She goes from lighthearted and fun to scary and distant much too quickly for my tastes. I look to her husband, who only has eyes for her, watching her every movement with an intensity I’ve never seen among the over-sexed wolves.
Without another word, she heads into the bathroom to change into her evening gown. When devising this plan, I’d explained the formal dress I witnessed the vampires wearing in the dining room, and every other detail I could remember. Dria said it reminded her of an old European blood brothel she’d been to centuries ago. She knew exactly how she should dress to be accepted, and even assured me a pet werewolf would fit right in with the perceived decadence.
“Get ready, wolfman,” Rafe says. “We don’t want you struggling to shift in the back of the rented Benz.”
Wolfman, eh? Is that how he wants to play this? Cheeky bastard. Bet I could take his big muscle-bound ass in a heartbeat. Then again, that could be the vamp blood talking. He’s got something lurking in his eyes when you look closely, and strangely, it reminds me of staring into the eyes of a live wolf. I nod, not trusting myself to speak, and retreat to the second bedroom.
I leave the door slightly ajar so I can open it in wolf form—only takes locking yourself in a room two or three times, and the subsequent replacing of the door with a new one later, to drive the habit into your brain. I attach the expensive studded collar to my neck, leaving the clasp on the last notch so the leather won’t be too stifling. A collar. Jesus. Is this what I’ve come to?
Yup. And you asked for it buddy. Might as well quit your bitching and take it like a man.
I strip, putting the clothes in a bag so we can stow it in the back seat when I revert back to human at our departure. Once my tiny tasks are completed, I take a deep breath, centering myself.
The vampire blood coursing through my body feels exhilarating and I have a hunch the change will come on me faster than normal. The mere thought of running free in the woods calls my wolf to the surface with lightening speed. In the span of two heartbeats I’m forced to the floor, and fur washes over my altered shape. For the first time since I was attacked last year, there is no agony in the transformation. None at all.
I give my head a shake and marvel at the joy that washes through me at the lack of pain. A small yip of happiness erupts and I duck my head, embarrassed by the outburst. I wait a little bit, hoping Rafe and Dria didn’t hear me, and then use my mouth to grab the handles of the duffle containing my clothes.
I trot into the main living area of the hotel suite, bag in mouth, to see Rafe pacing the floor. He turns to me with a stern look, raises one eyebrow and says, “You’ll do.” He glances over his shoulder, toward the room Dria is changing in, and then back to me. “Make sure she comes back okay or I’ll go in and kill the whole lot of you, vamps and Weres alike.” His eyes darken as he takes a step toward me. “Fire will wipe out this problem just as easily.”
I drop the bag and my hackles rise. A low growl starts in my throat. What the hell? I thought this big bastard was on my side.
“Finding my attitude contradictory, are you?” The tall man shrugs. “First and foremost, I care only about the safety of my wife. Sure, I was the one who helped talk her into helping you, but I’ll never forgive myself if you two are walking into something dangerous and I’m stuck back here, twiddling my damn thumbs.”
Dria takes that moment to make her entrance, sweeping out of the adjoining room like a debutant entering her first ball. The black gown she’s wearing hugs her ample curves, showcasing what nature gave her to its absolute best.
“Now, now, darling. Have faith in me.” The smile on her mouth is coy and relaxed. “The day I can’t handle a few misguided vampires is the day I give up to the sun for good.”
She strolls across the room, attention focused on her husband. “Will you promise to remain behind?”
“Only if you promise to keep our connection open, no matter what. If you shut me out I’ll snag Jon’s jeep and be out there in ten minutes.”
She stands on her tip toes and kisses his mouth with tenderness and possession. “Yes, dear.”
Rafe doesn’t look appeased, and stands with his arms crossed over his chest. “Every single second, Dria. Don’t test me.”
She nods in his direction, then motions with her head toward the door. “Let’s go, Jon.” She grabs a small purse off the table, and jangles the keys in one hand. “Grab your bag, too.”
I scoop up the duffle in my jaws and trot after her disappearing form.
“Don’t forget what I said, furball. Watch out for her or I’ll kill you all.”