Holiday Howlz: Canine Call Read online

  Attus grabbed the pair of pajamas the boy had worn just hours earlier and let Jynx sniff the material. She pawed the floor twice. In wolven form she wasn’t capable of verbal communication, but she understood everything he said and followed his hands signals. This wasn’t the first time he and Jynx had worked together, but it was the first time the two of them had worked alone.

  Just in case Jynx needed to refresh the scent Attus stuffed the pajamas in an insulated backpack large enough to carry the five-year-old.

  “Ready?”

  Jynx pawed the floor twice.

  * * *

  Nose to the ground and seeking Charlie’s scent out of the dozens that had trampled the area, Jynx worked in a circular pattern around the Meyer’s rental cabin. Glancing through a window, Jynx saw a sobbing woman wearing a red sweater standing beside a Christmas tree with twinkling multi-colored lights. The heart-rending scene tore at Jynx.

  She and UL had to find Charlie and bring him home for Christmas.

  Moving in bigger circles, Jynx rounded the cabin twice more before picking up Charlie’s scent. She headed into the woods and away from the flashlight wielding searchers calling Charlie’s name.

  The searchers’ voices faded as Jynx trotted deeper into the forest. UL’s exceptional vision would allow him to keep up.

  A cold wind began to blow, dropping the temperature and rustling the leaves of the tall trees. Due to a warm spell there was no snow on the ground, but that would quickly change once the storm swept in from the north. The full moon provided light and the boy’s scent remained strong, guiding Jynx around large rocks, through the trees and deeper into the forest.

  UL on her heels, Jynx followed Charlie’s meandering trail. Coming upon a creek, Jynx lost the scent. She backtracked a few feet and trotted back to the creek’s edge.

  “Did he cross the creek?”

  Jynx pawed the ground twice. The Sheriff had described Charlie’s attire, jeans, long-sleeved shirt, blue jacket, hat and brand-new hiking boots. Jynx prayed the boy still wore the hat and hadn’t soaked his boots.

  Leading the way, Jynx splashed through the icy creek. On the opposite side she ran back and forth, seeking Charlie’s scent. Clouds were moving in, obscuring the moonlight.

  Finally, Jynx picked up the boy’s scent. Nose to the ground she trotted for close to an hour.

  “Stop.”

  Jynx paused. UL moved ahead and picked up a shiny wrapper. Jynx sniffed the wrapper of a strawberry breakfast bar.

  “Charlie’s?”

  Jynx pawed the ground twice. She followed the boy’s scent and a short time later UL called out to her.

  “Do you hear that?”

  Jynx turned her head, pricking her ears forward. Was that a faint cry? With the wind blowing, she wasn’t certain.

  “I heard him,” UL said. “He’s crying. We’re close. Let’s go.”

  Jynx per her nose back to the ground and picked up her pace.

  “I see him,” UL said, pointing toward a group of rocks. The boy was huddled between two rocks.

  UL ran to the boy. “Charlie? Are you okay?”

  “I want my Mommy.”

  “My name is Attus,” UL said, kneeling before the boy. “And this is Jynx.”

  Jynx moved closer, letting Charlie touch her nose. “Big white doggie. Is Santa coming?”

  “Yes, Santa sent us to find you,” UL said. “Are you hurt?”

  “It’s cold and I’m hungry. Mommy said she’d bake cookies for Santa.”

  Attus checked his wrist unit. It was midnight. “It’s Christmas Eve. We have to get you home so you can help your mother bake cookies.”

  “Santa likes chocolate chip,” Charlie said.

  “I like them too.” Attus reached in his pack, removed an energy bar and tore open the wrapper. “Try this cookie.”

  Charlie munched eagerly on the high-protein bar.

  “Would you like a piggyback ride back to the cabin?” Attus asked. “Your Mom and Dad are waiting for you.”

  “I like piggyback rides.”

  UL removed the pack from his back. “Climb in, Charlie, and I’ll carry you back to the cabin. You’ll be warm in here.”

  UL held the pack and Charlie climbed in. He adjusted the warm collar around Charlie’s neck and tugged the boy’s knit hat down over his ears.

  “Ready for a ride?”

  Charlie nodded and UL hoisted the pack onto his back, secured the shoulder straps and buckled the belt.

  They headed back to the cabins. Using the UL’s topographical map, the trip back to the cabin was more direct. A short distance from the cabins UL placed a call to Sheriff Stone. Ten minutes later, a sleeping Charlie was quickly transferred onto Stone’s back.

  Chapter Four

  After the sheriff left with Charlie, Attus and Jynx retreated to their cabin. The storm had moved in and snow was falling, blanketing the trees. At the door, Attus looked at the twinkling, multi-colored lights running along the eaves of the cabins. Green, red, gold and blue reflected off the fresh snow, creating a magical scene.

  He stroked Jynx between the ears. “Christmas card perfect, isn’t it?” Jynx rubbed her muzzle against his thigh. “We did good,” he said, opening the cabin door. The moment they were inside, Attus released the seal of his skinsuit and pulled off the hood. He dropped to his knees and hugged Jynx, his heart swelling with pent-up emotion.

  “I like rescue work.” The euphoria of finding Charlie and working with Jynx was a high he hadn’t experienced in a long time. Damn, he felt good. He thumped his chest. “It gets you here. Especially this time of year.”

  Jynx licked his face and rubbed her muzzle against his cheek.

  He pulled off his gloves and stroked her back, furrowing his fingers through her thick, white fur. Attus loved Christmas, but since he was single and unattached, he always took holiday duty and gave team members with children the holidays off. But this year he was with Jynx in a cabin in the mountains.

  A naughty idea flitted through his brain and tumbled out of his mouth before reason kicked in. “Let’s not go back to base. Let’s stay here and celebrate Christmas together. The General gave me permission to assist in the search through Christmas Day. If anything goes down we’re just a short chopper ride away. What do you say?”

  Jynx pawed the floor twice. “We’ll make a fire and return to base tomorrow.”

  The words were barely out of his mouth when Jynx shifted before his eyes. Her body trembled and shuddered as she changed shape.

  Attus’ heart thundered as her facial features blurred, changing from wolf to human. Her platinum blonde hair grew, falling well past her shoulders. On all fours, she shook her head.

  “Ohmigod.”

  Whether wolf or woman, Jynx was beautiful. Her silvery eyes held him spellbound.

  Naked, she kneeled before him. “I’d love to celebrate Christmas with you.”

  His gaze dropped to her breasts. Her nipples were pebbled, beckoning dark pink buds. Attus swallowed hard. With Jynx in human form, the idea of celebrating Christmas together took on a whole new meaning.

  He stood. “I guess I should start a fire.”

  “That’s one way to heat things up.”

  Her sultry words sent a flash flood of heat through his middle and straight to his balls. His cock jerked to attention. “We both need a hot shower. You go first and I’ll get a fire going.”

  She glanced at the erection straining his tight skinsuit.

  “I asked Santa for something very special for Christmas. I asked for something I’ve wanted for months. Do you know what I want for Christmas, Attus?”

  The way she said his name in that low and sexy voice snapped the first barrier of rank. The answer to her question, if acted upon, promised to destroy the barrier forever. Attus’ heart thudded against his chest wall.

  He had a choice to make, his position as the unit leader or Jynx.

  “I want you, Attus.” She squeezed him. “I want this.”

  His
pulse leaped and fire heated his blood, licked at his balls. “Jynx, you know the rules.”

  “It’s Christmas Eve. Santa rules. I’ve been a very good girl,” she said, rising to look him in the eye. “I’ve resisted temptation for months and I have exactly what I been wishing for, you and me alone, off base. But I’m through wishing.”

  He kissed her, sealing their mutual desire. Her lips were soft and her mouth hot. Attus knew he’d crossed a threshold. He committed his heart to Jynx. No going back. No retreat. No regrets.

  Bless Santa and all of his reindeer!

  Jynx wanted Attus and she wasn’t waiting another second. She grabbed the collar of Attus’ skinsuit. “Off, now!”

  In a flurry of tugs and pulls, he stripped in seconds.

  She’d seen Attus without a shirt, but never completely naked or stone hard. He was lean, all muscle and deliciously endowed. This was one Christmas gift she knew she’d enjoy.

  Goodbye, Number Five.

  She reached out and palmed Attus’ penis. It was long and thick and laced with turgid veins. Using the pad of her thumb, she slicked a bead of pre-cum over the silky crown. “Santa is generous.”

  “I’m ready to explode.”

  She squeezed him. “Promise?”

  He cupped her face in his hand, his thumb grazing her cheek. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. And I have excellent vision.”

  He made her feel beautiful, desirable and sensual. Hot.

  For a heartbeat they stared at one another. Then they came together in a rush of heat, arms twining and hands clutching.

  He took her mouth, tasting her. Their tongues warred, teased and savored. They swayed against one another, lost in the sensation of feel and touch. Her taut nipples scraped his chest and her belly rubbed provocatively against his. The heat of his erection seared her skin.

  She growled, throaty and deep. Breaking the kiss, Attus looked her in the eyes. “I heard your howls, experienced your moans, gasps and cries. You drove me crazy.” “I wanted you to feel my longing. I ached for you, Attus.” He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

  Chapter Five

  Together, they tore back the colorful quilt and blanket. Jynx fell upon the bed, her back hitting the mattress. Attus lunged between her thighs, his big cock aimed for her core. The broad head of his cock probed her center, nudging between her swollen labia. A hot surge of need rolled through her, coiled in her pussy, drenching her walls.

  She gasped as he pushed inside her, uttering a soft wail as she opened to him. “I ached for you, Jynx,” he said, plunging deep. She quivered as he filled her, his cock boring into her with steely precision. “I want to make you howl. I want my ears to ring with your ecstasy and know I’m the one giving you pleasure.” She raised her hips to meet his hard thrust. He drove deep. Jynx threw back her head and let loose with a hungry groan. Skin slapping, he thrust hard and fast. “I want to make you howl.” Grabbing him by the shoulders, she wrapped her legs around his lean hips and dug her heels into his ass cheeks. The muscles in his neck were corded and perspiration beaded on his temples. His eyes were bright, his pupils dilated. “Ohhhh God. You have me on the edge.” Muscles bunched and arms shaking, he slowed the tempo, grinding deep into her pussy and pressing down on her clit. Yelping, Jynx raked her fingernails down his back, felt the resulting shiver run along his spine. He rolled his hips and plunged. “I want you to howl for me, Jynx, and I don’t care if everyone in Snow Ridge hears you.” Flesh glided against flesh, each stroke spiking her with fiery heat. Mindless, she bucked beneath him, squeezing and clenching.

  Attus cried out, his cock pulsing as the fire consumed them.

  Jynx threw back her head and howled as she came.

  Wrapping an arm around her waist, Attus rolled onto his back. Her head on his shoulder, Jynx snuggled against him.

  “My ears are still ringing.”

  Her pussy had ceased convulsing, but a lethargy of pleasure and warmth surrounded Jynx. Happiness. Love. Attus.

  Thank you, Santa.

  * * *

  Jynx awoke and reached out, sliding her hand over the flannel sheets to find empty space. She smelled fresh coffee and heard singing, an off-tune Christmas carol.

  She climbed out of bed, wrapped a quilt around herself and padded out of the room. A cheery fire burned in the old-fashioned brick fireplace in the living room. The drapes were closed and the lamps bracketing an over-stuffed sofa were lit. A utilitarian kitchen, table and four chairs were to her left and the scent of roasted turkey filled the air.

  The table was set for two. A pine bough served as a centerpiece, with red candles sticking out of juice glasses.

  Wearing only a pair of cargo pants and singing another familiar carol, Attus was opening a bottle of white wine. He poured two glasses and turned toward her.

  His gaze met hers. “Santa must love me.”

  He set the glasses aside and crossed the room in three strides. He threw his arms around her, picked her up and kissed her soundly.

  “Merry Christmas, Attus.” Jynx sniffed the air. “Smells good.”

  He set her on her feet, but kept her firmly in his grasp. “I hope you’re hungry. I have turkey breast, stuffing, sweet potato casserole and peas. Pumpkin pie for dessert. The supermarket had a holiday special. I bought wine, red and white. I thought we’d start with the white wine and work our way to the red.”

  “I can’t think of anything more delicious, but it isn’t food that has me hungry. It’s you, Attus.”

  He slid his hands down her hips and cupped her ass. “Are you trying to seduce me before dinner?”

  She slid her fingers beneath the waistband of his pants. “I like a Christmas present that keeps on giving.”

  He guided her to the sofa and turned off the lamps. “I’ll be right back.”

  Curled up in the corner of the couch, Jynx watched him walk into the kitchen and flick off the lights. Firelight danced over the ceiling and walls, creating a romantic ambience.

  She and Attus were alone in a cozy cabin on Christmas Eve. Happy, Jynx pinched her thigh just to make sure her Christmas wish had really come true.

  Wine glasses in hand, Attus returned and sat down next to her. Then he looked her in the eye, giving her that this-is-important-so-listen-up look she’d seen during mission briefings. “I want to make a toast,” he said, lifting his glass. “To the most beautiful woman in the world. To the woman I love.”

  Jynx’s heart clenched as he touched his glass to hers. “I love you, Attus. I think I’ve loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you.”

  They sipped the wine, sealing the moment.

  He slipped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. “This is perfect. It’s like we’re the only people on Earth.”

  Her heart dancing with joy, Jynx snuggled against Attus’ chest. Thank you, Santa.

  Content to be together, they snuggled close and watched the flickering flames of the fire.

  After they finished their wine, Attus set the empty glasses aside. “More wine?”

  Shaking her head, Jynx reached out and cupped his face. “I love you, Attus. It feels so good to tell you. We broke the rules. What happens next?”

  “I’ll resign my command.”

  She placed her hands on his broad shoulders. “I’m sorry, Attus. I know how hard you’ve worked and how dedicated you are. Everyone on base respects your commitment.”

  “I love you, Jynx.” He took her hand and kissed her palm. “Resigning my command of Red Alpha Base is far easier than losing you.”

  “I’m crazy in love with you.” She kissed the tip of his nose. “What do you want for Christmas, Attus?”

  “I want you, Jynx. I want to marry you.” He sucked in a deep breath. “I want to make you happy. Give you everything you desire.”

  “Why wouldn’t you make me happy?”

  He drew in a slow breath and squeezed her hand. “I’m only human. I’ll never truly be part of your
pack. How will I satisfy your wolven needs?”

  “If I wanted to mate with a were, I would have done so. I want you, Attus. I want to marry you. You’re my alpha male.”

  His fingers tightened around hers. “Odds are our children wouldn’t be able to shapeshift. My blindness is hereditary. What if —”

  “I know the odds. I can’t imagine having children with anyone else. I love my job, but if it’s a choice between the military or you,” — she placed her palm over his heart, felt the rapid beating of his heart – “I choose you, Attus.”

  “I think my heart is about to jump out of my chest.”

  Jynx’s heart thumped hard against her chest wall. “Mine too.”

  Attus grasped her by the waist and drew her close, crushing her breasts to his chest. “I love you, Jynx. Since we’ll both be out of work soon, what do you think about starting a rescue business?”

  “As long as we’re together, I’m willing to give it a go.”

  She raked her fingers through his silky hair. “Make love to me, Attus. Make me howl.”

  B.J. McCall

  A multi-published author of contemporary and futuristic sensual romance, B.J. McCall is a West Virginia native now residing in Northern California. Thanks to an older sister who was a librarian, reading became B.J.’s favorite pastime. B.J.’s idea of the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon or a day at the beach is reading a Romance novel. The phrase “Do what you love,” applies to B.J. — she loves to write and each story is special. She hopes her readers will enjoy each and every one of them. Visit her website at www.BJMcCall.com.