Snippet Saturday – My Baby’s Got a Secret

 

 

This week’s theme is ‘My Baby’s Got a Secret’ and what bigger secret is there than finding out the guy you have the hots for is a coyote shifter?

 

El scanned the area as she ran, looked for anything that might conceal her. There was only one option. The last time she’d climbed a tree hadn’t turned out well but if it was the difference between life and death, she’d do it. Spotting one that looked as if it would be easy to climb, she headed straight for it.

Bark dug into her palms as her fingers wrapped around a low branch. It took one tear in her jeans, numerous bruises and two attempts to get her legs over the limb. Her sweater caught as she swung up and she teetered on the verge of falling. The sound of pounding paws gave her renewed strength to throw herself up and out of reach.

The big gray coyote walked between the trees, his coat glossy and thick, his gait regal and confident. El held her breath, prayed he wouldn’t see her. He stopped four feet from the base of her tree and without hesitation looked up at her. She gasped as her hold slipped and a gouge ripped in the flesh of her hand.

It was the coyote from the photo.

Casually, as though he hadn’t just attacked another animal, he sat on his haunches. His golden eyes watched her and El was mesmerized, helpless to look away. From one heartbeat to the next she relaxed and knew without a doubt that he wouldn’t hurt her.

Why she would think such a thing about a wild animal couldn’t be explained but when he lay down on his belly, head on his paws, she felt no threat from him.

Curled on the branch, her numb body began to slide. Her shivering had come back now that the adrenaline was wearing off and her eyes drooped. She was so tired, she wanted to put her head down and sleep. But she knew she couldn’t, not in the tree anyway. Falling was not an option. She’d break something for sure.

She climbed down from her perch. Careful not to startle him with any quick movements, she eased to the ground and sat with her back against the trunk. With the danger passed, her body came alive with pain, cold and fatigue. Keeping an eye on the coyote, El waited for an attack in case she’d misjudged him. It never came. He watched her with unblinking eyes.

Feeling safe but tired, she bent her legs and hugged them to her chest. Closing her eyes she placed her head on her knees as bone-rattling shakes swamped her. Her arms and legs went numb and her teeth chattered. She didn’t flinch when the coyote sat next to her. She was exhausted, no strength left to even move her head but she opened her eyes to look at him.

He was warm. His fur so soft she wanted to burrow into him and sleep. In the back of her mind she knew what she was doing was insane. She sat with a wild animal at her side but she wouldn’t move. Couldn’t move. His actions spoke of care and protection. He’d stopped the other coyote from attacking her and now he was keeping her warm, standing guard. And she was so sleepy.

The cold had her thinking and doing things she wouldn’t under normal circumstances. Obviously she was hallucinating, in the throes of hypothermia or something. He rubbed his head back and forth on her arm. The motion soothed and reassured her he didn’t intend to hurt her. If she died out here in this frozen wonderland she wouldn’t be alone.

Lethargic with cold, she slumped against him. His coat encouraged snuggling and she buried her hands in his fur. Her cheek lay on his neck and she closed her eyes and enjoyed the heat he gave off. His heartbeat set a steady rhythm beneath her ear and lulled by his warmth and comfort, El draped her body over his.

She must have dozed because she didn’t hear anything until Quinn stood in front of her. He dropped to his knees beside her, tossing a bag at her feet.

“Here, get changed. We need to get her back fast.”

Confused by his words, El tried to get up.

“Not you, El. Let’s get your coat on.” Quinn gently eased one arm into the thermal garment.

Cold air flowed over her side as the coyote stood. She turned to watch him walk away, expected him to leave now there was another person here. But he didn’t. With grace he walked a few feet away and before she could understand what she saw, Brogan stood before her. Naked.

Oh, my God! She was hallucinating. She did not just see that gorgeous animal turn into Rowan’s brother. He reached for the bag Quinn had brought and pulled clothes out. Dressing quickly, he returned to her side just as Quinn got her zipped up.

“Brogan?” she whispered, the word full of the confusion swirling in her head.

“Shh… It’s all right. I’ve got you now. We’ll get you home and warm.” He pulled her close and hugged her tight before he picked her up and started walking through the falling snow. El curled into his body and gave up the fight to stay awake.

 

You can find all the details on Coyote Wild  HERE! Or purchase it from -

 

ELLORA’S CAVE  ~  AMAZON  ~ BARNES & NOBLE

 

This list of authors with snippets up this week:-

 

Mari Carr

Shiloh Walker

McKenna Jeffries

Taige Crenshaw

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

TJ Michaels

Shelli Stevens