“To take care of your employee so thoroughly he won’t bother you ever again.”
A chill ripples down my spine that has nothing to do with the gust of wind tousling my hair. “That won’t be necessary, Rafe.” I open my car door. “Goodnight.”
“Thank you for a provocative evening,” says Rafe as he saunters away.
A provocative evening? I clench my jaw, start my car, and pull away, relief washing over me when I see his retreating form in my rearview mirror.
I check the time; it’s nine-thirty, which means the pack meeting is long since over. I wonder how Teddy made out? I want to call him to ask but decide against it; Teddy moved out for some reason he can’t or won’t discuss with me… which is a clear signal about setting boundaries, something I’ve lectured him about a few times.
I’m tempted to call Jake and ask him, but he’s as tight-lipped as a vacuum-sealed Mason jar when it comes to werewolf business.
I cover a yawn with one hand and sigh.
Guess I’ll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out.
Chapter 19
A Visit to the Vet
TEDDY
Monday, June 25
When I enter the bakery promptly at seven, I’m surprised to see Sophie is already stripping wallpaper. I move stiffly; every muscle aches, I’m covered with cuts and scrapes, and the side of my jaw where Jake punched me is swollen and discolored. But I feel like a million bucks—I’m a member of the Bay Howlers pack!
Sophie turns toward me, drops her sponge, and shrieks. “Oh, great stars above—what happened to your face! And… and the rest of you! Did the whole pack beat on you last night?”
“Pretty much.” I try to smile but it ends in a grimace.
“That looks so painful.” Sophie tips her head at my jaw. Concern clouds her large, solemn eyes, the color of molten pewter; I could happily drown myself in those depths.
“I’m fine, really,” I mumble through the swelling; it’simpossible for me to speak clearly. “And, er… you’re looking at the newest member of Jake’s pack.”
“Really?” asks Sophie, and when I nod, she beams up at me. “I’m happy for you, Teddy, truly happy.”
My mouth starts to curve up at the corners again, but I wince at the spike of pain. I murmur through clenched teeth, “Thanks. I’m happy too.”
Sophie steps closer and tenderly probes my face. Her fingers feel cool on my flushed skin; she smells like a spring rainstorm, and little flecks of wallpaper dot her glossy chestnut hair. I briefly consider pulling her into my arms and declaring my intentions to woo her until she falls for me the way I’ve fallen for her, but I close my eyes, managing to tamp down the urge to make an utter fool of myself.
“Have you seen the doctor yet?” she asks.
“Not yet.”
Sophie draws her brows together. “I’ll bet you all went down to the pub for a drink after the pack meeting, didn’t you?”
She pauses long enough for me to nod and then sputters, “Did anyone bother to ask the pack’s doctor to examine you?”
When I shake my head, she throws her hands in the air. “Werewolves! Honestly, I don’t understand how your species has survived this long!”
Sophie pulls her phone out of her pocket and places a call. “Elvira? Hey, it’s Sophie Spellman Brownlee.” She nods, a fleeting sadness dimming her features. “I was pretty upset, but I’m doing okay; thanks for asking. Actually, I’m calling for my business partner, Teddy Barker.He’s the newest member of Jake’s pack; they met last night and—” she nods her head and chuckles “—You guessed it; he’s amess. And I don’t like the swelling on his face. Can you fit him into Doc’s schedule?” There’s a slight pause, and then Sophie gives me a thumbs up. “Perfect; see you in twenty minutes.”
Sophie grabs her purse. “Come on, wolf-boy. It’s time for you to meet Doc Demetrius.”
“Wolf-boy?” I grumble as I slide into the passenger seat of her ancient Subaru.
Sophie grins. “I think it suits you.”
“Humph,” I mutter, pretending to be offended, but secretly I’m pleased Sophie has given me a nickname, however ridiculous.
