Winter Wolf(55)
“He’s my biological father,” she answered with her back to her.
“Father?” she whispered.
There were a few more minutes of silence while her grandmother thought.
“That was the man who found you? I don’t understand. Why was he so angry?”
Katalina looked at Bass for help.
“Jackson doesn’t like my family very much,” Bass said.
“But then why—”
“Look, Gram, it’s complicated. Please, enough with the questions.” Katalina turned to Bass. “Do you think I should call a vet, Bass?”
“Katalina, he said you weren’t safe.”
“He’s full of shit!” she snapped.
“Katalina!” her grandmother gasped, outraged.
Katalina jumped to her feet. “I. Do. Not. Have. Time. For. This. I’m taking him to the vet’s. Bass, grab the keys!”
Katalina stormed out the house, her unconscious dog in her arms. She didn’t pause to see if Bass was coming; he had no choice. This was not open for debate.
Chapter 21
Katalina felt years older by the time the vet approached her. She’d been pacing the small waiting room for an hour. Bass watched her in silence, his eyes following her relentless walking.
“Oh, thank God, is he all right?” she asked, turning to face the vet.
“Yes, he’s going to be fine. Seems to have been knocked unconscious, but I’d like to keep him overnight for observation, just in case.”
“Okay, can I see him?”
“I’ve given him a light sedation. He should rest, so I’ll call you tomorrow when I have some more news.”
“Okay, thank you.” Katalina reluctantly left the vet’s, Bass following behind. “I’m driving.”
Bass threw the keys at to Katalina. She caught them a few inches from her face.
“Wow, I’m not sure I’m ever going to get used to these reflexes.”
They drove in silence for a while, the roads dark and deserted.
“How badly did I hurt you?” she asked quietly.
“The wound’s split back open, but it’s nothing to worry about.”
“I should have left you at the vet’s. You and Arne could have been cage neighbors,” she joked.
“Hmm, I’m not sure I find your joke very funny.”
“Oh, come on, Bass. Lighten up! It’s been one hell of a night.”
“I’d have to agree with you there,” he answered, sounding tired.
As she pulled into her drive, Katalina voiced her realization, the one she’d known for some time but hadn’t wanted to accept for fear of what it may bring.
“It’s time I went back,” she sighed.
“I know,” he murmured, linking his hand with hers.
“How long were you going to pretend we could live here? Playing the role of suburban wolf.” She turned off the car, plunging them into darkness.
“For as long as you needed, Katalina.”
“What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“We're going to get through this, you know,” Bass said quietly.
“How can you be so sure? I don’t fit in your world. I’m not sure I fit anywhere.”
“I never fit in my world either, Kat. We are going to make a new world, just for us.”
“Can we face this new world tomorrow, after some sleep?”
Bass’s laugh filled the dark car. “Sure, Kat.”
*****
Katalina expected to toss and turn that night, but the moment she slid into bed, her exhaustion took over her. Bass climbed in behind her, pulling her close. She slept in his embrace and woke feeling refreshed and ready to tackle life head on.
“Packing already?” Bass asked.
Katalina smiled at him. He was in her bed, his chest bronzed and bare.
“Are you checking me out, Katalina Winter?” he asked with a wicked smile when she didn’t answer his first question.
She dragged her eyes away.
“It’s what we do in the ‘real world’.”
“I am liking this ‘real world’ quite a lot. Maybe you should get changed, so I can do some checking out of my own.”
“Bass!” Katalina hissed. “My gram is down the hall. Maybe you should get up?” She tried to hide the silly grin on her face.
“It’s six a.m., Kat. Can’t I lounge for a little while longer? I am injured.”
“Fine, I need tea. Do you want some coffee?”
“Coffee in bed? Now, this I could get used to.”
“Don’t push your luck, Sebastian, or the ‘real world’ might throw you back.”
She was back five minutes later, two mugs in hand. She sat cross-legged on the bottom of her bed, sipping tea.
“How’s the stomach? Let’s see.”