Snow: The White Crow Read Online Free PDF Page B

bleed over of the wolf, like the craving for raw meat.  Though one positive was enhanced senses and more speed agility and strength than a normal human.
    I ate in an attempt to feel human.  Nature sustained me, the magics nourished me.  But I did still enjoy the aroma, taste, and texture of food.  I learned over the years to eat whatever my hosts did so they didn't feel self-conscious.  It was all the same with me so I decided to play with her a bit.
    I'll have four Big Macs as well, two raw two cooked, a large fry, and a coffee.  She cocked an eyebrow.  Whether it was the confusing mix of cooked and raw which told her nothing or the fact I had ordered wolf portions.
    As we pulled up to the window, she grinned. “You did that to confuse me didn't you?”
    I gave her a toothy smile back. “Yup.  Did it work?  You thought you were all sneaky and cop-like.”  I cocked an eyebrow at her in challenge.
    She chuckled and said, “It did oh mysterious one.”  Then we fought over who was going to pay.  I relented when she actually growled at me.  She paid while I exploded into a fit of laughter.
    She was smiling and trying to be grumpy when I kept laughing.  “What?  It wasn't that funny!”
    I snorted as I got my laughing under control. “Yes it was.  You old wolves always try to intimidate with a wolf growl.  But from you, it was just cute.”
    She almost pouted but growled, “I'm not cute.”
    I pursed my lips and fought off another laughing fit.  “Says you.”
    She murmured, “I hate you.”
    I nodded in mock agreement. “Says the woman who growled at me just to be able to pay for my meal.”
    She looked frustrated then just said, “I'm going to shut up now or I'll be brought up on assault charges.”
    I couldn't help it, she left a huge opening, and I blurted out,  “They don't arrest you for beating yourself up.”
    She fought off a smile and refused to look at me until the food was handed out to us.  The smells were mouth watering.  Then she said into the long silence as we pulled into traffic.  “Shut up.”
    I burst out laughing again to her smile as she drove us to the edge of the city to a little property bordering the forest.  It was a tiny green house with a slate roof that was kind of charming.  It was so small, it had to be a little one bedroom house.  But the majesty of the mountain it backed up to, gave it a certain storybook feel.
    I carried the bags as she led the way to the old brown painted door and unlocked it.  The moment we stepped in I immediately put the bags on the little table by the door and drew my sidearm and a silver blade as quickly as I took the room in.  It was in shambles, someone had ransacked the place.
    On my cue and with the lightning fast reflexes of a wolf, Rachel had her weapon drawn too.  She scanned right as I scanned left.  I could see a wild glint in her eye, she loved the hunt.  Then as we slowly turned taking in the small space that seemed to serve as both the living room and kitchen with two doors to the back, she whispered to me,  “What is it?  Did you hear something?”
    I did a double take at her, she seemed confused but more than willing to take action on a moment's notice.  I looked at the mess again, realization dawning on me as I looked at the clothing strewn about on the floor and draped over the back of the little couch.  The pizza boxes stacked haphazardly on the little coffee table.  Shoes lying around or sitting on top of stacks of bills on the floor near the couch.  Socks draped over the television.
    I hesitated as I looked at her, looking at me for an explanation.  No... it couldn't be.  I grinned sheepishly as I holstered and sheathed my weapons.  “Umm... you're a slob?”
    She realized what I had reacted to and chuckled as she holstered her sidearm. “Guilty.  I live alone and don't have anyone to impress.”
    I shook my head and grabbed the bags of food and clarified, “I thought someone had ransacked your