Read Blood of a Werewolf Online
Authors: T. Lynne Tolles
Blood of a Werewolf (32 page)
Rowan woke up that morning facing towards Dean. The only things touching one another were their feet, which must have been looking for warmth while they slept.
She looked at his face to find that he was awake and looking at her.
A sadness came over her that ached in her to her toes.
How could she survive without him? Could she do this wolf thing without his help? Would she want to?
He said in a whisper,
“I’m going to miss you, Rowan.” His strong face seemed so soft and vulnerable at that moment.
“I’m going to miss you too. I don’t know how to do this without you.”
“You’ll know what to do; it’s primal, instinctual. It just happens. That’s not what I’m going to miss, though.
I’ve been alone for a long time.
I know how to survive alone and you’ll learn to do it too, but that’s not what I’m trying to say.
I’m trying to tell you that I’m going to miss you as a human, as a wolf, and as Rowan.”
“You’re just saying that because you don’t get out much.
It’s not like there are a ton of women out here. Plus, I’m the only werewolf you’ve been in contact with for a while.”
“That’s not it, Rowan.
I live in the country but I’m only 15 minutes from town.
If I wanted a woman I could go and meet one. What I’m saying is that whether you were a werewolf or not, I would feel the same about you. You’ll have to forgive me, I’m not very good at this kind of stuff, but I’ve grown incredibly attached to you, protective of you even. I can’t explain it because I’ve never felt it before and I don’t know how to verbalize it. I just wish to God you weren’t leaving so we could explore this, whatever it is.”
“I wish I weren’t leaving either, but I think I need to clear my head. I have grown attached to you too. Too much so, I think.
I need to understand if it is because we are wolves in a world of so few wolves, or if it is something deeper, more intimate.
Can you understand that?”
“Yeah.
You’ve had a lot thrown on your plate. You need to sit back and digest all this new information.”
“Exactly. I was hoping, though, before I go back to school in September, that you would consider flying to California for a visit. I could take you to Big Sur; we could go surfing or just hang together and talk. I just want a few weeks to clear my head and decipher my feelings.”
“I’m not much of a traveler. I’m more of a homebody.”
“I know, but it would be a treat for me to be able to show you some things you’ve never seen, like you’ve shown me things I’ve never experienced.”
“I’ll think about it. Truly. The only person in the world I would even consider leaving home for would be you, so after a couple of weeks of missing you, I’m sure you could persuade me.”
“Thank you, Dean, for everything.” She leaned in and kissed him and he returned it tenderly. It was an unforgettable kiss in passion and respect.
Yes - respect was something she’d not felt from many people, but Dean’s respect for her was built on trust, friendship, and acceptance. That meant more to her than he would ever know.
She got up and got dressed and waited for Devon and Darby to arrive.
When it was time to leave, the tears spilled in torrents, touching Dean’s heart like nothing else he had ever experienced.
When she hugged him on the porch she whispered in his ear, “Don’t forget about me.”
He responded, “That would be impossible; I might as well have your name tattooed across my forehead. You are unforgettable, Rowan.”
She kissed his cheek and pulled away.
Just before she got in the car, she yelled, “Please consider my request for a visit! I’ll call you.”
He nodded to her and waved. Devon yelled out the window, “Goodbye, friend! I look forward to our next visit.”
“Me too. Bye, Devon, take care of them both.”
“I will.”
Darby waved as they turned the corner and headed for the airport. Finally they were on their way home.
Rowan turned to look out the back window and watched Dean and the house became smaller and smaller.
In many ways she felt she was leaving home.
The tears fell when she could no longer see Dean on the porch, and they continued to fall all the way to the airport.
She wondered if she had made the right decision.
The flight back was uneventful and mostly filled with memories, rushes of feelings, and tears. Darby attempted to help console her, but Devon could see that Rowan needed some distance from everything and he pulled her back to him.
Rowan was grateful for Devon’s insight and understanding.
Once in San Francisco she could be alone.
Devon and she had both taken their own cars, so Rowan was able to drive home in complete silence.
She thought at first of not going home right away, but she was tired and she needed to find out if home still felt like home to her after all that happened.
Devon pulled into his driveway and Rowan pulled into hers and continued to the garage. She parked, grabbed all her stuff, and went in the back door of the house.
She was headed for the front door to unlock it for Devon and Darby, when she noticed someone sitting on the couch. All around him were vases of roses in every color imaginable. Shocked and speechless, Rowan could only stare as Darby and Devon unlocked the front door and walked in. Devon saw the shock and confusion on Rowan’s face as she turned towards them. Then Devon saw what Rowan had seen. There was a man on the couch surrounded by roses.
“Blake, you’re back.”
The End.
Special Thanks
A special thanks goes out to Jason Lilleboe who helped me with guy stuff and fight scenes.
To my readers: Cyndi True, Bonnie Tolles, Betsy Riccomini, Tina Rollins, and Lori Day – without you all, this book would have never made it any further then my computer. And lastly, to my family and most especially my husband, for enduring a dirty house while I wrote; thanks for putting up with me.
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