Dalakis Passion 3 - Stefan's Salvation Read Online Free PDF Page B

or sense their emotions. Catching
a hint of her unease, he sent calming thoughts to her, taking care to keep them as basic
as an animal's.
As simple as that, she accepted him. Closing her eyes, she leaned back against the
wall and relaxed.
Tipping back his head, Stefan howled. Long and low, he sent his call into the night
and across the mountains, warning all within hearing distance. This was his woman
and he would protect her at all costs.
His call startled her and she sat up straight again, scooting slowly to the side. Stefan
heaved a sigh and sidled closer to her. Lying down next to her, he put one paw on her
leg and lowered his head to her lap.

Laurel Rose wasn't quite sure what to do when the wolf gave a deep sigh, lay down
beside her and stuck its head onto her lap. Ever-so slowly, she raised her right hand and
laid it on his side. She'd never seen anything quite like him before. Some parts of the
state were trying to reintroduce the red wolf back into the woods, but they were all on
reserves. And this animal certainly wasn't anything like that. He looked more like a
timber wolf, but that was impossible. Most likely, he was a half-breed, a cross between
wolf and dog.
Whatever he was, he was absolutely stunning. And he'd helped drive off Aaron
and Clem. "Thanks for your help." She kept her voice low and calm as she tentatively
moved her hand along his side. The thick fur coat was soft and warm under her fingers
and as she stroked him, she could feel the muscles rippling beneath his skin.
He heaved a sigh, as if reluctant, before slowly raising himself back into a seated
position. His large body crowded next to hers. Turning his massive head, he stared
straight into her eyes before inclining his head slightly as if in acknowledgement. But
that was impossible. Now she was just being fanciful.
She could sense his concern for her, and for some unknown reason, she found
herself talking to the large creature. "I just don't know what to do." Unconsciously, she
raised her hand and began to stroke the wolf's head. "I can't be certain, but I'll bet that
Aaron and Clem are behind the problems I've been having lately."
Relaxing against the side of the house, she gazed out over the yard. It was bathed in
the moonlight. The trees and mountains were little more than a dark silhouette in the
distance, but the view never failed to stir her soul. "There have been McCaffeys on this
land since just after the Revolutionary War. My however-many-greats grandpa was
granted the land from the government. This is my home." She paused and sighed. "And
now someone wants to take it."
The wolf perked up his ears and gave a low growl as if encouraging her to continue.
It felt good to voice her concerns. She'd had no one to talk to and just saying things out
loud was helping her to sort through her thoughts. "I know that I'm the last McCaffey
unless I marry and have kids, and that doesn't look likely. Unless I can find some
distant relative to leave the land to when I die, it will fall out of the family's hands
forever.
"Maybe it doesn't matter." The wolf growled low and harsh as if to disagree. His
disgruntled tone made her laugh. "I know and I agree with you." She ruffled the fur on
his neck. "I can't imagine living anywhere else. This place is home. It's..." She struggled
for words. "Well, it's everything to me.
"I know why the land developers want it. This is prime land for building a fancy
spa and resort and they've already bought out so much of the land around here. Maybe
it would mean more jobs for the area and maybe I am standing in the way of progress,
but, damn it, this is my home and I plan to stay." She nodded decisively. "They can
build next to me or around me, but I'm not budging."
Laurel Rose closed her eyes as exhaustion claimed her. The adrenaline crash from
the confrontation and just voicing her fears aloud had taken what energy she had. There
was nothing else she could do tonight, so it was time to try and get some rest. Dawn
would