Chapter 2

Leo

I don't know what I was thinking. I wasn't even supposed to be on that road. I had missed my turn and decided to stay stay on the scenic route. It's only 5 minutes longer than my normal way home.

I saw her come through the trees and seemed to collapse in pain and every fiber of my being pushed me to go check what was up.

As I approached I didn't see any physical injuries, maybe she just exhausted herself? It's stupid, absolutely idiotic to touch a wild wolf, especially an injured one, but I couldn't help it. Before I even registered what was happening I was kneeling and reaching for her muzzle. Just as my fingertips were about to touch I heard a whimper and I froze.

"Are you trying to get your hand bitten off?" I scolded myself. "Cause this is how you get your hand bitten off. I like my hands, my hands do great things. I'd like to keep them, thank you very much."

Next thing I knew her eyes were blinking open and my senses rushed to me pulling my hands back to convey my benignity. I expected her to jump up and run off, like a wild animal would do when faced with a possible threat. But no. Instead she slowly moved herself to me, bowing her head in submission. What? She kept moving till her nose touched my knee. Okay?

I was at a complete loss as to what to do next, so I did what I always do. I talked. Not like she'd know what I was saying as I asked her if she was hurt. But she moved as if to visibly check for possible injuries. That was odd. She turned her head back to look at me and I stared into her eyes. They were captivating, dark blue with steaks of a lighter, brighter blue. They looked intelligent, like she could understand exactly what I was saying and wanted to know more.

I knew I'd spent enough time here. I'd already been delayed with the missed turn and what-not. I didn't want Jess to start worrying, the stress wouldn't be good for the baby. Something pulled at my heart strings and I couldn't just leave this beautiful creature here alone. And that's how I got to where I am now. Driving my jeep with a wolf in the back.

As I pull into the driveway Jess openes the front door and meets me as I get out of the jeep.

"What's this?" She rushes to the bed. "Is she hurt?"

I just shrug. "I saw her collapse as I was driving through the forest on my way home. She doesn't appear to be hurt, maybe just tired? She fell asleep quite quickly once she settled in."

"I'll check her just to be sure."

"Of course, I wouldn't expect any less from my sweet Dr. Steward." I say as I peck her on the cheek. She rubs her stomach, there's no bump yet. I put my hand over hers. " And how're we feeling today? Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

She slaps my chest with the back of her hand, "I'm fine. Doc said it's just a precaution because of last time." Her expression darkens as memories rush in.

"Hey, hey. It's alright. As long as you're ok." She gives a weak smile but nods briefly. "Why don't you head inside and grab your vet bag, I'll just find a way to carry this little lady to one of the crates and get her set up with some food and water." Her nod is stronger this time as she pulls away from me to head inside.

I turn to the sleeping wolf. "Alrighty sweetheart. Don't go waking up and attacking me now, ok?" I shift her into my arms. She's heavy, but not as heavy as I expected. Her fur must be pretty fluffy because I didn't even notice how emaciated she is, but now I do as her spine digs into my elbow and I carry her in my arms. "Dang, no wonder you collapsed. When was the last time you ate?" I mutter as I walk around the house to the back. The yard, if you can call it that, is just over an acre. To the left are some gated enclosures for larger animals that need to stay with us after surgeries or during healing before releasing to the wild. Between the enclosures and the house is a supply shed with a tap beside it for filling the water dishes.

I set her down on the raised cot in one of the enclosures. I walk over to the shed to grab a clean dish and fill it with fresh water. As I'm walking back, Jess walks out of the house with her bag. I set the water down and rush to take her bag from her. She rolls her eyes but lets me.

"I'm strong enough to carry my own bag, you know." She playfully jabs at me. I just laugh as we walk over to have her look over the wolf.