Changing Focus

Chapter Two

Olivia glanced back at the window even as she pulled her robe closed. The massive wolf had intrigued her, jumping around in the snow like that. She’d awakened from another of those disturbing dreams just after two. Once again she’d dreamed of running, of chasing something small and fast, of warm blood and the scent of fear in the air.

Odder still, she’d awakened naked, though she knew she hadn’t gone to bed that way. The door to her room had also been unlocked, though she distinctly remembered locking it before getting into bed. And why on earth had her sheets been slightly damp as though she’d lain down wet from a shower?

She banished the random thoughts and poked at the fire. Such a luxury, having a fireplace in the room. Putting the poker away, Olivia wandered around, enjoying the forced air system under the floorboards that kept her bare feet warm without socks or slippers.

Having never been a real fan of winter sports, or even winter for that matter, staying in a lodge like this one was a whole new experience for her. Still, this had to be one of the nicest places she’d been in since starting her career as a photojournalist. The bed was huge. The mattress was one of those air-filled ones that could be adjusted to the individual’s preference for firmness.

The bathroom boasted a huge garden tub as well as a separate shower stall with three strategically placed showerheads. There was a double sink and a vanity area complete with soft lighting, perfect for someone to sit and put makeup on. Olivia smiled at that thought. Her makeup routine usually consisted of a mildly tinted moisturizer and a quick sweep of lip gloss.

The whole lodge boasted the most comfortable hotel furniture she’d ever sat on. The main room with its array of comfortable couches and chairs scattered about in a welcoming pattern held a huge fireplace that cut through the wall to also grace the dining room on the other side.

Small and intimate, the dining room only seated twenty people at a time. She’d been told it was reserved mainly for guests of the lodge and that the townsfolk didn’t come out this far just for dinner. Seeing as how the nearest town was about twenty miles of frozen road away, she hadn’t been surprised. As the only guest staying in the lodge proper at the moment, she’d been assured that the place would be filled in a few weeks. Olivia tapped her lips reflectively.

For her story to really pan out the way she envisioned it, she needed more people. And she needed the owner of the lodge to show up. She gave an exasperated sigh. He’d agreed to her visit several months ago during an email exchange, so she’d thought he would be here to meet her.

Even without the owner, her requested tour of the grounds had surprised her. The seven private cabins for those who didn’t want to stay in the main lodge had individual style and flair. Some could sleep as many as six while others were more intimate-obviously made for couples.

The main lodge also housed a state-of-the-art exercise room not to mention a sauna and whirlpool. The brochure in the room explained that the lodge conformed to the old Norwegian tradition of a “family-style” sauna, meaning both sexes shared the room.

Sighing, she moved back behind the desk and flipped open her laptop. The email from her editor blinked accusingly at her. She’d been here three days and hadn’t sent a word. Usually by this time she’d have at least sent an outline of her current story. Biting the bullet, Olivia sat down. She smiled again as she thought about the wolf playing in the snow.

That settles it, if a wolf can enjoy it, so can I. Tomorrow I’ll ask Gareth to take me out on one of the dogsleds or teach me to walk on snowshoes, or heck, even ice fish! Anything to get out of this blue funk. The walk she’d taken in the woods yesterday hadn’t helped much but then again, it was so bloody cold out there. It hadn’t seemed to help her insomnia, either.

This was a fairly new development, only occurring in the last few weeks. She’d be sound asleep one minute and wide awake the next with no hope of getting back to sleep. Olivia had sleeping pills, prescribed by the psychiatrist her editor had insisted she see, but she hated the fuzzy feeling they left her with.

And the other pills-the so-called mood-stabilizer ones-she detested. She slept but never a peaceful sound sleep. The dreams stayed the same no matter which pill she took.

Running through city streets if she was at home or running through snowy forests here. She could pour herself a glass of wine from the minibar in her room, but she didn’t really want that either.

Shaking off those thoughts, tucking her feet up under her in the chair, Olivia spent the next few hours working on an outline dealing with winter sports and the people who enjoyed them. She heard the floor creak above her and glanced up.

It had to be the owner, one Micah Keeps Vigil. She hadn’t been able to find a picture of him in her search, but she’d found plenty of information for an article. He’d only owned the lodge for the last ten years and he’d made it one of the premier spots for winter sports enthusiasts. The lodge offered ice fishing, skiing, skating, snowmobile rides, dogsledding, winter survival training, winter camping and many other outdoor activities that some people enjoyed.

Born and reared in Florida and having just moved to New York, she didn’t know much at all about real winter weather other than that it was really cold. Northern Wisconsin in January was quite different from southern Florida in the same month. She wasn’t sure she’d ever be truly warm again.

Olivia dragged herself back to bed just after the sun started to rise. Breakfast had never been her favorite meal of the day anyway so she figured she’d just skip it. Besides, if she didn’t show up in the intimate little restaurant downstairs, Gareth wouldn’t feel obligated to cook and Lord knows they would both probably appreciate that.

He had freely admitted when she first arrived that he wasn’t the best cook and that it wasn’t normally his job, but that the other couple who helped out were away with a family emergency.

Seems Mr. Keeps Vigil hadn’t mentioned her arrival and the newlywed couple in the only occupied cabin were making their own meals. She’d definitely have to find out more about his name. Micah Keeps Vigil, different, very different.

Olivia smiled as she snuggled into the huge bed. The flannel sheets and down comforter combined to make a nice soft nest. She closed her eyes on a deep sigh then groaned when they popped open again. No use. Instead of trying to sleep, she might as well try out the whirlpool tub in that massive bathroom.

Tossing the covers back, Olivia went into the decadent room to start the tub. She dug her favorite scented oil out of the dresser drawer and poured a few precious drops into the water. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon rose as the oil heated with the water. She went back into the bedroom and started pawing through her clothes to find something appropriate to wear.

Warmth would be the main draw. Her matching lingerie looked good, but it did nothing to block the cold. Tights and a long-sleeved t-shirt under a sweater and her favorite jeans might be enough with her jacket. She’d ask about gloves, a hat and a scarf.

With the tub full, Olivia turned off the taps, removed her robe and gown and then stepped into the tub. She started the whirlpool jets and leaned back. The soothing pulses of water hit just the right pressure points in her tired body, lulling her into a relaxed state. Her mind began to wander, dwelling on the article she would write.

Interviewing the owner of the lodge would be first on her agenda for the day, then something outdoors to get her in the spirit of things. Maybe the activity outside would also kick her insomnia in the teeth long enough for her to get a good night’s sleep.

Rolling over, Micah opened his eyes. He’d dragged his body back to bed and dozed without even realizing he’d done so. The female’s scent reached him, even this far away. She had to be doing something to make her scent stronger. Bathing? Exercising in her room? Either way, it had been her scent that pulled him out of sleep.

Just like Gareth to put an unmated female close enough for him to smell her when he first woke. Shaking his head at his friend’s eternal matchmaking, Micah chuckled. Gareth might not have been sure she was one of them, but he hadn’t hesitated in trying to capture Micah’s interest in the female. He also didn’t seem too worried about finding a mate of his own.

Micah sobered then, knowing that Gareth didn’t believe any female would want him. He’d been one of the first victims of his former Alpha’s illness. Curtis had allowed a “first blood” challenge to get out of hand. As a result, Gareth had been permanently blinded in his right eye and had scarring on the right side of his face.

Micah had offered to send him to a plastic surgeon though Gareth had refused everything but the offer of a job at the lodge. He wore a patch over his sightless eye when there were human guests at the lodge. When the guests were mostly shifters, he simply disappeared to his own cabin.

Micah stretched, feeling his muscles and sinews protesting slightly after his midnight romp. It felt good. Throwing back the lightweight fleece blanket on his bed, he got to his feet. Stretching again, he raised his hands high over his head, feeling his shoulders and spine pop. He dropped his arms, shaking them as he padded naked into the bathroom.

Stepping into his shower, he turned the water on fully. The blast of cold water caused him to inhale sharply and he exhaled in relief as the water heated. When he felt sufficiently clean and awake, he shut off the water, wrapping a towel around his waist before flipping the weather radio in the bathroom on. He listened with rapt attention as he dried off and combed through his hair.

The forecast called for more snow later in the afternoon with blowing gusts and wind chills of at least ten below zero. Being prepared for the weather wasn’t just good business, it could mean survival. Micah thought about the white world outside as he braided his hair.

Dressing casually in a pair of well broken-in polypropylene long johns and comfortably faded jeans, Micah shoved his feet into his ancient moccasins before pulling on a formfitting long-sleeved polypropylene shirt. He planned to go outside after breakfast so the shirt and long johns would be the first layer. Flipping his braid over his shoulder, he started down the back stairs.

Gareth looked up from the newspaper and his seat at the counter as Micah entered the kitchen. The coffee had just finished, so Micah poured for both of them. Taking a bracing sip, Micah started pulling things out of the industrial-sized refrigerator, glancing at Gareth when he cleared his throat.

“I called Luke from the rez this morning and we picked up the truck and your tarp. The truck’s in the big garage.” Gareth paused briefly then continued. “Listen, if you don’t need me I thought I’d take off and do some ice fishing.”

“Sure. I’m not planning any runs in the immediate future. In fact, I’m hoping not to do any ever again.” Micah turned, sensing that Gareth studied him closely.

“You’re serious about quitting? About being here full time?”

“I’m totally serious. I’m tired of being a hunter. I’d rather kick back here. When do you plan to take off?”

“Probably later this week. Thanks, Micah. I won’t be gone more than a few days.”

Gareth wouldn’t meet his eyes. Micah wondered if he was really going fishing or if there was something else going on in his friend’s head. He’d heard rumors the last time he’d been home about Gareth crossing the Canadian border, meeting with Packs there. There had also been reports of new wolf activity in that area-wolves of the canine variety, not shifters.

He listened intently as Gareth filled him in on the incoming guests they were expecting. Micah put a tray of biscuits in the oven then poured each of them a fresh cup of coffee as they discussed some cosmetic repairs to one of the cabins.

Micah glanced up just after he pulled the biscuits out of the oven. He’d heard his guest moving around and wondered if she’d join them for breakfast. She hadn’t appeared by the time he put the food on the table, so they sat down to eat without her.

When they were through, the two men cleaned the kitchen, then Gareth took off toward his own cabin. Micah watched him trudging along the freshly shoveled path, head down and hands stuffed into the pockets of his parka.

Micah spoke quietly to the empty kitchen. “‘I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano, a stage where every man must play a part, and mine a sad one.’”

“Merchant of Venice ?”

He nodded even as that melodious voice went through him. Micah turned slowly, not sure why he was reluctant to face this woman. Gareth had been sure she wasn’t a shifter, Micah felt sure she was.

Curly blonde hair, cut short to frame a heart-shaped face with bright blue eyes that peered at him through the thickest light brown lashes he’d ever seen. Micah felt his heart stop for a moment even as he nodded at her. Those eyes. I saw that color last night in the shower.

Micah refused to let those musings go any further. It surely wouldn’t do to greet her with a hard-on. His cock already twitched in response to this female. Her scent gave her away. The woman standing in front of him was definitely the she-wolf from the night before as well as his guest. This erased any niggling doubts. His beautiful interloper was looking at him.

Not lush then, but tiny. She couldn’t be more than five feet five inches tall and thin enough to almost make him want to force-feed her. Her hand looked small as she held it out to him, making him feel huge and clumsy as he folded his fingers around hers.

“You’re obviously Mr. Keeps Vigil. I’m Olivia Decatur. I sent you an email some time ago about doing an article on Wild Haven.”

She smiled up at him through pink lips that looked soft and inviting. They glistened and as he inhaled, he smelled cherries. Micah swallowed hard as he released her hand. “I’m Micah, welcome, Miss Decatur.”

“Olivia, please. You have a beautiful place here.”

“Thank you.” Say something, you idiot! He berated himself even as she moved over to look out the window. She was talking about the weather but Micah couldn’t make his mind work. She was incredibly beautiful and she was definitely a shifter.

Her overall scent of oranges tinged with a blend of vanilla and cinnamon floated to his nose, tempting all his senses. He could sense his animal rising as he watched her.

She wore a bright red oversized sweater and black pants that hugged her legs. Her breasts and hips were small but perfectly proportioned to her frame. He could almost feel her breasts in his palms. He knew he was being rude, but he couldn’t stop staring. She faced him with a puzzled look and Micah shook his head.

“I’m sorry. My mind wandered. What did you say?”

“I asked how long you’d lived here.”

Olivia couldn’t help but notice the way the light behind her caused his eyes to shine. They were the darkest brown she’d ever seen and though he had his dark hair pulled back into a braid, she knew it had to be much longer than her own.

“I’ve owned the lodge for nearly ten years. It is where I call home now.”

Olivia moved away from the window, hoping the shivery feeling in her spine would stop, that its cause was the cold air and not the man standing in front of her. She wasn’t promiscuous, but looking at Micah made her want to rip her clothes off and launch herself at him. Made her want to drag him down to the floor and ride him until they were both spent and gasping for air.

There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he’d catch her if she did decide to jump him. The man was seriously huge. Well over six feet, probably closer to six and a half feet tall with yummy broad shoulders and a massive chest. Shoulders that a linebacker might envy. Olivia assumed Micah benefited from being an avid outdoorsman.

His hair shone that glorious dark brown-so deep and rich it probably looked black in certain lights. Still, variations of color shifted through his hair, making her want to touch it to see if it was as soft as it appeared.

The shirt hugged him so close that he might as well not be wearing it. Every muscle stood out, deeply defined. She dragged her gaze back up to his face, snagging on his mouth. Sensual lips, perfect for kissing, pursed slightly at her perusal. She finally raised her eyes to his and saw an answer to the heat filling her body.

He felt the attraction just as deeply as she did if that look could be taken seriously. Her brain froze. One thing she knew for certain. No way could she ever sleep with him or anyone for that matter. She couldn’t trust herself-couldn’t trust the monster who lurked in her.

“So, ten years. What did you do before you opened the lodge?” Determined to gain her footing, she dragged a standard interview question out of her subconscious. Breaking eye contact with him took more willpower than she expected, and breathing had to be seriously overrated right now.

“I was in the Army.”

She waited for him to elaborate, but he simply stood there, watching her. She had the feeling if she moved too quickly, he’d pounce. Olivia turned her head slightly so that she wasn’t tempted to keep staring at his face-or his body. Glancing outside, she noticed it had started snowing again. She latched on to the safest, most inane subject known to man.

“How long will the snow last?”

“We may be in for a blizzard.”

She knew he’d moved closer, she could feel him. No, that wasn’t quite right. She could smell him. He smells like warmth, like summer sunshine, like cookies. Cookies? Olivia shook her head slightly.

She must be hungry, though she’d never been much for breakfast. As though he’d read her mind, he moved toward the stove and away from her. As weird as it seemed, she almost missed his closeness.

“There are biscuits left from earlier this morning and I’ll make you an omelet. Will that set you up for breakfast?”

“Actually, I’d really just like a cup of coffee. I’m not much of an eater in the morning.” Olivia moved toward the round oak table in the center of the kitchen. “Would you rather I went into the dining room?”

“No.” He glanced at her briefly, a faint color highlighting his cheeks. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so abrupt. It’s just that since you’re the only guest right now, I hoped you wouldn’t mind taking your meals in here. With me.”

It was her turn to flush with color as a sudden and not entirely unwelcome vision of stretching him out on the counter behind him and nibbling her way from his toes to his luscious mouth hit her. “Not at all. Really, though, don’t go to any trouble for breakfast.”

“Miss Decatur-”

“Olivia.” She interrupted him quickly, wanting to hear him say her name.

He smiled briefly and she knew she was in serious trouble. That look turned the lust she already felt right up to molten lava explosion time. She wondered what he would say if she just asked him to strip down so she could let her lips do the walking.

“Olivia.” The sound of her name on his lips had another shudder going through her body and this time she knew the cause to be the man standing in front of her. She dragged her attention back to him, only to find him looking at her again as if he could read her thoughts.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s not a myth or something parents made up. Gareth said you were interested in winter sports. If that’s true, and you plan to go outside with me later, you’ll need all the energy your body can store.”

“Okay,” she laughed, giving in gracefully, she hoped. “Okay. An omelet would be great, thank you.”

He nodded as he set a cup of coffee in front of her. After offering her cream and sugar and watching her doctor her coffee until it resembled dark milk, he turned back toward the refrigerator and started pulling covered containers out.

“So, you’ve been here for ten years and before that you were in the Army. But you don’t live here year-round?”

“Not yet. I hope to change that, starting now.” He glanced over his shoulder at her and then went back to chopping things. She couldn’t see exactly what he was doing.

“When did you open the lodge for business?”

“Six years ago. I had to do extensive repairs to the original building and then I wound up adding the third floor. The cabins have been added as funds became available for them. I think Gareth showed you a couple of them?”

“Yes. They’re lovely. Did you do the decorating yourself?” She watched the muscles in his back and shoulders move. The man was truly gorgeous.

“No, I had a professional decorator friend come in to do the cabins. As for the main building here, well, some of it was dictated by what already existed, the rest I just wanted to be welcoming.”

“You’ve succeeded.” Whatever he was cooking started to smell really good. Olivia sniffed appreciatively then picked up her coffee. “So, you opened six years ago. How long are you open?”

“The lodge is open year-round. Only four of the eight cabins are centrally heated, so they’re the only ones used during the winter months into spring. The others are used in the summer and fall.”

“Eight? I only saw seven.”

He nodded briefly, glancing at her again. “The eighth is actually Gareth’s. He built it pretty much on his own. When I need to be away, he’s in charge of things. I have a married couple who also come in to help out when we’re full.”

“You must trust him a great deal.” She glanced down as he set a plate in front of her. Shaking her head, Olivia laughed as she looked up at Micah. “There’s no way I can eat all that!”

He’d piled her plate with an omelet stuffed with onions and peppers and what she thought might be ham and then put a heap of fried potatoes on the side along with two fluffy biscuits.

“Try.” Micah sat down at the table with her, putting a matching set of salt and pepper shakers on the table. Olivia shook her head but picked up her fork.

“I won’t need to eat again for a week. Do you feed all your guests like this? I’m surprised you don’t have to roll them down the drive.”

She laughed but the laughter died when she looked up to find his dark brown eyes focused directly on her face. The sheer beauty of his features caused her breath to catch. She wondered what it would be like to just run a finger or her tongue over his sensual lips. She made herself take a breath as she refocused on what he was saying.

“They get enough exercise to make it worthwhile.” He grinned briefly, showing his teeth before his face went back to its customary impassiveness.

Olivia dropped her eyes to her plate and cut off a small bite of omelet. After tasting the first bite, it seemed as though she couldn’t get enough. With Micah sitting there beside her, telling her more about the amenities of the lodge in winter, including snowmobiles, cross-country skis, snowshoe trails, ice-fishing huts and dogsledding, she managed to eat about a third of the omelet.

Finally, she pushed the plate away, sure she wouldn’t be able to move for at least an hour and wanting nothing more than to curl up and take a nap, preferably in Micah’s lap. She raised her gaze to meet his steady one. He nodded as he got to his feet and cleared the table.

Though she offered to help, he insisted that she just sit. She was content to do so, sipping her coffee as she watched him. Micah was one beautiful male animal. He just oozed sexuality. Olivia laughed at herself. Check your hormones, Olivia Marie!

As soon as he’d finished cleaning the kitchen, he turned to her, tossing the towel he’d just wiped his hands on over his shoulder. “So, are you ready to go for a walk? Skiing? What would you like to do?”