Chapter Nine

Walking down the streets of town with her monster at her side was a new experience for Constance. People stared, they whispered, they pointed. Some of the more dramatic types went so far as to let out little yelps or screams and move far away. He remained at her side and Constance kept her hand in the fur at the nape of his neck in an effort to assure him that she wanted his presence near her.

Constance's only errand today was to see about getting fabric to make him some clothes over the weekend. Today was friday so she would have plenty of time to make them before Monday rolled around and he went to town as a man--if he was comfortable with that. Constance wouldn't force him and if he was more comfortable as a wolf then she would simply take her gaurd dog with her every day.

Entering the tiny clothing store, Constance went over to the fabric section. She was thinking perhaps black cotton for the pants and black wool for the top. He could pick out his own accessories when he was ready.

"Miss Masters, I do not want animals in my store!" Mrs. Horntree scolded, breezing her way across the store with a measuring stick in one hand and a measuring tape tied around her thin upper arm. "I do not want the mess."

Constance glanced behind her and realized Monster had followed her in. His massive frame was threatening to knock over display racks and mannequins with every move he made.

"I apologize, Mrs. Horntree." Constance laid her hand on his cheek, feeling her heart smile as he leaned into her touch. "I didn't realize he'd followed me inside."

Constance pointed to the door. "Monster, can you go back outside and wait on me, please?"

Those dark eyes narrowed. Constance found it absurd that anyone could look into those expressive eyes and not see the man within. The man who didn't appreciate her request judging by the look he was giving her. Too bad. He needed to work on being overly protective.

Constance opened her mouth to assure him that no harm would come to her among the fabric swatches and stick pins but Mrs. Horntree spoke before she could. "I doubt the beast speaks English, Miss Masters. Honestly, as the only educator we have in this town you shouldn't do such foolish things. It could cause people do doubt your intelligence and your ability to teach their children."

Constance bristled but a low growl grabbed her attention as Monster took a step toward the trembling, wide-eyed seamstress. Constance tugged his ear gently, bringing his gaze back to her. "Outside. Now."

With a snort and one more threatening glance tossed in Mrs. Horntree's direction, Monster left the store, pushing the door open with his nose. Out the window, Constance could see that he was standing as a sentry just outside the door, keeping a close eye on anyone that passed by.

"Well...." Mrs. Horntree pushed her glasses up her narrow nose with a trembling hand. "Now that he's been dealt with, what can I do for you today?"

***

The walk home was long but peaceful. The sun glistened on the snow hanging from the oaks and pines. Birds sang and flitted about. There wasn't a threat to be found as far as Constance could tell--and yet still Monster walked just a bit ahead of her, his senses on high alert.

They entered the cottage and Constance sat down the package of fabric she had purchased. She rid herself of all her winter time layers and hang them on the hook by the door. Her gaze found Monster and she realized he was still in wolf form and his eyes followed every move she made.

Constance trembled under his dark gaze. "You have to relax," she scolded gently. "You can't be so overprotective of me."

She headed toward the fireplace to start a fire and warm the cottage but stopped when she heard the unmistakable sound of her wolf man changing forms. When she turned to face him again, he was well over six feet of hard muscled, sweat slicked man, panting slightly from the exertion of the change.

Those dark eyes locked on hers. "I will protect you. You are all that matters in this world and I will not see harm come to you."

There were several things Constance could say but none of them made it through her lips. Instead she let her gaze sweep up and down the man in front of her. A man who had already proven he would put her needs before his. A man who had saved her life. A man who helped her cook and lit fires so she wouldn't be cold. A man who had proven today that he could be good and gentle with children even if the night before she had barely stopped him from ripping a man's throat out.

Constance wanted him. She had never known the touch of a man and had honestly never felt deprived or as if she were missing anything. But now, now her body ached with a need that she had never in her life felt before.

Without a single word, and without giving herself time to talk her out of the bold decision she had come to, Constance crossed the room to him in several long strides. She threw her arms around his neck, burying her hands in his dark hair and pulling his head down as she rose on her toes and crushed her mouth to his.

His body stiffened and Constance had a moment of doubt. A second where she nearly pulled away and went about the evening as if she hadn't just kissed him. But a second was all she had time for before his strong arm wrapped around her, pulling her closer. His hand went to the back of her neck, cradling her as his thumb carressed her jaw.

Her legs weakened beneath her but he kept her standing as a growl rumbled from his chest and his lips began to move against hers.

***

Never in his life had he felt anything as soul consuming as Constance in his arms, her soft body pressed tight against his, and her mouth moving hungrily against his lips. He cradled her head in his hand and ran his thumb along the soft skin of her jaw.

He was guided by pure primal instinct as he nipped at her bottom lip, causing her to gasp and giving him the opportunity to deepn the kiss. He carressed her tongue with his, drinking in the taste of her. Losing himself in the scent of her. Everything about this woman made him feel a peace, made him feel at home, even as his body heated and desire nearly boiled inside his blood, her nearness gave him peace.

The want he felt for Constance burned within his blood. He craved her like open space. Needed her like oxygen.

She moaned against his mouth and he felt his body respond. Every inch of him craving to be closer. Deeper. He was losing himself to the want. Desperate to consume her...

Blinding pain shattered within his head. His vision went black. Stars exploded behind his eyes. He screamed and grabbed his head roughly in his hands, squeezing tightlyas he stumbled away and fell to his knees.

"M..Monster?" Constance's voice seemed far away, though he knew she was at his side because he could feel her gentle hands on his arms. "What's wrong?" she demanded, the scent of her fear thick in the air.

He wanted to answer. He wanted to comfort and reassure her but the pain was stealing his voice and holding him hostage. He couldn't focus. Couldn't breathe. And just when he was certain his head was going to be torn to shreds from the inside out, thought became impossible and the world went black.

***

Humming was the first sound to reach his ears as Sawyer awakened. The scent of potatoes and meat frying filled his nose. A clock ticked nearby. A soft blanket was draped over his body.

But most noticeable, above all else, was the scent of her. Of home.

His head ached. He felt dizzy and unsteady. His mouth was dry. He opened his eyes and found her with her back to him as seh stood at the stove, her dark hair falling around her shoulders.

Another throb of pain beat behind Sawyer's eyes. Sawyer. His name. He remembered now. He remembered everything. And he needed to leave.

The moment he moved to sit up from where he lay on the floor, Constance dropped the spatula she was using onto the counter and spun to face him. Those brown eyes were full of concern as seh rushed toward him. "Are you okay? You lost consciousness and simply collapsed. Nothing I did could wake you."

Sawyer held up his hand to stop her as she neared him. "I'm sorry I frightened you. I remember who I am now. I can't be here. Me being here puts you in danger. I am leaving."

Her eyes searched his face a moment as she processed what he had said. Then Constance rose to her full height, folded her hands in front of her and narrowed her dark gaze. "The hemlock you are."