He continued to growl at me and gave me a dog-eyed glare. In his mind, he and I shared a tie. I knew that. I also knew from a werewolf standpoint, in a strongly tied pair, the male often acted in an extremely possessive manner. If other unMated males came near before the Claim was completed, a fight typically broke out. Sometimes to the death.
“But we’re not talking unMated males,” I whispered to him, thinking aloud. “They’re just men.”
He chuffed out his canine laugh and hopped from the bed to walk toward me. I couldn’t help it, after all that barking and growling, I stepped back from him. His sides heaved as he sighed and stopped advancing. I knew my fear disappointed him.
“Sorry,” I mumbled automatically. Although, he’d done nothing but try to communicate why he didn’t want me to go out tonight, I didn’t appreciate his chosen methods of communication. They could use improvement.
“Let me think, Clay.” I sat on the edge of the bed while he stood on the floor, and watched me. I still didn’t understand what continued to bother him. The date wasn’t with a werewolf. I had no interest in Scott. I only wanted to go as a favor to Rachel. And the clothes were the only going out clothes I had.
“Can we compromise? I don’t want to spend the entire year sitting at home with a possessive dog who won’t talk to me.” Yeah, that sounded weird. “What if we went somewhere dog friendly? There’s a bar with cute little bistro tables on the sidewalk. If you’re on your leash, you could come.”
He stood, turned around so he faced away from me, and sat again.
“Is that a yes?” I leaned to the side in an attempt to see his face. He didn’t move.
“I’m taking that as a yes. If you turn around while I’m changing, I’m going to have you neutered.”
He just laughed again, so I hurried into my skirt and switched my t-shirt for the fitted top. As my head cleared the neckline, I met his eyes in the mirror. Thank the stars I hadn’t changed any underthings.
“Hope it was worth it,” I said. “You’re on the couch tonight.”
Rachel and Peter sat talking on the couch when I walked out of my room.
“All set, but can we change our plans? I think Clay was freaking out because he knows we’re leaving. He’s been left alone so much this week...”
Predictably, Rachel made soothing noises and went to cuddle Clay. He tolerated it with as much dignity as a man in fur and a collar could muster.
“What if we went to that bar with the bistro tables that you were telling me about?” I said to Rachel.
Rachel leapt at the idea. “That’d be perfect. It’s still nice enough out. Besides, I think this is the last week they do the outdoor dining. We should go before it’s closed for the season.”
Peter stalled. “Are you sure he will be okay? He looked pretty aggressive in there.”
Rachel stopped petting Clay to look back at Peter. “He’s never done that before. I think Gabby might be right. We’ve been leaving him alone a lot. I even forgot to let him out this morning before I left.”
Peter looked adoringly at Rachel, and I knew we’d be going to the bistro bar.
“Let me grab my shoes. I’ll follow you guys in my car just in case I need to leave early.”
“I’ll let Scott know about the change in plans.” Peter pulled out his cell and started tapping the screen.
“I’ll let Clay out.” Rachel got up, walked to the back door, and called to Clay. Clay looked at me imploringly but, after what he’d just pulled, I had no pity.
“You know the drill. Go do dog business.”
He left the room without a backward look. I went to the hall closet to search for my black flip-flops, the best footwear I had to offer the outfit, and grabbed a light jacket.
“You talk to him like he’s a person,” Peter said.
“I tease her for it all the time,” Rachel said with a smile as she rejoined us. “You should hear her scolding him at night for taking up too much room on the bed.”
Annoyingly, I started to blush. “Well, he’s huge. Most of the time I have to sleep curled up. But, I’m sure I’ll appreciate him more in winter.” I slipped my feet into the plain flip-flops and made my way into the kitchen where I grabbed my keys.
I locked the back door while Rachel and Peter left via the front.
Clay already sat in the passenger seat when I turned toward the car. It meant he’d switched into his skin to open the door. I shook my head, got in, and started to buckle up.
“You’re going to be seen doing stuff a dog shouldn’t do. That or someone’s going to call the cops because a naked man keeps popping up in my backyard.” He didn’t laugh this time. I turned to look at him while I started the car.
“You okay?”
Clay met my eyes, but I couldn’t tell what bothered him now. I wished I could read him better.
“Fine. No growling, no biting, no barking. Pretty much no anything but acting like a passive, well-behaved dog,” I said, laying down the rules as I backed out of the driveway.
I followed Peter’s red compact through traffic with ease.
“I’m really nervous about this and don’t want to worry about you, too.” I sighed and started to doubt my decision. Although Clay had witnessed how the man who’d sold me the car had acted, he didn’t know how guys acted around me in general. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. He would flip out when someone started to hit on me.
“Clay, you should know...men make me uncomfortable because of the way they act around me. They usually start flirting or ask me on a date. Most girls would be flattered, but if you really pay attention, there’s something unnatural about it. It’s like they can’t help themselves. And sometimes, after I tell them no enough, they walk away with...”
I groped for the right word, but came up blank.
“I don’t know...a look. Like they’ve been caught doing something they’re ashamed of. I just want to try for normal tonight, okay? It’ll be hard enough being in a public place. You’ll see. I just need to know you’re not going to make it any harder on me.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him turn to look out the window and reached over to ruffle his fur gently.
With increasing frequency, I caught myself touching him as if he were a dog. If I didn’t think about him as a guy, petting him comforted me.
“Does it bother you when I pet you?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the road. I knew his answer when he contorted his large body to lay down with his head against my leg so I could reach him better. I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in a long while.
“Okay. If I start annoying you with it, just move away. I promise I won’t pester you.”
Peter considerately picked a parking spot with a free space next to it for me. Clay unwedged himself as I parked. I grabbed the leash and snapped it on. He watched me exit, hopped out after me, and stayed close to my side as we walked.
Rachel and Peter politely included me in their conversation. It helped distract me from my nervousness about meeting Peter’s friend. I knew what to expect even if neither Rachel nor Clay fully understood. Peter’s lack of reaction had pleasantly surprised me. But, his response wasn’t the norm. I just hoped Clay would behave.
Scott waited for us at one of the outside tables. He stood and flashed a welcoming smile when he saw Peter. From a distance, I saw several female patrons at nearby tables cast speculative glances Scott’s way. Fit and tall, with light brown hair and a carefree smile, no doubt his good looks warranted it. But, something about the way he held himself bothered me. It sent off an insincere vibe as if he’d practiced his pose.
His smile turned secretive and cunning as his pale blue eyes fixated on me. The subtle change probably escaped everyone else’s notice, but not mine. Depressed, but hiding it well, I rested a hand on Clay’s back. Whether in comfort or restraint, I couldn’t be sure.