Dalton, Tymber - Doggy Tales [Doggy Tales] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Online Free

*

    That night, Lindsey curled on the couch to watch TV and patted the cushion. He eagerly jumped up next to her, resting his head in her lap with a content sigh.
    She stroked his head as he closed his eyes and inhaled her scent.
    My mate.
    When she started yawning around ten, he remained hopeful as she stood and walked to the bedroom. He waited for a cue, and his heart leapt when she stopped at the bedroom door and turned to look at him.
    “Well? Come on, big boy. I don’t want to sleep alone.”
    He knew she couldn’t possibly mean it the way he wanted, but he scrambled off the couch and raced past her into the bedroom. He leapt, landing squarely in the middle of the mattress.
    She laughed and turned off the lights, stripping before sliding into bed. “Slide over, bed hog.”
    He did, waiting until she settled to snuggle against her. She rolled over and threw her arm around his broad chest. “I still need to name you.”
    Husband’s always a good one.

    * * * *

    Lindsey wasn’t sure if she’d sleep, but she did, almost immediately. He didn’t smell like any dog she’d ever had. He reminded her of…
    Of a man.
    No, she wasn’t so desperate for loving, despite a three-year dry streak in her love life, to contemplate bestiality. Between his freaky intelligence and imposing physical presence, she couldn’t help it.
    She loved him.
    She dreamed, deeply, of a large man with the dog’s grey eyes and black hair peppered with silver. But he was young, maybe a little older than her, broad shouldered and handsome.
    Her dream lover rolled over and looked at her, lacing his fingers through hers, gently, tenderly kissing each digit and nuzzling her hand. “Ivan,” he whispered.
    She stared into his large, grey eyes and nodded. “That’s a good name.”
    He smiled and she wanted to lean over and kiss him. Wanted to lock her lips onto his and…
    Lindsey opened her eyes and looked at the dog, his grey eyes delving into hers.
    “Ivan,” she whispered.
    He nodded.
    “That’s a good name.”

    * * * *

    He lived with her three more days before making his move. Every night he made sure she dreamed about him, each dream going further than the rest. He pretended to like the kibble so he didn’t hurt her feelings.
    He did everything possible to make her feel at ease when she was home, to try to lessen her jumpiness he knew was left over from the attack. As soon as she left every day, he shifted back and scavenged through the kitchen for real food. Then he’d take a shower and shave because he couldn’t stand feeling grungy.
    On Saturday morning, he lay in bed and waited for her to wake up. Normally she would start the pot of coffee then they went jogging. He enjoyed running with her even if she wasn’t as fast as him. He always perfectly synced his steps to hers, never pulling on the leash, never falling behind. He enjoyed the looks they received, the men who watched her and warily eyed him.
    Mate. My Mate.
    This morning would be different. She had the day off from work, and he followed her to the kitchen, grabbing his leash in his teeth from where it hung over the doorknob.
    “You have to go out now?”
    He shook his head and nudged her hand. She slipped the collar over his head. It always stayed snapped on the leash. He sat.
    “What is it?”
    He looked at her, nuzzling her hand so it rested on top of his head.
    Please let this work.
    He shifted.
    He didn’t dare move, her sudden gasp not breaking into the anticipated scream.
    When she fell, he caught her and pulled her into his lap, her stunned eyes wide with shock.
    He didn’t speak, waiting for her to make the next move.
    She touched his face, ran her fingers through his hair, and finally gasped for breath.
    “Do it again,” she whispered.
    Ivan couldn’t contain the slight smile that curled his lips. He shifted back into his wolf form.
    Lindsey sobbed, wrapping her arms around his furry neck. “Again,” she whispered.
    He did, holding her.
    She sat there