Coyote Inn

g{x VÉçÉàx \ÇÇ Copyright © June 2010, Tressie Lockwood Cover art by Anastasia Rabiyah © June 2010 Amira Press Baltimore, MD 21216 www.amirapress.com ISBN: 978-1-936279-24-1 No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Amira Press.

Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood Chapter One

When Jarrika stepped off the bus in the middle of her new hometown, she didn’t know what to expect—people being neighborly, kids running around, maybe. What she got was tossed into the middle of the past. Neat rows of houses lined the streets, all similar in style and size. Lawns were manicured, and there must have been a rule book somewhere about what to include in the décor, because at each driveway lay a bicycle turned on its side like the rider had just dashed inside for a quick homemade snack from Mom. She half expected a 1950s Oldsmobile to come rolling around the corner, but prayed it wouldn’t. Were there even any black people in this town? Jarrika shifted her bag higher on her shoulder and gripped her suitcase’s handle. With any luck, the raggedy thing would hold up until she reached her destination. At the end of the residential street, above the trees, Jarrika spotted the mountains beyond. She smiled as hope swelled in her chest. If the people were as friendly as the land was beautiful, everything would be okay in Oregon. This move had to work out because she was out of money and out of resources. Once Jarrika stopped to check the address she’d been given against the nearest house. She groaned realizing she had another five blocks at least. When sweat poured down her back from the beaming sun and her physical exertion, Jarrika stopped. The neatly paved road had turned to partial gravel, then to full-out dirt. The lawns on this end were a tad less cared for, and the houses farther in between. Spotting a building at the end of the block that was in desperate need of a paint job among other repairs, Jarrika pleaded with God that this was not Coyote Inn. “You can’t be so cruel,” she said to her maker. He didn’t answer, and sure enough, the joke was on her. When she was close enough, she noticed the sign above the wraparound porch. One side had come loose, so it dangled, faded and worn. If she squinted, she could make out the Inn part, but most of the letters in Coyote were missing. “Great,” she muttered. “I’ve inherited a stupid inn that nobody with half a brain would ever want, let alone visit.” A low growl behind her made her spin around and stumble back to fall onto the steps. The wood under her cracked, but Jarrika was focused on the animal with its teeth bared and eyes so pale they creeped her out. Her throat went dry, and she held up a hand, hoping it wouldn’t set the beast off. “Good boy. I’m not an enemy. You don’t want to eat me.” The animal inched closer. 1

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Jarrika squeaked. “Help? Anyone around here? Please!” The door behind her opened, and when the animal looked to see who was coming through, Jarrika took the opportunity to scramble up the steps and leap behind the man standing there. She gripped the man’s arm and peeked out. “You have a gun or something? I think it’s a wolf.” “Is that how you city folks handle your problems?” he asked. “Just shoot it?” “He almost attacked me, and you’re just standing there.” She hadn’t removed her eyes from the animal. Since the man came on the scene, the thing acted like it hadn’t a moment ago been sizing her up as its next meal. The stupid beast had the nerve to sit down as if it was simply enjoying the fresh air. Hadn’t she just walked down from civilization with the lawns and the bikes and whatnot? What was this? “For your information,” the man said, still not moving to help her, “he’s a coyote. And he’s mine. I have no intension of shooting him. Now, mind telling me what you’re doing on my property, miss?” “Your property!” Forgetting the creepy pet, she rounded on the man, at last giving him a once-over, and promptly forgot what she was going to say. She was pretty tall for a woman at five foot ten, but this man was taller, at least six-four. He was all lean muscle, not an inch of fat that she could see, no weight wasted. His chiseled jaw appeared cut from steel, bristled like he shaved with a knife—when he felt like it. What unsettled her most was that his eyes matched those of the coyote, being pale and hard like he didn’t give a crap about her or anyone else. His shirt hung open to the waist, showing off rock-solid abs, and the aforementioned knife was tucked in the band of his slacks. Jarrika wanted to look lower but was too nervous to. She took a step back. Tall-and-Dangerous reached into the bowl in his hand and removed a scrap of meat. He turned toward the coyote, allowing her to see that he had pulled long, silken black hair into a ponytail on his back. He whistled, and the animal came bounding up like a pet dog. The fact that he ignored her pissed Jarrika off, so she went down to lug her suitcase onto the porch. Seeing she struggled, the man made no move to help her. Swearing he’d be all apologies when she showed him just who belonged here and who didn’t, she snapped open the case and searched around for the manila envelope she’d tucked there before leaving for her trip. The coyote came up to nose around in the case. To Jarrika’s embarrassment the mangy mutt snagged a pair of her panties and took off with them. Jarrika jumped to her feet. “Hey!” 2

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“Casey, get back here,” the man yelled, but the animal kept running and soon disappeared. Jarrika glared at him. “You owe me a pair of panties.” He ogled her up and down, the interest in his eyes annoying her. “I’m sure you’ve got more.” Jarrika clenched her hands at her sides and then snatched up the envelope. She ripped open the flap and pulled out the official document she’d been sent. Handing it to him, she couldn’t keep the smug expression from her face. “This will show you that I have every right to be here, and you don’t.” He took all of two seconds to peruse it before handing it back. “That’s a load of horseshit, if you’ll pardon my French.” “I won’t!” She snatched the sheet back and stabbed it with her finger. “It says right here in this letter that I have inherited this inn, and right here is the deed to this property. You can’t deny my rights. I’ll get a policeman or someone to come to make you leave.” She put her hands on her hips and drew herself up to her full height. “Maybe you think I don’t belong here because I’m black. Is that it? I know how these small-town people think.” He tugged his knife from his waistband and began to clean his fingernails with it. Jarrika tried not to show her disgust. After a minute, he tapped it on the palm of his hand and started over toward her. Oh no, he’s going to kill me. When will I learn keep my mouth shut? With each step he advanced, she took one in retreat until she hit the wooden rail behind her. He stood over her, eyes narrowed. Her heart raced, and she was pretty sure it wasn’t all about how scared silly she was. “Trust me, your lovely chocolate skin has nothing to do with why you don’t have a right to be here.” His pale gaze dropped to her lips, and he leaned closer but didn’t touch her. He breathed deep like he was taking in her essence. “You smell like a city woman.” The disgust was not disguised in the least. “So what?” she demanded, wanting to run but forcing herself to stand her ground. He jerked the papers from her fingers and speared them with the knife on the post next to her. A jab of his finger under the county name brought her attention to it. “In your excitement to claim my property, did you stop to notice the discrepancies?” Dread rolled in her belly. “W-What discrepancies?” “The fact that the county name is fictional, for one.” It couldn’t be. Jarrika looked at the deed, and then she tugged the map she’d purchased to help her find Mythe Cove, Oregon. She peered close to 3

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the tiny letters on the sheet, and her heart slammed in her chest. Had she been the subject of a cruel joke? She’d ridden across the country, had spent her last dime on the bus ride, and hadn’t eaten since morning. Still, she clung to hope that it was just a typo. “That could be a small mistake,” she whispered. Excited, she had examined the document over and over for two weeks before she decided to come. She couldn’t find anything else that might be wrong. And the letter that had come with the deed, sent from the county clerk’s office—that had to be real. The postmark showed Mythe Cove. The clerk’s signature and title looked official. “A mistake, huh?” He pointed her back to the deed. “Mythe Cove, Oregon Territory? Yeah, we’re not a state or anything.” Sarcasm dripped from his lips. “The only clerk we have here isn’t a man. It’s a woman. The office isn’t on Curzon. It’s on Main. I can go on and on if you need me to.” “Sorry to have bothered you.” Jarrika snatched the fake papers from around the knife and stuffed them with the envelope into her case. She latched it closed and dragged it off the rotting porch. She didn’t want this ugly place anyway, and living in a small town would never have suited her. Tears filled her eyes as her stomach growled. Steps away from the inn, she realized the sun had begun to go down, and somewhere in the hills leading up the mountain an animal howled. She imagined it was Casey, happy with his stolen treasure. Oh God, what am I going to do? I have nothing. How did I get to this point? “You can stay for one night,” he called out behind her. She stopped but didn’t turn around. “What?” “One night only, then you can head back to wherever you came from. It’s getting late anyway. Not safe at night for a city woman.” She hated his condescending tone, like she wasn’t just a city woman. She was a dumb city woman. However, she was in no position to argue. Hurriedly wiping away her tears, she turned. “Thanks. I appreciate it.” He held the screen door open for her, and she stepped inside the cool, dark interior of the inn. The place was no better on the inside. “I’m Jarrika Griffin,” she told him, holding out her hand, trying for a friendlier note than the one she’d arrived on. He passed her by and went behind the dusty old desk. Jarrika gritted her teeth while he took a key from one of the compartments filled with cobwebs. She winced when he slapped it into her hand. “Jack Summers. Third door on the right.” He pointed to the stairs. Grumbling, she said, “Would it kill you to be nice?” His eyebrow shot up. “Yes.” 4

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The man wasn’t worth her time or effort. She’d just get some sleep and head out in the morning, putting this whole embarrassing experience behind her. She never had to see this man again, and it suited her just fine. Jarrika climbed the stairs to the second floor and found her room. To her surprise, Jack had assigned her a decent room. The place had been aired recently, and the sheets were clean. Knowing this might be the last bed she slept in for a long time, she lay down on it and cried herself to sleep.

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Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood Chapter Two

A scratching at the door woke Jarrika. She froze where she lay, having forgotten where she was. The pitch darkness in the room gave no clues except for the dust tickling her nose and the smell of mildew. The Coyote Inn, she remembered with a wince. Whatever it was outside the door scratched again, and Jarrika stiffened, fearful that it might be a rat. She wouldn’t put it past that lazy bum Jack not to get rid of pests if he couldn’t be bothered to paint or even clean the place. When the scratch came a third time, accompanied by a whine, she realized it was just Casey and sighed in relief. The animal hadn’t attacked her earlier, so she figured it was sufficiently tamed. At least she hoped so. She sat up, ignoring the hunger pangs in her stomach. Still tired from her long trip, she squeezed the light on her watch to discover it was just ten-thirty at night. She’d been sleeping only a few hours. “Stupid dog,” she grumbled and stood to open the door. Casey sat on his rump, looked at her, and then glanced toward the stairs. A dim light reached the second floor from somewhere below, but that was all the illumination she could see. “What? You want more panties? Well forget it. I don’t have that many as it is.” Casey whined and ran to the stairs. Then he came back to her. She got it that he wanted her to follow. Did he think he was Lassie or what? Hoping he wasn’t leading her to his owner hurt somewhere, she followed him down the stairs and through a hall to a part of the inn she hadn’t seen. The light shone from a dining room with a beautiful, if grimy, chandelier hanging over the table. On the dulled American oak table, a modest spread of food was set out. Jack had already served himself and sat at one end shoveling a forkful of food into his mouth. Jarrika’s stomach growled, and her own mouth watered. Jack looked up. “He got you up. Good. Well, don’t just stand there. Sit down and eat because when I clean this up, kitchen’s closed.” She’d like nothing more than to dig into the various deli meats and cheeses to make herself a sandwich and dish up some of the potato salad she spotted, but there was the problem of paying him for the food. She assumed the room was free. Pride kept her from admitting straight out that she didn’t have any money. Inspiration struck. “I’ll clean it all up and wash the dishes. Plus I’ll do some dusting around here before I go.” There, that would let him know without saying it. Plus he’d get that she didn’t need his pity. Seemed like he was on his last financial leg anyway. 6

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“Don’t you touch one dust bunny,” he barked. “I don’t need you in my way or interfering with how I have things here.” She stared at him. “You can’t be serious. This place is a sty. No one could like living this way.” “I said, don’t touch anything.” He went back to eating. Well, she’d offered, so he couldn’t demand payment afterward. With that faulty logic, she sat down and fixed a plate. She piled on more than she would eat normally because her stomach was so empty, and she ate in silence, loving every bite. When she’d eaten most of the food on her plate, she leaned back with a sigh. “Thank you for that. The potato salad tastes homemade. Did you make it yourself, or did your wife do it?” He didn’t say anything. She tried again. “Interesting name for the inn. Is it named after Casey? I guess that’s silly since this place seems really old, and it’s not likely Casey was around when it was built.” Still no answer. Frustrated, Jarrika put her fingertip in a bit of dust farther along the table and drew a swirl in it. When she reached a stack of papers sitting there, she shifted them an inch. Jack glared. She raised her eyebrows at him with a look of innocence. His fork clattered to his plate. Casey climbed up on another chair and turned his head toward her and then to Jack as if he watched a tennis match. Jack forced his lips to part. “There’s a store not far that a local woman owns. She makes the potato salad and other stuff. The meat and cheese is also from the grocery. No, Coyote Inn is not named after Casey, for your stated reasons. This area is known for its large population of coyotes. Any other questions?” Her eyes widened, and she leaned forward. “Coyotes? You mean there are more?” He pierced her with those freakish pale eyes, making her shiver. “Yes, so many they’d make a city woman pack up her things and run back home.” “Well, I don’t have a home to run home to. I thought I was coming here to my new home.” “What kind of idiot gives up security to follow some half-ass dream of owning an inn they never laid eyes on?” She stiffened her back and lifted her chin. He could look down on her all he wanted. From where she was sitting, he wasn’t doing all that great either. “An idiot who didn’t have security to begin with.” To her surprise, he seemed contrite. “I’m sorry.” The words sounded sincere, but from what she’d seen so far, Jack cared for no one but Casey. 7

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“Did you really send him to wake me up? Is he that well trained?” “Trained?” Guilt flashed in Jack’s eyes, although she couldn’t imagine why. “No, he’s not trained. If he was, he wouldn’t have stolen from you.” Jarrika blushed when Jack pulled her panties from his pocket. They hadn’t fared very well. She waited for him to toss them to her, but he didn’t. “He’s ruined them. No use giving them back now.” “I wasn’t.” He pushed his plate away and nodded. Casey took the signal to mean he could clear the rest of the salami from one of the plates. Jarrika’s appetite fled. She was done for the night as well. “So why would you believe that lie?” Jack asked. She shrugged. “The other letter was convincing. I thought she was real. Her words touched my heart and drew me to this place like I was meant to come, like it was already home.” She didn’t know why she was telling him all that like he knew what letter she meant. “Hold on. I’ll run and get it. You’ll see what I mean.” Before he could comment, she left the room and ran up to get her purse. The letter she referred to seemed too personal, too special to put with the official documents, or rather the fake documents. She’d tucked it in her purse to be kept near her and reread while she traveled to Oregon. The old woman’s missive had motivated her each time to keep moving forward to this new adventure. Now, she felt like the idiot Jack had called her for believing it all. Tempted to tear it up before she let him see how she’d fallen for all the sentimental lies, she considered telling him she couldn’t find the letter. But Casey had followed her, and his sudden howl behind her made her jump and drop the sheet. Casey sprang into action and nabbed it before darting out the door. “Come back here, you thief!” She ran after him, but he beat her to the dining room. By the time she puffed in, Jack was removing the letter from Casey’s mouth. Jarrika struggled to catch her breath. Casey rested his head on Jack’s thigh and made small whiny noises. Jack raised the letter to his nose, his eyes widening before he looked at her in shock. “You’re right, Casey. It smells like her.” Jarrika balled her fists at her sides. “Of course it smells like me. It’s my letter! I’ve had enough of that dog stealing my stuff.” “Not you,” Jack corrected. “Emma.” The heartache plain in his eyes tightened Jarrika’s chest, and from the sorrow Casey seemed to share as well, this Emma must be someone they had both loved. Jarrika found it strange that Casey acted like he knew what Jack was saying and vice versa. “Emma 8

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was my great-grandmother. She is the one I inherited this inn from.” He peered at the letter. “And she’s the one who wrote to you.” Before her legs gave out and she ended up a heap on the floor, Jarrika shuffled back to her chair and sat down. “Your great-grandmother? Where is she?” “Gone,” he said simply. She imagined he suppressed the pain of her loss. “I’m sorry,” she told him. He said nothing, and since his eyes moved over the sheet back and forth, she knew he read the letter. Jarrika had committed the words to memory. My Dearest Jarrika, My greatest wish was to welcome you back home to Coyote Inn, where you belong. When you were a girl, your mother came to visit the inn, and we became fast friends. But as it happens, your mother couldn’t stay at Coyote Inn. She left us and took you with her. My darling girl, how my heart ached to lose you. And you, too, cried while the car took you away from us. At long last, the time has come for you to return, Jarrika. I know you feel the call deep in your heart. Coyote Inn waits for you to restore it to its former glory. Come, my child, to your destiny, to the one that needs you to heal. I’ve provided the way. Now, you must be bold enough to take the first step. With warmest affection, Emma Jarrika sighed. “Doesn’t it sound so…I don’t know, scary yet exciting?” She smiled. “I’ve always believed in God and that there is a special plan for my life. For the last few years, that hope felt small and nonexistent, but when I got Emma’s letter, it just spoke to my heart. I mean, she was saying I’d been here before as a child.” Jarrika didn’t know what reaction she expected from Jack, but white-hot rage was not it. He stood up and knocked his chair over. The bang made her jump. When he barged around the table and took her by the arm to drag her from her seat, she yelped and tried to pull away. His grip tightened as he forced her along the hall to the front door. Jarrika’s heart slammed into her chest when he opened it and shoved her through. “What did I say wrong?” she demanded, fighting tears. He’d not get the satisfaction of seeing her cry. 9

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“Stay there,” he spat. He disappeared from the doorway and returned moments later with her things. Her suitcase was tossed through the door without much ceremony, along with her purse. He held up the crumpled letter he’d balled in his fist. “Take your bullshit with you.” Jarrika winced at his foul language, hating all such words since they’d been used against her too many times over the last few years. She’d thought that was behind her. “Why are you so angry? I thought you said the letter smelled like Emma. You have to at least recognize her handwriting.” His eyes blazed, and he stormed up to her, making her think he was about to hit her. She resisted cowering and held her ground. His nostrils flared as he glared down at her. “This lie of a letter is dated after Emma died.” Jarrika’s mouth went dry. “It-It’s a mistake.” “Your mistakes keep piling up.” He pointed past her. “Get off my property, and if those fools from the Mythe Cove Council sent you, tell them their plan failed. I’m not leaving, nor will I change one inch of this inn!” Knowing it was no use saying anything more, Jarrika bent down to gather up her things. With head held high, she spun around and marched off the porch. When her foot went through the bottom step and twisted, she just yanked it free and limped on. Not once did she look back. She couldn’t because the tears rushed down her cheeks, and she didn’t want to be accused of using them to get sympathy. By the time she reached the paved streets again, the howls began. She dared a glance over her shoulder and thought she saw several animals racing about the shadows. Heart hammering in her chest, she picked up her pace despite the fact that her ankle burned. At the end of the next street, a growl behind her stopped her in her tracks. This one was close. Jarrika lifted her case as a barrier and turned with stiff, jerky movements. The coyote loped up, head low. Jarrika backed away, but then she relaxed a little when the animal nudged her leg. Something told her it was Casey. He growled again, and she saw that it was in response to the other coyotes. She sobbed, grateful because it looked like Casey was warning the others away. Dropping to her knees, she hugged him. “Thank you so much, Casey. Your owner hates me, but I promise I didn’t make up those papers. Nor am I working with some council. Truth is, I don’t know where I’m going to go. This place looks like a ghost town, and I’m willing to bet they don’t have a homeless shelter here.” Casey took her sleeve in his teeth and tugged. This time, she knew he wanted her to follow him. Trusting the animal, she stood and walked beside him, hoping he wasn’t leading her back to Coyote Inn. Jack wouldn’t let her through the front door no matter how enamored Casey was with her. 10

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To her relief, he led her down several streets she hadn’t been to before until they were heading in the direction of the mountain. By this route, she found that the ascent into the hills was less steep than it had been beside the inn. Casey jogged up a trail, but Jarrika stopped. “Uh, isn’t that the last place I want to go with all the coyotes? And who knows what else is out there? Sorry, buddy, but you look too scrawny to beat off much.” Casey yelped his offense. He didn’t let up whining until she gave in and strolled after him. Not like she had a choice. Anyway, if something ate her during the night, what difference did it make? There wasn’t one person on the entire planet who gave a crap about her. She didn’t like the morbid way her spirits had turned, since she was generally a positive person, but she was too tired to shake it off. When they came to a grassy, hilly area with a small hole in the middle, Casey stopped and wagged his head toward it. “So not sleeping in a hole, Casey,” she told him. He yelped, but she dropped her suitcase and crossed her arms over her chest. Casey gave in and pawed the ground. She sighed. Dropping to the ground, she decided this was as good as anyplace. At least it was soft. After locating a jacket in her suitcase to spread over her, Jarrika tucked her purse under her head for a pillow and lay down. She tugged the jacket up over her shoulders and watched as Casey went into the burrow and came back with what looked like a chewed-to-bits alarm clock. She laughed. “Yeah, ’cause we want to wake up on time. Night, Casey.” Casey harrumphed, and Jarrika went to sleep.

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Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood Chapter Three

Jack shouted once for Casey, then a second time. His brother didn’t come. Too tired and pissed off to bother, Jack went back into the inn, allowing the screen door to slam. The noise irritated him, but he refused to fix the spring, just like he refused to fix anything else around here. He knew he was hurting no one but himself and Casey, but he didn’t give a shit either. His mood had been shot straight to hell since he hadn’t slept a wink last night. Not that he ever slept much during the night. Coyotes were nocturnal creatures, but he’d been trying to stay up during the day to keep an eye on the damn townspeople. He’d had enough of their interfering in his life. Sending that woman with her lies about his great-grandmother was the lowest they had ever sunk. And even though he’d never considered being with an African-American woman, she had turned out to be a good choice for them. From the moment she stepped onto the property, her scent had filled his nostrils, driving him crazy. It must have affected Casey as well since he stole her panties. Jack had been jealous of that, to his annoyance. Of course Casey could do nothing with her. His brother was stuck as he was, in his animal form. And that was Jack’s fault. He pulled his mind away from his guilt and thought of the woman again—Jarrika. All night he’d thought of her, her smile, the way she spoke and moved. Where had she gone last night? Back to town, he bet, to whoever hired her to come out here. Or back to the city where she’d come from. He hated how much he wanted to see her again, and that pissed him off all the more. A rustle at the door alerted him that Casey was back. Jack took his time going to let him in. When he pushed the screen open, his brother didn’t move. “Well? You coming or what?” Jack demanded. “She,” Casey responded. His brother spoke to his mind in disjointed sentences and sometimes single words. On bad days, nothing he said made sense. “What about her?” “Sleep.” Jack sighed and went to find his hat. He dusted it on his pants leg and propped it on his head before he stepped through the door. This time, he didn’t allow it to slam. A cool breeze touched his shoulder, and he glanced around, but there was nothing there. The day was warm, like yesterday, even though it was still early. He followed Casey up the mountain, easily traversing the steep climb. The fact that humans couldn’t handle this part of the terrain meant there was 12

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no reason for them to traipse down his street to hunt in the mountains. He liked it like that. When they rounded a group of thick trees, Jack swore. There in a thicket outside Casey’s favorite burrow was the woman lying in the grass. Jack rushed over and knelt down beside her, thinking at first that she was hurt, but then he realized she was asleep. Her soft lips were parted, and her long, dark lashes rested on cocoa brown cheeks. He found himself wanting to stroke that face and kiss that lovely mouth. What the hell was she doing out here? Was it more of her plan? How much did they pay her that she was this dedicated to getting the job done? Jack considered shaking her awake, but Casey growled. “Damn it, Casey, you can’t fall for every stray that comes along. Besides, she’s not one of us.” His brother gave no indication of understanding his words. Jack sighed and picked the woman up in his arms. Despite her height, she didn’t weigh much. He thought he felt her ribs and remembered how much she’d scarfed down the night before. The council must have gone into the city and found a woman down on her luck, pretty enough, and willing to do anything for money. One more night, he decided, and then she could get going. Maybe he’d put her to work doing something. Doing what, he didn’t know since he still refused to make any changes at the inn to spite the humans. “Get her stuff,” he commanded Casey and knew his brother would obey. **** This time when Jarrika woke, it wasn’t to Casey’s scratching but because she’d been sleeping long enough. She felt refreshed, and her hope had returned. She stretched, expecting kinks in her muscles or to be itchy given that she had slept on grass, but neither was the case. Her shoes had been removed, and a soft comforter had been thrown over her. She sat up to find she’d somehow ended up back inside the Coyote Inn. “Oh crap, did I sleepwalk?” The thump of boots sounded out in the hallway, and she shrank back against the headboard, half hiding beneath the covers. If Jack found her here, he’d kill her for sure. She gulped when he rapped hard on the door. “Don’t you think you’ve been sleeping long enough?” he demanded. She blinked. So he knew she was here? “Uh…” she called out, not knowing what to say. “Get up! I’m hungry, and you’re the cook for the day. I want something hot for a change.” 13

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She put her hand on her hip. Who did he think he was ordering her around? Then again, he seemed like he knew she was there, had expected her to answer. Maybe he’d brought her here. Her body warmed at the thought of him carrying her, but she pushed the thought out of her head. Being influenced by a handsome face was what got her into trouble the last time, a lot of trouble. Besides that, Jack had a fiery temper. If he hadn’t gotten so mad last night and jumped to conclusions, she would not have had to sleep outside in the first place. Excited to know she’d have another meal, and a hot one to boot, she hopped out of bed and gathered a few things from her case before heading into the bathroom. She luxuriated in the shower and then brushed her teeth. When she was dressed, she went downstairs to see what Jack had in the kitchen that she could whip together for lunch. “You don’t have much here,” she told him after searching the refrigerator, every cabinet, and the pantry. “And I refuse to cook in all this dust and dirt. If you don’t let me clean up in here and the dining room, I’m not cooking anything.” He leaned a hip against the counter and scowled at her. “You’re hardly in a position to argue with me.” She pressed her lips together and crossed her arms over her chest. Jack waited her out, but Jarrika wasn’t giving in. He needed her as much as she needed him—well, somewhat. Despite how her stomach growled for more food, she would win this argument. “Fine,” he grumbled at last, and Jarrika whooped. He frowned. “Just the kitchen and dining room, and the food better be delicious or else.” “Or else what?” He turned his back and stomped out of the kitchen. Jarrika blew out a breath. She didn’t know where all the lip came from when dealing with Jack. Perhaps something deep inside of her said he wouldn’t hurt her. It sure didn’t come from past experiences. She knuckled down to scrubbing every spot in the kitchen and mopping the floor. She had to empty the bucket three or four times because the water became so black she thought she was making no progress. When the silver gleamed and the floor was spotless, she got down to putting together a meal. Casey, who had been banned from the room until she was done, galloped in like he hadn’t seen her in years. Jarrika took a moment between tasks to scratch behind his ears and hug him. “You saved me last night, Casey. I’ll never forget that. Thank you.” She washed her hands and got back to the meal. Within an hour, Jarrika had made burgers with blue cheese and sautéed mushrooms, and French fries cut 14

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from whole potatoes. She tossed together a small side salad and made iced tea by sitting a glass jug out in the sun with tea bags in it. Jack had just enough sugar left to sweeten the drink. “I hope this is to your liking. You didn’t have much I could work with,” she said, wringing her hands. Images of food-filled plates thrown against the wall flashed through her mind, but she tamped down the nervousness the memory brought on. Jack took his first huge bite of burger while she stood nearby waiting. He closed his eyes and took his time chewing. After he swallowed, he shoveled in several fries. “Tastes good,” he said around a mouthful of food. Jarrika sighed with relief and grinned. “I’m glad you like it.” “Sit,” he barked, and she frowned at his rough manners. “Were you raised in a barn?” She took a seat and fixed her plate from the two platters in the center of the table. This was nice now that she didn’t fear eating dirt with her food. Although he didn’t say anything, she thought Jack felt the same. She’d caught his appreciative expression before he hid it when he entered the dining room. “No, I was raised here.” He cut his eyes in her direction. “I don’t remember you.” She shrugged. “Hey, I don’t remember you either, but I’m not complaining.” To her surprise, he chuckled. “Touché.” His eyes narrowed on her face. “Tell me why you were so afraid I wouldn’t like the food. Is it because you expected me to throw you out again? If so, don’t worry. I’ve decided you can stay one more night.” Jarrika perked up. “Make it three more, and I’ll cook whatever you want for every meal. I’m a pretty good cook, if I do say so myself. I took a few classes, and once upon a time, I had a dream to own my own restaurant or even a bed-and-breakfast.” She trailed off, realizing that must sound like she had jumped all over owning the Coyote Inn for selfish reasons. But there was nothing wrong with that. “You’d have to do some grocery shopping, of course,” she muttered staring down at her burger. Jack didn’t look fooled at how she avoided answering his question, but he didn’t push her on it. “We’ll see after each meal. I’m picky.” She laughed, looking at his empty plate. “Really? Because it looks to me like you’d down anything I set before you. And you don’t look like the type to put on an ounce of weight.” He smirked. “You checking out my body?” 15

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“Don’t flatter yourself.” Jarrika popped a fry into her mouth to cover her embarrassment. She’d only ever been with one man. Jack stood up and nabbed two more burgers from the tray. He bit into one and held on to the other. She had the feeling he intended to give it to Casey, who was nowhere to be seen. “After you clean up, we can head over to the market to buy food and other supplies.” Jarrika sighed. The man was not sociable at all. She finished clearing the dining room table and then washed the dishes in the kitchen and put away the leftovers. When she headed outside, she found Jack waiting in a pickup truck she hadn’t noticed before. Maybe he kept it around the side of the inn. What surprised her more than him having it was the fact that it looked somewhat new, not more than a couple years old, and it was spotless. The steel grey exterior shone in the sunlight. She shook her head. Men and their toys. She got in on the passenger side and slammed the door closed. “You can keep this clean, but you won’t touch the inn?” His answer was to grunt and throw the truck into gear. When they rode down the street toward what Jack told her was the only grocery store, Jarrika realized this was the first time she’d seen other residents besides him. Kids played in the street and rode bikes. Men and women watered their lawns or stood chatting with one another. Others jogged or walked along pushing strollers. A typical Saturday afternoon, she suspected, and liked the atmosphere. That all changed when she strolled into the store with Jack. Not because of the color of her skin, but she noted the hostility everyone seemed to have toward Jack. No one smiled or greeted him. They all appeared to hate his guts, and from the vibe Jack gave off, the feeling was mutual. Jarrika found it odd that they would even serve him if it was that bad, but she guessed his money spent as well as the next person’s. Jarrika grabbed a cart and began pushing it around the tiny grocery store. Since Jack had given no instructions about what she could and couldn’t get, she made up a mental menu for the next few meals and selected foods based on that. When he disappeared and came back with several cans of sardines in mustard, she cringed. “Casey loves them,” he said, his glare daring her to comment. “Why do they all hate you so much?” she asked instead. “Don’t you know?” He turned away to continue shopping the aisles at random rather than follow her ordered plan. She rolled her eyes. The man insisted that she was there on a plot from whomever, but that no longer bothered her. She had hope that she could charm him with her cooking into 16

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letting her stay longer, until she could figure out her next move. Something told her Jack and Casey were bottomless pits when it came to food. When she caught up to Jack, she asked, “Shouldn’t we get Casey dog food or something? Eating from the table all the time can’t be healthy.” “He’s not a dog.” “He’s in the canine family,” she insisted. The offense she saw in his eyes confused her. “No dog food. Period.” She sighed. “Fine. Forget I said it.” Jarrika continued shopping until she happened on a deli counter. Behind the glass were various salads, and a kindly-looking older woman waiting to serve her. Jarrika guessed this was the person Jack had referred to as making the potato salad they had the night before. “Hello, I’m Jarrika,” she said in greeting. The woman smiled, to her relief, apparently not holding it against her that she was with the grumpy owner of Coyote Inn. “Welcome to Mythe Cove, Jarrika. I’m Sally. These are all my homemade salads. Would you like a sample?” Jarrika pointed out a couple while she debated how to broach the subject of Jack. Would Sally be offended if she asked straight-out why everyone hated him? It turned out that she didn’t have to ask. “Did Jack hire you to help him get the Coyote Inn in shape?” Sally asked. “Because I don’t mind telling you, it would be a huge relief off my mind. We’re trying so hard to bring Mythe Cove back to its former glory, back in the days when people came from all over to enjoy the fresh air and mountains. That eyesore of an inn just ruins all the plans, and Jack just won’t budge to fix it. Doesn’t matter how many ordinances the council sets. Jack does whatever he wants.” Jarrika blinked in surprise at this news. So that’s why they resented him. She could understand and wondered why Jack resisted. She’d think he’d want to preserve what Emma left him. Jack and Casey both seemed heartbroken over her loss. “Oh no, I don’t work for him. My mother visited the area many years ago, I heard, and I wanted to see what kind of place impacted her so much.” It was half true anyway. Emma had said her mother never adjusted to Mythe Cove like she did. And for all she knew, Emma’s letter could be someone’s elaborate and cruel joke, like the rest of the papers. For some reason, Jarrika wanted to believe that part. She wanted to belong somewhere. 17

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Sally’s face fell at Jarrika’s admission. The woman must have been so hopeful that the town was getting its wish and Jack was turning over a new leaf. “Jarrika!” Jack shouted out of the blue, making her jump. “We’re going.” She sighed. The day he changed, she imagined, would be the day after hell froze over. “Half pound of the tuna and the potato, please, Sally. Thanks.” A bit more subdued, Sally prepared her order and wished her a good day. Jarrika caught up with Jack at the checkout. “What’s your problem? Why can’t you be nice?” she demanded. “Nice is insincere. It’s what that woman was doing with you, smiling like she gave a damn whether you were dead or alive, when she couldn’t care less. I don’t do nice.” Her feelings hurt for no reason, Jarrika lowered her head and concentrated on placing the cart items on the conveyor belt. She blinked until the threatening tears dissipated. “I’ll take you next door to the bakery, and you can buy a cake or a pie,” he said, his tone gruff. Jarrika suppressed a grin. She knew he was making up for his meanness in his own way. Jack wasn’t all bad. She just needed to find a way around the rough parts and seek out the hidden good. Somehow, she’d figure out what ate at him, because all of a sudden, she knew that Mythe Cove was where she wanted to stay.

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Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood Chapter Four

Jarrika bent over the local paper scrutinizing the want ads. Funny enough, there was only one fast-food restaurant and few other types because of the town’s size. She’d learned right away that Mythe Cove was stuck in the past with home-cooking and family orientations. A report on the front page of the paper had indicated how the council and concerned citizens had blocked an outsider from opening a nude bar. In fact, the column indicated Mythe Cove had just one bar, which had been there since the dawn of time, it seemed. She’d hoped to find a job at the least flipping burgers, or better yet as a junior chef at a small restaurant, but there was nothing available. Annoyed, she crumpled the paper. Her skills didn’t lend themselves to much else. She’d worked as a waitress for years, but that position wasn’t in the paper either. Maybe she should visit the places in person to check. Then she could either pay Jack for her room, or she could try to see if there was some other establishment to rent a room. Still, that would take time for her to save money from her job. When she got one. Although she had no luck with finding a position, through hard work cooking her butt off and creating new combinations of meals and desserts, she’d wrangled an entire week out of Jack. Confident that she could stay longer, she folded the paper and stood up just as the rain began to fall. She’d been enjoying the warm day, and now the temperature had dropped and clouds had rolled in when she wasn’t looking. Still, it didn’t dampen her spirits. Jarrika moved to the edge of the porch and held her hand out in the downpour. Maybe the rain would wash away some of the dust and make the inn look cleaner even though it wasn’t. She longed to have the rotted wood replaced and a new coat of paint added. Ah well, a little at a time if Jack let her stay. On impulse she tossed aside the paper and the cookbook she’d been looking through for recipes and stepped out into the rain. Water soaked her hair, plastering her bangs to her forehead. No matter, it was due to be washed, and the wiry coils were yanked back in a braid anyway. A sense of freedom spread through her system, and she twirled around, not caring if her thin blouse clung to her curves and her jeans hung heavy on her hips. Feeling eyes watching her, she glanced up to see Jack had come out onto the porch. His gaze riveted to her nipples, defined through the thin material of her blouse and bra. She put her arms up to cover herself, and he frowned. 19

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“I told you not to clean anything other than the kitchen and the dining room,” he grumbled, she guessed to cover the lust he’d been displaying a moment ago. “I didn’t,” she lied. He spun on his heel, slammed the screen door on his way into the house. When he returned, he carried the potted plant she’d put at the front desk. He dumped it upside down over the rail, so the poor thing landed in a muddy puddle. Jarrika screamed and ran over to it. “How could you do that? That plant wasn’t hurting anything.” “You dusted the front desk, and you scrubbed the floor in there too. You think I can’t smell the disgusting cleaning supplies you used?” “Clean stinks to you?” she shouted in disbelief. “If you stop being so coldhearted, maybe the people around here will like you, and you’ll have friends.” “Who needs them! Casey and I do just fine alone. When are you going to get that through your head?” He stormed back inside, and Jarrika flashed on the second plant she’d brought in. She prayed he hadn’t discovered that one. She was hot on his heels as he inspected the inn. “I told you I don’t want any changes, and I meant it.” “You couldn’t have meant it,” she insisted. “Nobody could willingly live like this. All you need is—” He brought his hand down and slammed it on the desk. “Don’t tell me what I need!” Jarrika was so angry, she wanted to keep arguing, but she didn’t dare. Something told her she’d pushed Jack too far. If feeding him got him to go easy on her, provoking his anger made him dig his heels in. He was more stubborn than anyone she’d ever met. But Jarrika could be as well, when she thought she was right about something. They eyed each other across the counter, each tight-lipped and not giving an inch. The stare-off might have gone on if Casey hadn’t come over and whined for attention at Jarrika’s feet. She dropped down to rub his coat. “At least your heart is warm, isn’t it, Casey?” she muttered loud enough for Jack to hear. He reached past her to grab Casey by the scruff of his neck. “Don’t get too close,” he told the coyote. “Her time is up. She’s gone tomorrow.” Jarrika gasped. She jumped to her feet to face him. “Fine! You know what, Jack? I can go right now. I don’t need you or your broken-down, trashy inn. Hope you’re happy with Casey. He can keep you company at night and when you’re a lonely, old, bitter man.” 20

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Too angry to cry, she stomped up to her room and packed her things. Casey followed behind her, but she ignored him. When everything was ready to go, she went back downstairs. Jack was nowhere to be seen. She didn’t expect him to give a crap about her leaving, although she did think he’d be there to be sure she actually left. Blocking Casey from leaving the inn, she closed the door and dragged her case off the porch. The rain was still falling but less so. Small blessings, she thought. Jarrika was halfway to the road when the handle on her case snapped off. Her battered case went over on its side. Not believing this happened at a time like this, Jarrika stood there staring down at the useless piece in her hand. “Hello, Jarri.” She jumped. Her heart threatened to come up through her mouth. He wouldn’t be here of all places, not here in Oregon, so many miles away from where she left him. Shaking and hoping it would be attributed to the fact that she was wet and chilled, she turned toward him. Her ex-boyfriend stood not many feet from her position, looking as handsome as he had when she last saw him—just as mean too. Jack might be gruff and unsociable, but he’d never really hurt her. Her ex had. “M-Mike,” she whispered. “What are you doing here?” He grinned. “Did you think you could get rid of me that easily, Jarri?” He tsked and shook his head. He knew she hated the nickname, which was why he used it. “What did I tell you before, huh? You don’t leave unless I say you can.” He advanced on her, but she backed up. She curled her fingers in her wet pants to hide their shaking. His laugh and the cruelty in his eyes told her he knew how scared she was. Mike stopped in front of her and raised a hand toward her face. Jarrika swallowed and turned her head, her eyes closed. She’d come to hate his tender touches more than the slaps and punches. “Jarrika!” Both she and Mike focused on Jack in the doorway. Jack stepped out onto the porch, crossing his arms over his chest. “Get in the house,” he commanded. Her mouth dropped open. She was about to explain who Mike was. He cut her off. Casey came out, head low, growling at Mike. “Now, Jarrika,” Jack repeated. She went, leaving her suitcase where it was. Jack strolled to the end of the porch, the attitude much like he’d done the day she arrived. “You have two seconds to get off my property,” he told Mike. Mike, who was a professional bodybuilder by hobby and a personal trainer by profession, had Jack by at least fifty pounds of muscle, but he was 21

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several inches shorter. Confident of his intimidating build, he flexed for Jack. Jarrika fought nausea. She’d once thought he was the sexiest man alive. Now she hated to see his face and wished she had never experienced his body. “You and what army is going to make me leave?” Mike taunted. “That little bitch in there is mine, and she knows it. She might have run away, but she always comes back. She knows what’s good for her. And don’t think I’m scared of your little mutt either. I’ll kick his ass along with yours.” Jarrika shivered. She should go out there and take Mike away. Jack might be a jerk, but he’d fed her and let her stay. Casey had been great. They didn’t deserve the trouble Mike would cause. She started to open the screen door, but stopped when another growl joined Casey’s. She strained to see around Jack and was shocked to discover another coyote had come along. Each time the sun went down, they came out, and Casey often ran off with them. The sun hadn’t hit the horizon yet, so they were early. She wondered if they came sensing he had trouble. Another two adults and a younger one came along, all advancing on Mike along with Casey. “You were saying?” Jack said. Mike frowned and backed up. “This ain’t over.” He looked her way, apparently seeing her standing in the doorway. “You hear that, Jarri? This ain’t over. You’re coming home where you belong.” After Mike left, Jarrika sank to the floor just inside the door with her arms wrapped around her knees and her head down. She worked to calm her racing heart and slow her breathing. Tears flooded her eyes, and she had to smother a sob. She hadn’t heard Jack come inside when she found him kneeling in front of her. He lifted her chin, searching her eyes. “Did he hurt you?” “It’s nothing.” She tried turning her head, but he held on, stroking her cheek with his thumb. A tremor went through her body. She stiffened. Just when she thought she had control, it fled. Jack was never gentle. Yet, he cupped her face with both hands. His tender kiss melted her, made her strain closer to him. He lifted her from the floor to press her close to him, all the while not breaking the connection between their lips. He might be lean, but Jarrika felt his strength. She drew from it and his warmth. Jack worked her lips apart to slide his tongue into her mouth. She moaned as his hands explored her body, steadied on her rear to raise her up to his erection. Everything inside Jarrika screamed to give him what they both wanted, but she drew back. She held a hand at his chest and one backward over her mouth. She stared at the floor. “You would take advantage of me at a time like this.” She 22

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dug at him on purpose, one of her ploys to put distance between them and to cool him off. He grunted. The cruel response she expected didn’t come. He spun away and left the room. Jarrika wasn’t sure what she should do. Was he letting her stay another night? She peered out into the waning day. Her bag lay in the mud. The coyotes and Casey were nowhere in sight. Jack came stomping through, walked out to retrieve her bag, and went upstairs with it. When he came back, he kept going to disappear out into the night. He’d given her no explanation. She guessed another night and shut the front door. Weary, she decided to take a shower and make dinner for Jack and Casey. After that, she would go to bed early. She just hoped tomorrow her outlook would be much better on all counts.

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Tressie Lockwood Chapter Five

Jarrika tossed and turned, struggling to free herself from the covers, but the more she tried, the more tangled she became. A storm raged outside, making her dreams that much worse with the backdrop. Every time she tried to wake up, sleep dragged at her mind and body, imprisoning her. She cried out. A cool breeze soothed her heated skin, and someone whispered, “Shh, it’s okay, Jarrika. You’re home.” “Home?” she answered. “Yes, right where you belong…with Jack. He needs you.” “Jack doesn’t need anyone. He’s fine with just him and Casey. That man doesn’t have a heart,” she complained. “You’re wrong. He needs you, Jarrika. Jack is hurting, and until he forgives himself for what happened, he will never move on, never love.” In her sleep, Jarrika frowned, wondering what the person meant and who it was. “Forgive himself for what?” she asked, but no answer to her question came. She was at last able to wake and sat up looking around the dark room. The rain still poured, and thunder roared overhead. Every now and then her windows lit up from the lightning. Somewhere nearby she thought she heard a voice say, “Go to him.” Jarrika threw the covers off and stood up. Just as she reached her door, something thumped below on the first floor. Cracking her door open, she heard Jack come in, but the telltale sound of Casey’s claws on the floor didn’t follow him. A glance at the clock told her it was after two in the morning. The food would be cold, but from the clink of dishes and fork scraping a plate, she figured he wolfed down the food anyway. Gathering her nerve, she crept down the stairs, but by then Jack had gone into his first-floor room. Outside his door, she heard the shower come on and bit her lip. Images of Jack naked, covered in soap, came to mind. Should she go in, or would he reject her after she accused him of trying to take advantage of her? The fact is she wanted him. He’d protected her from Mike, and something inside told her Jack wouldn’t treat her like her ex did. Mike had done a lot of horrible things to her, but funny enough, he hadn’t destroyed her faith in men. She still believed in her heart that there was someone special out there who could love her. Maybe she was a sentimental idiot who clung to hope no matter how bad the circumstances, but so what? It got her through each day, and that’s what was important. 24

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Her hand hovered a full minute above the door before she knocked, but Jack didn’t answer. She swallowed and tried the knob. It was unlocked. She let herself in and stood outside his open bathroom door. Through the steam, his long, lean figure was discernable as he washed himself under the hot spray. Should she go any farther? After all, he could reject her, tell her to get out of his room and never come back. He might misinterpret her coming to him and think she was trading her body for another night under his roof. Thinking that made her pause. Was she? No, her moral code was higher than that, and if that was the case, she would have had sex with him earlier. Still not very confident, she stripped off her nightgown and tossed it over the back of a chair. After easing her feet from her slippers, she stepped into the bathroom. Heart thundering, she reached to the plain shower curtain and pulled it back. Jack froze with his hand over a sudsy chest. Just as she thought, his body was rock solid with taut skin stretched over defined muscle. His abs were flat with a slight six-pack, his thighs dusted with dark hair. Staff erect from the moment he caught sight of her, it stood at attention, making Jarrika tremble a little. Too late, she remembered that she was a tad underweight from all that had happened in the past. Sure, she’d gained a little with eating good at the Coyote Inn, but perhaps Jack would be turned off. He might like his women with more meat on their bones. Unable to meet his eyes to see if he was disgusted seeing her naked, she kept her head down and climbed into the shower. The first drops of water to reach her chilled her skin, and she shivered. She opened her mouth to tell him why she was there, but how to say it seemed to be lost to her. Instead, she waited for his response. After a while, Jack closed the curtain and handed her his washcloth. She was gratified to find he used the new bold red one she’d bought him in the last week as she’d found all the linen was nothing more than rags. Jack handed her his cloth newly soaped. She took it, about to wash her body, but he stopped her. “Wash me.” Her gaze flew to his. The desire she found there made her bolder. She began at his chest with light movements. A chill raced over her flesh, this time having nothing to do with the temperature. Her desire ignited. Jarrika washed Jack from head to toe, avoiding his private areas. He chuckled and guided her hand to his shaft. “You missed a spot.” Jarrika glowered at him, but she would not give him the satisfaction of knowing she was scared. She clenched the washcloth in her hand, head lowered but gaze directed away from his erection. Just before the material 25

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met his flesh, Jack whipped the cloth from her hand and curled her fingers around his staff. Jarrika tried to draw back, but Jack made her stroke him, from the base to the tip. Her juices began to flow, moistening her center. She chewed her lip and tugged again, but Jack wouldn’t give in. “You want this, but you’re afraid,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m not.” “Prove it.” She squeezed him lightly and stepped closer. On her tiptoes, she placed gentle kisses along his collarbone. Jack moaned. Jarrika pressed closer still, and the tip of his shaft poked between her legs. She bit off a nervous squeak. Jack’s hand came around her waist, and he lifted her in his arms. He guided her legs to encircle him while he kissed her lips. Jarrika sighed against his mouth, wanting more. “I promise. I’m not going to hurt you,” he told her. Dare she believe him? Jack trailed kisses from her mouth, to her jawline and down to her shoulders. By the time he had lifted her a little higher to capture her nipple, she forgot her fear and arched into his touch. What his tongue was doing to her drove her insane. She tangled her fingers in his hair and drove him tighter to her small breasts. He laved first one and then the other, moaning. “You taste so good, Jarrika. I can’t get enough.” Jarrika threw her head back, gasping for breath. Jack fingered her heat, determined she was ready, and then he pierced her with his stiff sword. Jarrika clawed his shoulders. Pumping her hips, she worked him deeper, wanting every inch. He glided to the hilt, tugged back, and then pushed all the way into her heat a second time. Jarrika couldn’t help herself. She bumped against Jack, forcing his shaft in and out of her body. Jack gripped her rear and raised her before letting her come down on him over and over. He bit off several swear words as their hips came together, pumping in a wild rhythm of desperate need. Jack covered her mouth and pushed his tongue between her lips. She moaned, clinging to him. Her orgasm climbed, about to send her over the edge. Jarrika didn’t dare stop. She gripped Jack’s shoulders and leaned back so that when he drove into her, the impact was that much harder and filled her to capacity. She bounced up and down Jack’s erection, her breasts matching the frenzied beat. “Oh hell, I’m going to come,” Jack shouted. He grunted and made her ride faster. Jarrika keened. The pleasure was almost too much, but she didn’t 26

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want it to end. She joined his grunts as her climax hit, tightening in coils deep inside her. Just before Jack exploded inside of her, he yanked out, flipped her around with her back to him and used his fingers to work her aching tunnel. Jarrika was shocked when another orgasm slammed through her body. She rested her head on Jack’s shoulder while crying out and squirming in his hold. When they were calmer, Jack set her on her feet. She kept her back to him as she washed her body. Jack finished first and stepped out of the shower, leaving her there. She shivered, not sure how things would be between them now. After the shower, Jarrika dried herself with a spare towel and went back out to Jack’s bedroom. He was already in bed, taking up most of it with his eyes closed. Assuming he was asleep, she walked across to retrieve her nightgown and slippers. At the door, about to leave, she stopped when he spoke. “Where are you going?” he asked. She didn’t turn around. “I…uh…to my room.” The covers rustled, and she peeked over her shoulder. Jack had thrown the sheet back and patted the small space beside him. She dropped her things and hurried to join him. As soon as she was settled, Jack scooped her close to toss one of his legs over both hers. She couldn’t have gotten away if she tried. He tucked her head against his neck, and within seconds, the man was snoring. By degrees, Jarrika relaxed in Jack’s arms. Is this really home, Emma? He still feels so distant, so closed off. Will he let me stay or drive me away? I don’t know what I want. No answer came before Jarrika drifted off to sleep.

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Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood Chapter Six

His attention, along with Casey’s, was on her hands as she poured batter into a cake pan. She’d promised Jack she’d make him a strawberry shortcake after he had flipped through her dessert cookbook and slapped a finger down on the treat he wanted. Since Casey ate everything that Jack did, she imagined Casey would eat a few slices as well. She had to be extra careful about making anything with chocolate for that reason. Somewhere she’d read too much chocolate could kill a dog. “Where do you go at night?” Jarrika asked Jack. Licking sweet batter from her fingers, she glanced at Casey. Just because Jack insisted his pet was not a dog didn’t make it so. “Out,” was Jack’s clipped reply. She frowned. Since they’d become lovers, he was only slightly less gruff. “Out where, Mr. Talkative?” He sighed. “Casey and I go up into the mountains. It’s peaceful away from chatty humans.” She narrowed her eyes at him. Funny how he would say “humans” as if he wasn’t a member of the group. She shook her head. Never in her life had she met anyone who hated being around people like Jack. Would he ever open up to her? “If you like, we can bring you a rabbit or a squirrel to cook next time we go,” Jack suggested. He did that sometimes, she thought, made peace offerings to make up for his meanness. Her stomach turned at this particular one. “Uh, don’t feel obligated,” she told him. People ate rabbits, but she wasn’t the one. And squirrel didn’t bear thinking on. “Suit yourself.” Jack leaned forward when she was about to put the bowl in the sink. Casey jumped on a chair. Jarrika rolled her eyes and set it down in front of them. She smacked Jack’s hands when he was about to let Casey lick from the bowl. “You give him some on a paper plate. Animals licking out of the bowl is disgusting.” The two of them grumbled at her. She put her hand on her hip and eyeballed them both. Two heads ducked and gave in to her command. Jarrika suppressed a grin and turned to do the dishes. With her back to Jack and hearing him smack his lips at his treat, she figured now was as good a time as any to ask about cleaning more of the inn. “Jack?” A grunt was his acknowledgement of her speaking to him. “I was thinking I’d like to do more cleaning around here, fixing up some—” 28

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“No.” “But…” “I said no,” he reiterated. She rinsed suds from her hands and toweled them dry while facing him. Jack sat back in his chair. The bowl was almost spotless. She’d wash it anyway in a minute. Casey wandered out of the kitchen, and she caught the sound of the screen door opening and closing. On impulse, Jarrika laid the dish towel down and walked over to Jack. She sat on his lap, making sure to wiggle her rear. His shaft grew out in an instant. While rubbing her breasts into his chest, she reached between them to stroke the front of his pants. He covered her hand, pressed her harder to him, and made her squeeze. Teasing his mouth with tiny kisses and nips at his lips, she moaned. “Come on, Jack. You like it better when it’s clean. I know you do.” He swore. She winced at his language. “Don’t try to manipulate me, woman. You think I can’t see right through that?” She rested her forehead on his shoulder, saying nothing. Jack growled and cursed some more. “I’ll think about it.” She had to leave it at that. Pushing Jack would only make the stubborn man dig his heels in and not budge for anyone. Later in the day, Jarrika decided she needed to get out of the house for a change. She fixed a nice big lunch of cold cut subs and macaroni salad and packed it in a picnic basket she’d found in the attic. After wrapping the strawberry shortcake and packing that too, along with iced tea, she knew she could get Jack and Casey to come along. When she ventured outside hefting the heavy basket, Jack looked up from a rare fix. He’d been patching the hole she had stuffed her foot through on the steps, claiming he didn’t want her trying to sue him because her head was too much in the clouds to look where she was going. “I’m not letting you ruin my day, Jack Summers,” she’d told him. He stood there staring at her like she had two heads. She couldn’t figure him out. When she stumbled down the steps now, almost tipping over at the unbalance the basket caused, Jack frowned and caught her around the waist. He lifted her with no effort and set her on the ground. “What are you doing now, woman?” She raised her chin, fighting a grin. “I’m going on a picnic. There’s a flat, grassy area I spotted last time we went out in the truck, just before the ground begins to climb toward the mountain. There are big shade trees there, and no neighbors around. It’s the perfect spot for lunch.” 29

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He grumbled. “I’m not eating lunch out there.” She smirked. “Why, you’re too sophisticated?” Rolling her eyes, she turned toward the one who was always on her side. “Casey’s going, aren’t you, boy?” She scratched his neck, and he whined appreciatively. Jarrika took a few strides from the inn, and Casey fell into step beside her. Jack swore. “Fine. But this is the one and only time,” he told her. Without another word, he caught up and nipped the basket from her hand. Grateful, Jarrika flexed her shoulder muscle and picked up her pace to match Jack’s long legs. Casey, happy to have Jack go anywhere with him, ran up ahead and then back to them, seeming to hurry them along. Soon they arrived at the spot Jarrika had indicated, and Jarrika spread out the blanket she’d had tucked beneath her other arm. Jack set down the basket and began rummaging through it. His dark eyes lit up when he came across the cake, and he was about to serve it to himself and Casey until Jarrika smacked his hands. She forced them to wait until they’d had lunch, fixing them both a plate. If someone would have told her she’d fix a plate for an animal just like he was human, she wouldn’t have believed it. Yet now, it was habit. “Wait, you greedy animals,” she told Jack and Casey. “We have to give thanks over the food.” She put her hands together, and both males complained but sat with bowed heads. Jarrika laughed. She said a hasty prayer before their patience ran out, and soon they were all enjoying the fruits of her labor. Afterward, Casey ran off, and Jack stretched out on his back, tipping his hat over his eyes and placing his hands behind his head. Jarrika cleaned up, thinking he was asleep until he spoke. “Tell me about him.” She jumped. “Who?” “Him. The idiot who thought he could threaten you on my property.” Jarrika’s hands shook a little. She’d thought Jack had forgotten about the incident or at least didn’t give a crap about it. Mike hadn’t been far from her thoughts, since she wondered whether he was still in Mythe Cove. She tried for a matter-of-fact tone while she popped the Tupperware top on the salad. “Mike is my ex-boyfriend. He wasn’t very nice to me. I left.” Jack sat up and tilted her chin toward him. He kissed her once and stared at her until she felt she couldn’t avoid telling him all. The man could keep his own demons to himself, but she had to share hers? She sighed. “I met him at a church singles function. He was sweet and charming. I fell for his handsome face. We eventually moved into a tiny rental house, to the displeasure of the church members. I ended up not going back there after that. It was harder still when Mike began to beat me. And when he came to 30

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my jobs, accusing me of cheating, I lost so many, but where I’m from, waitressing jobs are a dime a dozen. “Eventually, Mike didn’t want me working at all. He said he could keep an eye on me at home. He owned a computer repair business he ran from the garage. As time went on, Mike became more controlling. He…” She shredded a paper napkin between her fingers, gritting her teeth. Remembering how bad it got with Mike brought up the fear she’d thought she dealt with the day she left home to come to Mythe Cove. Jack pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. Jarrika closed her eyes, letting Jack’s strength help her keep a grip on her emotions. Somehow it helped to talk to him. She had no family left and no girlfriends for a long time. Mike had forced them all out of her life. “He said I was too fat.” She swallowed back tears. “I’ve never been overweight in my life, but Mike saw me that way. He put a lock on the refrigerator and would sometimes shut me up in the bedroom all day with nothing to eat. Or he’d make me cook this elaborate, delicious meal and wouldn’t let me have one bite of it. “I know what you’re thinking. Why didn’t I leave him sooner or fight back somehow? I tried. He always found me, and my punishment would be that much worse. So bad, I lost hope many times and prayed for death. And then the day came when Emma wrote to me. I thought she was a gift from God, a light in the darkness. It didn’t occur to me that it was all a lie. I thought it was something of my own which Mike couldn’t take away or get me fired from.” Again, Jack lifted her chin when she stared down at her hands, the tears rolling down her cheeks unchecked. He thumbed the moisture away and kissed her lips. “You don’t have to worry about him. He’s a coward. I can smell the type, the abuser. Inside they’re weak little assholes who don’t have the balls to be real men. I will protect you.” She sniffed and smiled. “Your expressions are so funny.” His eyebrows went up. “An asshole without balls?” She burst out laughing. “No, I mean saying you can smell him. The way you talk sometimes, you act like Casey is human, and then other times you talk as if you’re a coyote like him. I love to see how close the two of you are. I don’t have anyone like that. I mean, that I’m close to.” She glanced away toward the mountain and caught sight of Casey digging at something on the ground. “I used to wish I had a sister. She’d have my back, and I’d have hers. It didn’t work out that way. My parents had me late in life, so I was a blessing as it was.” 31

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Jarrika noticed how stiff Jack had gone when she talked of how he viewed himself and Casey. She didn’t get why he was so sensitive on the subject, but decided not to push him. The very fact that they were out here together, hopefully getting to know each other better, was good enough for now. “Come here.” He stood them up and held out his hand. Jarrika followed him to a spot on the grass several feet away from the blanket. “I’m going to show you a few moves of self-defense just in case I’m not around and you need to take care of yourself.” She didn’t want to think of him not around, but she listened to his instructions, and they spent the rest of the afternoon rehearsing several moves that would debilitate a man long enough for her to get away. Not until she cried mercy did Jack let her rest, and while she drank tea, he and Casey wolfed down the rest of the food. Jarrika shook her head. Jack’s food bill was out of control.

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Tressie Lockwood Chapter Seven

Jack knew he had avoided admitting anything about himself to Jarrika. His past was not just his past. He had to think of Casey. Watching her slip into bed and curl up close to him, his chest tightened. He refused to believe he was falling for her. She seemed so tiny, so defenseless. While he longed to protect her from hurts, he had to admire how she seemed to be the happiest person he ever knew. She’d come through so much abuse, and yet there was almost always a smile on her face. He’d never met anyone like her. If he was honest with himself, he’d admit that telling her more about himself had nothing to do with Casey and everything to do with him not wanting Jarrika to think he was a loser. He snorted at that thought. On a daily basis, he fought her about refurbishing the inn. She already knew he was a pathetic loser. His past would confirm it. However, if she was brave enough to tell him what that ass had done to her, he shouldn’t hold back. He took a deep breath. “When you said you were abused…” She turned her big brown eyes up to him. Again his chest tightened. He’d never been with an African-American woman. Hell, there were few in Mythe Cove. But Jarrika’s smooth cocoa skin set him on fire. He couldn’t get enough of her, to his amazement. Her full lips were sweeter than honey, and the little mewls she made when he pleasured her body drove him insane. Not to mention that she could outcook any woman in the county. He scratched his head. From sex to his belly. Maybe he was as strange as she claimed he was. “I understand what you felt when you said you were abused,” he blurted before he changed his mind. “My mother was an alcoholic. My father—who the hell knows who he was? She kept boyfriends, every one a loser. They’d often come home drunk and kick the crap out of Cas—my brother and me. I took the brunt of it since I was older, but I was small. I did what I could to protect my brother.” He shrugged. “When I was old enough, I kicked the living shit out of the last one. That ended that.” Her eyes filled with tears, and she cuddled close to him, stroking his hair. His instinct was to push her away. He didn’t need her to comfort him. But that would hurt Jarrika, and for the life of him, he couldn’t bring himself to ever cause her pain. So he let her feel like she soothed away the years of hurt he was sure he’d let go long ago. What ailed him, he knew, was letting Casey down. She could never make the guilt over that go away. Besides, she’d never understand the fact that he, like Casey, was a coyote. The difference between him and his brother was that he had help getting through his first change. Casey didn’t. Nothing could change that fact. Nothing could take away the 33

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blame that belonged squarely on Jack’s shoulders after Casey suffered the consequences. Knowing what would drive away his demons, Jack nudged Jarrika on her back and positioned himself over her. He caught the hem of her nightgown and slid it higher. “How many times do I have to tell you to come to bed naked?” he demanded. She cast him a defiant look. “A few thousand more.” Jack growled. “You’re a very naughty woman, Jarrika. I’ll have to fix that.” She grinned, offering her sweet lips. He took them with relish, running his tongue over the gentle curves before delving inside. He could devour her every day and never get tired. Running his hand over her throat, he followed it with his mouth, exploring every nook and cranny of her lovely body. When he came up again to meet her gaze, he asked, “Why is it that you are never afraid when I yell at you? You’ve never cowered from me once, not even the first day we met.” She shrugged. “I don’t know. There’s something about you. I feel confident that you won’t hurt me. Are you telling me I’m wrong?” “No, you’re not wrong.” He wanted to say more but dared not. Admitting at least in part how special she was to him was enough. Jarrika didn’t need to start getting ideas about him and her. He figured it was just a matter of time before she learned his secret and ran. Or he would break things off between them because of the threat that she would find out. Right now he was being selfish. He’d promised himself he would never let anyone get close. But he didn’t want to let Jarrika go. For the microsecond he let it happen, he didn’t feel so alone. He didn’t feel so weighted down with his responsibilities. Banishing the dark thoughts from his mind, Jack leaned back on his heels while he raised Jarrika’s legs higher. He studied her delicate heat, thumbed the swollen lips apart, and pushed a finger inside of her. She moaned, and her muscles tightened around his finger. Jack eased down her body to follow the path his finger took with his mouth. He loved her flavor, could eat her until he lost all strength. And the way she wiggled around, her tiny moans teasing his senses, brought him to the brink of an orgasm before he even pressed his erection inside her. Pleasing her was more than half of his pleasure. Greedily, he licked her, squeezing her thighs, and holding her down with a palm over her belly. She almost sang his name as he brought her to climax. Tears wet her sooty lashes. Tightness in Jack’s chest when he saw them wasn’t about lust. Being weak over her made him angry with himself, but at those times, he didn’t allow himself to be gruff with her. 34

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He lay down beside her and took her in his arms. Gently, he lifted one of her legs and guided his shaft up her channel. She sighed, giving in to him, trusting him. Holding on to her ass, Jack pumped deep. He shuddered, a ripple bringing goose bumps to his flesh at how good she felt. Their bodies meshed well, like they were meant to be together. Jack blocked out such thoughts and drove in faster. He cupped the back of her head and whispered in her ear, the words a caress in themselves. “Jack,” she whimpered. “Give me all of you, Jarrika,” he said. She arched, causing her stiff nipples to graze his chest. Jack jerked her closer and then emptied himself. A growl broke loose. Through slitted eyes he caught sight of his fingers—claws—shredding the sheets. Still rock hard, he prayed she had her eyes closed and wouldn’t notice his change, but he couldn’t draw back now. He wanted more, oh so much more. He moved his hands from her skin so he wouldn’t tear it by mistake and turned his head, feeling the sharp canines curve and lengthen. When he should have left the room until he could regain control, instead he pushed her onto her back and again and covered her body with his. Grounding every inch into her sweetness, he wrestled his beast nature to possess her. The growls hadn’t stopped, but with each one, she seemed more turned on. Her muscles quivered, and from the clench he felt on his shaft, she had orgasmed once again. Jack leaned up, daring to look into her face. Her eyes were closed, her lips parted in surrender. He cleared his throat attempting to speak in a normal tone of voice. “Keep your eyes closed,” he instructed. The scratchy, ragged tone was nothing like his regular voice, but she gave a small nod and pushed her fist to her mouth while burrowing her face into the pillow. Jack sat up, never taking his eyes off her. When he was confident she wouldn’t look, he placed his hands at her waist and watched his shaft glide in and out of her. His desire jumped tenfold. He drew her hips higher, up his thighs so he could push himself farther, bury every inch in her tight box. Her cream flowed, mingling with his release. The sight of it drove him higher. He quickened his pace. When Jarrika began to pant, Jack found her little nubbin and massaged it, careful with his claws. She bit off a scream. He gave her no mercy, working her intimate place until he felt her come again. After a few more rapid pumps, he followed with his second orgasm. Before she could come down from her high, Jack pulled out of her and climbed off the bed, headed for the bathroom. He shut the door and locked it, leaning against the cool wood. Each time he got excited with her, he 35

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changed and had to rush away to pull himself together. At this rate, she would know his secret. He had to come to a decision about her soon. Tell her all, or send her away. Being alone wasn’t so bad. He’d made it through all this time and had been just fine with Casey. Yet, for the first time, the prospect felt unbearable. All of a sudden, life without Jarrika wasn’t life at all. **** Jarrika wandered around the clothing store looking for something to buy. Jack had given her a handful of money and set her loose while he went to get the truck serviced. She thought it was nothing more than an excuse not to come inside with her. After all, from what she’d seen, the man’s wardrobe consisted of a million pairs of jeans and twice that in T-shirts. No variety whatsoever. She’d at first refused his money, telling him it was just a matter of time before she got a job, but he had convinced her she’d earned it with the endless cooking. That was true. It was a good thing she loved cooking, or she’d be somewhere hiding from Jack and Casey’s bottomless bellies. A cute blue-and-white floral-print dress caught her eye. The top half was strapless elastic, and the waist was banded. Tiered ruffles made up the asymmetrical hem, which reached a little higher than midthigh. She’d never worn a dress that short, but she fell in love upon sight. The price was right, and she had to have it. If she felt a little uncomfortable or the mountain air was too cool, she could always wear the cropped jacket already in her wardrobe. That is, if she didn’t find a new one. Excited about her selections, Jarrika headed to the checkout after she’d tried on all the clothes and paid for her things. Since Jack wasn’t back yet, she decided to walk the block to the repair shop she knew he’d gone to. Everything here was set close together, and the people were friendly to her at least. Feeling alive and content, she wandered along, swinging her bags and waving to people she recognized, like Sally from the grocery store, on her way to get her hair done from the look of it. Jarrika rounded a corner and passed an alley. An arm shot out from the shadowed area between two buildings and yanked her into it. Before she could cry out, a hand came down over her mouth, and she was shoved against the wall. Mike sneered at her. “Well, well, look who I found. I told you I wasn’t leaving without you, Jarri.” He snatched her bags from her limp fingers. “What’s this? Shit that guy bought you? Did you trade your body for it, Jarri?” 36

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He tossed the bags onto the ground and raised his fist. Tears filled Jarrika’s eyes. For a few moments, she froze in fear and closed her eyes, bracing for the blow. She’d known all along this new life was too good to be true. It was just a matter of time before she was forced to go back with Mike. Remembered nights flashed through her mind, of times she curled up in pain because she was hungry. How she’d come to that point didn’t matter. What mattered was that she’d let it happen, had excused Mike until she was too scared of him to do anything but what he said. And then she remembered Jack and what he taught her. Jack hadn’t forced her to depend on his protection, although she trusted he’d give his all to keep her from harm. He taught her to help herself and hadn’t let up until she’d learned a thing or two. Dredging up all the courage she could, Jarrika forced her eyes open in time to see Mike’s fist descend. She jerked to the side, and his knuckles slammed into the brick wall. “Son of a—!” he yelled, gripping his hand in pain. Jarrika took advantage of his distraction and kneed him in the balls. When he bent over crying out again, she grabbed the back of his head and yanked it down to her knee. Blood spewed from his nose, and he fell on the ground. Jarrika stooped to snatch up her bags. Everything in her wanted to run away, but she turned instead and drove her foot into Mike’s side. “You stay away from me, Mike. I don’t ever want to see your face again, or you’ll be sorry.” Mike rolled back and forth, not knowing whether to hold his nose, his nuts, or his side. Still he was defiant. “You’ll be the one sorry, Jarrika. Wait till I get up from here.” She kicked him several more times with him cussing and fussing. After a while tears pinched from his eyes, but he pressed his lips together trying to bear it. Jarrika dug in her pocket and pulled out a dog whistle she’d found in Jack’s room. On impulse, she blew into it. Somewhere in the distance a dog barked. She blew again. Tires screeched to a halt at the end of the alley. She glanced around in time to see Jack jump from his truck, and Casey leaped from the open window. Both charged down the alley. When Jack caught sight of Mike, his expression darkened. He drew up to her and tipped up her face in the dim lighting, examining it as if he looked for evidence that Mike had hit her. “He didn’t get a chance to,” she told him and sighed as if she’d been crying. The incident shook her more than she realized. “Casey, watch him,” Jack commanded. He led her to the truck and got her and her bags tucked inside before he spun back to the alley. 37

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“What are you going to do, Jack?” she called. He didn’t answer. They were both gone for at least ten minutes, but Jarrika couldn’t see clearly down the dark alley. When Jack and Casey returned, Mike wasn’t with them. Fear snaked over her. “You didn’t…um…kill him, did you, Jack?” “He won’t mess with you again,” he muttered but didn’t confirm or deny her fear. By the time they reached the Coyote Inn, Jarrika was shaking. Jack insisted she go lie down until she felt better. Her aching muscles agreed, and she went to her room rather than his, where she’d slept ever since they had first become lovers. All of a sudden, she had so many questions. She didn’t know Jack that well, didn’t even know where he got his money, with the inn in disrepair and him not working anywhere she could see. He might have murdered Mike for all she knew. Had she been foolish to trust him wholeheartedly as if she couldn’t have made the same mistake twice in choosing a man? For a long time, she lay in bed unable to sleep. The hours passed slowly, and the sun went down. Jack brought her leftover soup that she had made a couple days before, and she ate it in silence. She expected him to grill her about how distant she was being, but he said nothing. He watched her eat, and when she was done, he took her dishes and walked to the door. “If you want to come to my bed tonight, I’d like you to. I’ll be in late. If you’re not up to it, that’s fine.” She’d never heard him sound so gentle, so understanding. The tone freaked her out even more, but all she did was nod and lie back on the bed. Jack clicked the light off and closed the door behind him.

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Tressie Lockwood Chapter Eight

Jarrika barely slept that night. She didn’t go to Jack’s room to wait for him to get back. As the night wore on, she thought more and more that she should leave. Her mind couldn’t wrap around the fact that there was something that didn’t fit about Jack and Casey, and yet, she couldn’t rest easy anymore. How had they found her so quickly in the alley? And why would she even think about using a dog whistle as if she expected the signal to reach Jack? Casey, sure, but not Jack. Restless, she got out of bed and put her slippers on. She wandered downstairs to the kitchen and began pulling food out. Within the hour, she had begun preparing a veritable feast, maybe the last Jack and Casey would ever have cooked at her hands. She still had money left over from her shopping earlier. It would be enough to get a bus ticket back to the closest city. There, she could find a shelter and begin putting her life together on her own. She’d done fine before Mike, and she’d do fine after Jack. Crying over the dough she kneaded for homemade biscuits, she realized what the problem was. Despite everything, she loved Jack. Over the past weeks, he had softened. He allowed her to clean quite a bit in the inn, and he’d followed suit with a few repairs. She’d noticed paint cans in the bed of the truck and figured he would do that as well. “He’ll lose it all when you go.” Jarrika gasped and spun around. There was no one else in the kitchen. Her heart pounded in her chest. “W-Who’s there?” she called. No answer. Shaky, she continued to prepare the meal, and when all was done, she packaged it up and placed it on the stove for Jack to either eat it between him and Casey or put it away to save for tomorrow. After washing the dishes and cleaning off the kitchen table, Jarrika headed toward the stairs to go back to bed. Her heart had calmed, and now it felt heavy with her depression. “Do you want to know the truth?” Jarrika gripped the banister and resisted running back to her room to hide under the covers. Now she noticed the drop in temperature in the hall. “It’s you, isn’t it, Emma? Jack’s great-grandmother. You wrote me that letter after…you…” “After I was gone.” Jarrika turned around, her movements jerky. There was Emma behind the front desk, a wispy little old lady no more than five foot four. Her hair was stark white and her eyes pale like Jack’s. Jarrika thought she’d collapse, but she kept a death grip on the banister. Her mouth dropped open, and her 39

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eyes widened so much they hurt. Was it a ghost she was seeing? Maybe her run-in with Mike had knocked a screw loose. “Hello, my dear,” Emma said as calm as she pleased. Jarrika sank to the steps. “How can you be here? Jack said you passed. I don’t believe in ghosts.” Emma’s laugh tinkled like delicate glass. “You may not believe, but here I am. Right? Besides, I could not move on until I know my great-grandsons are taken care of.” “Grandsons?” The sweet smile lit her face, and love shined from her eyes. “Casey, of course.” Jarrika shook her head. “I know people love their pets like family, but come on. Sticking around after death to secure a coyote?” “Oh, darling, you will understand soon enough.” She seemed to float around the desk and over to Jarrika, freaking her out even more, but she held her ground. The closer Emma came, the more the hair on her arms stood up, and the cooler the hall felt. “I don’t have much time, my dear, so you must listen carefully. At a certain time in their development, what you call puberty, those in my family need a helping hand, so to speak. An older sibling must be there at their side to ease the transition.” “Transition?” Jarrika had no idea what Emma was talking about. Emma waved her to silence. “If that older sibling is not there, then there is a strong possibility of the cub getting lost in the change. A fractured mind can be the result. This is what happened to Casey because his brother wasn’t there for him. For a while, Casey was gone from us. We didn’t know where he was. By the time Jack located him, it was too late. He will probably never be the same again.” Jarrika stood up and shook her head. She took a step up on the stairs. “No, that’s impossible. You’re saying… It sounds like you’re saying that Jack and Casey are…” Again she shook her head, not wanting to believe it, but all the signs had been there, hadn’t they? How many times had Jack been offended when she alluded to Casey as just an animal, a pet? And he never wanted to feed Casey dog food. She couldn’t count the number of times she’d come into a room to find Jack seeming to carry on a conversation with Casey. Besides that, Casey did things no animal could do. He understood most of what she said, and when Jack gave him random commands that he shouldn’t comprehend, Casey did what Jack said. No, this didn’t make sense. Humans could not turn into animals, and vice versa. She was dreaming. That’s what this was, all a dream. 40

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“Why are you telling me this?” she asked anyway. “Why did you bring me here, Emma?” “Because I knew your sweet mother. We were friends when she came to Coyote Inn for a long visit.” “What about my father?” Emma hesitated. “I assume she didn’t tell you, but they split up for a while.” “No! No, that’s a lie,” Jarrika insisted. “My parents had me late in life after waiting many years for me. They loved each other very much.” The old woman nodded. “Yes, they did. However, as with all relationships, there were rocky times. Your mother came to Coyote Inn because it was far away from what she was used to. While I let you believe that she left here because she didn’t take to it, that wasn’t true. She left because she reconciled with your father, and his work didn’t allow him to move here. She wanted to be where he was, as I’m sure you want to be where Jack is.” Jarrika turned away. Something told her Emma spoke the truth about her parents, but the rest—how could she believe it? It was too much. “I knew you were the one for him, Jarrika, the moment I set eyes on you. You were three, but you were the one for my Jack. Of course, I couldn’t know that Jack would have such heartache in his life, but you must know how much he needs you. He became a recluse after I passed, stayed away from people. He didn’t care about anything or anyone except Casey. He carries the guilt of not helping Casey and feeling he is the cause of ruining his brother’s life. Jarrika, Casey can never change back to a human. Do you see the magnitude of taking the blame for that?” Jarrika sank to the floor again and cried with all her heart for both Jack and Casey. She loved them both, especially Jack. And to think he’d stood alone with this in his heart and had the residents of Mythe Cove coming down on him. He’d reacted to what happened with Casey by shutting himself away, refusing to make changes to the Coyote Inn as if that would keep him from cracking under the great pressure he must be under. What words could she offer to help him see he had to forgive himself and begin to live? Who was she to tell him that holding on to the past was, in a way, still binding Casey along with himself? Then again, did she want to tell him anything, to help him? Yes, she loved him, but he wasn’t human. It couldn’t be right for her to be with a man like that. And who said Jack wanted her to stay permanently? “Something happened today,” she began. 41

Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood

The ghost seemed to fade a little. “I’m afraid I’m out of time for appearing this way, darling. I think the other worries you have on your mind should be discussed with Jack. I beg you, Jarrika, don’t run away from him. Give my great-grandson a chance for the happiness he should have had so long ago. If you love them, help them both to heal. You’ve made great progress so far.” Jarrika wanted to protest, to ask many more questions, but Emma kept fading until she was gone. The temperature in the hall went back to normal. She wondered if Emma had gone on to her reward or if she was just invisible. Either way, she was right. Jarrika couldn’t just walk away without talking to Jack. She might not be sure she could stay with a man like him, but she cared enough to try to help him forgive himself for the past. He deserved at least that. Jarrika was about to return to her room when the front door opened and Jack and Casey walked in. She stopped again on the stairs to face them. “Tell me the truth, Jack,” she demanded. “Did you kill Mike?” His eyes narrowed. “Jarrika…” “Tell me!” Instead of answering, he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his cell phone. After putting the device on speaker, he dialed a number. Jarrika caught her breath when Mike answered sounding groggy. “Who the hell is this?” Jack kept his gaze locked with hers. “You remember our agreement, don’t you, Mike?” Dead silence met that question, and then Mike stuttered. “H-How did you get m-my number?” “I’m a very thorough man when it comes to those I protect, Mike. Like I said, you remember what I told you?” “Yeah, stay away from her,” Mike whined. “But she needs to know—” Jack cut the connection and raised his eyebrows to Jarrika. “Well? Does that satisfy you that I didn’t kill him? He’s on his way back to the hole he crawled out from, and he won’t bother you again.” She wanted to ask him what Mike was going to say that she needed to know, but she could guess. If Jack chanced revealing his secret to Mike as a way to force him to back off, she imagined that would scare him enough to make him piss his pants. But how would she react? “You’re a shape-shifter,” she blurted. “A coyote shape-shifter, and so is Casey.” Both of them froze, Casey with one paw in the air as he had started into the kitchen. She knew from the way he turned and stared at her that he had 42

Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood

understood what she said. That was no ordinary animal. Nervous about his reaction, she dared look at Jack. “Where’d you get a story like that?” he asked, neither admitting to what she said nor denying it. “Emma told me.” His expression darkened. “Don’t start that again, Jarrika. It’s late and—” “I’m not the one who stayed out half the night—like every night.” “You can’t think I’m cheating. No woman in this town could draw me from you.” His suggestive gaze roved her figure. She’d forgotten she was only in a nightgown, and her breasts were clearly defined behind the thin material. She crossed her arms. “That’s flattering, but you’re avoiding my statement, Jack. Tell me I’m lying, that you can’t turn into a coyote.” Jack didn’t look at her for a long time. He ran his hands through his hair while frowning at the floor. She imagined all kinds of thoughts ran through his mind, from whether it was worth revealing to her what he was to how important she was to him. If he wanted her to stick around to see where their relationship went, surely he would want her to know the truth about him and Casey. Growing more frustrated and unsure as the moments passed, she huffed and turned to go back upstairs. He didn’t try to stop her. When she reached her room, her gaze drifted to the battered case in the corner. If he wasn’t going to be honest with her, maybe she should go despite what Emma had said. And she still wasn’t convinced that earlier incident wasn’t a hallucination. She walked over to the case and stood in front of it. Her hands wouldn’t obey her and pick it up. They followed her heart instead that ached for Jack, that couldn’t bring itself to accept that they wouldn’t be together. A hand touched her waist, and she jumped. She’d not heard him come in. He kissed her shoulder. “Don’t.” She drew in a shaky breath and then blew it out. “Don’t what?” “Don’t leave.” He turned her to face him and rested his forehead against hers. For long moments, they were lost in each other’s eyes, and then Jack feathered kisses along her eyes, cheeks, and her lips. She melted into his arms. His embrace tightened. “This existence has never been a happy one until you came. If you leave, I think maybe…” She understood and nuzzled closer to him. “I love you, Jack.” He offered a half smile. “I love you, too. Stay here with Casey and me, Jarrika. I promise I will give you everything I have.” He shivered, hesitancy in his expression. “I’ll fix up the Coyote Inn and even let people stay again.” 43

Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood

Her eyes lit up. “Really? And I can be the cook! I know people will love it here. It’s a wonderful place to get away to, from the hustle and bustle of the city. The mountains are gorgeous.” Her mind whirling with the excitement of the venture, she almost missed Jack’s reticence. “Oh, don’t worry, Mr. Grumpy. I will handpick those who stay, and we won’t overdo it. I just need to feel like I’m useful, and I know bringing the inn to life will also help you and Casey recover. You watch and see.” Jack looked doubtful, but she knew he trusted her. He might have fought her the whole time she’d been there, but he had admitted his outlook had improved. Jarrika’s natural positive attitude and determination made her believe that, with time, Jack would be whole, and together they would help Casey too. She might be scared of what Jack was, but Mike had been the bigger monster in her book. Jack had protected her and helped her when no one else had. He taught her to defend herself. As long as he was willing to have her, she would stay. “Jack, about…” He took her hand and led her toward her bed. “Yes, I am a coyote shifter, as is Casey. I don’t know what you think you saw or heard as far as Emma, but if my great-grandmother did lead you here, then I am grateful.” He held her face between his palms and kissed her. “I’m not letting you get away. You’re sure you want to stay?” She nodded. “I’m sure. Oh, and how can you afford not to work, yet the grocery bill is through the roof every week?” He winked. “Investments. Now, hush, woman, and give me a taste of that body.” “No, you let me get a taste of your body!” Before he could protest, she launched herself at his pants and yanked open the button. When the zipper was down, she reached for her treat. Jack was already rock hard, and when she stroked his length, he grunted his response. Jarrika sank to her knees, and, not giving Jack a chance to take over like he usually did, she guided his shaft into her mouth. With her pulling on his erection, her tongue dancing over the sensitive flesh, Jack had to hold on to the headboard to keep himself upright. Jarrika was having none of that. She lifted her head long enough to shove him backward. He landed spread eagle on the bed. She climbed after him and filled her mouth again. Low moans as she sucked had Jack’s hips rising and falling and him nudging her head down with his fingers in her hair. Jarrika sucked hard and teased Jack’s balls. He growled. She heard material tear but didn’t look up to see what it was. Jack was about to come. Before he let himself go, he reached down to dislodge her from his shaft. 44

Coyote Inn

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Jarrika complained only long enough for Jack to strip her naked and pull her up his body. Jack parted her legs on either side of his hips and then checked to see that she was wet. Oh, she was wet all right, soaked with her need for him. He held her hips in place while raising his. Jarrika cried out at the first plunge up her channel, and then she began to ride him. Grinding her hips and wiggling with each thrust, she drove him deeper inside of her. Her hands on his chest, she braced herself with her eyes closed. She enjoyed every inch, every movement. She would have reached under her to stimulate Jack’s balls, but he stopped her, pressing her hand back in place on his chest. “I want this to take a while,” he told her. “Keep your eyes closed, baby.” She knew that voice, thick not from lust, but from something else. The thought that, during sex, Jack got excited enough to change scared her. She trembled just a little and stilled her movements. Jack reversed their positions and pulled out of her. Jarrika protested with a small sound. “Open your eyes, Jarrika.” She swallowed but kept them squeezed shut. “Jarrika.” “What will I see?” she asked, her own voice quivering. “You’ll see me.” She took a chance and gasped. She wanted to pull away from him, to run, but she steeled herself. Jack needed her strong for him, just like he’d been for her. Unsure, but determined, she reached a hand out to his face, skimming the almost golden hairs around his jaw like a beard had brushed his skin in an instant. If possible, his eyes were even more pale, not like the typical coyote animal, though, and she wondered if that was a characteristic that distinguished this family. His canine teeth were jagged and curved. She began to touch them, but Jack put up a hand to stop her. “I don’t want to cut you by mistake,” he said. She stared at the pointed fingernails on his hand. “This happens when…” “When I will it at night, when I’m running with my pack in the mountains. And now, when I’m sexually excited.” “The tearing earlier?” He looked apologetic. “My claws. I try to be careful.” “I can’t believe this is happening. You’re part animal,” she breathed, her body stirring. “I’m making love with a half beast.” To her embarrassment, the thought had gone from fear to exquisite lust. Her heat pulsed and was suddenly on the verge of an orgasm. 45

Coyote Inn

Tressie Lockwood

Jack’s eyes widened at her reaction, but he took advantage of it as a slow grin spread over his face. A rumbling growl rose from his throat. He spread her legs wider, raised her hips, and thrust into her. Jarrika’s back came up off the bed. She shouted through her climax, all the time pleading for Jack to take her harder. He obliged, thundering between her walls and licking her nipples at the same time. Amazing aftershocks tore through Jarrika’s body, and when she didn’t think she could take any more, Jack found his release. By the time they came down from their high, Jarrika had gotten Jack on his back a second time so she could ride him. Now, she lay cuddled in his arms, resting on his chest. She yawned, noting it was pushing five in the morning. Coyotes were generally nocturnal, she knew. How would she survive? “I never imagined you’d react like that,” Jack said. “Like what?” She yawned again. “That my changing would get you hotter.” She hid her face, and he laughed. “Oh, don’t worry. It turns me on knowing you like it. Now, I don’t have to make you keep your eyes closed. I can go all beast-man more often.” Jarrika rolled her eyes. “Did you just make a joke? Not my Jack, always so serious and grumpy.” “Your Jack,” he whispered. “I think I like that too.” She sighed in contentment, knowing they would be just fine. Jack loved her, and she loved him. Together with Casey, they would heal the hurts of the past and move into a bright new future. And Jarrika would never have to be alone again. The End

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TuÉâà à{x Tâà{ÉÜ Tressie Lockwood has always loved books, and she enjoys writing about heroines who are overcoming the trials of life. She writes straight from her heart, reaching out to those who find it hard to be completely themselves no matter what anyone else thinks. She hopes her readers enjoy her short stories. Visit Tressie on the web at www.tresslock.webs.com.