Howl For It
Page 8

Darla had the feeling shed disappointed Eggies mother but she had no idea how. Then again, maybe it was best not to ask.
Anyway, Pauline went on, that should be fine by morning. With my boys Ive been puttin in and takin out stitches before most of them could walk. Youll be fine.
Thank you, Miss Pauline.
The She-wolf eyed Darla before grunting, Huh. Then she turned on her heel and walked out.
All right then, Darla said with a little laugh. Because if nothing else, at least she wasnt the least bit bored.
CHAPTER FOUR
Eggie stared down at the She-wolf until her pretty brown eyes opened, blinking wide at the sight of him.
Hungry? he asked.
Hungry? Oh. For food. Yawning, she sat up and stretched. Thats when Eggie realized shed put on one of his T-shirts . . . and not much else.
You know, she said, her smile bright, I am hungry. Starving.
Good. He had food. Hell, he had enough food for a small army.
He reached for Darla, slipping his arms under her legs and behind her back.
What are you doing? she asked.
Picking you up.
I can walk, Egbert Ray.
Youre still recovering.
Says who?
He lifted her up, held her tight in his arms. I do.
She stared at him for a bit until she raised her hand and pressed her forefinger against his forehead. You know, youve got this thing so dang low, it practically touches your nose.
Im trying to intimidate you into doing what I want . . . but you poking at me aint helpin.
She giggled, a sound he didnt often hear that close to him and definitely not when he was the one causing it.
No, people didnt giggle around Eggie. Or laugh. Or breathe too hard. Or make any sudden moves that might be construed as a threat. Nope. Not around Eggie.
But Darla did.
Well, she said, her finger stroking down to his nose, if youre gonna insist on carrying me, you better get movin. Im hungry!
All right. All right. No need to snarl at me like a Doberman.
Eggie carried Darla down the stairs and cut through the living room to get to the dining room.
Oh! Darla squeaked, her hand covering her mouth. Um . . .
Eggie stopped. Whats wrong?
Uh . . . nothing. She cleared her throat. I see you got furniture while I was asleep.
I couldnt have you sittin on a barrel. Just seemed wrong for a lady. Momma said you wouldnt care, but I asked one of my daddys sisters to send over some furniture from her mates store.
Ahhh. Yes.That explains it.
Eggie looked at the big couch with the giant yellow and green flower pattern on it. This doesnt really say Egbert Ray Smith, does it?
She pressed her lips into a thin line, shook her head. He had a feeling she wasnt disapproving as much as trying not to laugh at him.
Not really, she finally managed to answer. Id probably go with more solid colors for you. Darker reds and browns. Maybe a dark blue. But you know what, she added. Aint nothin here we cant discreetly cover up.
Its not like Im ever here. Not sure it matters.
Trust me. It matters. Think about iton those rare times you come home after months and months away . . . you walk through the door, throw on the light . . . and that couch is the first thing you see.
Eggie nodded. You know . . . my grandmomma made me a couple of quilts few years back. Theyre in the upstairs closet.
Perfect. Because it wont seem strange to your aunt that youd put her Mommas quilt on your couch. See? You can cover up dang near anything and never have to hurt anyones feelings.
Why would I worry about my aunts feelings? Actually. . . why would you? You dont even know her.
Dont have to know her. She was kind enough to rush furniture over here to her nephew and
She charged me double on the shipping for the urgent delivery and no family discount on the furniture.
Oh, really? Darla briefly pursed her lips. Well, if youre gonna pay full price with your own kin, youre gettin what you want. Well take this crap back tomorrow and exchange it. She folded her arms across her chest, fingers tapping against her biceps. He had a feelin if she were standing, shed be tapping her foot right now.
You dont have to be upset, Darla Mae.
Who says Im upset? Just cause familys not treatin family right. Its not like I havent gone through that or anything, she finished on a mutter. She looked up at him. Im still hungry, Egbert Ray.
Okay, okay. No need to snarl.
Although Eggie did kind of like when she did.
Unlike that horrid furniture, the food was good. Of course, that food had been made by Eggies mother, Pauline Jessop of the Jessop Pack out of Alaska, which explained the She-wolf s size. Jessop wolves were known for their size and speed, only outsized by Arctic wolves, who were descended from Vikings. The Jessops also owned the lumber empire Jessop Mountain Timber, which meant Pauline Ann came from real money . . . and had probably trained several years as a lumberjack. It was required for all the Jessop Pack, male or female.