Wild Thing

By Mia Watts

Jack has known Ryan for years, but he had no idea what a Wild Thing he was.

The residents of small Minnesota town, Libby, are used to seeing Timber wolves in their woods. But the sightings being reported to DNR officer Jack Allen are anything but typical. These reports indicate a huge species of the wolf, and they're scared.

Having grown up in the town, Jack knows just whom to ask for help, long time friend Ryan Walsh. It doesn't hurt that he's had a crush on Ryan for as long as he can remember.

As a wildlife photographer, Ryan lives in the woods and pretty much keeps to himself. He'd be perfectly happy to share that existence with a certain sexy DNR guy. So when Jack asks for his help in tracking a huge wolf, Ryan jumps at the chance to get Jack alone.

But what will happen when Ryan shifts into his canine form and Jack is looking down the barrel of his tranq gun?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Aug 23, 2010
• ISBN: 9780857152725

Mia Watts

Mia makes her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she divides her time between a job and spying on people. Mia enjoys long walks in Como Park, daisies, dancing in the snow.

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Wild Thing

ISBN #978-0-85715-272-5

©Copyright Mia Watts 2010

Cover Art by Natalie Winters ©Copyright August 2010

Edited by Christine Riley

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing.  Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning:  This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers.  This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

WILD THING

Mia Watts

Dedication

Kris Norris: power goddess of computers, uplifter-er of low spirits, fetish hound of American accents, convertee to male erotic reading, and dear, irreplaceable friend…this one’s for you.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Boy Scouts of America:  Boy Scouts of America Corporation

Gore-tex:  W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Dockers:  Levi Strauss and Co. Corporation

GQ:  Conde Nast Publications Inc.

Chapter One

Nothing? DNR Officer Jack Allen asked, his gaze sweeping over Ryan Walsh’s enigmatic expression.

Any excuse to look at Ryan was a good one. Especially at eight in the morning when Ryan was sipping hot coffee on the front porch of his log cabin.

Ryan shook his head, a slight move to the left and back. The mug pressed against his full lower lip, distracting Jack from his line of questioning.

Is that all, officer? Amusement coloured his husky tones.

Jack lifted his gaze and found the same twinkle in the depths of Ryan’s chocolate brown eyes. Jack’s partner nudged him. He blinked and felt the distinct rise of a blush touch his cheeks with heat. Uh, no. If you see anything suspicious, give me a call? Jack unsnapped his breast pocket, intending to give him a business card.

I have your number, Ryan murmured.

You do?

Ryan’s smile widened further. You gave me a card the last time you were out here tagging red foxes. I keep it beside my phone. His eyes flicked to Jack’s partner, Clancy. I can call you the minute something comes up.

He lowered his mug, the pale white porcelain gleamed in the bright sunshine as it broke the shade of the covered porch. Jack didn’t think he had Attention Deficit Disorder, but Ryan Walsh had a way of twisting small moments into sharp detail.

He wondered briefly if Ryan thought Jack had the mental acuity of a goldfish. Distracted by shiny things, goggle-eyed whenever Ryan spoke, lame words coming out of Jack’s mouth—God, he must seem like such a moron.

Beginning to think you come out here just to check on me, Ryan remarked casually.

Your cabin is in the middle of the largest open forestry area and within miles of the sightings. You go out alone to photograph wildlife. Jack shrugged. It makes sense to ask you if you’ve seen the thing people report seeing, he reasoned. And we grew up together.

Ryan put his mug down on the wooden railing, took a couple of steps down. A wicked smile touched a corner of his sculpted lips. Sounds like you need a tour guide.

Right. We both used to play in these woods. Just keep your eyes open for the oversized wolf.

Ever think it might be a prank?

He’s right, Clancy decided.

"Did Jenna Frank look like she was kidding when she filed that

Reviews for Wild Thing

[serenayates · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this short story about two best friends who've secretly been wanting each other for years. Ryan, the reclusive wildlife photographer, has an unusual secret. He isn't at all sure that Jack, the DNR officer, would understand.

I loved how they each had their reservations that kept them apart for so long - until they give in to the mutual attraction. Very wild indeed!