Embracing the Wolf (Ritter Werewolves #2)(13)
Author: Catherine Bybee

“I’d like to see your home.”

And for reasons which eluded him, he could hardly wait to show it to her.

****

She awoke to find herself alone. Sunlight poured through the double-paned windows brightening the room. Kate gave her arm a tentative move, testing it to see how much pain it would give her. Surprisingly, the throbbing had diminished to a dull ache. She made her way to the private bathroom and clicked on the light. Beautiful granite counter tops adorned the furniture style vanity. Antique bronze fixtures set the tone of the room. She ran her hand along the sink, appreciating the understated elegance. The Ritter home could easily feel stuffy if only for its sheer size. Whoever decorated it took away the museum feel by the simple touches that were always at arms reach.

Kate regarded her reflection in the mirror and groaned. Her hair flew wild in every direction, and the dark circles under her eyes would take two layers of liquid foundation to hide. “What must he

think?” Had she looked this bad last night when she practically begged Richard to stay by her side to ward off the boogieman that might have hid under her bed? She hoped not. Yet if she had, that explained why he wasn’t at her side when she woke up. Turning away from the mirror, Kate opened the shower door and turned on the water.

A nice shower, a hot cup of coffee, and she’d be as good as new. She reached over to pull a towel from the rack. Her arm screamed in protest. “Okay, maybe not new. Just slightly used.”

****

Joey was in the kitchen playing cards with James when she made her way down stairs. “Got any eights?”

James narrowed his eyes, tugged a card from his hand, and tossed it on the counter. “Are you sure you can’t see my hand?” he asked.

Joey giggled. “No.”

“Well, if you say so.” It was clear to Kate that Joey and James had already played many hands of Go Fish. And Joey was winning.

“I hope you don’t have any money on that game, James. He’ll rob you blind.”

Her son eyed his cards and smiled. “James said it’s called gambling when you play with pennies.

And I’m not twenty-one yet.”

“That’s true.” Kate went to her son, dropped a kiss on his head. “Good morning, sport. How did you sleep?”

“Okay, except for the dog that kept howling.” The mention of a dog drew the hair on the back of her neck to a stand. “What dog?”

“The one from last night, didn’t you see it?” Her mouth went dry. Her nightmare resurfaced in her mind. “No, did you?”

“Uh, huh. Do you have any sixes?” He continued playing cards.

James glanced up then told Joey to “Go Fish.”

“Would you like some coffee, Miss Davis?” he offered.

“I’ll get it.” Kate walked around the two of them, and tried her best to keep her voice even, which wasn’t easy. “Joey, where did you see the dog?”

“I dunno. It’s your turn.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?”

“I heard it outside. Then I thought I saw it in the hall.”

“Any twos?”

Kate filled a cup with the aromatic brew and leaned against the counter. “James, do the Ritters own a dog? I don’t remember seeing one yesterday.”

“Perhaps young Joey heard coyotes. We often get them here in the hills.”

“Go Fish!”

“So there wasn’t a dog in the house last night?” she asked.

“Do you have a Jack?”

James laid his last card on the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m sure you can see my cards.”

“Naw honest, I can’t see ’em.”

Kate shook her head. Joey must have been dreaming. Though it seemed strange they shared the same thoughts. She shivered. Maybe he had seen more of the news broadcast than she thought.

“Where is everyone?” she asked James.

“Mrs. Ritter is still in bed. Richard and Max left an hour ago for work.”

“I thought Max worked last night.”

“He came in earlier than expected.”

“Oh.” Kate glanced at her watch then up to her son. “Are you ready to go?”

James stood up in alarm while Joey jumped off his chair.

“Where are you going, Miss?”

“I have to get Joey to school.” Kate put her empty cup down and swung her purse over her good arm.

“Are you sure that’s wise, Miss?” His eyes shifted from her injured arm to Joey. “Considering everything?”

Considering what? The media certainly wouldn’t be staked out in front of her son’s school. “We’ll be fine.”

Kate put a hand behind Joey’s back and guided him through the living room. “Thanks for watching over him this morning.”

“You’re welcome.” James walked behind them toward the front door. “I would feel better about you leaving if you spoke with Mr. Ritter first.”

“Joey has to go to school.”

“Yes, but…”

“We’ll be back. I have a few errands to run, I’ll pick him up, and we’ll come straight here.”

“But Mr. Ritter wanted you to stay here.” She pivoted, smiled, and patted the butler’s shoulder. “Mr. Ritter must have forgotten today is Friday.”

“What does Friday have to do with it?”

“It’s a school day, James. Kids go to school on Fridays.” With that, she opened the door and walked Joey to the car.

****

Joey talked obsessively all the way to school. The Ritters were really cool, Richard most of all.

Their house was awesome, and the pool was better than the one at the YMCA.

His rattling became a source of entertainment.

His animated recall of their night in the Ritter home made Kate realize how much he missed not having an extended family in his life. Some things can’t be helped, she reminded herself.

With no parking space in sight, Kate parked along the side street in the dirt. Joey lugged his

backpack over his arm and followed her toward the entrance of the school.

“We’re going to sleep there again tonight, right?”

“I think so.” Kate pivoted, certain someone called her name. A parent she didn’t recognize walked a few feet away, but diverted her eyes when Kate searched hers. Not seeing anyone she knew, she continued walking.

“I hope so,” Joey said.

Her hands chilled, the hair on her nape stood on end. A few more feet, and Kate stopped moving. The heavy weight of someone’s stare kept her from taking another step. Wary, she turned around in a full circle.