Desired by Morgan Rice Page A

her. What’s more: they were the same eyes as Rose.
    Caleb felt her heart pounding. She felt as if Rose had come back from the dead, had been reincarnated in some other animal. That expression, that face. The fur color was different, but otherwise, this could have been Rose reborn.
    The wolf pup, too, seemed startled to see Caitlin. It stopped, staring at her, then slowly, cautiously, took a few tentative steps towards her. Caitlin scanned the woods, looking to see if other pups were around, or its mother. She didn’t want to end up in a fight.
    But there was no other animal anywhere in sight.
    As Caitlin examined the pup more closely, she saw why. It was limping badly, blood coming from its paw. It look injured. It had probably been abandoned by its mom, Caitlin realized, left to die.
    The wolf pup lowered its head, and walked slowly, right up to Caitlin. Then, to Caitlin’s surprise, it lowered its head and rested it in her lap, whining softly as it closed its eyes.
    Caitlin’s heart leapt. She had missed Rose so badly, and now she felt as if she’d come back to her.
    Caitlin set the bucket down, reached out, and took the pup in her arms. She held it close to her chest, crying as she did, remembering al the time she’d spent with Rose.
    Despite herself, the tears rol ed down her cheeks. The pup, as if sensing it, suddenly looked up at her, leaned back, and licked the tears from her face.
    Caitlin leaned down and kissed it on its forehead. She held it tight, cuddling it to her chest.
    There was no way she could let it go. She would do whatever she had to to help it heal and bring it back to life.
    And, if the wolf wanted, to keep her as a pet.
    “What shal I cal you?” Caitlin asked. “We can’t do Rose again….How about…Ruth?”
    The pup suddenly licked Caitlin’s cheek, as if responding to the name. That was as definitive an answer as Caitlin could have asked for.

    Ruth it was.
    *
    Caitlin, Ruth at her side, had just finished cleaning the dining room, when she spotted something interesting along the wal . There, beside the fireplace, were two long, silver swords. She picked up one of them, dusted it off, and admired the hilt, encrusted with jewels. It was a beautiful weapon.
    She set down the rag and pail, and couldn’t resist giving it a go. She swung the sword wildly, left and right in circles, switching hands, al throughout the cavernous room. It felt great.
    She wondered how many other weapons Caleb had here.
    She could have a field day training with them.
    “I see you found the weapons,” Caleb said, suddenly walking in the door. Caitlin immediately set down the sword, self-conscious.
    “Sorry, didn’t mean to pry into your stuff.”
    Caleb laughed. “My house is yours,” he said, as he walked into the room carrying two huge deer slung over his shoulder. “Whatever I have, you’re welcome to. Besides, you’re a girl after my own heart. I would have went right for the swords, too,” he said with a wink.
    He strutted through the room, carrying the deer, then suddenly stopped and turned, doing a double take.
    “Wow,” he said, in shock. “It looks like a new place!”
    He stood there, staring, wide-eyed. Caitlin could see how impressed he was, and she felt happy.
    She looked at the room herself, and saw that it was indeed transformed. They now had a gorgeous, dining room, replete with table and chairs for their first meal.
    Ruth suddenly whined, and Caleb looked down, and saw her for the first time. He looked even more surprised.
    Caitlin suddenly worried if he’d mind having the pup here.
    But she was relieved to see that his eyes opened wide in delight.
    “I can’t believe it,” Caleb said, staring, “those eyes…she looks just like Rose.”
    “Can we keep her?” Caitlin asked, hesitantly.
    “I’d love to,” he answered. “I’d give her a hug, but my hands are ful .”

    Caleb continued with the deer, through the room, and down the corridor. Caitlin and Ruth fol owed him, and