WindSwept Narrows: #19 Lacie

By Karen Diroll-Nichols

Chapter One

Wolf.

Lacie Barton had never seen one so close, or so large in her life. Regal, she thought, opening the front of the large drawing pad.

Tawny, pale brown eyes remained on the majestic creature not twenty-five feet from her while her left hand held the pencil and began recreating his image on paper.

Eyes of gold returned her stare. Not a single reflection of concern from either of them. It was barely five on a late April afternoon, the sun was still strong and sent light flashing over the myriad of colors in the sleek coat. She allowed her gaze to leave his eyes, travel over the long, hard body and taking in the natural shades of browns, greys and black. But mostly he was dark silver. His tail was down, his paws planted firmly and securely in the mixed grasses outside the fence that surrounded the far side of the resort.

She sat cross legged on the grass, her large drawing pad on one of the wide stone benches that dotted the resort property. Long, straw colored hair had been woven into a simple braid very early that morning. After six hours of chasing toddlers, it had become frayed, tendrils of golden straw had slipped free and framed the oval shaped face. Fingers rose and absently tucked a cluster of stray hair behind one ear as she continued to sketch.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Diroll-Nichols
• Release date: Mar 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476493145

Karen Diroll-Nichols

At this time books are on AllRomanceebooks.com or smashwords.com or amazon.com. I write what I dream. I dream because I can't always be or do. And I always write to make people think and laugh and feel. I hope I succeed. I've been creating what I believe we're all in search of. Friendships and romance; communication and pure, simple fun. Throw in some misadventures and misunderstandings, not to mention a few not quite truths, and it should be a roller coaster of laughs, tears and thoughts. WindSwept Narrows Resort & Casino - Modern, contemporary romance with the occasional mystery and usually lots of family issues. They're building a community that's not greed based, but on the well-being of all. Hopefully. Yes, there's lots of romance - sometimes more than one per story. Yes, there's really sensual and sexy scenes. Devil Hills is a town between Seattle and Spokane, on the edge of the snow capped mountains on the Seattle side. It's a shifter town...and a few others. And of course, just like our world, there are those who believe they know what's best for everyone. Yep, lots of sex, arguments and laughter. Typical human mistakes and misunderstandings - but with a little fur thrown in to complicate things. Independence: Bailey is the first entry into this series that should fascinate and intrigue...what happens in a life when a little Dom and D/s are thrown into it. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart...but it'll make you laugh and maybe even identify. Breanna...slightly more spicy with 2 smart, caring guys falling for 1 slightly mixed up barista who makes wicked coffee and loves cooking. While I haven't a series name - there is a follow-up to her coming out before the end of the year, Danea...a fishy little tale on the coast of Washington. A Red Crystal Romance - well...what to say...imagine believing you're at the end of your life. You live in a retirement home. You're alone. The past in your memories and just fatigue in your bones. You visit a small metaphysical shop, buy some candles that smell good and are offered a chance to fish in a caldron of crystals. Free and for good luck. When you wake in the morning...nothing will ever be the same again. Yes, some of my stories have more than one romance in it. Because it's not a bad thing to have friends *************** A bio - wow - I live to the South of Seattle along the coast in a small town called Des Moines. Gorgeous Puget Sound as our backyard, with snow capped mountains in almost all directions. I've been writing for over 20 years and in that time I have noticed how hard it is for certain people to embrace their sexuality, and very very few have the backbone to even discuss it! I think sex is a very important attribute to our lives and is necessary in order to live a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle. It exists for exploration and simulation; it exists for bonding and pure, simple happiness at the whirlwind of sensations that can overwhelm and take your breath away. I hope that my stories simply depict that, ignite the fires within and maybe even give some pointers on how to please your partner in some new exciting ways. Bottom line: they are here for enjoyment. So read, enjoy and live the happy healthy lives we are all meant to live. Now - a dedication: I can't say I grew up with anyone encouraging me, and that's fine, they had things in their life they were dealing with. My parents and 1st husband and current in-law said it was 'a nice little hobby'. When you get that kind of reaction from people who matter, it has the effect that you no longer tell anyone. And no one ever asked what I did for hours on end over a typewriter and then VIOLA! a computer keyboard! So no one knew. Until I met and fell in love with my 2nd husband. He found the large file cabinet filled with thick manuscripts, filed in alphabetical order by lead female name. And he talked to me about writing. My writing. The single thing in my life aside from my two grown children, that I adored and cherished. They became my community; my friends. It's an amazing thing what happens when someone believes in you. Maybe it rubs off and you begin to believe in yourself, too. So everything I've created and set free on the internet to share are thanks to him and his belief and love. He helps me with words I know but that are stuck in my head floating around somewhere; he helps me spot gaps in my stories and we bounce ideas off one another for covers for my girls. He encourages me and has also come to learn some interesting traits about himself that he'd submerged because of a bad relationship. So we've grown together and continue to explore all that we can. He has my love and my heart and my gratitude for sharing a little of his courage and belief. Email: [e-mail] Website: http://www.facebook.com

Book preview

Lacie Barton

WindSwept Narrows

Book Nineteen

Karen A. Nichols

Copyright 2012 by Karen A. Nichols

Smashwords Edition

Published by Karen Nichols. Copyright, Karen Nichols. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Wolf.

Lacie Barton had never seen one so close, or so large in her life. Regal, she thought, opening the front of the large drawing pad. Tawny, pale brown eyes remained on the majestic creature not twenty-five feet from her while her left hand held the pencil and began recreating his image on paper.

Eyes of gold returned her stare. Not a single reflection of concern from either of them. It was barely five on a late April afternoon, the sun was still strong and sent light flashing over the myriad of colors in the sleek coat. She allowed her gaze to leave his eyes, travel over the long, hard body and taking in the natural shades of browns, greys and black. But mostly he was dark silver. His tail was down, his paws planted firmly and securely in the mixed grasses outside the fence that surrounded the far side of the resort.

She sat cross legged on the grass, her large drawing pad on one of the wide stone benches that dotted the resort property. Long, straw colored hair had been woven into a simple braid very early that morning. After six hours of chasing toddlers, it had become frayed, tendrils of golden straw had slipped free and framed the oval shaped face. Fingers rose and absently tucked a cluster of stray hair behind one ear as she continued to sketch.

You shouldn’t be here, she said softly as she drew. It’s not safe. Humans just aren’t safe, she told him sadly. She looked toward the large expanse of green state park to the south. It was thick and dense but would there…was there…enough of what a wolf and his pack would need to survive?

You look very healthy, she continued absently, smiling slightly when he laid down, his large head resting over a pair of crossed paws. Alert gold eyes watched her. She thought maybe he was curious. You don’t look like you’re curious. You actually look like you have humans figured out. Which really would be a coup.

Her head tipped slightly to the side, words printed around the drawing she had finished. Protective. Majestic. Solitary.

It’s not always a fun thing to be solitary, though, is it? She asked quietly. But you don’t seem sad. It’s almost like you’re on duty. I’ve seen you…in the distance. I hope no one else sees you.

Lacie turned the page for another set of sketches and looked up to find her subject had gone. Pale lashes blinked in amazement. She straightened. A long, slender neck straining as she scanned the expanse of green grasses in all directions. Just vanished, she realized, and very silent.

She left the sketch pad on the bench, standing up and striding closer to the eight foot chain link fence. Slim fingers curled through the open metal. She went to her toes, trying to see further. How could he just vanish that quickly? She turned back to the bench, one foot up and pulling herself onto the surface to peer out over the grass and toward the sloping beach of rocks and sand that led to Puget Sound.

She turned to step down, all the breath inside her freezing and eyes shooting wide.

Oh, god… Lacie forced in a fast gulp of air. Sorry…I didn’t see anyone… She stared for a startled minute at the palm held up for her.

I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was out walking and heard your voice, he said quietly, his palm moving slightly and lips tilting at the corner when her hand came from her side and fit against his. I didn’t see anyone. Who were you talking to?

Oh…umm…that’s just…just talking to myself, she finally managed with a little nod. She stepped to the ground and quickly pulled her hand back.

May I? He gestured to the large drawing pad, lifting it and opening the front cover while she was still digesting the question.

Oh…no…I’d rather… Lacie winced and pulled her palms back from snatching the pad from his hands. Damp palms were rubbed over the sides of her jeans, feet moving slightly to put a little distance between them. She didn’t know where the word came from in her mind but it was there. Again.

Wolf.

She paced off a few steps before turning back, antsy. She didn’t like people looking at her work. Which made no sense, she argued, since it appeared in children’s books all the time. But that wasn’t the point, she argued back with a frown that sent the full bow of her lips into a little pout. She raised a palm, one finger up but no words answered her request.

I’d really prefer… She tried again, clearing her throat loudly. She watched the pages slowly turned and froze in place when a pair of deep brown eyes lifted from the pages to meet her gaze.

You’re very good, he said quietly, taking in the halo of golden straw curls framing her face, the slight pout to her lips and wide, pale brown eyes. Fawn eyes, he thought. Prepared to run at the first off sound or movement.

I…thank you, her tongue was out, trying to moisten her lips. He didn’t belong out here, she thought abruptly. He wore the suit well, tailored and professional. Longish dark hair fell in controlled chaos, layered and full. Like the pelt of the wolf, she thought briefly, unaware that her breath had quickened at the comparison.

You forgot the word predator in your descriptions, he said as he closed the drawing pad and gave it over to the hands anxiously wanting it returned.

I don’t see him as a predator, Lacie answered simply, holding the pad against her and moving to where she’d left her pack.

Why? More than curiosity flowed with the single word, his foot on the bench as he continued watching her. A tingle of humor swept through him when she met his eyes, head up and shoulders back.

"Because he would only take care of his pack.