Call of the Wolf Read Online Free PDF

silly. You're a guest. Besides, you're going to have your hands full setting your place to rights. I'd be happy to give you a hand if you like ... maybe tomorrow after church?"
    Abby smiled thinly. “Thanks for the offer, but I'm sure I can manage.” She got up despite Beth's dismissal and helped her collect the dishes from the table, following the older woman into the kitchen with a profound sense of relief at having escaped the dining room.
    Beth directed her to a chair to sit and chat while she finished up, flatly refusing to allow Abby to do more than help her collect the dishes and wipe down the dining table.
    "You're not serious about skipping the dance?"
    "Oh, I don't really think I'll be up to it,” Abby replied uncomfortably. “My first week here and all...."
    Beth sent her a speculative look that made Abby squirm.
    "And I don't know anybody, you know?"
    "You're not going to get to know folks around here if you don't get out and mingle while you have the chance,” Beth retorted.
    The problem was she didn't want to get to know anyone, but she certainly couldn't say that without also explaining why ... or leaving that tantalizing tidbit out there for speculation, which could be worse. There was no telling what inventive minds might make of it.
    Besides, neither Cameron Fontaine, Jerico Collins, nor Adrian Paulson were locals. They were only in town for the festival. What would be the point of going out with them when it couldn't go anywhere? It wasn't likely they would consider moving to Ajax and she certainly couldn't go ... anywhere. And they were from big cities, which, according to the Feds, was the worst idea of a place to go.
    She might as well paint a bulls eye on her forehead.
    As for Seth ... she would've been lying if she said she had no interest at all. She wasn't dead—yet. She thought it would be more accurate to say she had no interest in getting more interested. Beyond the fact that he was a cop and she'd had her fill of being around cops for a lifetime, next to a reporter, she couldn't think of anybody more likely, or more determined, to ferret out her story. In time, maybe, she'd grow accustomed enough to her new identity that she wouldn't be worried about stumbling at the wrong time, saying something she shouldn't, but she didn't feel nearly secure enough yet to test it.
    "You're right,” she answered Beth finally, smiling with an effort. “And maybe I will go, but it's not something I'm putting a high priority on at the moment. And I certainly don't feel like being ... cornered. Is it just me, or did it seem to you that they were coming on a little strong?"
    Beth grunted, but it was hard to say whether she wrestled with the comment or the effort of scrubbing the iron skillet. “Alphas...” She broke off and slid a glance at Abby over her shoulder.
    Abby couldn't prevent a faint shiver. Right up until she'd gotten to know Mikhail, she'd thought she was as drawn to Alpha males as any other female. Nodding in agreement, she rose. “I should get back ... if you're sure you don't want me to help out a little?"
    "I can handle it ... do it three times a day."
    "That's just depressing!” Abby said sympathetically. “You should consider getting a dishwasher."
    "Got one comes week days, but I give her the weekends off."
    Abby chuckled. “I meant a machine. You only have to pay for it once and it doesn't complain or ask for a raise."
    Beth turned to stare at her for a long moment and then looked around her kitchen. “I don't know where I'd put it,” she said finally.
    "I think I'd think of a place,” Abby replied with a grin. “Thanks again. I haven't had home cooking, except for mine, in ... a while."
    Seth was leaning against the porch post nearest the steps when she let herself out. She had the sense that he was lying in wait for her. He turned and surveyed her as she crossed the porch.
    "It was nice meeting you,” Abby said politely. “And you were right. She's a great cook."
    Seth smiled