Claiming Ana Read Online Free PDF Page B

much for her to support, she slumped to the floor, taking him with her. At the last moment, she managed to twist them so their backs came to rest against the cabinets. Thunder rumbled and shook the kitchen window above the sink.
    The kitchen radio switched from Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away —someone had a sick sense of humor—to another weather bulletin.
    “The National Weather Service in Huntsville, Alabama has issued a tornado warning for the following counties in North Alabama: Marion and Winston until 1:30 AM. At 12:15 The National Weather service indicated rotation within this storm five miles southwest of Hamilton, Alabama moving north northeast…”
    “Damn. I forgot about the sirens.” Leaving Howl where he was, she rushed to open the basement door. “Taffy! Basement now.” The dog streaked by her as she went to gather Circe and her kittens. Taking basket and all, she ran down the basement steps and placed the basket under the laundry table. Giving the dog a pat on the head she said, “Taffy. Stay. Guard.”
    The dog encircled the basket and lay down. “Good girl. I have to go up.” Racing up the stairs, Ana closed the basement door. Howl had slumped over almost into a lying position. There was no way she could get them both to shelter, and she wasn’t about to leave him here to take his chances.
    She pushed the kitchen table flush against the counter over him. Crawling underneath the table, she scooted in beside Howl and tried to cover him with her body. The rumble became a roar. Using the structure of the table as a guide, she mentally conjured a shield of magic around them. She heard the crack and pop of trees snapping, roaring wind, then utter quiet.
    Lifting the shield, she shot a glance at her patient, but he was still unconscious. Oblivious to anything that might have happened. Her house appeared to be intact. Well, what she could see of it from the kitchen. She slid his head off her shoulder and rested it against the cabinet door. Her fingers lingered for a moment in the surprisingly soft, silky strands of raven-black hair before she got to her feet.
    She pushed the table back in place and opened the basement door. There was no way she’d be able to lift Howl up onto the table. She’d have to tend to him where he lay, on her kitchen floor. Taffy padded over and plopped down. Head propped on Howl’s bare feet, the dog gave a low, mournful howl and licked his big toe lovingly, then bumped Ana’s ankle, wanting to be petted.
    “I know. Good girl, Taffy. Let’s take care of him now, okay?”
    Ana closed her eyes, sending up a quick prayer that the service had been restored as she picked up the cordless phone off the kitchen counter. She pushed talk . Damn, still no dial tone. The storms must be delaying phone line repairs.Not to mention who knew what kind of damage this latest storm had caused. Cell phones were useless in Shady Creek. The town’s petitions for a closer cell tower had fallen on deaf ears. Heart somewhere near her stomach, she faced the still-unconscious man. “I guess we’re on our own, tough guy. May God help us both.”
    Grabbing the old quilt off the sofa, she took two sheets out of the linen closet, as well as a micro fiber blanket. Good thing she had a large, country-style kitchen, she thought as she created a pallet beside the big man. Okay, I can do this. I have to. Ana wedged herself between Howl and the cabinet and fit her arms around his chest, turning him so that his shoulders were above the folded blanket and sheet.
    Good lord, the man weighed a ton.
    For a moment, she was trapped between the cabinet and his fevered body. Ana clenched her teeth as she scooted with him, getting most of his upper torso situated. Once that was done, she chanced a peek down the long length of him. He was…well-built. Feeling distinctly guilty for copping a look while he was unable to protest, she grabbed the second sheet and threw it over his lower body. With quick, efficient