Vivian Arend - Wolf Tracks

This ones for youthe readers. From Molli, whos been begging for TJs story since day one, to the woman who emailed to tell me she read the whole series back to back over a weekend. You are why this story was even written. Thank you for taking the wolfies and giving them so much loving.

Pam let out a long, slow whistle and stared out the window to admire the scenery one more time. Damn it, Maggie, I knew you were hiding something, but seriously. How many can I take home?

A light tap on her arm dragged her attention away from the backyard and the succulent array of man flesh congregating there. Youre supposed to be helping me, not drooling over the wedding guests. Maggie turned her back and gestured over her shoulder. Get the last of my buttons, will you?

Where did you get this gorgeous gown so quickly up here in the boonies? I mean, its been two months since you went north. Not that Ive been calculating or anything, but sixty-seven days is a short time to fall in love, get engaged and arrange to tie the knot. Pam slipped the last of the minuscule pearl buttons through the hoops. Two months since shed seen her friend, and falling in love didnt seem to be the only thing that had changed. Pam checked the bedroom they were in with a growing suspicion Maggie was keeping secrets from her. Something wasnt sitting right, and over the years Pam had learned to trust her instincts.

Its my sisters dress. I just had to add a little bit of lace to the bottom to deal with the difference in our heights. Maggie twirled, the lacey layers of the skirt flying around her. Her short blonde curls bounced more wildly than usual, a thin silver tiara nestled amidst the chaos. How do I look?

Pam rolled her eyes. Like a freaking pixie queen, as usual. God, why do you even ask? Youd be gorgeous in a paper bag.

Maggie laughed.

It was now or never. I need to know, Mags. Is this really something you want to do? Or are you getting married this fast because, oh, you feel you have to

Her best friend frowned. Do you think Im being forced into this? Seriously, Im in love and I want to marry Erik.

Youre not pregnant and thinking this is the only way to deal with it, cause, if you are, Id be totally fine with helping support you

Pam! Maggie trapped her in her arms, squeezed with the tightest bear hug possible. Oh, sweetie, Im honoured youre willing to help me, but Im not pregnant. Im honestly and truly in love. I know it seems fast, but with somepeople, you know its right.

That was possible. Maybe. Pam had rarely seen it. She turned away to stop Maggie from reading her expression too closely. Just because shed never seen a real-life love you forever didnt mean it couldnt happen, and someones wedding day was hardly the time to point that out. She sighed and tried to distract herself with the man candy again. So. When you and Erik take off on your honeymoon, do I get to sample the locals?

Maggies laugh tickled her ears and then everything was okay again. Youre such a flirt. Go easy on them, heartbreaker. Hey, I need a few minutes alone. Why dont you go explore? Come back in about twenty and Ill be ready to roll.

Pam kissed her cheek. If youre sure youre sure.

God, go on. Im a big girl now. They grinned at each other with the familiarity of long-time friends before Pam scooted downstairs. She peeked into the bustling kitchen before wandering out into the yard.

Hey, can I get you a drink?

Are you hungry?

Suddenly surrounded by tall men in formal suits, her mouth watered. Another voice lifted over the others and a light touch landed on her shoulder.

Here. For you. A Gerard Butler look-alike offered her a glass of white wine. She shook her head. Did they think she just fell off the turnip truck? She didnt take drinks from strange men, even drool-worthy ones.

Youre Maggies friend, right?

Would you like to go for a walk for a few minutes? I can show you around the yard.

One of them offered his elbow and she batted her lashes as she took it. Why not? She had time before Maggie wanted her back. A couple of children raced past their feet and Pam smiled as she watched the happy chaos filling the festively decorated yard. Nice crowd for the wedding. Do all you boys live around here?

It had been awhile since shed had such tasty company, let alone this many good-looking guys. While the attention was diverting, she wasnt in the market for a relationship while she was in the North. Nope. Shed do the support my friend thing with Maggie, take off for a little sightseeing, then it was back to civilization all the way. And beautiful men like thesewell, a one-night stand would be fun but the bridesmaid getting it on at the wedding was a clich she really wanted to avoid in this lifetime.

Maggies fianc strode over, towering above the other men. Pam chuckled. While hed turned out to be one of the good guys, shed still kick his butt if he needed it, no matter how big he was. No one messed with her friends, and Maggie was her oldest friend. BFF and all that shit.

You doing okay? The boys treating you right? Erik glanced around, his expression stern, and the fawning crew raced away like theyd been shot out of a cannon. Pam stared at their retreating backs with growing suspicion. No way. If hed put them up to it

I guess thats the question, isnt it? She narrowed her eyes. I was getting the royal treatment. That your doing?

Erik held up his hands, palms out. Trust me. I dont feel like having you tear a strip off me. If theyre hanging around, its because youre interesting. Just dont break too many hearts, okay? Id hate to have to listen to sucky love songs during karaoke night for months after you leave.

Pam laughed. Okay, youre safe. I believe you. She shook her head as she glanced up and down his length. What the hell do you guys eat up here? Is there like a fountain of hugeness or something? Ive counted at least two dozen men over six-three in height.

He grinned at her. Its the water. Seriously good. Hey, Maggie says she needs you one last time, but I was hoping to introduce you to my best man first. He glanced around. Only he seems to have disappeared.

Pam waved a hand at him. Ill meet him when we do the little walk-thing around the yard. Maggie explained the procedure and Im cool with the ceremony. Id better run and see what she wants. Just in case shes getting cold feet and wants me to call the whole thing off on her behalf.

She hid her amusement as his smile drained away. You dont think she would? But

It had taken years to perfect the fake concerned expression she wore as she nodded sympathetically at him. Im sure it will be fine, but Id better go settle her down. You stay here and try not to worry. She patted him on the arm and went back upstairs, snickering evilly.

Maggie met her at the top of the landing. Pam tried to wipe her face clean of her grin, but theyd been best friends for too long.

Who are you tormenting now? Pam, you promised not to freak people out with your weird sense of humour.

Someone stepped to the side of Maggie. Pam turned to face the young man and stopped dead. My oh my. She flushed at the expression in his eyes. The last time a guy had stared at her like that, the two of them had been naked, in the middle of a heated sexual exchange. He stripped her with his gaze and rather than feel indignant, her own interest rose. Of course, he was too young for her, but still Hot damn, he was hot. Darkish skin, black hair. Eyes so black the pupils and irises bled together. That must be ithis pupilsit only looked like he was one step away from ravishing her.

Pam, Id like you to meet TJ. Hes a good friend and works with Erik as a wilderness guide. Hes going to be our best man.