In the Shadow of the Wolf 3 - Splintered Lies by RJ Scott, Diane Adams Page A

Except for the time he spent with baby Kristi, and a few stolen moments a day watching Mark play and work under Sam's direction with the wolves, Nick's very existence had become lackluster. His disinterest in reclaiming his life after being released from the hospital, enduring rehab, and an extended recovery time at Rob's had landed him on Doug and Sam's doorstep. Nick knew his friends were disappointed at this lack of progress, but even with the weeks spent healing and working toward regaining his health, getting his life back seemed like a waste without Joe.
    "I'll eat." Nick stood and accompanied Sam to the door of the room. "Kristi finished her bottle but she'll be ready for dinner soon." He reached around Sam's shoulder to brush a finger over downy curls.
    Sam lingered in the door way, blocking Nick's escape, though he looked at the baby in his arms and not the wolf behind him. "You should go for a run. You haven't gone out in days, and you know what Jamie says about spending time as a wolf. Internal balance and all that crap. Catch a rabbit or something; all this moping around the house is bad for you."
    The memory of his last run a few days before flashed through Nick's mind. He'd returned to the clearing he'd shared with Joe the night before they broke the case. Joe's scent had filled the small open area. The moss crushed where he'd made his bed. Evidently Joe was using the same spot and had been there just a few short hours before. Nick had howled for him, but Joe never answered. Nick hadn't gone out since that night, because he knew the clearing would draw him like a magnet and Joe's rejection hurt far worse than a bullet in his chest.
    "The boys could go with you if you don't want to be alone. Corbin loves to show off for Mark, it would be a good hunt." Sam continued talking over his shoulder as he walked down the hall towards the stairs. All the bedrooms except Nick's were on the second floor.
    Nick shook his head before realizing Sam wouldn't see him. "No, I'd rather go alone, thanks though." Nick turned back to his room. He hadn't realized he meant to go until the words were out of his mouth. No doubt he'd come home as lonely as he'd been since he first regained consciousness and learned Joe was gone, but the thought of fresh meat drew him. Maybe fresh air and a full stomach would help him sleep, if he curled into the mossy hollow that smelled of Joe.
    Sliding glass doors set in the back wall of Nick's room opened directly into the yard. He stripped out of his clothes, leaving them in a heap on the floor, and stepped outside. He slid the door shut and shifted. A cool breeze sifted through his fur and the night smelled crisp and clean. Corbin huffed a questioning breath as Nick passed the back yard. He didn't pause letting his silence carry the message he wanted to be alone.
    "I'm glad Nick's going on a run, Core. I wish he'd just get over that asshole." Nick heard Mark grumble and Corbin's yip of reprimand before moving out of range even for his wolf ears. Nick agreed with Corbin. Joe and Mark needed to grow up and get over whatever adolescent 'he's mine' they were stuck in over Nick. Nick was Joe's and Mark needed to get that straight in his head. Although Nick supposed the matter was moot if Joe never came home.
    Hours later, panting with exertion from his run, stomach full of the rabbit he'd flushed out of the bushes, Nick made his way to the small clearing. He stopped for a long drink from the cool stream taking a few minutes to bolster his courage. He knew Joe wouldn't be there but his scent filled the brush around the stream. Joe had marked the area as his own. Nick wondered when Joe had shifted last. He knew living as a wolf simplified life, brought the need of survival to the forefront and everything else seemed less important. Spending too much time as a wolf was just as bad for their kind as spending too much time human. Balance was the key to their wellbeing—something too many people and wolves often