Seal Wolf Hunting (9781402293832) Read Online Free PDF Page A

kiss?”
    â€œCertainly not because of the kiss. Who knows whether he will or won’t be?” Lori shrugged as nonchalantly as she could. “Maybe.” She had secretly hoped so for years. Not that he would mate her or anything. But…they needed a cohesive pack, and everyone had agreed that Paul should take charge in his parents’ place.
    â€œWhat if he decided to take over the pack? Would you consider mating him?” Rose persisted.
    Lori’s cheeks grew hot again. “Rose, how many years have we hoped he’d decide his home is here? Same with your brother. When they’re ready, they’ll settle down. But in the meantime, if either of us finds a suitable wolf mate and we decide to take over the pack, so be it.”
    â€œYou don’t really mean that,” Rose said. “Paul’s it. We’ve always known it. But I have to admit, I loved it when you smacked him in the head with the broom. You ought to do that more often. See what it got you this time?”
    Lori chuckled. “A lot more than I expected.” Then she sighed. She knew something was going on with Rose, but though they were best friends and had been forever, Rose wouldn’t tell her what was wrong. “Are you sure nothing’s the matter?”
    Rose’s expression turned from lighthearted and amused to worried in a flash. She shook her head adamantly. “No, I’m fine.” She shrugged. “Why do you keep asking?”
    â€œYou’ve canceled on me for lunch and movie dates when you never do. You seem…well, on edge. Not yourself. Your…anxiousness started after the Cooper brothers were up at the lake with us last week. Are you still bothered about that?”
    â€œNo, of course not. They were being jerks. I doubt Dusty will hassle you any further. Or that Howard will bother me.”
    â€œYou haven’t wanted to go to the lake with me since then.”
    â€œI’ve been busy with the Howling Wolf. I’ve gotten a whole new shipment of art and gifts made by local artists, and you know how it is. Making room for them, changing displays, pricing everything. Even Michael brought in four new paintings. His wolves really sell well. And your grandmother has been sewing up a storm. The beaded moccasins, belts, and boots she creates are great sellers. And Mom’s been having me help her design labels for the new line of salsa, spice rubs, and vinaigrettes she’s started making in addition to the huckleberry jam.”
    â€œOkay.” Lori had scrutinized every excuse Rose had given her, and they all held up. Yet the fact her friend was giving them made Lori suspicious. “You know you can talk to me about anything.”
    â€œYeah, of course. Well, I’ve got to go and get ready to open my shop soon. And you’ve got martial-arts classes to give.”
    â€œRight.” Lori loved her dojo and was glad she’d finally opened it three years ago. She had a steady clientele and made enough money to support herself and her grandmother, if her grandmother had needed supporting. All the training Lori had taken in Bigfork had prepared her for having her own place, and she couldn’t have been happier. Well, she’d be even happier if Paul would decide to settle down.
    â€œSee you at the auction tomorrow night,” Rose said, smiling and looking her usual happy self.
    Lori could see through the deception. She had every intention of discovering what was truly going on.
    * * *
    The clerk repeated the checkout price for Paul and Allan’s groceries as Paul was trying to figure out this business with the auction.
    â€œWhen…” Then Paul saw the date on the poster. “Tomorrow night,” he said, answering his own question.
    â€œYep, six sharp, Town Hall,” the clerk said, smiling.
    â€œThanks.” Paul paid for the groceries, the clerk promised to see them there, and he and Allan hauled the bags out to his