Shadow of the Wolf by Anastacia Kelley Page A

to be going out.”  He rubbed her cheek with his palm.
         “Why thank you.”  She lifted on her tip toes and kissed him.
         “Better be careful or we’ll not make it to the party on time.”
         “Maybe later tonight,” she suggested impishly.
         “No.  Definitely later tonight.”  He laced his hand with hers and escorted her to his car.
     
         Trevor was nervous at first, not knowing how people would react to the fact he was there with them.  They were wary but as the clock ticked by, they eased up and even started a conversation with him.  Maybe it had something to do with him being invited by Rue because everybody trusted her judgment.  Maybe it was the cocktails and liquor-laced punch.
         Maybe it was just a combination of both.
         Whatever it was, his stomach had untwisted and he actually felt good, enjoying a drink with the guys.  He couldn’t remember the last time he felt at ease with anyone.  Anyone, besides Serenitee. 
         He watched her as she helped Rue put out a platter of brown sugar ham and cranberry sauce before disappearing back into the kitchen. 
         He took a sip of his beer and focused back on the conversation at hand.
         “Yeah, she’s a very nice lookin’ woman,” one man stated.  “Seems to have a good head on her shoulders.”      
         “She’s very beautiful,” Trevor admitted. 
         “I noticed you came together. You two an item?”
         “Item ?”  He had forgotten just how fast news traveled around here. 
         “It’s a small town so it doesn’t take long for information to make its rounds .”  He drained the last of his beer. “It’s just that she’s new and a couple of guys were asking around to see if she was available.  From what we’ve seen and heard from Rue, Serenitee is someone to get to know.  I know I would.”
         “Lyle,” another warned.  “It’s obvious to everyone that they are together, seeing they were holding hands when they came in.  Best to leave it at that.  We’re here to have a good time.  Besides, Rue will bust you butt if you’re not on your best behavior.”
         Lyle mumbled something unintelligible and sat down.   Obviously, Rue was the unofficial matriarch of the town.
         The man looked at Trevor and reached out a hand.  “Sorry about that.  Name’s Tom Smith.”
         Trevor shook the man’s hand.  “Trevor Van Holden.”  Either Tom had no idea of the Van Holden’s or he was being polite.  “I just moved to this town a couple of months ago.”
         That explains it.
         “It’s a nice place to live.  You’ll like it here.  It’s a fairly quiet town but being on the small side, as Lyle pointed out, everyone knows everyone.”
         “Ah.  Gotcha.”
         “Everybody!!  The food’s ready and waitin’,” Rue shouted over the din of the crowd.
         A few hours later, Serenitee didn’t think she could find one crumb of food left.  Even her pecan pie was devoured.  All that was left was the pie tin.  She was delighted about it, too.
         Rue was seeing a few guests out while Serenitee, Trevor and Charles cleaned off the dining room table.
         “Now, see here.  You two shouldn’t have done that.  You’re my guests.” 
         “Oh, Rue.  You cooked that fabulous meal.  It’s the least we could do,” Trevor grinned.
         Rue gave him a motherly pat on the shoulder.  “Well, then.  I thank you all for the help.”
         When she winked at him, Serenitee was pleased it had turned out just fine.  It wasn’t as bad as he thought it was going to be.  All these people were accepting of him.  True, they shied from him a little at first, but they came around pretty fast. 
         Now, she hoped Trevor was more comfortable with himself.
     
         Trevor asked Serenitee to stay over at his place that night and she