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her head, by the look in his eyes, and the slight smile that lifted the strong curve of his lips. That look also told her that whatever she wanted, it wouldn't come for free.
    Fair enough.
    She needed to talk to Harrison Blethyin, and she needed to talk to him alone.
    Marj stood, and said, "Alice, it looks like everyone's finished eating. Why don't we get on to the craft fair and raffle part of the evening?"

    "Wolves mate for life, you know."
    A chill went through Marj at Harry's words, followed by a swift, hot, confusing rush of longing.
    Mating for life. With who? Him? God, what a thought!
    She gave her head a swift, hard shake.
    He loomed above her, looking dangerous and unpredictable. There was a wild glint in his eyes. He'd unbuttoned his shirt collar, rolled up his sleeves, and a strand of black hair had fallen across his forehead, adding to the undomesticated look. He brushed it back with a quick, graceful gesture. For a moment she couldn't breathe, staring at his large, capable-looking hand.
    "What?" she finally asked. She could barely get out the word.
    Those eyes told her he was perfectly aware of her stunned, visceral, reaction to him, but he pointed behind where she sat. "And what are dogs but wolves that know they have a good thing? Those two are in love."
    She'd been playing with the basket of kittens set on the table before her, dangling a green Christmas ribbon for them to bat at. Now, she turned to look where Harry was pointing, knowing that she'd see Taffy and the greyhound lying side by side. The old black metal folding chair creaked as she moved.
    She'd let the dogs out of the big cage so that they could stretch their legs, and so that everyone could get a better look at the elegant greyhound. She had no trouble keeping them quietly well behaved. Being able to communicate with the animals was also calming for herself after spending several hours in the company of people.
    She just wasn't used to humans anymore. Being around the locals she'd known all her life was hard enough, and Harrison Blethyin was downright disconcerting. Being with the dogs and cats, and having the slight distance of the table between her and others, soothed her.
    She had found a home for one tabby kitten, and a brown-and-black puppy of dubious ancestry. She'd urged children to write down a suggestion for a name for the greyhound and put their slips of paper in the fishbowl on the table. She was going to draw one of the folded pieces soon and award the winner of the Name the Greyhound contest a prize.
    The greyhound was sitting on her haunches, her huge eyes gazing upward. She looked something like the image of an ancient Egyptian statue of Anubis with velvety furled ears.
    Taffy was lying next to the black dog, and he had eyes only for her. His tongue was lolling out, and he was drooling, which wasn't something he did very often. Never dignified, right now he was downright ridiculous.
    "Yep," she said. "It must be love."
    "He's totally smitten."
    Marj jumped in surprise and realized that Harry was now standing beside her. And it was at Harry that the greyhound's worshipful gaze was directed.
    Marj could feel the waves of emotion the animal directed at the man. The feelings weren't complex, but strong, and hard to put into words—gratitude? Love? Something that wasn't quite fear, but close—wary respect?
    "I think Taffy might have competition for her affections," she said. "Are you thinking of taking her home?"
    And I think she recognizes you, but front where?
    Harry laughed. "Oh, no, not me."
    For a moment, Marj wasn't sure which of her questions he was answering. There were more important questions that she wanted to ask him, too.
    "Have a seat," she offered.
    He'd already pulled up another of the folding chairs and set it very close to hers. He settled his big form onto the seat, then leaned close to her.
    "All right," he said, affable, but hard-eyed. "What exactly do you want from me?"
    Anger bubbled through her. She had the