Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79927 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79927 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
She was drying off her arm—the one the wolf had held gently but firmly—on the side of her sweater and noticing that the wolf’s breath didn’t smell bad at all. In fact, the scent coming from her completely unmarked arm was like a mixture of cherry and cinnamon. She would have to ask Dr. A’flerzz what kind of kibble they’d been feeding him and get some to take home with her. It must be remarkably good for the wolf’s teeth for him to have not even a whiff of bad breath.
“Let me see your arm!” Iyanna demanded, as Kiera started to roll her sleeve down. “How does it look?”
“See for yourself.” Kiera held out the arm in question, turning it from side to side so her friend could see the truth.
Iyanna grabbed her hand and turned it back and forth, scanning the smooth, unbroken brown skin.
“I can’t believe it—he didn’t even leave any teeth marks!”
“Of course not—he didn’t want to hurt me. He just wanted me to promise to get him out of here.” She grinned. “He didn’t have to do that, though. The minute I saw him, I knew I wanted him.”
“He zzeemed to feel the zzame way about you,” Dr. A’flerzz remarked in their buzzing voice. “But are you zzure you want to bring such a large predator home with you?”
“Positive,” Kiera said, and was a little surprised to find that she had no doubts at all about her decision. Yes, it was hasty, and she hadn’t considered all the implications of having such a large and dangerous pet, but it just felt so right she couldn’t deny it. The huge wolf belonged with her—that was all there was to it.
6
KIERA
The rest of the tour passed in a blur for Kiera because all she could think about was getting back to the huge gray wolf and taking him home. All the while Dr. A’flerzz and Iyanna were discussing various plants and they were loading the schoonies, (which looked a little like long—necked llamas but with scales instead of fur) into the back compartment of the shuttle, she was dreaming of wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his furry ruff.
She didn’t know why but the big guy had really stolen her heart, and she couldn’t wait to get him back home to the sanctuary and take care of him. He’d been neglected long enough—she was going to make him her special baby, she decided.
The minute the schoonies were loaded and everything was ready to go, she hurried back to his cage.
The minute he saw her, the huge wolf was on his feet. He rushed to the cage door, whining and pawing at the bars.
“It’s okay, boy–we’re getting you out. You’re coming home with me, just like I promised,” Kiera reassured him.
Dr. A’flerzz’s long, insectile fingers hesitated above the lock.
“You are absolutely zertain about thizz?” they asked, their compound eyes staring uncertainly at Kiera.
“One hundred percent,” she said firmly. Now that she’d had a little while to think things over, she wanted the huge wolf more than ever.
“Very well, then he izz yourzz,” the alien scientist buzzed.
They opened the cage and the wolf came bounding out. He jumped into Kiera’s arms, putting his huge paws on her shoulders and licking her face with a long, taffy—pink tongue.
“Okay, all right!” she said, laughing. He was much taller than her on his hind legs–he actually had to lean down to lick her.
“Are you sure that’s safe?” Iyanna asked, looking on anxiously. “He really is enormous, Kiera!”
“He’s just excited–he’ll calm down in a minute.”
Kiera stroked the fluffy ruff and then took the wolf’s head in her hands. She stared into those strangely human—looking, golden eyes and spoke directly to him.
“Quiet down now, boy. I know you’re excited to be going home with me, but you have to behave if you want to come in the shuttle.”
At once the huge wolf stopped licking and wiggling. He dropped to all fours and pressed his big, furry body against her side.
Though he was obviously trying to control his emotions, Kiera could still feel his entire shaggy body trembling as he pressed against her. Oh yes, he was extremely excited to be going home with her, but he was clearly doing his best to behave.
“What a good boy you are,” she praised him softly, stroking his silky fur. “What a good, good boy.”
Iyanna stared at her, a look of wonder on her face.
“I just don’t get how you do that. He really seems to understand everything you say!”
“Of course he understands—he’s a very smart boy.” Kiera smiled.
To be honest, she had to admit to a bit of surprise herself–she had always had a way with animals, but she had to admit, the wolf obeyed her better than any other creature she’d ever worked with. He really did seem to comprehend the meaning of her words.