Free Bayou Wolf by Heather Long Page A

but the male Hound inserted himself between Linc and the healer before he could take another step. Nonplussed, because Linc wouldn’t let anyone near Emma or Gillian either, he held out the coffee tray. “Latte and mocha as requested.”
    “Trish.” Jerome didn’t move.
    “Thanks!” she answered, but didn’t descend the steps. Jerome took the tray.
    “Thank you,” Amy sing-songed. “And unless you’ve decided you like chocolate, Jerome, pass me my coffee now.”
    Nostrils flared, the Hound checked each cup. Linc folded his arms and waited. Dark eyes clashed with his. Not holding Serafina’s gaze was a sign of respect. Hound-boy didn’t deserve the same if he wanted to make an issue of Linc being where Serafina granted him permission to be.
    The Hound blinked first and Linc allowed himself a faint smile, ignoring the other man’s low growl. Trish sauntered down the stairs at a clomping rate. “You’re the one who didn’t want coffee,” she said, defusing the other wolf’s anger. She scooped her latte from the tray and inclined her head to Linc. Unlike her brother, however, she didn’t challenge him with a glare. Instead, she all but fell into the seat next to the healer and sighed as she took a sip. “Definitely not as strong as home, but bon , yes?”
    “ Oui, bon .” Amy laughed. “And if you two want to keep being pissy at each other, go be pissy somewhere else. I am determined to finish this blanket for Emma.”
    Trish paused and gave the healer an odd look. “It’s for Emma now?”
    “Well…yes.” Their feminine laughter warmed over the coolness in Linc’s spine. Both were lovely wolves, the demure Amy more his type—though the lack of any real interest on his part puzzled Linc. Probably better if he didn’t worry about it. They were all outsiders. When the summit ended, they would go home.
    “I’m going to run a circuit. If you need anything, my number is on the fridge.”
    “They won’t,” Jerome informed him. Even though his sister dismissed him, he didn’t move from his place between Linc and the women. Switching his attention to the Hound, Linc narrowed his eyes. Only when the other wolf retreated a step did Linc head for the door. Adrenaline twined with satisfaction, and his mood buoyed. Outside once more, the rich scent of lavender, wisteria, and honeysuckle filled his lungs and his good mood bubble burst.
    Still leaning on the rail, Serafina watched him. Everything about her manner said refined lady, but her eyes?
    They were all predator.
    More, she seemed to see right through him. Straightening his shoulders, he inclined his head politely. “I’m going to run a circuit to make sure none of the youths decided to try and get a good look at you.” Not waiting for her response, he pulled his attention off her gorgeous features and full, utterly kissable lips.
    Halfway to his truck and freedom, she said, “I’ll go with you.”
    Dammit.
    “It’s just a quick run around the perimeter.” The last thing he wanted was her company when he needed to clear his head of her scent and the desire she provoked. With any other wolf, he’d be happy to explore the tempestuous promise of their coupling. She’s not just any other wolf. Mason’s words haunted him.
    “A quick run is better than none,” she told him before tipping her coffee cup higher and draining it. The muscles in her throat flexed with each swallow, so he glanced away and visually scanned the yard. The cup made a soft sound when she sat it on the railing. “I’m ready when you are.”
    If the Alpha wanted to go, he could hardly tell her ‘no.’ Since he had zero intention of leaving the property they’d designated for Delta Crescent, he couldn’t decline her presence unless…he glanced at her shoes.
    She wore a pair of high-top red converse beneath her black jeans. The jeans emphasized her powerful legs and luscious curves. Her red t-shirt matched her shoes and brought out the red streak in her thick mass of