Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Any unrest?” Jackson asked. “Word’s got to be out that other packs let their young wolves leave to experience the world.”
A very good point. Was there unrest? “Not that I know of,” she said thoughtfully. “But it’s something we should look into. It would make sense.”
“You know,” Jackson said with a glance her way, “you could let them have a life.”
They passed beneath the granite archway marking the town’s entrance.
She glanced around. “Everyone has decorated for the holidays.” Sparkling lights were everywhere, as were placards of Jackson and her in the middle of a wreath. “Wow. That picture must be off the Internet?” She was dressed in a white gown. Where had she worn that?
Jackson stopped near the doctor’s office where a light glowed beyond the reception area. A tree sparkled happily, framed perfectly in the windows. “Need me to come in?” he asked.
“No, I probably only need fifteen minutes, maybe half an hour.”
“Great. I’ll be back.” He nodded, and she hopped out, boots scuffing on snow as she crossed the sidewalk. The door swung open with a soft chime, revealing a vacant waiting room and the hum of a heater kicking on in the back.
Emily looked up as footsteps echoed down the hallway. A shorter male appeared, looking to be around fifty, with salt-and-pepper hair and sharp green eyes that hinted at a quick mind. “You must be Emily Nightsom.”
“I must be,” she replied with a grin. “And you must be Dr. Moore.”
“I am.” His smile was warm but brief. “What can I do for you?”
She clutched her backpack. “I was hoping to see Dr. Gwen.”
“She’s on the phone, but I’ll let her know you’re here.” He glanced toward the door. “Jackson with you?”
Why would he be? “He went to the office.”
“Okay. Thanks.” With a nod, Dr. Moore disappeared back down the hallway.
Emily wandered over to a chair, flipping through a magazine about mining, until she heard approaching footsteps and a familiar voice.
“Hey, Emily. Come on back.” Dr. Gwen still wore light pink scrubs and had a stethoscope draped around her neck.
“Thanks.” Emily adjusted her backpack as she followed the doctor into a different lab room from the last time. This one had shelves of labeled vials, cabinets with neatly arranged medical tools, and equipment she couldn’t name aside from a few microscopes.
“Nice lab,” Emily said.
“Thanks.” Gwen back slightly on her tennis shoes. “What do you have for me?”
Emily handed over Luna’s blood samples and test results.
“Interesting.” Gwen studied the papers, her brow furrowing slightly. “I think I may have a hypothesis.” She glanced up. “I need an hour or so.”
Anticipation with an edge of hope licked through Emily. “Yeah, that works. I’m grabbing a late dinner with Jackson. Will you be working that late?”
“Yeah, come back after you eat. I often work well past midnight, so I’ll be here.” Gwen had already turned away, her mind clearly elsewhere.
Emily shrugged and returned to the waiting area, where Dr. Moore was tidying the stack of magazines.
“All good?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you,” Emily replied.
He glanced at her, a smile tugging at his lips. “Rumor has it you’re trying to find a mate for Jackson.”
“I am.” The admission twisted in her stomach.
He straightened to his full height. “The pack is hoping you’ll stay. Is there any chance?”
“I don’t see how.” She forced a smile. “Did you sign the petition?”
“Everybody I know signed the petition for you to make a home here.” He winked before disappearing down the hallway.
For some reason, the gesture lightened her mood. It was comforting to be wanted. She stepped outside, spotting Jackson already waiting at the curb, his truck running and snow dancing across the headlights. His gaze flicked to her, lingering for just a second too long before he hopped out of the truck and opened her door.
Several teenaged boys came running up, and Jackson pivoted to put his body slightly between them.
The tallest, a kid with green eyes and black hair, handed her a high school Letterman’s jacket.
She accepted the leather coat, glancing at the back, which read Tryne.
Jackson sighed. “You’re giving her my jacket?”
“Yeah. We took it down from the wall at the high school. She should have it, man.” The kid nodded, turned, and ran off with his buddies.
Emily smiled, touched. “It is nice to be liked.”
“I would think so.” Jackson’s hand grazed her waist as he helped her inside, the warmth of his touch sparking awareness across her skin.
“I didn’t know you were waiting for me out here. Sorry.” Her pulse kicked up.
“It’s fine.” His voice rumbled awareness beneath her skin. He shut her door and circled the truck before sliding into the driver’s seat. As they drove past the hotel, tension hung heavy between them.
Part of her wanted to jump him right in the truck.
The other part wanted to savor the moment and attack him later back at his place. So she smoothed the dark blue jacket over her legs.