Wolf Lover: Konochur (New Scotia Pack Book 2) by Victoria Danann Read Free Book Online

ahead.” He pointed toward Lily. “And much to live for.”
    While Lestriv had stopped dead still and was staring at the ground, Conn was kicking himself for going down that path in the middle of a chicken coop. Stalkson Grey had taken him aside and warned him that a successful courtship with a human would entail considerably more finesse than that required by werewolves. He thought he’d been prepared to go slow and be patient, but sometimes he felt like he would burst if he couldn’t be honest about his intentions. He’d been relaxed and comfortable, let his guard down, and before he knew what was happening his unguarded feelings had tumbled out of his mouth.
    He took a deep breath, exhaled a long sigh and said, “Lessie, forgive me. I know I do no’ have the right to offer an opinion, but every creature has the right to dream.” He chuckled. “Even chickens. Yer mate would no’ wish to take that from ye. I know because I’m the same as he.” Lestriv looked at him sharply. “I mean, I’m the same species,” he added quietly.
    She quickly looked down and up again. “We’re finished here. Lily and I need to deliver these eggs and start supper.”
    Conn knew by the curt staccato of her speech that she was put off. He knew he would have to seek out his uncle’s advice as to how to mend the error.
    “I’ll walk ye.”
    “There’s no need, Conn. I have a few stops, but I can see the house from here.”
    When she picked up her basket and straightened, he put a hand on her forearm and locked her gaze to his. “I will walk ye, Lestriv.” With that he took the basket of eggs from her in a gesture as courtly as any she could imagine.
    By the slow deliberate way he insisted, Lessie knew there would be no point in arguing. She was very aware that there is nothing in creation so stubborn as a werewolf whose mind is made up. So she simply took Lily’s hand and started home. She kept her silence until she reached her porch, then turned and said goodbye without making eye contact.
     
    Conn left Lessie and Lily at their door and headed straight for Grey’s lodge. Since becoming Lestriv’s self-appointed helper, he had practically become a resident of New Elk Mountain and, specifically, a fixture at Grey’s. Luna was fairly good-natured about it and the little girls loved having him around. Luna had made some huffy remark about even babies being attracted to Conn, but once she realized he was serious about Lessie, she supported his efforts at courtship.
     
     
    Grey cautioned Conn about rushing and advised more patience.
    “Humans are used to long periods of mourning the dead.”
    “Why?” Conn asked as Luna passed through the room.
    “Sometimes we feel guilty about surviving. Sometimes we just miss the departed terribly and have a hard time letting go.”
    After Luna had passed out of earshot, Conn said, “Maybe she just does no’ like me.” The glum look that had taken the place of his typical cocky smirk looked out of place on his handsome face.
    Grey barked out a laugh. “My wife tells me that all the unmated females line up for a turn with you. I’m sure Lestriv likes you. Give her time. If I lost Luna, I…” He didn’t finish the sentence, but his eyes glazed over as he trailed off, imagining what that might be like.
    After a few moments, Conn said, “Aye, Uncle. Ye’re sayin’ there’s no’ room for me in her heart because ‘tis filled with a dead wolf.”
    Grey focused on Conn and blinked. “Remind me never to send you on a diplomatic mission.”
    “Aye, but, how long will it be before she’ll be ready to look my way?”
    Grey shook his head. “There’s no way to know that. Females are all different.”
    “I had no’ noticed that so much. I mean some have rose-colored nipples and some are pink…”
    Grey cut him off with a soft laugh and another shake of his head. “Sounds like you haven’t spent much time getting to know them?”
    “Getting to know them?” Conn repeated the