Free The Mating by Nicky Charles Page B

the ground, Elise vaguely recalled hearing some rain hitting against the windowpane sometime during the night and wondered if it had been before, or after Thomas had been found. She frowned and hoped it was after, not liking the image of the wounded man lying bleeding on the ground, rain soaking his clothes, as he awaited rescue.

    Shaking the grim image from her mind, she concentrated on her surroundings again. Numerous large trees dotted the lawn, their majestic branches stretching outward to create a canopy overhead. Elise imagined that in the summer the yard would be pleasantly shaded by their leaves. In the far corner, a substantial vegetable garden could be seen, and a variety of flower beds were placed strategically around the house and out buildings. Due to it being fall, the gardens weren’t looking their best, but evidence of the summer splendour could still be seen in the few hardy flowers that refused to quit blooming despite the cooler nights.

    Circling to the front of the house, Elise carefully skirted a large puddle and then stood on the edge of the driveway wondering how far she dared travel on her own. Looking down the drive, she could just make out some houses beyond the bend. They were probably the homes of other pack members, she decided. Helen had spoken of an infirmary and she pondered where it might be located and if Kane would still be there. It wasn’t that she really wanted to see him, she told herself. It was just that she didn’t know anyone else or have anything in particular to do.

    If she was with Kane, he’d introduce her to some more people and she’d feel braver about exploring. While the members she’d met briefly upon arriving yesterday had all seemed friendly, her encounter with Marla had her feeling a little apprehensive. Would she have to stand up to each and every member in order to prove herself, or would they just accept her? Had they only seemed friendly yesterday because Kane had been there? How would they react to meeting her without his protection? At dinner last night, she felt more confident when the others spoke of embracing new ways and new members, but now… She chewed on her lip as she pondered the questions rolling about in her mind. Joining a new pack was tricky—she’d just never appreciated the fact before. Now that she had her own personal insight into the situation, she resolved to be a lot more supportive of new members in the future.

    In the distance, Elise could hear a vehicle approaching. Squinting she noted that it was a red sports car and it seemed to be travelling rather quickly for such a narrow, twisty driveway. Clouds of dust swirled up around it, obscuring the view of the driver. Elise frowned. Something about the vehicle was making her uneasy and she stepped back onto the grass as it drew closer. Just as it was almost even with her, the driver jerked the wheel. The car fishtailed and loose bits of gravel flew up in the air and Elise jerked backwards as small pebbles pelted her. Unfortunately, there was a large puddle right behind her and she slipped, landing on her rear in the muddy water.

    Gasping in outrage and embarrassment, Elise looked towards the driveway but the vehicle was gone. Muttering vile threats under her breath, she wiped her stinging cheek, not surprised when a smear of blood appeared on the back of her hand. At least one of the sharp, stony projectiles had hit its mark. Thoroughly disgruntled, she got to her feet and tried unsuccessfully to wipe the mud off herself before stomping up to the house. She’d have to have a complete change of clothes and a shower.

Chapter 7

    Thankfully the kitchen was empty. Elise really didn’t want anyone to know what had happened. Someone had just humiliated her on purpose, and advertising the fact was the last thing she wanted. Removing her socks and shoes so as to not leave mud all over, she padded barefoot up to her room and then finished stripping off the muddy garments. Setting them on