept the truth of his dual nature.

  He’d do whatever he had to, to help her accept the reality that was about to shatter all her preconceived notions. If, in the end, she rejected him, he’d have to let her go. But in doing so he would lose two crucial parts of himself that he would never recover—his heart and his soul.

  Chapter Five

  Bryn woke to late afternoon sunshine and warm breezes spilling through the open windows. She sighed with the relief of feeling normal again and stretched luxuriously. Rolling to her side she snuggled into Logan’s pillow and, catching his scent, pulled it close. A slow, pleased smile stretched her lips as she inhaled the masculine aroma.

  Spurring herself into action, she rose from the bed and looked around curiously. Logan’s bedroom. This certainly wasn’t where she’d expected to end up last night when their date began. She admired the tall antique headboard of the bed as she ran her hand over the wood of the matching footboard. The dresser and bedside table—which was actually an old-fashioned washstand—matched the bed. All were substantial oak pieces with a deep honey-colored stain.

  Thick, golden brown carpet cushioned her bare feet as she walked around. She glanced into the open closet to see Logan’s clothes hanging inside. For some reason the sight made her insides flutter. Her inquisitive nature drew her to the open windows, which overlooked a huge backyard. A small fountain took center stage in a large, open grassy space surrounded by tall trees. The water splashed and sparkled in the sunshine as it spilled down a small waterfall and into a pool surrounded by mossy rocks. Bryn could just make out the sleek colorful shapes of the fish that swam there. Pulling herself away from the view, she decided a shower was in order. She started to grab the robe she’d worn before when she recognized the small open suitcase on the floor near the chair she’d first fallen asleep in.

  A couple pairs of jeans and tops were laid out on the chair along with underclothes. Her toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo and other toiletries were there as well.

  Touched by Logan’s consideration, she grabbed her stuff and quickly made use of the bathroom. Emerging clean and refreshed, she made her way downstairs, admiring the house as she went in search of Logan.

  The rooms were decorated with an easy elegance that was warm and welcoming. Never one to pay much attention to decorating styles and periods, she still recognized that many of the pieces were cherished antiques. Their condition bespoke care and pride.

  Hearing the murmur of voices, Bryn made her way down the hallway. She peeked hesitantly into the open door and discovered the den, Logan at his desk, but no one else in attendance.

  He motioned her in. “Feeling better, baby?” he asked as he rose and came to her.

  “Just fine, sweetheart,” came a reply from the speakerphone in a very sarcastic, very male voice.

  “Not you, you ass. Bryn just walked in.” Logan gathered her close and pressed a slow warm kiss on her lips, which she eagerly reciprocated.

  “I heard that,” the voice informed them.

  Walking her around the desk, Logan sat and urged her onto his lap. “Bryn, I’d like you to meet Jace McKenna. Lucky you can’t see him, or I guarantee you’d be sick again.”

  Bryn snorted with suppressed laughter.

  “Logan, you devil, you know if your lady saw me she’d throw you over so fast you wouldn’t know what hit you. He’s always been jealous of me, honey,” Jace rejoined.

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Jace,” Bryn laughed. “I’m sure Logan’s just exaggerating.” She squirmed when he tickled her ribs in retaliation.

  “Jace, will you be sure you spread the word about that matter we discussed?” Logan returned to business, eager to conclude matters so he could concentrate on Bryn.

  Dr. Maigrey had called Jace, enlisting his help in spreading the word about what a certain drug, administered by an unknown person, had done to Logan’s mate. Not one for gossip, John had felt it necessary to make the lupine community aware of the potential threat this drug had on their human neighbors.

  Jace had called Logan, sure that Doc’s discretion had kept him from revealing all the facts. Hearing of Lillian’s perfidy was no surprise to him, in view of her known penchant for Logan.

  “I will, Logan, we definitely don’t want any more unpleasant incidents. I may let slip a bit of speculation, gleaned from an unknown source, if you know what I mean. That should make certain people alert to the fact that their actions haven’t gone unnoticed. Bryn, it was nice speaking to you. I’m sure we’ll meet in person real soon, and you’ll see for yourself how much better looking I am than Logan.”

  “Dream on,” Logan sneered and cut the connection.

  After her dreadful night, the relief of being well and rested left Bryn feeling frisky She wrapped her arms around Logan’s neck and proceeded to kiss him senseless. Her lips explored his with slow, languorous teasing movements that had him simmering. When her tongue slid over his parted lips to ease inside, the heat began to churn. And when she suckled gently on his tongue as it played with hers, she sent him into a roiling boil.

  She discovered the erection growing against her hip, and wiggled closer. The primal female reveled in her ability to incite his passion. She shivered at the feel of his hand as it ran down her side and over her hip to cup one taut, jean-clad buttock, kneading firmly.

  “You are feeling better,” he observed in a husky rasp.

  “Much,” she answered succinctly, eager to continue.

  Just as her lips closed over his, a loud grumble sounded from her stomach. They both froze, eye to eye. Logan grinned and Bryn colored, e
mbarrassed by her stomach’s loud demands.

  “I guess this means I should feed you before we address other hungers, hmm?” Logan’s look was filled with heated promise.

  “I could use something to eat,” she confessed, rubbing her tummy. “After all, I did lose that wonderful supper you provided me with last night.”

  “Don’t remind me,” Logan admonished with a mock shudder. Rising from the chair he set her on her feet. “I had nightmares about that.”

  Bryn punched him in the arm as he drew away laughing. “I told you to leave, but nooo, you had to be all noble and stuff.”

  She followed him down the hallway and into the kitchen. Like all the other rooms it was beautifully designed. A butcher block-topped island centered the room. It was large enough that one end contained a sink while the other end held three chairs and could be used for casual dining. She admired the tumbled stone floor and ran a caressing hand over the smooth, green granite countertops. The cabinetry was all natural wood, the appliances built-in and unobtrusive.

  “I’ve got some great roast beef here,” Logan suggested, leaning in the open refrigerator. He turned to Bryn. “Sandwiches and coleslaw? Or there’s some chicken stuff in the freezer I can nuke.”

  “The roast beef sounds great,” she agreed, and stood by while he handed out all the fixings, which she deposited on the island. She watched him as he began to put things together. “You’re pretty handy in the kitchen,” she commented. “Where are the dishes?”

  Logan directed her to them as he answered her observation. “A man needs to be able to take care of himself. My dad taught me that. Of course, that belief was encouraged by my mom,” he added with a rueful smile.

  “Where are your parents, Logan?” she inquired, taking up a knife and carefully slicing a tomato.

  “In Scotland at the moment,” he answered. “They travel a lot. When Dad retired they decided they wanted to see some of the places they’d read about.” He paused. “Hot or cold?” he asked, indicating the plate of succulent roast beef.

  “Hot, please.” Bryn smiled. “This house is really beautiful, but isn’t it awfully big for just you?”

  As the beef warmed in the microwave, Logan spread mayo on slices of bread, handing them off to Bryn for the addition of lettuce and tomato. “This was Mom and Dad’s home. There used to be five of us, including my sister and brother. As the eldest, they deeded this property to me and provided Kate and Dylan with properties of their own.” He bent to bestow a lingering kiss on her lips. “Had you been a local girl, you would have known that.”

  Bryn savored his kiss and drew back, cocking an eyebrow at him. “I suppose all the local girls keep tabs on you?”

  “Well, you know how it is…” Logan preened.

  “Never mind, Mr. Modesty,” she scoffed.

  They continued to tease and banter through the meal and the cleanup, making for a pleasant, relaxing evening.

  Hanging up the dishtowel after drying the last of the dishes, Bryn asked Logan a question that had been niggling at her since talking with Jace. “Logan, I know I’m being nosy, but is Jace one of the people you consult for? And what unpleasant incidents are you guys trying to avoid?”

  Logan regarded her affectionately. “Yes, and you know that talk we need to have?” At her nod he continued, “Now’s the time. Let’s go back to my den and get comfortable.”

  Bryn followed him with some misgivings. She suspected this talk was going to cover some serious and sensitive issues. She just hoped that Logan wasn’t into anything illegal.

  Logan was struggling with some fairly large misgivings of his own. Now that the time had come to put the facts of his heritage before her, not to mention her role as his mate, he was more than a little worried. He knew she liked him and was sexually attracted to him, but he wanted more. He wanted her love—the love of one’s mate was all-important, vital. Only through love would she be able to accept the wolf.

  When he had discovered that she was the one, that first connection had been purely physical. Having spent time with her, he was learning the many facets that made up Bryn Royden. He found her fascinating, stimulating, intriguing—physically, mentally and emotionally.

  With previous partners, he had enjoyed considerate and passionate physical encounters. With Bryn, Logan had gone beyond the physical connection. For the first time in his life, he found himself wanting more. His feelings had gone beyond caring and affection. He saw himself spending every day with her. Sharing his life with her. Having children with her. Loving her. The realization kicked him in the stomach like a runaway mule. The thought that she would be unable to accept his double nature, that she would spurn him, was intolerable. His future, whether a life filled with love, mate and family, or the bleak existence that would be his without her, rested in her hands. He’d never been in a situation where so much was out of his control. The feeling was alien and unsettling.

  As they entered the den, Logan prayed that Bryn’s feelings for him would be strong enough to let her accept what he revealed. He seated her on the sofa and himself on the coffee table, taking her hands in his. Looking deeply in her eyes he began. “The unpleasant incidents we want to avoid are ones like what happened to you last night. You were drugged, Bryn.”

  Confusion filled her eyes. “Drugged? But why, how?”

  “Lillian Adair,” Logan revealed, his tone clearly condemning. “The how, I suspect, was simply dumping the stuff in your tea at O’Neal’s. Remember when she dropped her purse? We were all distracted. As to the why, petty jealousy. She’s been trying to add me to her trophy case and I’m not cooperating. I’m really sorry, Bryn. She hurt you because of me.”

  Bryn could see anger mixed with contrition and—could it be?—anxiety. Surely he didn’t think she would blame him? “It wasn’t your fault,” she consoled, squeezing his hands. “But shouldn’t we report her to the police?”

  Logan stood and began to pace. “There’s just one problem with that, sweetheart. We have no proof. No witnesses, no ‘she was caught red-handed with the evidence’, no fingerprints on your glass, nothing. It would be our word against hers.”

  He settled in front of her, his eyes filled with a seriousness and concern she had never seen before. “There’s another reason I wouldn’t want to report this, even if we had proof.” At Bryn’s puzzled frown he continued, “It’s because of what she is.”

  Tiny stirrings of unease began twisting inside her. “What do you mean, what she is?” Bryn questioned quietly.

  “Lillian’s a werewolf, Bryn. Just as I am.”

  Bryn stared at Logan as myriad emotions swirled inside. Amused disbelief came to the fore.

  “You’re a werewolf,” she stated flatly. Sudden anger had her rising to her feet. “That sounds like the punch line, but I’m afraid I missed the joke.” She began to pace as Logan regarded her silently. He couldn’t possibly believe what he’d just told her. Why was he doing this? An aching hollow began to form inside her. Halting behind the sofa, she pinned Logan in her sights. Her voice shook with suppressed emotion. “You said I could trust you, and I believed you. I believed you, and all along you’ve just been waiting to make a fool of me.” She paused, breathing hard, refusing the tears that threatened. “Well, you’ve succeeded. I just don’t understand why. Why this elaborate ruse?”

  Unable to wait for an answer, she turned blindly, unshed tears stinging her eyes. Hurt. Confusion. Anger. Disappointment. All roiled inside her like a pot set to boil. She strode for the door, desperate to be away from its source.

  At the doorway Logan’s hand wrapped around her wrist. “Don’t go.” His voice was quiet, controlled.

  “Let go of me, Logan.” Her even tone of voice did not betray the turmoil within.

  “I can’t, Bryn, you’re my mate,” he announced.

  Her head shot up and without thought her palm cracked across his cheek with stinging impact. Bryn gasped, appalled disbelief holding her immobile. Shocked silence filled the room as they stared at e
ach other.

  Logan broke the silence, speaking flatly, without emotion. “I believe that entitles me to a few more minutes of your time.”

  Shame and remorse tore at her. Finally she nodded shakily, not knowing who to hate more, herself for her violent act, or him for provoking it.

  Returning to their previous positions, they faced each other now as combatants. Logan regarded her silently, struggling to still the growing hurt and anger inside. “Years ago, when a wolf found his mate he took her. No explanations, no apologies. Females were required to submit. Now we seek to be civilized, to cajole and woo our mate. I’m an alpha.” His voice dropped into a deep, gravel-like purr, the warning plainly evident. “In this situation there’s only so much civilization I can stomach.”

  Bryn’s eyes widened, uncertainty zipping through her. Could he possibly be telling the truth? Before her, his eyes took on an eerie glow. She could feel the waves of heat he generated and the intent plainly written on his face. She could also see the growing erection straining the fabric of his jeans. An involuntary wave of arousal spread inside as she found herself responding to his dominance. “What are you going to do?” She struggled to keep her voice even.

  Logan acknowledged the slight quiver in her voice, his wolf appeased by her unconscious submission. “I’m going to prove that you can trust me. That I haven’t lied to you. That I am a werewolf, and—” he leaned closer, sparks shooting within the glow of his eyes, “—that you are my mate. I’m going to change for you. Here. Now. Watch.”

  Bryn panicked. “Wait!” she yelped. “Wait, please, I need to know…”

  “Need to know what?” he asked impatiently.

  “Not that I believe anything’s going to happen but—” she bit her lip, “—will you know me?”

  Logan recognized her fear and uncertainty. His need to protect and comfort reasserted itself. He took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. “I’ll know you, Bryn. We retain all awareness of self. Just in a different form.”