Starr, Ellen - Wolf's Passion [The Joined] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) by Ellen Starr Page B

and the sound of horses. She sat down on a rock, enjoying the peacefulness of the desert.
    This wouldn’t be such a bad place to live . She laughed at herself. If she stayed, she’d be giving up everything she’d worked for back in New Orleans. Besides, how would she ever explain it to Jean-Paul? No, better to get in her car, get to Dead Man, take care of the business Jean-Paul sent her here for, then get back home as fast as she could.

Chapter Eleven:
    Falling Apart

    Cora smiled at Dale as she stepped past him. Rafe saw his eyes widen almost imperceptibly. When Dale turned to watch her go, Rafe suppressed a grin. Dale turned back. He inhaled deeply, his eyes closed. Then he sighed and opened his eyes, an expression of wonder on his face.
    Wolf chuckled. “Yeah, she affects us that way, too.”
    Dale ducked his head, favoring them with a shy, lopsided grin.
    Rafe gave Dale a light punch on the shoulder. They all chuckled, a purely male response to the mutual attraction they felt for Cora, before Rafe continued, “The other news is bad.”
    Wolf’s eyebrows drew together in a frown. “Bad how? Will Cora be safe out there?”
    “She’ll be fine for a few minutes. Last night someone killed the sheep. Dale found them.”
    “Shit. How are you taking it?” Wolf took Dale’s hands in his, concern beyond his years etched into his face. This is why Wolf is Alpha, Rafe thought. Pride in this young man who was both leader and lover to him gave Rafe a lump in his throat.
    “Rafe helped me bury them. I’m okay, I guess.”
    “Dolores—”
    “Sent us a message.” Rafe managed to keep his voice steady.
    “Dale? You didn’t hear…” Wolf looked at Rafe, startled.
    Rafe shook his head. “No, he didn’t.”
    “But…” Wolf gave Rafe a puzzled glance. Rafe raised an eyebrow. He saw realization dawn in Wolf’s eyes. They both knew Dale went down to the rocks by the creek when he needed more sexual relief than they could give him.
    “I’m sorry. I was down by the creek.” Dale kept his eyes down as he addressed his Alpha.
    Wolf brushed Dale’s hair back then lifted his chin to look into his eyes. “It’s all right. We’ll find who did it. It’s not your fault. We’ll take care of it, and we’ll get some new sheep.” Dale nodded.
    Rafe nodded toward the door when Dale glanced at him. “Go keep an eye on Cora.”
    Dale looked at Wolf for permission before he stood and hurried out the door. Wolf sighed. “Just when he was beginning to open up. I worry we’re not taking care of his needs.” Wolf rubbed his eyes. “Maybe we should talk to Jake about getting one of us some training in this bondage stuff.”
    “Dale will be fine. He’s come a long way from the feral kid we found living in Old Town.
    “So what do we do now? About the sheep?”
    “It’s weird. We went over the whole ranch and found nothing, not even any clear tracks. I think we file a formal complaint with the council. Ask for restitution.”
    “Another complaint. Right.” Wolf sounded as discouraged as Rafe felt.
    “We need to stay within Pack law or they destroy us.”
    Wolf nodded. “I know. Do it. But wait until Cora leaves. If she isn’t going to join with us, she doesn’t need to know our problems.”
    “Okay. But maybe if she knew what we were facing she’d give us a chance.” Rafe knew it wouldn’t work as soon as he said it.
    “No.” Wolf shook his head. “The attraction is there, but this fiancé is the problem. She’s afraid to leave him.”
    “Maybe we could turn him. If he’s not too ugly or stupid. Let her keep him as a pet.” Rafe dabbed a finger in a puddle of leftover syrup. He put his finger in his mouth and sucked, winking at Wolf.
    “It’s a thought. You suppose he’d turn into a poodle?” Wolf finished off his coffee. “She did mention he’s French.”

    * * * *

    Dale ambled after Cora. He knew Wolf and Rafe worried about him, knew they’d be discussing him. They didn’t understand his need to