Page 29 of Darrin: The Wolves

They headed off into the woods to walk around while he was in his shift. They walked along the riverbank, through the woods, and around the tavern, then finally back to the house. Audrey talked about her life, sharing things with him about her childhood and family. When he was finally able to shift back, he returned to human and dressed and then laughed when she jumped into his arms.

“I’m a wolf’s mate!”

“Yeah, you are,” he said, kissing her.

“Thank you for showing me,” she said.

“I’ll show you anytime,” he promised.

The other couples returned shortly and they all said goodnight. Dare opened the back door for her and said, “Welcome home, sweetheart.”

“I’m glad to finally be home. With you and the pack.”

He closed the door and took her hand, drawing her close.

So much had happened in a short time.

He’d taken a chance on one last date and fate had brought him his truemate. They’d hit a rough spot, but they’d come through stronger, with the past behind them and forever on the horizon.

He’d been looking for a date.

Instead, he’d found forever.

Not quite ready to leave King Lake? Good! Because The Amber Howl still has burgers to name and Audrey needs her very own burger of the week. Come hangout with the wolves a little bit longer in Mini Bonus Chapter One: We’re Gonna Have a Gouda Time.

We’re Gonna Have a Gouda Time

Monday afternoon, Audrey leaned against the bar in The Howl and watched Sigh block the chalkboard burger sign with his body so she couldn’t see what he wrote. Juliette stood next to him, grinning at Audrey like she had the best secret and couldn’t wait to spill it.

Dare stood behind Audrey, his arms around her and his wolf humming contentedly in his chest.

“You’re taking way too long,” Trick said.

“Tell us already!” Cassidy said with a laugh. “The suspense is killing me.”

“Dude, we need to open the bar,” Dare said.

“I’m hurrying, dang it. Give a guy a minute,” Sigh said. Then he said dramatically, “I give you the burger of the week.”

Stepping aside, Audrey read: Audrey’s Gouda Time Burger.

Juliette’s smile got even wider, if that was possible.

“I… for me?” Audrey asked.

“Yeah,” Sigh said. “Last night, you and the girls were talking about the concerts this summer, and you said, ‘we’re going to have a good time this summer,’ but my brain heard ‘gouda time,’ so here we are. One-third pounder, two slices of smoked gouda, and mayo on a toasted bun. I’m thinking… brioche.”

Trick groaned.

Dare said, “You’re terrible.”

Sigh grinned.

“I think it’s cute,” Audrey said. “And I love smoked gouda. I’m not saying that I ate an entire wheel of smoked gouda by myself last summer, but it’s entirely possible I did.”

“Yes!” Sigh pumped his fist and then hugged Juliette. “I knew it was a winner.”

“You did good, baby,” Juliette said.