left. I wonder if that would help her.
The gate opened and they drove through, then it closed automatically behind them. Quinn drove slowly up the access road which wound through lawns and gardens, then circled a large and imposing house. More of a mansion, really, than a mere house. When they got to the back of the building, there was an open area with several vehicles already parked there. A man with a flashlight waved them over to one side of the space where there was plenty of room for the car and trailer.
“Do you need the swimming pool immediately, or have you got time to see your rooms and have some food first?” the man asked.
Rainer turned to Wynter. “Wynter?”
“Because we swam this morning I can last another hour or so yet.”
Good. I’ll make sure she swims before we leave tomorrow as well then, because it’s going to be a much longer day.
“Right, follow me then.”
Rainer offered his arm for Wynter to lean on, but she shook her head and walked very slowly beside him. He almost cried at the thought of the pain she was suffering to take each determined step, but he had to let her move on her own. After sitting all day she needed to be upright even though it must be hurting her a lot.
Fortunately it wasn’t far. They entered what seemed to be a guest apartment, where there were three bedrooms and a living area. A table was set with a pristine white cloth, and a cold meal laid out ready for them. The man showed them the bedrooms and bathroom, then walked them outside again and pointed to a path.
“The pool is only a hundred twenty feet down that way. The lights come on automatically when you approach it. Our Alpha has ordered that no one is allowed near the pool until after you leave, so the lady can swim for as long and as often as she needs. The telephone in the apartment is a direct line to the security room in the house. If you have any concerns, anything at all, please call. If you want to stay here tomorrow as well for the lady to rest, you are most welcome. The kitchen will bring breakfast at whatever time you ask. If you plan to leave very early tomorrow, please leave a message tonight so your food will be ready for you. Have you any questions?”
“Is there internet in the apartment? Can I check my e-mails?” asked Wynter.
“Yes, the Wi-Fi will work in your apartment and also poolside.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much for letting me stay here. You can’t know how much it means to me to have your help,” she said.
For the first time the nameless man smiled. “Madam, we all understand that it isn’t always easy to be a shape-shifter in a human world. And for you, it’s even more difficult than for us wolves. We’re also indebted to Dr. Thorne for his clinic. It makes a world of difference knowing there’s a doctor who understands our unique needs. You’re welcome here for as long as you want to stay.”
Wow. Rainer felt humbled by the man’s speech. He was just a human, just a worker for Dr. Thorne. Nobody important. Yet these wolves had welcomed him, too, and taken care of his needs, because he worked for the doctor and because Wynter needed their help. They were all good people indeed.
“Have there been any signs of the person who threatened the clinic?” asked Quinn.
The man’s face darkened again. “All the Alphas are in constant contact about that issue. If someone has betrayed the pack they will be dealt with. Permanently. Should you have any troubles on your journey, you have our number, and help will be with you as fast as possible. Please let us know of any worries you have, anything at all that seems strange or dangerous. You aren’t alone. We have friends in every state, and every major city.”
“Thank you,” said Quinn.
Rainer nodded. That was really good to know. They had such a long road trip tomorrow the last thing they needed was trouble to make their journey even longer.
They walked back to the guest apartment and sat down at the table. Once
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