Free Snow Wolf: Wolves of Willow Bend (Book 9) by Heather Long Page A

mate—well, not uncommon for most. Ranae didn’t think the welcome extended to her as much anymore. She had to earn that right back, and she’d been working hard at it.
    “Ah, yes,” Chowder said with a nod, as she passed him to step inside. The interior seemed to be made of the same stone, but instead of cobblestone floors, the interior had grass for carpet.
    Stunned again, she simply stared at the rich, verdant grass everywhere. There was furniture, too, but it was all spread out. Like a great conversation area set up for a party, but not designed for coziness. Water flowed around the walls, the air was sweet…was that vanilla she could smell? Orchids? Really? Or something else? Her nose seemed to go into overtime trying to sort the various scents. Once more, she felt transported to a whole other world.
    “As I said, we choose our names but sometimes, and as is most common in this pack, we earn them, too. I had a particular affinity for clam chowder when I was younger.” The explanation tugged her back to the present. Not orchids, but something far more tropical than she expected to find in the Yukon.
    “They call you Chowder because you like clam chowder?” Really?
    “Like is too mild a word,” the healer said with a chuckle. “I loved chowder. It was all I ate it for months at a time, breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
    The explanation made her stomach roll. “Seriously?” She pivoted to face him, aware of the sweat beading her brow. If she’d thought her thermals were too warm for the hallway, they were positively cooking her in the suite.
    “I’m afraid so.” He wore a rueful smile and spread his hands wide. “What can I say? I really liked it. My brother started calling me Chowder and it stuck.”
    “What was your name before that?”
    “My parents named me Benjamin.” He didn’t seem to mind discussing himself. “Occasionally, some of my friends still call me Ben, though I think if you were to ask for me that way, most wouldn’t know.”
    “Nice. Your brother is…?” What the hell had Diesel called him? “Grinder?”
    “Yes, and if you want to know how he earned his name, you should ask him.” He hesitated a moment then raised a single finger. “Don’t ask Fluff.”
    Somehow, she didn’t even need to ask him the why on that one. The spikey-haired woman was the least fluffy person she had ever met. “I won’t, but let me guess…not everyone’s nicknames have to do with what they like or what they do?”
    “Of course not.”
    Which meant Diesel was also a nickname. Interesting. What had his name been before? “If I were to ask you about your Alpha?”
    “Again, I would advise if you want to know, you should ask him.” The man wore an almost beatific smile. “I think he’ll tell you.”
    Not really what she wanted to hear. Eager to change the subject, she glanced around again. “Where should I put my bag?” Hopefully the bedroom looked like a bedroom and not a park.
    “You may have your choice of the rooms, I’m sure.” Though he kept his tone light, he hadn’t ventured very far into the room. Was he worried she’d lunge for the door or something? “Or you can wait until Diesel arrives, and he can show you to his.”
    The hint of probing question clung to his last sentence. “We’re not mates,” she announced, though whom she wanted to convince, she wasn’t sure. “He just said so to shut me up.” It was her story and she was sticking to it. “I’m only here to handle Willow Bend business then I’ll be leaving.”
    “Interesting.” Chowder didn’t offer her an argument. “The kitchen is to your right. It’s not fully stocked, but I’m sure Montana will correct that. In addition to myself, Montana, the cleaning crew are the only other wolves with permission and access to enter this suite besides yourself and Diesel. As you are in residence, the door security will announce our arrival rather than simply admit us. Diesel and I can both override it, should you