Snow Wolf: Wolves of Willow Bend (Book 9) by Heather Long Read Free Book Online

territory.”
    “We aren’t.” He didn’t elaborate further. Fluff nodded then grabbed clothes off the rack. Grinder hadn’t questioned his choices, at least not verbally. The Sentry positioned himself so he could intercept Julian if he made any move. Neither of the Sentries approached Ranae. Satisfied they understood, Diesel checked Ranae. She had remained silent during the exchange, yet her eyes remained watchful and assessing.
    Smart. Calculating. Diesel approved. Understanding the dynamics within a pack, judging who held power and who did not suggested a powerful dominance. The alarm beeped once when the temperature hit fifty degrees inside the antechamber and the inner door released. Ranae stripped off the neoprene mask and shoved her hood back. Diesel knelt a beat before she could then released her feet from the snowshoes.
    Her eyes narrowed a fraction, and his wolves went absolutely still at the position he’d placed himself in at her feet. His lowered head and her stiff posture detailed the esteem he held for Ranae. Fluff and Grinder didn’t move, but the tension in the air ratcheted a fraction higher. A distant part of his mind acknowledged their unease, but he had no interest in settling their fears or even answering their questions.
    All they needed to know was the deference he held for Ranae. Rising, he captured Ranae’s gaze and held it as he reached his full height. On his feet, he began to loosen the ties of her parka. She accepted his assistance, but he didn’t let her composure fool him. She would not be so easily swayed. “Welcome to Tikaani, Ranae Buckley. You are my guest and under my protection.” He reiterated the welcome for his wolves.
    “Thank you for the welcome, and I will extend to you my protection as a Hunter of Willow Bend for the duration of my stay.” The politeness in her voice held the edge of bite and he spared her a half smile.
    “I feel very safe in your capable hands.”
    Anger flared in her eyes then her gaze seemed to shutter. Irritation raked over him at the way she closed herself off. They’d made a connection. Surely, she’d felt it. The rejection irked him. Well aware of their audience, however, he set the emotion aside along with her parka. He had to get them inside and settled with the pack—well, Ranae at least. Julian could leave.
    Pushing the inner door open, he shepherded Ranae inside. Doubt rolled off her in waves, but he didn’t try to assuage her concerns. With a glance, he ordered Grinder to stay on Julian. Fluff folded her arms, but said nothing as she took a middle position, segregating the Chief Enforcer. If the change in positions bothered Julian, Diesel didn’t give a damn.
    Inside the main room of the cabin, Ranae tugged off her knit cap. The strawberry blonde of her hair spilled out like autumn fire. The warm color beckoned to him to run his fingers through the thick strands. Would her wolf share the same sable pelt? No spring pup, he controlled the urge.
    “How is this any different from the cabin we were in?” The skeptical note in her voice clawed him.
    “Be patient and find out.” Not waiting for her response, he strode across the room to the broad, brick wall. The hum of the underground generators vibrated against his ears. The sound added a fresh layer of irritation to rasp against his flesh. Flipping open a switch pad, he entered a code. A high-pitched alarm warned him the security doors opened behind the wall. Once they completed their hydraulic withdrawal, the brick wall itself released.
    Gripping the edge, he shoved the wall along the runner. A pull switch inside could open the brick, but raw strength was needed to open it from the outside—a security feature should the village be raided while the strongest roamed. They kept their vulnerable secured below.
    Ranae released a little gasp at the corridor and stairs he revealed. Drinking in her surprise, he glanced at her. Even the nuances in her scent changed, a hint of sweetness like