Iris Johansen - Dark Summer

"And if anyone came hunting for him, I'd shoot his nuts off."

"He's going to the ranch," Marrok said. "His life's got to change now. If you're willing to change with him, I'll find a place for you."

Devon could see the hackles rising on both men. Marrok wasn't handling Cadow right, dammit. Would it have hurt him to be a little more diplomatic?

"I don't need anyone finding a place for me. I get along." He turned to Devon. "Who is she?"

"A vet. Devon Brady. She's going to work with the dogs."

"How do you do, Mr. Cadow?" Devon said. "Wiley is a beautiful dog. And very fit. You must exercise him quite a bit."

"We go for long walks in the hills," Cadow said curtly. "It's quiet. We both like quiet." He called to Wiley, "Stop that foolishness. You're acting like a pup."

"That's not bad," Devon said. "He's obviously a very dignified dog. A little fun won't hurt him."

"He remembers Ned from the Paco days," Marrok said. "I've seen them play like that for hours."

"I play with him," Cadow said defensively. "He likes to play fetch with a stick."

"Most German shepherds do," Devon said. "My dog, Tess, used to nag me for hours. She was black and tan, too. She was very, very smart and very loving."

"She couldn't have been as smart as Wiley. I could tell you stories…"

"I bet you could," Devon said. He didn't mention how loving Wiley could be. It would have been too personal. He was too prickly to let anyone that close. "Does he swim? Tess could swim like an otter."

"When I let him. The current in the river is pretty strong." He scowled. "Did you really have a German shepherd or are you giving me bull?"

"Yes, I had my Tess. Or maybe she had me. Sometimes I couldn't tell the difference."

"Had? She died?"

"Yes. It broke my heart. I still miss her." She looked him in the eye. "But your Wiley has a chance of living for a long time. Don't be stupid and make him live it without you."

"I won't. He ain't going."

She made a motion as Marrok opened his mouth. "You know better than that."

"Because Marrok thinks Wiley belongs to him? He's my dog now."

"He belongs to both of you. You've invested enough love to ensure that Wiley is at least part yours. But Marrok has a history with him, too. And, he's right, we can't hide him from Danner any longer. Now call him and tell him it's okay for him to go with us. I know he won't leave you unless you do."

"You're damn right he won't." Cadow hesitated. Then he whistled and called. "Wiley."

Wiley skidded to a stop and bounded toward Cadow. He sat down in front of him, his tongue lolling, panting.

"Told you he was smart," Cadow said proudly. "You ain't seen nothing."

"Then come with us and show us what he can do." Devon reached out and let Wiley sniff her hand before she put it gently on his head. He didn't move, but she could sense the caution ingrained in him. "What a lovely boy, you are," she said softly. "Just like my Tess…"

"Sid?" Marrok asked.

Cadow hesitated before saying grudgingly. "Maybe I'll let him go for a little while. As long as I'm there to take care of him."

"Good," Marrok said. "Go pack your bag."

"I've got to close up the cabin. I'll follow you down." His hand reached out and caressed Wiley's head. "I'll be with you in a couple hours, pal. Promise."

"Tell him it's okay to go with us," Devon said.

Cadow hesitated again before he said gruffly. "Okay, go along with them, boy. It's all right with me." He turned on his heel and went into the cabin.

Marrok whistled, and Wiley ran to him. "Let's go. Come on, Ned, Wiley." He set off down the path toward the glade where the helicopter waited. "Devon."

"Dogs, first. As usual." She caught up and fell into step. "So here I come trotting at your heels."

He gave a snort. "Trotting at my heels? You're joking. You took over back there."

"You were both being belligerent. I didn't want a fight."

"There wouldn't have been a fight."

"Two alpha males each wanting his own way?"

"I like Cadow."

"But you must have had a lingering competitiveness because of your history with him. You weren't giving him a chance to defend his family. You had to give him an out, let him make the move."

"I gave him a choice."

She gave him a glance.

"And I didn't need him to tell Wiley to come with me. He would have done it anyway."

"I know." She looked back at the cabin. Had the curtain moved a little? "He's watching us. He had to think that Wiley only came along because he ordered him to do it. Otherwise, it would have hurt him. That dog's the world to him."

"I told you he'd grown to love him."

"You didn't tell me that it would tear him to pieces if we took him. We have to make it as easy for him as possible. Did you mean it when you said you'd find a place for him?"

"I don't lie."

"Good, then I don't have to coerce you. Wiley is that one, the special dog, to him. I know what it's like to be torn away from a dog you love."

"Tess."

"Yes."

"What about your Gracie?"

"I love her. Every dog is special in its own way. There's enough love for every being. Just sometimes a dog reaches out and touches some corner of your heart that no one else can reach. Sarah said something like that about Monty. It's the truth." She glanced back at the cabin. "It wasn't only loneliness that caused him to become attached to Wiley. I could see it. I could see me in him."

"Do you? I see no resemblance at all." He was silent a moment. "And I'd rather look at you. He resembles a beat-up old saddle."

"That has its own worth and beauty," she said. "And you know what I mean."

"Yes. I just thought I'd try to lighten the mood. You… touched me."

She looked at him in surprise. "Why on earth?"

"How the hell do I know? You feel things." He was silent a moment before continuing awkwardly. "They hurt you. It makes me want to protect you, keep all the bad stuff at bay."

She couldn't take her eyes away from him. He had changed again. A few minutes ago she had wanted to shake him, and now she was melting. He was telling the truth, and that trace of clumsiness was almost endearing. The blending of sexual, slightly wicked, male and puzzled boyishness took her off guard. "I protect myself."

"Not so good. Or you wouldn't be here with me." He suddenly smiled. "But I'm going to try to take your word for it. It will relieve my conscience when we come together."

Heat rippled through her. The boy had vanished, and the male was dominant and on the hunt. "Don't hold your breath."

"No," he said softly. "But it's close. Don't you feel it? It's right there under the surface waiting to happen."

Dammit, she did feel it. She could scarcely breathe, there was a tingling in her wrists, the palms of her hands, her breasts. If he reached out and touched her, she'd go up in flames.

He didn't reach out. "Why not? I wouldn't hurt you. We need it. I wouldn't ask for more than you want to give." He added haltingly, "Though you make me feel like that wild kid I was all those years ago, I'm not him. I can make it good for you. I've learned things…"

She swallowed to ease the tightness of her throat. Her heart was beating too hard. "From that madam in Bangkok I suppose?"

"Damn Walt," he said. "Yes, and other places, other times." He looked away from her. "But I promise it wouldn't be like any other experience either of us has ever had. We're… different together. You know that."

"I don't want to talk about it anymore."

"Neither do I. I want to do it." He paused. "And so do you." He drew a deep breath. "We're almost at the copter. Stop fighting. I know that I'm not what you want on any permanent basis. I'm not stable, I'm too wild for you. For God's sake, be honest with me. Be honest with yourself. For a one-night stand, I'm exactly what you want."