To Tempt a Wolf.

Kate Steele.

Prologue.

Hayley Royden was restless. Tired from the time she'd spent traveling to visit her sister Bryn, she'd gone to bed early, hoping to crash for the night. A couple of hours later she woke, punched her pillow and knew there'd be no going back to sleep for a while. That was one of the problems a.s.sociated with being a night owl. Going to bed early rarely worked. That, plus finding herself in an unfamiliar bed, had caused her to jolt awake.

She went for the book she'd stashed in one of her bags, deciding a little romance and intrigue would be the very thing. As she crossed the floor, a board creaked underfoot. She paused and heard a scrabbling noise and some m.u.f.fled laughter from down the hall. Apparently Bryn and her fiance Logan were just making their way to bed.

Hayley picked up the book, absently staring at the cover as her mind considered Bryn and Logan. Her smile was wistful as she thought about her own lack of a love life. Why could she never meet the right guy? She focused on the book and decided it wouldn't do. After quietly dressing, she walked down the hall and descended the stairs. She made her way through the darkened house with the aid of the little flashlight she always carried on her keychain. The kitchen was just ahead, and if she remembered correctly, there was a door that led out into the backyard.

As she let herself out, she breathed a sigh of relief and contentment. The night air was cool and fresh and she felt her spirits lift as she walked away from the house into the surrounding woods. The moon, a few days away from being full, rode high in the sky, making it easy for her to see the path that wound through the trees.

Hayley wandered slowly, no destination in mind. She'd always had a good sense of direction and felt at ease with nature. As she followed the path, she heard the soft splash of water in the distance.

Spotting the reflective glint of moonlight, she moved forward until she entered a clearing where a shallow pool of water was fed by a trickling stream. A smile lit her face as she walked to edge of the pond. Kneeling, she trailed her fingers in the clear water. It was warm.

She gave the water a speculative look and then checked the surrounding area. Deciding to go for it, she quickly began to peel out of her clothes and stepped into the welcoming water.

She didn't see the pair of eyes that glowed with a bluish-green incandescence as they watched her lower herself into the pool.

The water was deep enough that she could swim, which she did, taking a few laps around its circ.u.mference. Wearying of that exercise, she flipped over on her back and floated, admiring the clear night sky with its moon and myriad stars all shining so brightly. Her body was so relaxed, she stifled a yawn as she found herself missing the bed she'd left not so long ago. With a sigh, Hayley paddled to the edge of the pond and stood, walking from the water.

Hayley was unaware of the picture she presented as the water sluiced from her body, leaving it pale and shimmering under the moonlight. Her honey-blonde hair, slicked back, revealed the pure, lovely features of her face. Tall and lithe, her curves were full and firm. Bounteous b.r.e.a.s.t.s were topped by pink nipples that hardened in the cool night air. A trim waist accentuated her generous hips and the sleek curve of taut b.u.t.tocks. Below her slightly rounded belly, the nest of curls that graced her mound was pale and glistening with water from the pool. Her legs were long and curvaceous, from the tops of her shapely thighs to her slim, arched feet.

Reaching for her clothes, she bent to retrieve her shirt and began to dry herself. A slight rustling sound caught her attention and she searched the darkness until her startled gaze landed on the wolf.

It stood with an air of calm majesty not twenty feet away. Hayley froze in surprise. A slight frisson of fear tightened her belly, until she remembered all the things she had read about wolves. One researcher in particular had said that wolves did not commonly attack humans and that during her study of them, the wolves, especially the males, had been curious about her and had often spent hours near her, seemingly studying her as she'd studied them.

She strove to relax her tightened muscles as she admired the wolf. Its fur was thick and sleek, mostly black, growing lighter toward the chest, underbelly and legs. It seemed huge, although she had nothing to compare it with, never having seen a wolf before. And its eyes... Were theyglowing ? Surely it was a reflection of the moonlight off the water, she mused. Although unsure of what eye color wolves usually had, she found the bright blue-green quite remarkable.

A wisp of night air blew across her skin, causing her to shiver. "I hope you don't mind," she told the wolf softly, "but I've got to move. I don't have any fur, you know, and it's a little chilly here with no clothes on."

In answer, the wolf c.o.c.ked his head then sat, staring at her expectantly.

"Guess that means it's okay," Hayley muttered, as she carefully, with smooth easy movements, dressed herself.

All the while, the wolf watched with interest.

Slipping into her shoes, she faced the wolf. "Well, it was nice meeting you," she offered, "but I have to go. Hope you enjoyed the show."

The wolf's mouth opened, his tongue lolling out in a large canine grin.

A suspicious frown crossed Haley's face. "Did anyone ever tell you you were strange?" Then she amended, "But very beautiful. Thank you for keeping me company. Maybe we'll meet again some time."

She backed away a few steps, just to see if there was any objection. When the wolf made no move, she turned and followed the trail back to the house. Slipping quietly into the kitchen, she locked the door and crept upstairs to her room, quickly changing and sliding back into bed.

Safe, warm and pleasantly sleepy, Hayley began to drift off as the haunting howl of a wolf pierced the night's quiet. She listened to the sound with awe as a shiver slid down her spine.

Just down the hall, Logan and Bryn both listened to the howl.

"Jace," Logan identified as he wondered what his best friend and fellow alpha was up to.

"What's he doing?" Bryn asked with a sleepy yawn.

Logan hugged her to him. "Probably just out for a run."

"Mmm," Bryn murmured as she snuggled close and went to sleep.

Logan lay awake and listened to a second rolling howl. He'd heard his soon-to-be sister-in-law returning from her moonlight ramble a few minutes ago. He lay quietly, speculating upon the possibilities...

Chapter One.

Laughter rang in the kitchen as Hayley, Bryn and Logan enjoyed an informal breakfast, seated in chairs around the butcher block-topped island in the middle of the kitchen. Logan had volunteered to cook and made more than pa.s.sably good omelets accompanied by toast, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. Afterward, he even volunteered to do the cleanup and bade the girls to stay seated. While he worked, he listened to their easy chatter.

"I have to say, Bryn, you sure have found a winner here." At the sink, Logan turned and gave Hayley a grin and a wink. "Steve wouldn't lift a hand to help in the kitchen-just one of the many reasons I broke up with him."

"You broke up with Steve?" Bryn asked incredulously. "I thought you said he was the perfect guy for you."

"Yeah, well, Mr. Perfect turned out to have a few flaws that couldn't be overlooked. Including the fact that he didn't want any more children."

"Oh no, Hay, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, sis, I found out he's a lousy father." She shifted to include Logan who had turned to listen. "Steve has a daughter from a previous marriage, but he doesn't really want her-he ditches her with his parents at every opportunity. Of course, they're thrilled to have their granddaughter, but even Steve's mom admits that he won't spend time with her."

With a disgusted frown, Logan went back to cleaning the kitchen counter.

"How can anyone neglect their own child that way?" Bryn asked sadly as she sat contemplating the tabletop with a troubled look on her face. Her hand absently rubbed her midsection.

Hayley watched her with growing suspicion, a smile spreading across her face. "Bryn, are youpregnant ?"

Bryn looked up quickly, meeting Hayley's expectant gaze, then looked to Logan for direction. His expression was blankly neutral. He was leaving the decision in Bryn's hands.

Hayley watched a slow, glowing smile spread across Bryn's face. "Yes," she confessed.

"Oh my G.o.d!" Hayley screamed. "This is so wonderful!" She hugged Bryn tight, rocking her with enthusiasm until she realized what she was doing. "I'm rattling you like a c.o.c.ktail shaker! Don't let me do that," she admonished. Her eyes were bright with tears of happiness as she sprang out of her chair and approached Logan. "Gotta have a hug, big guy," she insisted and wrapped her arms around Logan, bussing him noisily on the cheek.

Logan returned her hug, laughing at Hayley's open enthusiasm.

"Mom and Dad are gonna flip!" she declared as she resumed her seat. "They'll be on cloud nine with their first grandchild. Takes the heat off me, I can tell you," she confessed to Logan as he returned to his chair. "They're constantly at me with the subtle hints about how nice it would be to have a grandchild."

She watched as Logan draped his arm around Bryn's shoulder and pulled her to him, planting a tender kiss on her temple. "I'm glad you approve," he rumbled, the contentment clear in his voice.

Hayley smiled, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.

"Are you okay?" Bryn questioned.

Hayley's smile broadened. "You two love each other," she replied. "It's just so sweet, I'm speechless."

"You're also nuts," Bryn accused fondly.

"That too," Hayley admitted cheerfully, warmed by the sisterly insult. "Come on, Logan, I'll help you finish cleaning up, and you, my dear sister, will stay seated." "Hayley," Bryn complained, "the baby's not due for eight months-I don't think I need to take it easy yet."

"Nevertheless, I intend to spoil my niece or nephew and I mean to begin now."

After the cleanup was accomplished, Logan went into his den to make some phone calls that pertained to his job.

Hayley wasn't sure exactly what it was Logan did for a living. Bryn had given her some vague explanation of his job as a freelance troubleshooter of sorts.

Despite Bryn's deliberate vagueness, Hayley knew there was more to be explained. She didn't push the issue, knowing her sister would tell her in time. It was one of the advantages of knowing someone your entire life. After a while, you knew things about them just from having spent so much time with them.

Leaving Logan to his work, Hayley accompanied Bryn to her bookstore where she and Clare, Bryn's best friend and business partner, engaged in a noisy and joyous reunion. Bryn's friendship with Clare had spilled over to include Hayley, and the three of them had spent an inordinate amount of time together as they grew up.

The day was spent working and talking as they caught up on each other's news. Hayley was impressed with the bookstore and it was apparent the customers were as well, judging by the number of them that came and went during the course of the day.

As the afternoon wore on, Hayley decided to share a certain bit of news she'd been holding back. After the last customer left and the three of them were engaged in some general straightening before locking up for the night, she walked to the front of the store and stood in front of the new releases section.

"You know," she called out clearly, "my book is going to look real good here."

"And what book would that be, Hay?" Bryn asked with indulgence.

"The erotically charged romantic suspense I wrote that got accepted for publication a few weeks ago."

Bryn watched Hayley's face, looking for the first sign of a teasing smile. None was forthcoming. "You're serious." Bryn looked at Clare. "She's serious." Her incredulous gaze went back to Hayley. "Are you serious ?"

At her wordless nod, Bryn and Clare rushed forward, enveloping her in a hug. "Congratulations! Why didn't you tell us you were writing a book?" Clare asked.

"Yeah, why didn't you tell us?" Bryn asked accusingly as she gave Hayley another hug and a retaliatory pinch on the arm.

"Ow!" she yelped. "Has Logan found out you're a pincher?"

"Yes," Bryn replied complaisantly. "But don't worry about him. He gets in some pinches of his own."

"I can just imagine," Clare intoned, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

Bryn colored as Hayley and Clare snickered. "All right," she admonished. "If you two are through?" She fixed Hayley with a steady look. "Explain, little sister."

Hayley wrinkled her nose at Bryn's big-sister tone. "A few years ago, I had the notion to write a book. You know how much I read." Bryn nodded and Hayley continued. "I wrote a half dozen chapters and lost interest, so I put it away. Then last year, the urge came again, so I dug out the stuff I'd written and read it over." She laughed. "It was horrid!

"I still had the urge though, and what I thought were some really great ideas, so I tried it again. I didn't lose interest this time," she explained enthusiastically, her eyes shining. "In fact, I got addicted. I decided not to tell anyone until the book was finished and I'd submitted it to a publisher. If it got rejected, I'd quietly bury it and maybe try again in a couple more years."

Haley grinned and shrugged a little self-consciously. "It didn't get rejected. So I've bagged my job with Davis Data Systems and I'm going to do the writing thing full time."

"You quit your job?"

"Yeah, Bryn, I really want to do this and I've got plenty of money saved as a backup. You know what a tightwad I am. And I was thinking," she rushed on breathlessly. "Now that you're moving in with Logan, how would you like to rent your house to me? That is, if you don't have other plans for it?"

Hayley watched Bryn closely for her reaction, noting her dazed look. The last thing she wanted to do was upset her sister, especially in her condition, but this was important to her. Hayley felt her whole life was on the verge of a huge change and somehow, moving here to Whispering Springs felt...right.

"Are you okay?" Hayley asked. Her voice was tinged with trepidation. She wanted Bryn's approval.

"I'm fine. I just need to sit down a minute," Bryn answered. They moved to one of the relaxation nooks that were scattered through the store for the convenience of the customers and settled on an overstuffed sofa. "You've taken me by surprise. You've really thought this all out, haven't you?"

Hayley nodded earnestly.

"Okay, if you're sure you want it, the house is yours," Bryn took Hayley's hand. "But you know you're welcome to stay with Logan and me, don't you?"

"Sis, I know you guys would let me stay with you, but that's thelast thing you need right now. You and Logan are just starting your lives together." Hayley squeezed Bryn's hand. "You don't need your wacky sister living with you."

"You're not wacky," Bryn denied, her lower lip trembling.

Her eyes filling with tears, Hayley gave her a watery grin.

"Now don't you two start blubbering," Clare ordered, taking in the emotion-charged atmosphere. "This is cause for celebration! Little sis is gonna be a famous author and she's coming to live in our town. Can I have your autograph?" she asked with feigned, wide-eyed excitement.

Bryn gave a watery chuckle.

"Do you ever just want to smack her?" Hayley asked Bryn as she gave Clare the evil eye.

Clare drew back in mock horror and the three of them laughed, breaking the tension.

"Let's drive over to the house now," Bryn told them. "There are some things I want to pick up. You can take a look around the place and make sure it's what you want. And if I remember correctly, there's some b.u.t.ter pecan ice cream in the freezer," she said smiling. "We should do something about it, since this is a celebration and all."

With a chorus of eager agreement they locked up and headed over to Bryn's house. Bryn drove with Hayley as a pa.s.senger. Clare followed behind in her own car so that she could go straight home when they were done.

As they drove through the town and into the outskirts where Bryn's house was located, Hayley admired the scenery. Whispering Springs was one of those quaint and quiet towns with an interesting, diverse and not-too-big business district. It also contained small suburban neighborhoods where the houses weren't all clones of each other. And they were actually spread far enough apart to allow the residents some privacy.

The yards were neat and carefully kept. Flowers of different kinds grew in orderly and sometimes not-so-orderly fashions in gardens, window boxes and along walkways. Large trees attested to the fact that this place had deep roots and could not be cla.s.sed as some housing development that sprang up practically overnight. There was a calm and solid feel to the place that sank into her bones and made her feel immediately at home.

Pulling into the driveway next to Bryn's house, Hayley saw a truck was already parked there. It bore a logo on the side that advertised McKenna Designs.

"I wonder what Jace is doing here?" Bryn wondered aloud.