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

counselor.”
    Glancing toward Lily, Lestriv said, “We’re going to need to talk in C-O-D-E.”
    “Sure. You first.”
    “I loved my mate very much.” Luna’s smile fell as she nodded, looking more concerned than amused. “And he’s only been gone for a short time. That’s why my feelings are… I don’t know how you keep track of all these potions and things.” She waved at the cabinets and shelves. “It’s so confusing .”
    Lily’s inquisitive eyes followed her mother’s gesture as her attention was drawn to all the various herbs, ointments, concoctions, and remedies.
    Luna glanced toward the shelves. “Perhaps it’s not actually as confusing as it seems. You know that werewolves are a fun-loving bunch who live life to the fullest. When they lose someone, they pour themselves into grieving and then go on. There are no rules or judgments about how or when they go on.
    “Did you know that Grey lost someone? His mate, I mean?”
    Lestriv’s head canted to the side. “No. I didn’t.”
    “A long time ago.” Luna smiled. “He has grandchildren.” Lessie tried to imagine that. As a human, the concept was strange because Stalkson Grey seemed far too young and vigorous to be a grandfather. “It was a long time in between his loss and our meeting, but I’d like to think that if it had been a short time, the outcome would have been the same.” She lifted one shoulder in a pretty shrug. “When it’s right, it’s right.”
    Lessie gave her confidante a warm smile. “You’re wrong, Luna. You are a counselor and you’ve helped very much. Thank you.”
    “Anytime.”
    Lessie turned back at the doorway and whispered, “What was wrong with River?”
    Luna laughed and held up a dried red bean with a pair of tweezers. “Better in the pot than in the ear I always say.”
     
     
    When Lessie arrived back at her little cabin, Conn was waiting on the porch. She was so relieved to see him, after three days away, that she barely stopped herself from rushing forward. She’d feared that she’d left him with the impression that she had no interest in him as a helper or as a male.
    “Conn.” She looked happy to see him and sounded a little breathless, but Conn was afraid he was falling victim to seeing and hearing what he wanted to see and hear. “I was afraid that I’d scared you away.”
    His brows drew together. He looked intense, then confused, then incredulous. “Scared me away?” After a couple of seconds he laughed out loud. “What do you imagine you might do to scare me? Much less scare me away?”
    Lessie relaxed into his good humor and returned his laughter. “Silly. I know.”
    “Aye,” he said as she stepped onto the porch and let his shadow fall over her.
    “Mama and Luna were talking about you,” said Lily, between licks with a cherry-red tongue.
    Conn’s eyes cut slowly from Lily to Lestriv as his mouth spread into a wolfish grin. “Were they now?”
    “Uh-huh,” said Lily as her mother glared at her.
    “And what were they sayin’ then?”
    “What do you have to trade?” asked Lily.
    Lestriv’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Why you little…”
    “Now, now, mama wolf,” said Conn. “I’ll handle this. What is it ye’re wantin’, Lily?”
    “Bison rides. Every day for fifty years.”
    “One bison ride tomorrow after ye’ve finished yer chores,” Conn countered.
    “Every day for a week?” Lily asked hopefully.
    “One bison ride tomorrow, no matter what, and one the day after if yer mama says ye’ve been good.”
    Lily chanced at glance at her mother’s face and concluded that her mother was not going to say she’d been “good” for a long time. “One bison ride tomorrow, no matter what, and one the day after, no matter what?”
    “Done.” Conn held his hand down low for Lily to slap, which she did, leaving a sticky feeling that he tried to ignore. “Now tell me everythin’.”
    “Wait just a minute!” Lestriv interjected.
    Conn’s wolfy grin resumed.