Free Your Wild Heart by Dena Garson Page B

the full moon. It would be hard to explain why he stayed out all night. With reluctance, he told her, “Yes. You won’t have to worry about Bob or Dalton bothering you again.”
    “Good. While I appreciate the use of your bathtub, I don’t want to keep imposing on you. I’m sure I’ve created enough extra work for you.”
    He lifted her chin until she looked him in the eye. “You aren’t extra work, Izzy. You are welcome to stay here if it makes you feel safer, but I won’t be able to stay with you. I’m supposed to meet Drew and some friends, and it may take most of the night. I know that sounds terrible to ditch you after you’ve had such a traumatic day, but it’s not something I can miss.”
    She smiled. “It’s okay. Really.” She pressed a kiss against the palm of his hand. “I kind of need to be in familiar surroundings, so I can collect my thoughts. I need to start packing, too. I’d only planned to be here five or six days. My dad will send the troops after me if I’m not home when he thinks I should be.”
    “Don’t leave without telling me.”
    She grabbed the finger he pointed at her and kissed the tip. “I won’t.”
    He looked deep into her eyes. Satisfied she wasn’t just pacifying him, he relaxed. “Okay. Now, let’s go see if we can whip up an omelet or something else worth eating.”
    “Yes, please.”

 
     
     
Chapter Nine
     
     
    Wyatt’s meeting with Drew took longer than he wanted.
    He liked the new Alpha, and he had pledged his loyalty, but it bothered him to have so much attention on Isabelle. The fact that two other single males had been ordered to keep an eye on her gnawed at him.
    He didn’t believe she would ever do anything to harm one of the pack, but since she didn’t know the truth about them, there was the possibility she might report some obscure fact that could draw unwanted attention to Los Lobos.
    Drew had reason to be concerned.
    But dammit, he wasn’t going to chase her off either. Besides, she already said she would be leaving soon. He needed to figure out how to get her to stay.
    He locked his gun and holster in the special compartment of his truck. The moon pulled at him, and he wouldn’t be able to fight the change much longer.
    Besides, with his conflicted feelings, he needed a good run through the woods. Perhaps his Wolf would help him sort through the things that were bothering him.
    In the distance, he heard a lone howl. It was answered by three or four.
    Wyatt turned and greeted the moon as his grandfather had taught him. As he murmured his prayers to the spirits of his ancestors, he let the change wash over him then took off at a run for the woods.
    Large paws pounded against the grass and dirt without hesitation.
    Black fur rippled in the breeze.
    Amber eyes scanned the area for prey and kin with heightened acuity.
    Hotah caught up with his brothers on a ridge not far from Drew’s property. They chased each other and a couple of rabbits and basked in the joy of simply being for a time. As the group circled around to the other end of Los Lobos, Hotah picked up an unexpected scent.
    The rich smell of an unmated female filled his senses. He also detected something familiar. Something Hotah knew intimately but couldn’t quite place.
    Two of his pack mates detected it as well. The three of them stopped and inspected the area.
    As soon as he locked onto the smell, Hotah took off to find the owner.
    It was imperative he find her.
    He ran as fast as he could while still following the trail. His brothers dropped away, hopefully losing interest. The trail led him to the river. There he found a lone silver-gray female drinking from the flowing water.
    He circled around so he could approach from downwind. As he closed in, her undiluted scent hit him full blast.
    Mate.
    Lifting her head, she turned and met his gaze. Her eyes glittered like the purest silver.
    They studied each other warily as they circled ever closer until they nearly touched noses. At