Lost Howl Read Online Free Page A

booths.
    “So, Lorr, what brings you here?”
    He smiled. “Timing. The other three times I attempted to come to the Crossroads, my family thwarted my efforts. This time, I was informed that my journey was encouraged. What brings you?”
    She shrugged. “Necessity. Heat. Learning about other shifters and my own family for the first time.”
    Lorr looked surprised. “Could you explain?”
    “Of course, but this isn’t really the right environment.”
    He looked around. “I believe you are right.”
    He set his half-glass of cider aside. “Would you care to join me for dinner in the café?”
    “I haven’t eaten in a while, so sure.”
    She drank her water and smiled. “Ready when you are.”
    They got to their feet and brushed against each other on their way out into the evening air. When another male approached, Lorr put his arm around her and eased her against him.
    Amira had no objection, her body was running riot and it picked up the beat when he pulled her against him.
    The urge to fling him against a convenient surface was becoming more difficult to contain, but she held it back.
    They headed into the café and settled at a table with his knees bracketing hers.
    She looked at his face and hair, memorizing the ash blonde locks and the wide jaw with a very mobile mouth. It was currently smiling at her.
    She blushed. “You are staring.”
    “You are stunning. What did you mean, learning about shifters?”
    “Ah. Don’t take this the wrong way, but humans raised me. I knew that other shifters existed, but I hadn’t met any who were direct about their situation.”
    “Why were you raised by humans?”
    “Because my parents were dead and no one could find any trace of me anywhere in the legal system. The humans that found me adopted me and took me in.”
    “Has your voice always been that low?”
    She blinked. “I…it broke. There was an accident and I called for help. My voice broke.”
    “How old were you?”
    “It doesn’t matter. It happened. So, what do you do when you are not trolling at the Crossroads?”
    “I work at the family quarry. I am in charge of selecting excavation sites. You?”
    “I take tours of the nature-seeking into the wild and bring them back alive.” She smiled. “They don’t seem to mind my voice.”
    His cheeks coloured, and he would have answered her, but their server came to the table and took their order.
    “I don’t mind your voice, but it is huskier than that of most females.”
    She propped her chin up on her fist. “I used to be a dude?”
    He snorted. “Your scent is definitely female. No trace of male anywhere on you.”
    “Yeah, but it sounds funnier than explaining.”
    Lorr grinned. “It is that. So, you take tours around and entertain them?”
    “I take groups of six or seven into the woods and show them how to live with minimal supplies and a lot of effort.” Amira shrugged. “It is what I am suited for.”
    “I see.” He smiled. “Would you take me?”
    “Um. Please define that statement so I know I am not getting my signals crossed.”
    “I would like to learn how to survive in the woods. My beast is built for other terrain.”
    Curiosity assailed her, but she had been briefed that it was the one question she could not ask. If he wanted her to know what he was, he would show her. She had the same restraint on her side. He wouldn’t ask, so she had to decide when and if she exposed her wolf.
    The fur was going to fly.
     

Chapter Five
     
     
    After a strangely quiet dinner, Amira asked him, “How long have you been here?”
    “Four days.”
    “You haven’t found the one for you?”
    He grinned and drank his iced tea. “The jury is out. I am still in the assessment phase, but I think I may have met the one. I know my beast is content with the selection.”
    She snorted. “My beast is decidedly trampy right now. I am trying to be good.”
    Lorr cocked his head. “Trampy, you say?”
    She laughed at the speculation in his voice. “I