Wolf Fever

Chapter 20

TWENTY MINUTES LATER, RYAN PULLED INTO DARIEN’S drive, unable to let go of Carol’s concern over Doc or his own worry that she might be right. He turned off the ignition and spoke to Carol as Jake pulled in behind him and parked.

“You sure you didn’t have another premonition about Doc that triggered your concern?”

“I’m certain. Why do you keep asking?”

He shook his head and opened his door. “I don’t know. Maybe your premonitions have… gotten me to thinking.”

“You felt something, too?” Her eyes were wide. “A hunch that maybe something wasn’t right?”

Or maybe her worry was feeding into his psyche. Almost as if her concern for a future unknown event had sensitized him to the possibility that it existed. He shook his head at himself, she sighed, and he closed his door. Before he could reach hers, Jake was already there again, helping her out.

Darien headed outside to speak to them. “I don’t want Lelandi to know about this latest development concerning North and his men. She’s to be under guard as usual until we settle this. But it appears that the hospital staff are most likely the targets this time. Tom called and said Doc woke to find him there, was coughing his head off, and decided to shift.”

“No,” Carol said, her voice hushed as her hand flew to her breast.

Ryan caught her free arm as she wobbled on her feet.

Darien frowned. “He thought he’d feel better. Sometimes our wolf halves can handle colds or allergies better. If it’s the flu, canines can’t catch the human variety. So it would knock it out. Anyway, if it’s any of the more common stuff, sometimes shifting will lessen the symptoms. But he’ll know before long and can change back if need be. ”

Carol looked pale and distraught.

“Let’s go inside,” Darien said, studying her. “Lelandi’s got supper on.”

His arm around her waist, Ryan walked Carol into the house and whispered to her, “You all right?”

“Sure… sure, I’m all right.”

“Is Tom staying the night with Doc?” Ryan asked Darien.

“Yeah. The sheriff is running by there to watch the area, too, and a couple of other men also. He’s well safeguarded.” Darien motioned for Jake to take Carol into the dining room. “I want a word with you, Ryan.” He walked Ryan back outside as Jake led a reluctant Carol into the dining room. “Have you learned how Carol is stopping the shift?”

“Visions.”

Darien raised his brows. “Really.” He said the word with awe, but then he frowned. “Can she always control it?”

“If her panic in attempting to reach her bedroom after Mervin accosted her is any indication, I’d say no. She stopped the shift, but I think she was awfully close to changing until she was able to control the urge.”

Looking thoughtful, Darien rubbed the dark stubble on his chin. “Not good. If she doesn’t have any real power over it—which would be expected since she’s newly turned, although some have better control than others—she’s going to be real trouble. Can you convince her to shift?”

“No. I believe she’ll continue to try and avoid it through her visions. I don’t think there’s any way that I can convince her to accept that part of our werewolf nature. At least for now.”

“You have faith in her visions now?”

As much as Ryan had a hard time trusting in anything of the sort, he did. “Yeah, I do. Even though it goes against everything I’ve ever believed in. I did try a psychic once in my line of work, but she turned out to be a fraud.”

“I know,” Darien said, his lips curving up slightly.

“You knew?” Ryan was used to doing the investigations, not being investigated.

“When someone gets interested in joining the pack or shows interest in one of my pack members, I have him or her checked out. I owe it to my people.”

“And you discovered?”

“All about your faux psychic. If that had happened to any of my pack members, the man who threatened you with libel and the woman who was a phony psychic would have been leaving town for good.”

“That’s the problem with Green Valley being a human-run town for the most part. We want more of what you have here in Silver Town, where you and your brothers run things.”

Darien nodded. He didn’t say anything for several lengthy moments, studying Ryan the whole time, and then he asked, “What if you mated her?”

Darien could have knocked Ryan over with the question, it surprised him so. He observed the Douglas firs shuddering in the breeze. He hadn’t planned on taking a mate. Hadn’t been looking for one. Yet ever since he’d met the determined woman five months ago and had seen her heroics, her determination to help save others in need, no matter the consequences to her own life, he couldn’t deny that he’d been thinking along those lines.

The way Carol reacted to him physically was a sure indication that the wolf side of them was well aware of the interest they had in each other. After Carol had caressed his plaid in the truck and he envisioned himself wearing it while she continued to touch the fabric so intimately, he’d again envisioned her being his mate. They’d partake in the Celtic festivities, even if he was a McKinley and she was a MacDonald. He’d wrap her in his plaid and show her just what a Highlander of old was capable of.

He looked back to see Darien waiting for a response. Would Ryan be able to convince her to shape-shift if he mated her?

“I’m not sure she’d shape-shift if I mated her. She’s pretty stubborn.”

Darien snorted. “Tell me about it. Come on. I know Carol’s concerned about something, and I want to find out what.” He slapped Ryan on the back. “Let’s get something to eat before we upset Lelandi by letting the food get cold.”

When they entered the dining room, Darien said to Carol, “You seemed concerned that Doc had shifted. What’s wrong?”

She gave a heavy sigh as he watched her, his brows furrowed. Ryan was sure that if she told Darien what she’d envisioned, he wouldn’t believe her. Even if he might believe her about her other premonitions. But then again, Ryan wasn’t sure she’d even tell him what she’d seen.

With an expression that bordered on insubordination, she straightened her shoulders, looked Darien in the eye, and said, “I see Doc, you, and Jake shift into your wolf forms, but none of you can shift back.”

“Oh.” Darien’s whole expression lightened several degrees. “Can’t happen. Sometimes we stay in our wolf persona for hours or days. Depends on the circumstances. But your visions are only fragments of time, so I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“I won’t.” She sat in the chair Ryan pulled out for her as Jake brought in a platter of hickory-smoked brisket. “And I won’t even tell you I told you so when it happens.” She shrugged. “The point will be moot.”

The aroma of brisket and dark-brown gravy filled the air. Broccoli and cauliflower sat in a separate serving dish. Mashed potatoes were piled high on another, and Ryan’s stomach growled.

Smiling, Lelandi pulled off an apron, looking very domestic for a change. Ryan helped bring in a platter of bread, while Jake hurried to carry in the other dishes.

“Poor Tom doesn’t know what he’s missing,” Jake said, a little too evilly. “Guess there will be more for me.”

“Where is Tom?” Lelandi asked casually.

Darien’s expression darkened, but then he put his hand around Lelandi’s shoulders and guided her to the table.

“Doc’s got a cold, and Carol was worried about him. Tom is staying the night to make sure he doesn’t get worse.”

Carol and Lelandi shared looks. Lelandi had to know that wasn’t what Carol was concerned about. Then Carol opened up her phone, punched in a number, and said, “Hey, Tom? Tell me the minute Doc shifts back into his human form, okay?”

Lelandi hesitated to sit at the table.

“Thanks.” Carol hung up her phone and gave Lelandi a wilted smile. “The meal looks terrific. Wish I could cook like this.”

Lelandi managed a laugh. “Don’t believe her. She’s a great cook.”

Everyone took their seats.

Jake scooped a pile of mashed potatoes onto his plate from a large bowl. “Yep, except she’s very nutrition conscious. Makes us eat the right amounts of veggies and fruits with all our meals.”

“I shouldn’t be the one who has to tell you to eat right, Jake.” Carol forked some beef onto her plate and then handed the platter to Lelandi.

Ryan could feel the tension between the two women, the unspoken words, the shuttered looks. With Darien and his brother, the tension vibrated between them also, but for a different reason. He was sure they didn’t take Carol seriously on this issue and were more concerned about North’s message to Doc. And the possibility the reds were targeting more of the medical staff than they had first bargained on.

“I’ll be moving into our grandfather’s house in a couple of months,” Jake announced, stirring gravy into his potatoes and trying to change the subject, no doubt. “Should be livable by then.”

Lelandi sighed. “You don’t have to move.”

Darien took her hand and squeezed. “Believe me, he has to. Once three new babies are in the house, he’ll have to find his solitude elsewhere.”

Jake nodded. “The old place needs another coat of paint, some new plumbing, and some other minor repairs. But after that, it should be ready to move in. Tom and I’ve taken care of updating all the electrical wiring, and the chimney is cleaned out and ready to use. He said he’ll live with me for the time being.”

“Sounds good.” Darien sipped a beer.

Lelandi took another deep breath. “I’d hoped you would be our babysitter when we went out nights.”

Jake laughed. “Silva’s already put her name on the long list of babysitters. Even got Sam rooked into it. And I know for a fact the list is growing daily.”

Carol sipped some of her wine but didn’t say a word. She looked consumed with worry, although she tried to smile at the conversation.

Darien’s phone rang, and he lifted it off his belt. “Yeah, Tom?” His brow pinched together in a frown. “Tom, what’s… Tom!” He quickly rose from his chair and headed for the door.

Jake hurried after him.

“Call the alert roster. North and his men approached Doc’s house. Tom’s cell phone went dead after that. You stay here with Ryan to protect the women,” Darien said to Jake.

Lelandi sat frozen to her chair. Carol joined her and rubbed her shoulder. Ryan checked out the front window, looking for anyone who shouldn’t be there, while Jake called someone. “Call the alert roster. Tom’s in trouble at Doc’s house.”

His voice trailed off as he left the dining room and checked the sunroom’s and great room’s back doors.

“I guess I should put the food away,” Lelandi said, her voice small and disconcerted.

“No,” Ryan said. “Eat. You’re not feeding just one now. And, Carol, you’ve been on your feet all day. Go ahead and eat.”

Jake returned to the dining room. “Ryan’s right. Everything’s locked up. Lelandi’s made a delightful meal. I, for one, am not letting it go to waste.”

“Several in their red pack have to be sick,” Carol said softly.

“Then they can damn well come here for treatment. Not take off with you like a bunch of thieves in the night,” Ryan growled.

Lelandi gave him a small smile and ate more of her potatoes. Then she attempted to change the volatile subject. “So, Ryan, do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“A sister. She lives with me. Owns a successful nursery that keeps her out of trouble most of the time.” And he hoped to hell she was staying out of trouble while he was away.

“Is she unmated?” Lelandi asked, her brows elevating with intrigue.

“Cantankerous.”

Lelandi’s gaze settled on Jake.

He snorted. “Your psychology courses don’t include Matchmaking 101, do they?”

This time she smiled broadly and again turned her attention to Ryan. “How do you feel about cats?”

“Cats?” He was a dog kind of guy. Cats were too independent to his way of thinking. Dogs knew he was the alpha in the situation whenever he’d encountered them. Cats? Hell. The cats thought they ruled.

“Yeah, fuzzy little felines,” Lelandi continued, as if he didn’t know what they were.

“Most of us don’t have pets.” Which was the truth. Ryan could just imagine what would happen if he had a Tweety bird and then turned into a wolf. On the other hand, even wild animals that were normally predator and prey could be raised together and become best of friends. Still, he didn’t even see himself as a dog owner—and certainly not a cat owner.

But the mischievous look on Lelandi’s face said she had some reason for bringing the subject up. Carol didn’t show any expression one way or another, so he couldn’t tell if she liked pets or not.

“Why?” he finally asked.

Lelandi forked up some more brisket. “Just wondered.”

Ryan glanced at Carol. She quickly focused on her meal.

Hell, Carol must have a cat. Jake was right. Whenever Lelandi had an opportunity to play matchmaker, she worked hard at it.

“I have a cat.” Carol finally said, and waited for him to show his distaste for the idea. Instead he just grunted. She shrugged. “He’s good-natured, loving, and won’t catch mice, although he loves to tackle my feet when I’m wearing a long robe or play with my shoelaces.”

The long robe made him think of Carol in nothing but satiny skin underneath. “But when you shift? Then what?”

“Puss loves dogs. I’m sure he’ll love me just the same.”

Lelandi cleared her throat and directed her comment to Carol. “Rose took him over to her flower shop for the day to show him off, if that’s all right with you. She’s been missing her own cat since he died a few weeks ago. I tried calling you to ask if it was okay, but you must have been with a patient. She thought he wouldn’t be so lonely when you’re working your nursing shifts.”

Carol smiled. “He loves people, so I’m sure he’ll enjoy visiting with her and her customers.”

“She’ll drop him by after the shop closes in a couple of hours.”

Jake’s cell phone rang. “Yeah, Darien?” Jake was on edge, which showed in both his voice and the way his body tensed. He frowned and looked at Carol.

“Okay. Everything’s fine here. See you in a little while.” He hung up his phone. “The sheriff and Deputy Trevor were knocked out. Nurse Matthew is looking after them. Tom fought off North and a couple of men until they retreated. Matthew is looking after our injured men. Doc’s still at the house.”

“In his wolf form,” Carol whispered, hating that what she thought would come to pass had. She was certain he would still be in his wolf form.

“Yeah, but not to worry,” Jake said.

Carol frowned. “As a wolf, he couldn’t tell anyone what had happened.”

“Darien said he smelled that North and the others had been there.”

“Why didn’t Doc change back, Jake? Why wouldn’t he talk to Darien?”

“He’ll change when he feels the urge.” But this time Jake didn’t look so sure of that, and Lelandi’s face paled.

“Why didn’t they take Doc with him? Was it because he couldn’t help them? That he couldn’t change into his human form? Call Darien back. Tell him to order Doc to change back. He has to comply with Darien’s wishes, right?” Carol said.

Jake let out his breath in a huff. “All right, all right.” He punched a number and said, “Hey, Darien, Carol wants you to order Doc to shift back to his human form.” His brows pinched into a dark frown. “And?” He looked at Carol and shook his head slowly.

“Have him brought here so we can watch him. And Puss’s favorite bed is still at Doc Mitchell’s vet clinic. Can he have someone run by there and get it for him?” Carol asked.

Jake passed on the information. “Anything else, Carol?”

“Don’t you or Darien shape-shift again until we can figure out what happened to Doc.”

“Darien, Tom, and I aren’t royals. We have to change sometime during the phases of the moon, except for the new moon. We don’t have a choice.”

“Try not to,” she reiterated. “Please.”

Jake passed the information along to Darien and then signed off and stared at the uneaten portion of his meal. “What happens that makes you think I can’t change back?”

“In the vision, you’re agitated, and Lelandi says Darien can’t change back. It’s not a nightmare. It’s a vision.”

“Hell, Carol, you didn’t say that Lelandi said so. That makes a world of difference,” Jake scolded her. “I mean, with the other version, I just figured you couldn’t see that I’d changed back.”

“Yeah, well, I told Lelandi.”

“Sorry, Carol. I just couldn’t believe it myself.” Lelandi rubbed her arms covered with goose bumps.

“What’s causing the trouble?” Ryan asked.

“Well, if Doc doesn’t change back, maybe it has to do with the cold he got. Or flu virus.” Carol chewed on her lip. “Since he’s a wolf now, he’ll have all wolf genetics. Have Darien call Doc Mitchell and run some tests on Doc Weber’s blood. See if he can discover if he’s still sick. If he isn’t, the change probably knocked out the illness like you said it might.”

“You’re sure about this?” Jake asked. “I doubt Doc Weber will appreciate it if the vet starts testing his blood without his permission.”

“It’s the only correlation I can see for now. Besides, if there isn’t a problem, Doc Weber can shift and tell the vet where to go. If there is a problem, I’m sure he’ll be grateful we’re trying to learn the cause and do something about it.”

“All right.” Jake flipped his phone back open and called Darien. “Carol needs one more thing done.”