Lone Wolf

Lone Wolf
Sheri WhiteFeather

Just one look from her evocative neighbor, Hawk Wainwright, was all it took to set Mission Creek newcomer Jenny Taylor on her toes. But haunting memories from a brutal ex-husband made her wary of his touch.Still, Jenny couldn't help being drawn to Hawk, a lone wolf who had never quite fit into the legitimate Wainwright pack. He knew the pain of being estranged from flesh and blood, and now that the Carson/Wainwright feud was reaching a boiling point, mending fences would have to wait. He would gladly focus his attention on the achingly vulnerable woman next door. Yet, could Jenny trust this kindred spirit with her deep, dark secret and still feel safe in his arms?

CLUB TIMES

For Members’ Eyes Only

Like father, like son…

I put my foot in it this time, members, but I’m going to plead Temporary Hardware Store Stupidity. Okay, so Hawk Wainwright and I smashed into each other when we were both examining screws and washers (no, I didn’t do it on purpose). Can you blame me for getting riled when he growled at me? As if I should do ballet while picking out a washer or a screw! I said, “You are just as crabby as your father.” His death glare catapulted me into another stratosphere and I left the hardware store empty-handed. Oops.

To cheer myself up, I went over to Mrs. McKenzie’s dress shop, because if you stand near the fitting rooms, you can hear the latest water-cooler dirt from the cream of Mission Creek society. Kate Wainwright and Rose Wainwright-Carson whispered about the fact that interior designer Jenny Taylor has a past. (Those quiet ones are always hiding something.) And poor Jenny has Hawk Wainwright as her next-door neighbor. I have to warn her never to borrow a cup of sugar from him!

But here at the Lone Star Country Club, we embrace all—the loud ones (you know who you are), the quiet, the brave, the spineless and even the scary ones of Mission Creek. We are a family.

So bring it on at the Lone Star Country Club. The sooner, the better!

About the Author

SHERI WHITEFEATHER

lives in Southern California and enjoys ethnic dining, summer powwows and visiting art galleries and vintage clothing stores near the beach. Since her one true passion is writing, she is thrilled to be part of the LONE STAR COUNTRY CLUB series, where she had the pleasure of learning about a wondrous place called East Texas.

Sheri is married to a Muscogee Creek silversmith. They have a son, a daughter and a trio of cats—domestic and wild. She loves to hear from readers. You may write to her at: P.O. Box 17146, Anaheim, California 92817.

Lone Wolf

Sheri WhiteFeather

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Welcome to the

Where Texas society reigns supreme—and appearances are everything.

Could a Native American rebel uncover the secrets hidden in his neighbor’s hardened heart?

Hawk Wainwright: An outsider his entire life, Hawk was drawn to his mysterious neighbor whose quiet beauty was impossible to ignore. But this lone wolf would need to overcome his own past before he could plan a future with Jenny.

Jenny Taylor: After an abusive marriage forced her to run away and start a new life, Jenny vowed she’d never fall for someone based simply on looks and lust. Now, though, an outsider seemingly with no hidden agenda has made Jenny feel passion once again…stirring her soul like no man ever has.

The Mercados of Mission Creek: One of the most powerful families in Mission Creek has taken a special interest in the kidnapping of baby Lena. Is it possible that patriarch Johnny Mercado is involved in the abduction?

To Margaret Marbury for offering a much-appreciated membership to the LONE STAR COUNTRY CLUB.

To the other LSCC authors for their hard work and dedication.

To my husband, Dru, for sharing the hawks in his life.

To Kimberly Payne and her dog, Cheyenne, for inspiring the puppy in this book.

And finally, because the nature of this story is too important to categorize as strictly fiction, I’m including the toll-free number of National Domestic Violence Hotline for anyone who should need it: 1-(800) 799-SAFE.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

One

Hawk Wainwright walked out onto his front porch, then stopped when he saw her.

The pretty woman next door.

She knelt on the grass, planting flowers in her yard. Curious, he watched her.

A soft breeze blew her hair across her face, shielding a delicate profile. She wore old jeans and a simple cotton blouse, but she managed to look ethereal. He suspected her eyes were blue, rivaling the color of the sky.

But the angelic beauty seemed determined to keep to herself. She never spoke to him, never met his gaze or acknowledged him in any way.