Urban Wolf (4 page)

Ragen shivered, her heart racing with anticipation. He reached for her. “Are you cold?” His thumb caressed the back of her hand. “You’re shivering.”

“
I’m a bit chilly.” She shivered again.

He pulled her closer, gathering her body under his arm as they walked. “Warmer now?”

She nodded. Another lock of her hair fell forward into her face and he tucked it behind her ear.

“
Your hair is such a lovely hue. Is it naturally red? I’m guessing that’s a fair question?”

She nodded chuckling. “Yes, it is fair and yes it is my color. It runs in my family.”

“So unique. You look like a Faery queen.” 

She laughed. “Have you ever seen a Faery queen?” 

“I have, and you’re the spitting image of the fair Goddess Branwen.”

“
The Celtic Goddess of love and beauty?”

“
Yes, I’m impressed you know who she is.”

She shrugged. “I’ve always had an interest in faeries and such.” She smiled, and their eyes met again just as they reached the front of the medical office building.

”Well, Ms...?

“
Kerrigan. Regan Kerrigan.”

He placed his hand on his chest. “Liam O’Neill, and it's been a pleasure Miss Kerrigan. I sure am glad I was outside my club getting some fresh air when you hollered for help.” 

“I’m glad you were too, Liam.” Again, impetuousness took over, and she reached up and hugged him. “And thanks for the lovely compliment too.”  She kissed him on his cheek, her lips lingering a few moments longer than she meant to. When she stepped back, she noticed his unusual eyes seemed to gleam. She blinked a few times, thinking her eyes deceived her.

He grinned. “I’m just happy to have rescued such a fair maiden.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. Can I see you inside to your event?” He nodded toward the door at her back.

“Yes, that would be wonderful.” She nodded. “But please, call me Ragen.

He pulled back the door, letting her enter ahead of him and following her inside. The building was older, probably built in the thirties. It had a large lobby with red carpeting. Ornate lighting fixtures hung on the walls.

She let out an exhale. “I guess I'm really late now.”

“
Better late than never after the night you've had.”

She hesitated as they entered, gazing down at herself. “How do I look?”

“Looking for more compliments so soon?” He gave her one of his dazzling smiles. As confident as Ragen typically was, she felt like an ugly duckling next to this perfect male specimen.

She grinned. “No, I just don’t want to scare Patty. She’s speaking. If she sees me looking like I’ve been assaulted, she’ll panic.”

“Especially with an unknown man next to you, huh? I’ll try to look less intimidating.” His eyes twinkled.

She looked him over from head to toe. “Well, you’d better shrink in the next few seconds. Big guys are naturally intimidating.” She grinned, trying to peer around him. “Let me find a restroom so I can fix myself up a bit. Would you wait for me?” She touched his arm and an involuntary flow of energy passed from her to him.

Oh, my goodness, I’m sending him my crazy power.
She watched his expression to see if he had felt anything, but his face revealed nothing.

“
Of course I’ll wait for you.” A jolt of raw energy rushed across her skin from their point of contact matching hers in intensity and she flinched. Yet still his expression showed nothing.

Ragen turned to go to the ladies room. He followed until she reached to the door
.
“I’ll be quick.”

“
Take your time.” He leaned against a nearby wall.

Ragen hurried inside. It was a small, one-person restroom. She turned on the light over the sink.  “Damn. What a mess.” She removed the remaining two pins from her hair. Her long tresses fell to her waist. She took her brush out of her purse and fixed her hair then applied lipstick. When done making herself look more presentable, she put everything back into her purse. Sighing, she leaned against the sink, gathering her nerves. “I guess this will have to do.”

She exhaled, pushing open the door.
I need to cool down.

Liam was waiting across from the door, still leaning on the wall. Seeing him made her body sizzle all over as if she was being electrified. His brilliant amber eyes followed her as she neared, assessing her. “Ready?”

“I’m ready.” She nodded.

“
You look…lovely.” He drew his fingers through her tresses then took her hand again. With the ease of the gesture, a passerby would have easily thought them a couple, or maybe lovers.

“
Thank you, kind sir.”

“
You’re welcome.” He tugged her arm. “Let’s go in through this door.” He headed toward the middle door. “Your friend will see you, but we won’t disturb her presentation. From what I can hear, the speaker’s doing a fantastic job. You’ve got my donation.”

She gave a tight smile. “Patty always does a good job. And we'd really appreciate anything you can give.” She stopped outside the doorway and he gazed down at her in concern.

“Don’t you want to go inside?”

“
I just need a minute.” 

“
You
have
been through a lot.” He put his hand on her upper arm, rubbing gently.

“
Yes.” She nodded. “And it's catching up with me.”

Yet in truth, though still shaken, she really didn't want to end their conversation.

“So tell me, exactly to what cause will I be making my donation?”

“
We’re an organization of local vets who are opening an animal hospital. We plan to treat wild animals and people’s pets. We want to make care more affordable.”

He nodded slowly in understanding. “Sounds honorable. I can certainly donate to such a fund.”

She smiled.

“
So do you live here, in Chattanooga?”

“
No.” She shook her head.” I live about forty-five miles out in the mountains.”

“
I have a rural home too. I really enjoy my time there, when I can get away.” He grinned and Ragen gazed up at him, unblinking, her mind racing.

She enjoyed the way his eyes glimmered as he watched her.
Damn, he's making me hot.

He rubbed her arm, returning her attention to his words. “...so do you think you and your friend would like to come to my club for some food and entertainment after your fund raiser? It’s steak night and amateur performance night. Customers come in to sing and perform on stage.”

“That sounds interesting.”

“
They say, I have a happenin’ place.” He grinned. “Dinner’s on me for you and your friend, if you accept my invitation.”

“
Thanks, but we buy our own dinners. Besides, I’m the one who should be taking you out to dinner, not the other way around.”

He shrugged. “We can arrange for that another time.”

“I’d be happy to.”

He smiled then glanced at the door. “Ready to go inside?” he rubbed his hand up her arm. “Feeling more relaxed now?”

Ragen nodded, warmth settling in her cheeks. “Let’s go in before we miss her altogether.” His hand landed on her back beneath her hair. She tingled all over from his touch. The more he touched her, the more she wanted him to.

They entered. Ragen saw Patty acknowledge her as she took her seat. Liam sat next to her. The table was draped with a shimmering red cloth. The lighting above made Patty’s blonde hair and dark eyes shine.

The entire audience listened intently to her friend while, at the same time, Ragen could see Patty trying to get a better look at who had walked in with her.

“
In conclusion, thank you all for coming tonight. We hope you enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Are there any questions?”  She rounded the podium, mic in hand and gazed from table to table.

“
I have a couple of questions.” Liam raised his hand.

“
Yes, of course sir.” Patty gestured toward him. 

“
Will this be fully non-profit?”

“
Yes.” Patty nodded. “The vets and techs who give their time will be compensated but at a discount rate. Our goal is to operate within the boundaries of a non-profit organization.”

“
When will the hospital be completed?”

“
We’re hoping if we get enough donations, it’ll be completed in two more months. We’re very close to opening our doors. Many of the supporting vets have donated their time, supplies, and some equipment to get us started. With our combined passion for the animals, we’re determined to see this be successful.”

“
Very well. I’ll write a check for fifty thousand dollars. Anyone here want to match it? If someone does, I’ll throw in another thousand.”

Ragen was hardly able to breathe. She coughed, almost choking. Patty looked pale as if she was about to faint. “Oh, my goodness that’s very generous. Is anyone willing to match Mr.…?” She gazed around the room to measure the response to his generous offer.

“O’Neill. Liam O’Neill.”

“
Mr. O’Neill’s donation?” Patty's eyes blazed with excitement.

Another man raised his hand. “I can’t match his number, but I’ll write a check for fifteen thousand. Plus, I’ll be happy to volunteer time.”

“Fabulous, you’re both so generous. Thank you all.” Patty clapped and the others joined her.  She pointed to the rear of the room where several people sat behind a long table and they waved. “In the back of the room are our volunteers who will collect your checks and pledges today. Thank you again, especially on behalf of all the animals we’ll treat and rescue. A special thanks to Mr. Liam O’Neill and to you sir.” She pointed to the other man who had offered the generous amount. “As well as all our other donors. When we have our grand opening, those who have donated will receive a personal invitation to our celebration dinner. Thank you again and have a good evening everyone.”  She led the group in another round of applause.

Slowly, people rose from their seats all abuzz. Some headed for the bar, others for the back table. Patty made a bee line to them just as Liam rose from his seat.

“Ragen, will you wait for me while I fill out the paper work for my donation?” he asked.

“
Wait.” She jumped out of her chair, reaching for him. Before she could think, she pulled him toward her. She kissed him on the lips. The kiss was meant to be a thank you, but it quickly turned more passionate than she’d intended. Her womb quivered. His powerful arms engulfed her, pulling her closer until all she could feel was him. Her hands massaged his shoulders, the back of his neck, enjoying the silky feel of his hair. His tongue entered her mouth as if he owned it. He tasted exquisite, like only a delicious hot-blooded male could. She ground her pelvis into his and he groaned, his hands cupping her behind, drawing her harder against him. She could feel his cock growing between them.  The feel of it, so large and hard against her, it made Ragen pray he'd push her against the wall so that she might feel the full extent of his masculinity. Her body protested when the kiss ended leaving her light headed. 

Patty cleared her throat. “So uh, Ragen, are you gonna be kissing the other man who gave a large donation too? If so…”

Slowly Liam pulled back from her then he gently nipped her ear making a soft animalistic sound. “You’re not going to kiss that other man, are you?” His tone was a bit gruff, almost as if he believed she might.

Ragen looked up into his eyes. They seemed brighter than she remembered. Again, so much like the wolves she treated at the zoo.

She gave his shoulder a playful swat. “No, of course not.” She glanced over to Patty who was looking at her inquisitively.  “I’m… not sure what came over me. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Of course, my lovely Faery queen.” He kissed her cheek, pulling her close. 

“Are you going to introduce me to your date?” Patty’s hands rested on her hips. “Where did he come from?”

“Sure.” Ragen was a little unsteady. “This is Liam O’Neill.”

“
I gathered that.” Patty nodded at him in greeting. “I’m pleased to meet you.” She extended her hand to him.

“
I picked him up on the street.” She winked. “Well, actually, he saved me from being abducted after I parked my car. He rescued me.”

“
You’re kidding?” Patty’s eyes widened.

“
No, I’m not.”

“I’ll be back,” Liam interrupted. “Then I’ll walk you to your car. You can park it by my club.” Liam nodded at Patty then marched toward the donation table. 

“What do you mean, abducted?”

“
Two guys approached me after I got out of the car. They insisted I go with them. It scared me to death. One of them grabbed my arm.”

“
Dear Lord. I’m so glad you’re okay.” Patty hugged her then gazed over at Liam. “So tell me what happened exactly? I mean, you look okay.”