The Wolf Who Saved Easter: The Wolf Who Saved Series, #3

By Chloe Zane

It's no secret to anyone that Baxter Lawson doesn't do holidays. Yet, he finds he can't escape them, not when everyone insists they're a big deal.

His aunt's sexy neighbor, Logan Price, is especially guilty of that. And Baxter, who is developing deeper feelings for the man, will do what is necessary to keep him happy. Treat Logan at his favorite restaurant on an official date, and help him dye those ridiculous eggs.

A chance encounter with a child at risk for disappointment during the community's Easter egg hunt sends Baxter on a quest. With Logan's emotional support, he's taken it on as a challenge to make sure all children are included and not made to feel left out. Don't mistake that for actually celebrating the holiday, though.

He most certainly is not.

The Wolf Who Saved Easter continues to follow Baxter and Logan in this holiday-themed series. This 20k novella features a VERY slow-burn romance, egg decoration...with stickers, an aunt who doesn't take no for an answer, grilling in the rain, and bunny ears on a wolf. The Wolf Who Saved Series will follow Baxter and Logan book to book while building on their relationship, so hold on tight! We're starting off slow, but by the end, you'll never want to say goodbye.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chloe Zane
• Release date: Nov 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215098134

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Baxter Lawson followed along behind Aunt Hilde, his hands in his pockets as he half-listened to what she and Logan chatted about. He wasn't sure why they were 'taking a tour of the community grounds'. 

Didn't they, like, live there in the subdivision? Haven't they had a dozen activities and parties or whatever struck their fancy already? What was there to 'tour'?

To be fair, though, they were outside this time. Along with meeting rooms, a large gathering hall and a fully equipped kitchen inside the community building, the community center also sported a pool with his and hers changing rooms. There were separate showers and bathroom stalls. In a flat, grassy area, two posts were erected to string up a volleyball net, a small picnic table with a permanently affixed to a concrete slab, and slightly rusting grill. 

None of which saw much use due to the heavy-handed dictatorship of Frazier Carmen, the manager of the community center. 

We can do the egg hunt there, in the open green, Logan said, pointing with his clipboard at the open area of the grassy volleyball court. I think we should stay away from the pool area. Too much potential for an accident.

I agree, she said thoughtfully. And we can always extend the hunt around this side of the building to the front. That's plenty of room to hide eggs.

Somehow, Aunt Hilde had roped Logan into helping to organize this year's Easter Egg hunt for the neighborhood children. They were planning a party for Easter Sunday. Which, he guessed, was the holiday.

How a bunny rabbit hiding eggs for kids fell out of something that Baxter believed was supposed to be a western Christian religious thing was far beyond him. He never participated in all the stupid Easter egg hunts Aunt Hilde dragged him and his pack brothers to so many years ago. 

If there was a holiday he disliked, this was definitely one of them.

Although, if he were honest, he didn't like any holidays. As hard as Aunt Hilde tried to make them festive, they never were. Baxter was acutely aware of his outcast status, even when he was a small child.

Besides, he sucked at finding hidden things. The other kids always got to the eggs before him, and he'd go home with an almost empty basket.

He sighed heavily and checked the time on his phone.

Yes, honey, Aunt Hilde said, I know we're boring you, but we're almost done.

I'm not bored, Baxter said defensively. He managed to stifle the yawn when she turned to face him.

Lying is not a good look on you, dear, she said sharply.

Sorry, Aunt Hilde. I just don't get the big deal.

Her expression softened, and she reached for his hand to squeeze it in reassurance. I know you don't. It's okay. You don't have to understand. I appreciate that you're here, and you are at least trying.

Well, he wasn't trying at all, so now her words shamed him for not being so supportive. But he really didn't have anything to add.

And what brings you out here today, Mrs. Brentworth?

Baxter didn't even need to turn around to know it was Carmen Frazier. The nasally irritating voice of Ferretface McWeaselson was enough to make him grind his teeth. He took a deep breath in, working his hands by clenching and unclenching his fists.

It was obvious that Frazier didn't like him. That wasn't a huge leap for the man, though. He didn't like anyone and actively tried to block any subdivision's resident's use of the center. 

Logan stepped next to Baxter and looped their arms together. Deep breaths, he said soothingly. 

Baxter took in another deep breath. This time, he caught a hint of Logan's cologne. He liked the scent. It was woodsy and cool and a balm to his soul.

That Logan was also leaning against him was a big comfort. The man knew how to calm Baxter's inner wolf. 

Everything's just fine, Mr. Frazier, Aunt Hilde said in her best church lady voice. When she pulled that tone on someone, Baxter knew they were already on her last nerve. Logan, Baxter, and I were just planning the Easter Egg hunt this coming Sunday.

Oh, are you? he asked in a condescending tone. He made a show to tap his chin and look off in the distance before saying any more. I don't seem to recall it being on the community calendar.

I suggest you check again, Aunt Hilde said smoothly. She reached out for Logan's clipboard and pulled a sheet of paper that was clipped to the top. Smoothing it out, she presented it to him. I just happen to have a print off of the online community calendar program—

App, Hilde, Logan corrected her.

"Right, of course. This new terminology sometimes escapes me. The online community calendar app installed by the previous manager. It is such a time-saver, don't you think, Logan?" she asked in that sickeningly saccharine way.

I do, Hilde. It's been very useful.

I don't recall, Frazier said, snatching it out of her hand to read it. 

Baxter stepped forward but was held back by the tightening of Logan's arm.

Do you mind if I keep this? Just to have a record so I can check against the electronic records?

Please do, she said with a wide smile. Logan printed off several copies so we'd have extras.

Ratnose Rattyness looked very displeased. He forced a smile. Thank you, Mrs. Brentworth. I'll look into it.

According to the last budget meeting, Logan said, not having moved from Baxter's side. That was probably wise. Baxter wanted to go snatch the ridiculous toupee off the man's head and slap him with it. We have enough money to hire you a part-time assistant if you find you're too busy. That way, things like this don't slip up on you.

Logan's tone was just as patronizing as Aunt Hilde's. He must have been taking lessons from her. 

I'll take that under advisement. Frazier abruptly folded the paper and stuffed it into his jacket pocket and stormed off.

Once he was gone, Aunt Hilde handed the clipboard back to Logan. He dropped his arm from Baxter's and joined her at the grill as they continued their planning.

Baxter was sad