A Dangerous Moon [Tales of the Werewolf Clan] (7 page)

"Bruce!" He tossed up his hand, catching his friend's attention. Bruce left the group and walked toward him with a grim look on his face.

"Rick, what are you doing here?"

"I brought Allison over. She was in no shape to drive," he replied. "What's going on?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out."

"Allie said it might've been an animal attack. Is that right?"

Bruce glanced around the room, and then gave a nod toward the door. "Let's go outside, okay?"

Rick followed him outside. The summer night was buzzing with the sound of katydids and the humidity clung to him, but he focused his attention on Bruce. "So, what's going on?"

"I've already called Ray and told him to contact the pack council. It seems Jeni was attacked by a wolf in the parking lot."

"A wolf? Are you sure?"

Bruce nodded. "That's what she said. It bit her on the hand, but she managed to get away and run. Lucky for her, several patrons still inside heard the commotion and went outside."

"Is it the rogue wolf someone reported earlier?" Rick raised an eyebrow.

"How did you know about that?"

"Rhonda told me about it the other night."

"It figures," Bruce shrugged, giving a little smirk. "Yeah, we think it's the same one. Ernie and a few others took off after it, but it seems to have disappeared after the attack."

"But, why did it attack Jeni?" Rick frowned.

"That's another question we'd like an answer to." Bruce gave a frustrated sigh, running a hand over his face. "I really hope Allison can help us get some answers from her."

"I'm sure she will," Rick nodded, giving his friend a sympathic pat on the shoulder. "Allison will do all she can to help out. Trust me."

* * *

Doctor Cary had already filled her in with all the details of Jeni's medical case before she entered her room. Allison drew a deep breath and pushed open the door. Jeni was sitting up in her bed, speaking in a low, soothing tone to an elderly Asian man and woman. She deduced they were related to Jeni as they all turned their gaze on her.

Jeni patted the woman's hand and said something in Chinese. The older woman nodded, then placed an object in Jeni's hand and the couple quietly left the room.

"Hey there." Allison managed a soft smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Allie, thank goodness you're here." Jeni exhaled a sigh of relief. "Come over," she gestured to the chair beside the bed. "We need to talk."

As Allison got closer, she noticed the object in Jeni's hand. It was a round piece of light green stone, more than likely jade, on a red piece of string. An amulet to ward off evil. Jeni clutched it in one hand while the other was wrapped in a bandage on a pillow beside her.

"Doctor Cary's prescribed a round of rabies treatments for you," she informed her as she drew close. Jeni's eyes were slightly glazed over and her skin, which was normally golden, was paler than usual. But, it was understandable, given the circumstances. "Can I get you anything?"

"Water, please. Margaret came in a while ago and gave me a mild sedative. Now, my mouth is as dry as cotton." Jeni wrinkled her nose.

Allison poured her a glass from the nearby medical cart. After Jeni took a couple of sips, she laid her head back on the pillow and sighed. "Allie, I've got to tell you what happened tonight. I-I don't quite believe it myself. It's all so crazy."

"Officer Taylor said you reported that you were attacked by a wolf. Is that correct?"

Jeni closed her eyes and nodded, then her eyes snapped open. "But, that's
not
the crazy part." She dropped the amulet on the bedsheet and grabbed Allison's hand. Jeni nervously gazed to the door, then back to Allie. "I must tell you what
really
happened before anyone comes back in here. Okay?"

"Go ahead," Allison nodded, leaning in close. "I'm listening."

"Well, everything was going fine at
The Red Lion
. When I got ready to leave, Ernie Campbell was going to walk me out to my car. We stepped outside and, about halfway to my car, he remembered he'd left his cell phone on the table, so he went back inside."

"And left you alone?"

"Yeah," Jeni nodded. "But, after he went inside, a guy walked up to me. I guess he'd been waiting in the parking lot, but I don't know. I didn't see him until he walked up. Anyway, he asked if I knew you, Allie. He asked if I knew a 'Doctor Allison Browne'."

"Me?" She raised an eyebrow. "Who was he?"

"That's just it," Jeni shrugged. "I've never seen him before. He wasn't bad looking either. Tall, dark hair and really well-built. He was wearing all black too…you know, tee and jeans, casual clothes. I told him I didn't know, but…but as he came closer, I got a good look at his eyes." Jeni paused and gave a nervous shiver.

Allison gently rubbed her hand, comforting her. "What about his eyes?"

"Well," Jeni licked her dry lips, and then glanced up at her. "They were yellow, Allie. Large and bright yellow, like those crazy contacts some folks wear at Halloween time. I thought he was pulling some kind of sick prank. I started to panic and turned toward the door, because I thought I heard Ernie coming back. When I turned back around…" Her voice trailed off as tears welled in her eyes. "There, where the guy had been, was a big black wolf with those same freakin' creepy yellow eyes and…and he was growling at me!"

"What happened next?" Allison gently asked, yet her heart was pounding hard in her chest.

"The wolf leapt at me and knocked me to the ground. I guess I must've put up my hand to protect myself because his teeth nipped my hand. I was frantic, Allie. I started screaming for help. Next thing I remember, there was a loud bang. I think it was someone coming out of the bar and the wolf ran off!"

"Oh, you poor dear!" Allison wrapped her arms around Jeni's trembling body and held her tight. "I'm so sorry this happened to you."

"But…but it was the craziest thing," Jeni sniffled. "I was talking to a man one minute. The next, I'm being attacked by a big, black wolf!"

"Well, I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this," Allison assured her, releasing her hold and pulling a tissue from the medical cart near the bed to hand to her.

"That's just it," Jeni replied, wiping her eyes. "The emergency unit and the police kept telling me I must be mistaken. They say it was a wild dog. But I
know
it was a man who, somehow, changed into a big, black wolf, Allie." She shrugged. "I don't think anyone believes me. But, honest, that's what really happened."

Deep down, Allison knew Jeni was telling her the truth. She only wished she could tell her friend what she'd experienced was all true. Tragic, but true. Some folks really did change into wolves. But this was neither the time nor the place to do so.

"Allison?" A deep male voice came from the open doorway. Doctor Cary stood there with a concerned expression on his face.

"Maybe Doctor Cary should give you another dose of –"

"No!" Jeni shook her head animatedly. "I don't want to be drugged up."

"But you need to get some rest, Jeni." Allison reached over and patted her friend's hand again. "Thanks for telling me what
really
happened." She leaned in, giving Jeni a light kiss on her forehead. "I'm going to leave you in Cary's care while I go speak with Taylor and the emergency crew again. Don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this, I promise."

Jeni drew another deep breath, and then rested her head back on the pillow, closing her eyes. Allison turned and crossed the room. "Doctor, please take good care of her. She's all yours." Cary merely nodded, and then she headed out the door and down the hall to where the emergency staff had gathered.

Chapter Seven

The sun was rising over the horizon. Its golden rays filled the small waiting room which was now crowded with the members of the wolf clan's council. Allison entered the room and all heads turned to face her.

"Allie, over here." Rick offered her the seat beside his sister, Megan. The younger McShaw sibling was wearing a frumpy jogging suit, but it didn't conceal her swollen, pregnant belly. Allison smiled over at her as she sank down into the seat and glanced around at the other familiar faces in the room.

Rick was standing beside his brother, Ray, who was speaking to someone on his cell phone. "Thanks," he said into the receiver. "Keep it up and contact us as soon as you find out anything. Got that?" Ray snapped the phone shut, and then faced the gathered clan members.

"It's like we thought, whoever this guy is, he's a rogue
sithech
shifter, so he's not one of us." Ray frowned, folding his arms over his chest. "And we won't stop until we find him either."

"How's Jeni?" Megan turned to Allison and took her hand. "Bruce said she was pretty shaken up and the wolf bit her on the hand. Is that right?"

Allison drew a deep breath, and then proceeded to tell the council everything Jeni had told her. "And, what's really sad is that I can't tell her the truth. Maybe, with the council's permission, we should tell her. It will help ease her mind."

"Not right now, Allie." Rick shook his head. "First, we have to locate him. Jeni said he asked for
you
. Why?"

"I don't know." Allison shrugged. "Maybe, since I'm the clan healer, he needs my help. Maybe…"

"No!" Rick stepped over to her and bent down, looking her in the eyes. "Until Bruce and the boys tranquilize him and take him into custody, you're in danger too." Allison blinked, and then glanced around the room. Several council members murmured in agreement.

"Ritchie has a good point," Ray nodded. "You need to be protected at all costs. If this rogue is looking for
you
in town, then it puts
all
of us at risk…including the regular townsfolk like Jeni."

"What do you suggest?" Allison frowned. Her stomach twisted with nerves as she glanced around the room.

"As pack guardian, I want you to go out to our family's cabin until we catch this rogue wolf. It's far enough from town that I believe it'll be a safe refuge. Megan, do you have the key to Dad's cabin?" Ray turned his attention to his sister.

"Yeah, sure. Derek and I have done a little work on it. You may need some groceries and clean clothes, but everything's in pretty good shape."

"And don't worry about your schedule here at the center. I've already spoken with Michael and he's approved an urgent 'leave of absence' for you," Ray assured her. "Everything will be covered and your patients will be taken care of too."

Rick reached over and took Allison's hand from Megan's. "And don't worry, I'll go with you, doc, to the cabin, and make sure you're safe until this rogue is found and under control. Okay?"

"Fine." Allison closed her eyes and drew a deep breath. "I'll leave town so no one else is at risk." She opened her eyes again and flashed Rick a soft smile. "Thanks for offering to come with me. I know I can count on you."

* * *

Rick waited outside the urgent care unit at his truck for Allison. She'd wanted to check in on Jeni one more time before they headed back to her place to pack. He tossed up a hand and waved as Megan and her husband pulled out of the parking lot in their car and headed down the road. Even though he was tired, a fiery mix of adrenaline pumped through his veins.

"Hey, I just received some good news," Ray said as he crossed the lot to where Rick stood. "I just heard from Slim and his cousin is still locked away, so he's not the rogue
sithech
we're searching for."

"Then who is?" Rick raised an eyebrow. "And why is he looking for Allison?"

"Beats me." His brother gave a casual shrug. "I'm just glad you're in town and can help to protect her."

"Me too." Rick smiled over at him, and then turned to see Allison step out the clinic doors and head towards them. He heart skipped a beat. She was lovely…and smart too. He'd be crazy to leave her again. But, with his damn empathic abilities, he could pick up on everything she was feeling.

Everything.

"Well, Jeni's resting now. Ernie's volunteered to stay with her." Allison flashed him a relieved smile. "You know, if I didn't know better, I'd swear he really likes her."

"Oh?" Rick smirked. "You don't say." Allison laughed. He was glad it raised her spirits a bit, considering everything that had happened. "So, are you ready to head out? Megan already gave me the key to our family's cabin. She also brought along a spare tranquilizer gun too. I'm taking it with us. Well, just in case…" His voice trailed off.

Allison frowned, folding her arms over her chest. "A tranquilizer gun? Aren't those things dangerous?"

"No more dangerous than a rogue wolf on the loose," Rick replied. "Don't worry. When we get to the cabin, I'll show you how to safely use it."

"But —"

Rick reached out and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. "There are no 'buts' about it, doc. I want you to know how to use the tranquilizer gun just as a precaution. Okay?"

She gave a heavy sigh. "Oh, all right."

"Good. Well, let's head out. We'll drop by the house, grab some clothes and provisions, then head on out to the cabin. Come on." He draped his arm protectively around her shoulder and steered her towards his truck.

No one was going to harm Allison while he was around.

No one.

* * *

By the time they'd reached the cabin, it was just after high noon. Allison had caught a nap in the truck and was feeling more refreshed by the time she and Rick hauled their clothes and supplies into his family's one room cabin. She couldn't help but think that under different circumstances, the cabin would have been the perfect place for a weekend rendezvous away from town.

"Remember how we used to come out here to swim?" she recalled with a wistful smile. "Megan and Derek have really put some work into the place. It's so much cozier now."

"Yeah, it does look nice. Derek's done some repair work around the place, but he hasn't got around to the old well yet. I believe it was Megan who started remodeling the inside…well, before her pregnancy. But they got a good start on the place, if I do say so myself." He nodded, and then changed the topic. "Well, while we were packing, Bruce already came out and checked the grounds for any suspicious activity and all's clear." He sat down on the edge of the double bed. "Oh, and if you don't mind, we'll have to share this bed while we're here. Okay?"

"That's fine with me…as long as you don't snore," she added with a quick wink.

"Me? I don't snore!" he mockingly protested. They both laughed while Allison began to put away their provisions into the cabinets and get settled in.

After a quick lesson on how to load and use the tranquilizer gun, Rick smiled over at her. "Hey, tell you what, I'm going to lay down and catch up on a little sleep. Wake me in about an hour, okay?"

"Sure thing."

Allison's heart pounded hard in her chest as she watched Rick pull off his t-shirt and spread out onto the double bed against the back wall of the cabin. With all that was happening, she mentally chided herself for even thinking of sex.
Oh, that crazy moon!
She shook her head and drew a deep breath.

After putting everything in its place, Allison pulled her cell phone from her pocket and quietly slipped out the front door onto the porch. She called the hospital to check in on Jeni's progress, and then phoned her aunt to let her know what was going on.

"Oh! Allison, sweetheart, please be careful." She could hear the worry in her Aunt Jean's voice. "At least Rick's with you, but still, this other wolf shifter sounds really dangerous!"

"Well, I hope they find him soon enough too. But I have no idea who it is or why he's even asking for me."

"Remember, dear, we aren't the only clan of wolves who escaped the wolf hunts centuries ago," her aunt reminded her. "Other clans, besides ours, spread out into parts of Europe and some came into the States. And, nowadays, I'm sure some of them are even working together. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if there are even shifters in top levels of government too!"

"The government? Oh, come on, Auntie!" Allison chuckled. "That's crazy!"

"It's no laughing matter, young lady. You should know that." Her aunt's tone grew serious. "We're not the only shifters in the world. Our clan is small, but a fair and pretty well-organized one. However, there may be other ones who aren't…and they could be really dangerous too. Now, please, just promise me, you'll be careful."

"I will," Allison said in her most soothing tone. "I promise."

After saying their good-byes, she ended her call and sat back in the lawn chair on the porch, watching the sun sparkle out on the lake. Even though the humidity had started to rise, there was a gentle breeze, and the shade of the surrounding trees seemed to cool the secluded area.

She closed her eyes, letting the serenity of the moment flow over her and soothe away her tension. "Hey, are you okay out here?" Rick asked, swinging open the screen door and stepping out onto the porch.

Allison sighed and opened her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. I called and Jeni's still resting, and then decided to call my Aunt Jean to let her know what's going on."

"Oh, that must've been the uneasiness I was picking up on." He took a seat on the front step and smiled over at her. "And you told her you're safe and will be home soon, right?"

"I did, but when I told her about the rogue wolf that attacked Jeni, she started talking about other shifter clans and warned me about how dangerous some of them may be. It sort of wigged me out."

"Well, she's right. There are other shifters out there." Rick nodded. "When I was out in Phoenix last summer, I met a few members of a band of coyote shifters. And while working on a construction site in upper North Carolina, I heard rumors about a dout of wildcat shifters. Honestly, I wouldn't want to tangle with either one of those clans." Rick chuckled, shaking his head.

"Why?"

"Let's just say that some shifters are more territorial and guard their secrets real well. I think they can be quite dangerous, if not deadly, when crossed." The expression on Rick's face grew serious. "I just hope Bruce and the boys track down this wolf shifter soon. I don't like the idea that he was trying to sniff you out."

"Maybe, after he attacked Jeni, he left town," Allie suggested.

"Doc, you know all about us
male
wolves. We can be very persistent. We won't stop until we get what we want." He smiled over at her. A shiver went down her spine when she saw a familiar gleam in his eyes.

She slowly ran the tip of her tongue over her dry lips. "So, what do
you
want?" Her voice was low and husky. Once again, the moon was simmering in her blood. And, from the look on Rick's face, the feeling was mutual. Despite all that was happening around them, the attraction between them was still present.

"Well, how about we go back inside and I'll show you exactly what I want, doc." Rick stood and extended his hand.

It was an offer she couldn't refuse.

* * *

Rick escorted Allison into the cabin and locked the door behind them. Sure, they were alone, but he wanted to play it safe. He drew her into his arms and held her close, pressing his nose against the softness of her chestnut hair. "You smell good enough to eat," he playfully growled, then captured her lips in a hungry kiss.

She returned his kiss and his senses reeled. Rick lost himself in the velvety softness of her lips. And when her tongue flicked into his mouth, he took their kiss even deeper. Dark need rippled throughout his body. His cock thickened and hardened, pressing tight against the crotch of his jeans as Allison ran her palm over the bulge. Rick gave a low groan in the back of his throat and broke free of their kiss to gaze into her eyes.

"Are you reading my mind?" He grinned.

"No. I just happen to know what you want," Allison replied with a saucy smile. There was a twinkle in her eyes as, without another word, she slipped free from his embrace and slid down onto her knees on the hardwood floor before him.

She quickly unfastened his pants and ripped the zipper down to free his cock from the confines of his jeans. "Oh yes!" he gasped as Allie encircled his cock with her fingers and drew it to her luscious mouth.

Sheer pleasure bolted up his spine as she began to suck his cock. Rick's eyes fluttered shut. The sensation of her hot mouth on his member drowned out the world around him except for the steady, hard pounding of his heart against his chest.

She certainly
did
know what he wanted…and how to do it too.

The slick warmth of her mouth explored every inch of his cock, and then dipped lower to his balls. Rick moaned again. The alpha wolf buried deep inside him grew more and more restless, wanting to take control. But he stifled the impulse. His empathic senses were open to her and sensed her real, honest enjoyment in giving him pleasure…and his heart swelled with happiness.

Allison was certainly one of a kind. No, she was his. It was in that moment he realized that she was his mate.

Always had been, always would be.

"I'm going to…I'm going to cum!" he gasped as his whole body tightened with heightened emotions. "Oh, baby!" And, with a loud groan, he came.

* * *

Allie pulled back and gave a startled laugh when Rick shot his load. It was streaked over her face – wet, sticky, and somewhat amusing too. "What are you trying to do, wolfman? Mark me?" She giggled as he opened his eyes and gazed down at her.

"Something like that."

Even though she knew he was kidding, the tone of his voice was deeper, tenderer than she expected. Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly rose to her feet and crossed over to the small bathroom. "Let me wash up, okay?" she called over her shoulder, but her insides quivered like Jell-o. "Be right back."

"I can hardly wait."