Awakened by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis Page A

sanctuary, a large area of protected forest where the pack roamed. High electric fences ensured human interlopers with cameras and shotguns stayed out, while sentinels patrolled the territory to ward off rogues.
    Unfortunately, even the best security measures sometimes failed.

Chapter 7
    B rice hurried down the hall and slipped inside his grandmother’s room. A woman lay motionless on the bed. Wires peeked out from the neckline of her gown, and IV tubes sprouted from her arms. The faint line of an oxygen tube rested beneath her nose. The old lady appeared so feeble that she couldn’t possibly be his grandmother. He backed up, hoping not to disturb her.
    â€œIs someone there?” The woman’s weak voice stopped him.
    Brice’s mouth went dry, and his body felt as if it had been packed with sand. “It’s me, Granny.” He scratched his throat, though the itch seemed to spring from his voice rather than his skin.
    â€œOh, my boy.” She lifted her tethered arms. “Come give me a hug.”
    Obediently Brice trudged to her bedside, bowed over her and offered a timid embrace.
    â€œYou call that a hug?” Granny squeezed his neck, then rubbed and patted his back. When he eased away, her celestial-blue eyes scrutinized his hospital garb. “Changed professions, did you?”
    Brice snatched the flimsy green cap from his head and sifted his fingers through his hair. “I don’t want Dad to know I’m home. I came to see you, not him.”
    Granny tsked. “You have to face him sometime.”
    Brice doubted that he did.
    â€œEnd the quarrel, Brice. If not for your sake, do it for mine.” Granny’s plea tightened around his heart until he struggled to breathe.
    â€œDad has to make an effort, too.” Brice limped to the window. “I’m not a priority for him.”
    Never had been.
    All Gavin Walker’s love and attention had gone to his firstborn, the Alpha-in-Waiting. Brice learned at a young age that his father held little regard for him, treating his second son as if he was lower than a pack Omega. Ironic, considering the Walker’s Run pack didn’t subscribe to the ancient social order for its members. Everyone had their place and purpose, but no hierarchy existed aside from the succession of the Alpha family, which the pack continued to endorse.
    â€œTalk to him,” Granny urged. “You’ll be surprised at what he has to say.”
    Nothing Gavin Walker said interested Brice. Too many hurts had hardened Brice’s heart and mind to listen.
    He wiggled the locking mechanism on the window until it loosened. After hoisting the pane up and down several times, Brice returned to Granny’s bedside.
    Ignoring her one raised eyebrow and one-sided frown, he pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down. The heat of her silent chastisement forced him out of the lab coat. Guilt ate at him for not giving her what she wanted. Still, Brice wouldn’t agree to something that he had no intention of doing. “Tell me what happened last night.”
    â€œThe pain started after supper. I told Cassie that I had indigestion.” A mischievous sparkle lit Granny’s tired eyes. “She’s such a sweet girl. I think you’ll like her.”
    Oh, he liked her, all right.
    â€œAbout last night?” Brice fidgeted to find a comfortable position for his leg.
    â€œCassie dialed 911, gave me an aspirin and then called Gavin. If she hadn’t been there, I probably would’ve gone to bed.”
    Brice’s heart registered another tally in Cassie’s favor. Casually he rubbed his shirtsleeve across his face. A hint of her scent lingered in the fabric. Anticipation tickled his nose and spread to his groin. He couldn’t wait to snuffle her sweet spot again.
    â€œI worried that Adam wouldn’t tell you.” Granny held out her knobby hand, and Brice gently sandwiched her fingers between his