Cry of the Wolf by Dianna Hardy Page A

him.
    He glanced at her, diffidently, then lowered his eyes.
    She wasn’t having any of that and neither was her wolf. In her mind, the animal languished, contentedly, in post-coital bliss. Yeah, her wolf was pretty damn happy right now, and a little smug that she’d gotten her way. Cheeky bitch.
    With a tentative hand, she stroked the side of Lawrence’s face, tracing his tears, then turned him to meet her gaze again.
    “I’m not good at this,” he whispered. “I’m sorr—”
    Her thumb on his lips silenced him. “The one thing you should never do to a woman, whether you make love to her or fuck her, is apologise straight after.” She offered him a small smile.
    He returned it with an even smaller one, but he looked ghostly pale.
    “I’m no good for you. As a mate, I mean. I’m about as damaged as they come, Lydia. I have nothing to offer you.”
    “I guess the powers that be think differently.”
    He shook his head. “I … I need to tell you things…”
    She raised her eyebrows, waiting.
    “Not here. Tonight.”
    She didn’t think it was possible, but he turned a shade whiter. “Lawrence, you don’t have to tell me anyth—”
    “I do. It’s been too long … too long since…” He trailed off, unable to finish whatever he was trying to say. “Besides, you’re my mate – you really should know.” He attempted another smile. She wondered if it hurt because it was so rigid she was scared he might crack under the strain of it.
    So much ice.
    She thumbed a drying tear away.
    How much water can the weight of ice carry?
    Without thinking, she grasped the back of his head, leaned towards him and kissed him.
    It was chaste and soft, and he was solid as stone … until finally, he yielded. She brushed his lips with her tongue, lightly. He let out a small moan, then responded in kind, gently. Far too gently for the tempestuous act they had both played out just moments ago.
    When the kiss ended, he looked at her with nothing less than astonishment. “What was that?”
    A little laugh flittered out of her. “A kiss. That was our first kiss.” She touched her forehead to his. “I wanted something soft to remember you by, because we both know you’re going to go back to being hard as soon as we leave here.”
    He looked at her impassively, and then with meaning. “I don’t want to be like that with you; I don’t want to push you away.”
    “Then don’t.”
    But there was that impassiveness clouding his eyes again. She sighed internally, but didn’t hold it against him. She had caught a glimpse – more than a glimpse – of the black hole he lived in. She had no idea what had caused that terrible chasm, but the need to protect yourself was something she related to.
    Guilt for her chaotic part in Brendan’s life tugged at her heart. He was right – she had pushed him away. Him and everyone else. She vowed to make it up to him as soon as she got the chance. And on that note, she supposed she should finally call her dad, too…
    “It’s getting late.” Lawrence eased himself off her. “We should head back.”
    She reached for her underwear and jeans as he fastened his trousers – they hadn’t even ridden down past his arse. Damn, he looked really fucking neat. She didn’t even have to look at herself to know she was a mess.
    “What time are you free tonight?”
    She stared at him. I guess he really does want to tell me things . “I’m on the late shift until closing.”
    “Skip it. I’ll get someone else to cover for you.”
    “But it’s Russell Maddox’s final performance. It’s going to be busy as hell – I really should be there.”
    His face grew stormy at the mention of the actor.
    What’s that about? she thought as she did up her own trousers.
    “I’m not sure I want you in the same building as him,” Lawrence growled.
    “Er … okay… but poor Lisa’s gonna be—”
    He sighed. “Fine, but I’m picking you up after work and bringing you straight back. I need to run a