Free Charity Moon by DeAnna Kinney Page B

rip if they were tight. We usually take them off along with our shoes. We only take off our pants on the night of the full moon, you know, so we’re not restricted. I hope you’re not too terribly disappointed.”
     
     “Wipe that smile off your face before I do.”
     
    He covered his smile with his hand.
     
    “So, what’s the buffer zone?”
     
    “That’s what we call the neutral land that separates the pack’s territory.”
     
    “I see. Not to change the subject, but I’m really hurting here.”
     
    “I know, and I’m sorry. I wish I could heal you.”
     
    “Heal me? What do you mean?”
     
    “You see, werewolf saliva has healing properties, but it doesn’t heal bone injuries, only flesh and organ damage, and things like that.”
     
    “Wow, if you could bottle it you’d make a fortune.”
     
    “Yeah, well the healing properties die when the saliva turns cold, so that doesn’t work. We have to be in our wolf form to bite or lick the wound. The healing properties emerge during the transformation to wolf. If we bite into your flesh the wound will heal quicker, along with the bite wound.”
     
    “Well, that’s one talent you can keep to yourself. You’ll never bite me in your wolf form. I almost had a heart attack. If I never see it again it will be too soon for me.”
     
    “I’m sorry, Charity, it’s my fault you’re hurt. You could’ve been killed tonight,” he said, shaking his head in disappointment.
     
    I sighed. “It’s not your fault. Ashley and I followed you after school this afternoon. We heard you say where you were meeting, and we made sure we got there before you did.”
     
    “You followed me? Wow, I need to sharpen my skills.”
     
    I rose from the sofa in full alarm mode. “It was my idea. Please don’t take it out on Ashley.”
     
    “Oh, I’m sure it was your idea. And I wouldn’t dream of taking anything out on you or Ashley.”
     
    “You’re not going to eat us then?”
     
    “No!” He laughed. “Werewolves don’t eat people. We don’t harm people at all, except under rare circumstances. On the contrary, we protect humans.”
     
    “Really?”
     
    “Yes really.” He laughed again.
     
    I sighed in relief. Stinking movies don’t get anything right . “So, what do you protect us from?”
     
    “Trust me, you don’t really want to know.”
     
    I decided he was right and dropped the subject, but filed it away for later.
     
    The doctor entered the room. “Good, Doc, you’re here. Charity was injured during the escape. I think it’s a rib.”
     
    “Well, let’s take a look. Charity, I’m Dr. Ellis, but you can call me Doc. Everyone else around here does.” He was a very polite, middle-aged man, handsome, tall, with dark hair with splashes of gray. I squealed as he felt my ribs and noticed Levi cringing in response, which puzzled me.
     
    “Well, you’ve got a small crack in one of your ribs. I’ll wrap it for you and give you something for the pain. If you keep yourself wrapped tight, and don’t do anything strenuous, it’ll heal on its own. You’ll be in pain for a while, but just take the pain medicine I give you as often as you need it, according to the directions. If you don’t mind taking off your jacket, please. You can just pull your shirt up a little—that should be fine.”
     
    I stood and looked at Levi. “Shouldn’t you be leaving?”
     
    “If I wanted to see your body I would’ve seen it the night I brought you home. I’m sorry I left you on your bed in that wet dress, but I think you would’ve been very angry at the alternative. I was tempted, however.” He smirked.
     
    My mouth fell open in disbelief. “I knew it!”
     
    “Well, there’s no sense in trying to hide the truth now.”
     
    “I guess not.” I have to admit I was relieved to finally know for sure that he brought me home that night. “How did you get me to my room?” I carefully peeled off my jacket.
     
    “I carried you through your