Reviving Bloom (Bloom Daniels Series) Read online

  He’s favoring that leg and I can see the wound is deep. He needs it cleaned up and bandaged, but how do I explain that to a 300 lb dog? Standing up I hold my hand out. I want to touch his coat but I feel I need his permission. He watches my face then glances at my hand. Limping closer he rubs his muzzle across my palm. Thank goodness he’s friendly. It might make it easier to get him inside. Walking back towards the house I pat my leg and in a soothing voice call, “Come on boy. Come with me. It’s okay. I just need to clean your paw.” To my surprise he follows me all the way into the house without a problem.

  I grab the first aid kit from under the kitchen sink and a bowl of warm water, and then I get started on cleaning the wound. It’s deep and probably needs stitches but the vet won’t be open till tomorrow so this will have to do till then. For a dog he is rather attentive. He watches everything I do for him. His eyes never leave me and he doesn’t try to pull away.

  Closing the first aid kit and wiping off my hands I look at him. He really is gorgeous, huge, but gorgeous. And he must belong to someone because he looks well taken care of. I’ve never seen a stray that looks this good. Running my hands down his side I ask, “So boy what’s your name and why are you all the way out here?”

  Chapter 8 – Pike

  ~ Please, don’t call me Rover ~

  I’m screaming in my head. Pike. My name is Pike! Please don’t call me Rover or some ridiculous dog name like that. Geez I hope she can hear me like I can her. She’s so beautiful maybe I should shift right now and take her in my arms. Damn it Pike think straight. You don’t want to scare her to death. I can’t think with her hand rubbing down my side like this. This woman is going to be my down fall.

  Chapter 9 – Bloom

  ~ You got a dog? ~

  The name comes to me like it’s sent from somewhere else. But looking at him it seems right so I test it, “Pike! Is your name Pike boy?” His ears prick and at the time I’d swear he actually nods his head yes (but it’s late and I’m sleepy so I could be seeing things). “Okay Pike it is,” I say around a yawn then add, “Well Pike, I better make you a bed so we both can get some rest.” I stand to walk to the bedroom and he follows me. I dig a couple old comforters out of my closet and make a spot for him in the kitchen next to a bowl of water. He sniffs at the blankets then looks at me. Yawning, “Sorry boy, best I can do. I’m going to bed. Now get some sleep.”

  I watch him as he curls up in the comforters then I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Watching myself in the mirror I notice the dark circles that have been staying under my eyes are gone and even after working all day I look refreshed. Hmm! Must be that nap I took in the bath earlier.

  I crawl in between my covers and I’m prepared to fall asleep when I feel the movement on the bed. Pike has jumped in beside me and is making himself comfortable. He lays his head across the pillow next to me and his blue eyes lock on mine. I don’t have the energy to kick him out, at least that’s what I tell myself. So I throw my arm around him, rubbing my fingers through his soft coat. He licks my nose making me giggle. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard that sound come out of my mouth. Moving my hand up to rub his muzzle I tell him, “Thanks boy I needed that. And you can stay with me tonight but tomorrow you’re back in the kitchen. I don’t want my bed smelling like dog.” Not that he smells like a normal dog. He actually smells like the forest after a rain storm has washed it clean.

  For the first time in a year I sleep without tossing and turning, without the dreams of Dad crashing. I’m out until the warm sun peeking through my curtains forces my eyes open. Pike is still stretched out beside me with his head on the pillow and my arm around him. We haven’t moved an inch. Stretching my arms over my head I sit up and look at the clock, 9 a.m. Good, I’ll be ready before Billy gets here. Rubbing Pike behind the ears I whisper, “Come on boy it’s time to start our day. How about I fix us some breakfast?”

  His eyes fly open at the mention of food and he licks my face. Gently pushing him back down and wiping off my cheek. “I’m not sure I can get use to these dog kisses. Geez, you need a mint Pike.”

  He hangs his head like his feelings are hurt and I feel horrible. I’m not sure if he understands what I said or why I feel the need to comfort him, but I do. Grabbing his muzzle in my hands I turn him to face me putting my nose to his. “I was kidding Pike. You can give me doggie kisses anytime. But if you’re going to be here awhile we will be getting you a doggie tooth brush.”

  Letting go of his face and hopping out of bed I look back at him. “Okay now let’s get some food. I’m starving.” He follows my lead and leaps out too, then follows me into the kitchen.

  I’ve never had a dog before so there isn’t any dog food in the house, and I’m not sure what dogs can and cannot eat. So looking in the fridge I dial my friend Bonnie. Her Dad’s a vet and she has a dog so she’ll know. I hear the line pick up and then her cheerful voice, “Hey Beautiful! I haven’t heard from you in awhile.”

  Her warmth always makes me smile. She’s been my best friend since the third grade when she skipped (yes she skipped then and occasionally still does) over and asked me to play My Little Ponies with her. It’s been Bonnie & Bloom ever since. I like to say she brings the sun when it’s been cloudy. That’s why I’ve been avoiding her. I’m not ready for the sun. “Hey Bon!”

  “Hey, I’ve missed you girl.” I can hear the relief in her voice that hearing from me brings.

  “I’ve missed you too, Bon. I’ve called because I’ve got a question for ya.”

  “Hit me with it.”

  “What do dogs eat other than dog food?”

  “You got a dog?”

  “No … well kind of temporarily. He got caught in one of Dad’s old coon traps last night and I brought him in to clean his wounds and I let him stay with me. I thought I’d bring him in to your Dad’s office today so he can check out his paw.”

  “That was sweet of ya. I’m sure Dad will be glad to check him over. So are you keeping him? It might be good for you to have a pet with ya out there to keep ya company.”

  “I’m not sure. He probably has a family looking for him. So what can I feed Pike?”

  “Pike? Did you name him or did he have a dog tag?”

  “No tags. I just didn’t want to call him dog or boy and Pike seems to fit. He responds to it so he must like the name. So what kind of food is okay?” Bonnie is sweet but her thoughts wander a bit, hence having to ask the same question three times before getting an answer.

  “If you have some leftover chicken he’ll probably eat that. They also like apples and peanut butter. But if you’re coming to Dad’s office you should pick up a bag of dog food. You don’t want him getting use to table scraps.”

  Grabbing a bowl of leftover chicken from the fridge I tell her, “I’ll do that. Thanks Bon.”

  “Anytime Blu. Do you want to meet up at Dads and have lunch while he’s checking out your dog?” I can tell she’s nervous I’ll turn her down. I’ve been doing that to everyone lately, but today feels like the perfect day to see my best friend.

  “That sounds great. What time do you want to meet?”

  “How does noon sound? I’ll stop and pick-up a couple burgers.” Bonnie’s so happy, all because I’ve agreed to see her. She’ll probably have a joker sized smile plastered to her face all day. I can even see her jumping up and down, doing her victory dance.

  “Sounds perfect to me. Don’t forget the fries and grab a burger for Pike too, please.” I bite my lip to keep myself from laughing at the image of Bonnie doing her victory dance.

  “I can do that.”

  “Bon?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m sorry I’ve been M.I.A.” I hate bringing down the good mood we’ve had going on, but I owe my friend an apology.

  “Blu, you have nothing to be sorry about. I knew you’d call when you were ready. Love ya chickadee.” I can hear the tremble in her voice.

  “Love you too.” I end the call before we both end up bawl
ing.

  “How does chicken sound?” I ask turning my attention back to Pike.

  I warm up his leftover chicken and then make myself some scrambled eggs and toast. Pike devours his leftovers before the toast pops up, so I give him a slice of it as well. I’m nibbling on mine when I hear the knock on the door. I have to calm Pike who becomes very alert and then I head to the door to let Billy inside. Pike follows me, or should I say leads the way. He must have been trained as a guard dog because he growls at Billy until I reassure him he’s safe.

  Stepping inside Billy asks, “When did you get a dog? Or should I say horse, that beast is huge.”

  “Found him caught in one of Dad’s old coon traps last night. He is pretty large isn’t he? No need to worry though he’s like a big cuddly teddy bear.”

  “By the way he was just growling at me I wouldn’t say he’s too cuddly. But I do think it’s a good idea for you to have a dog. He’ll keep you company and seems like a good guard too.”

  “I’ve lived here all my life and no-one has messed with this place. Plus, I never said I’m keeping him. Like I told Bonnie he probably has a family looking for him. I should probably hang up some flyers or post his picture on my Facebook. Maybe someone will recognize him.”

  “Just because no-one has doesn’t mean they won’t. If the wrong person realizes it’s just you out here they might try something. Don’t let your guard down doll. But I think you should keep the dog.” He watches Pike who is pressed against my leg with his gaze locked on Billy. “He’s taken to you quick.”

  “I won’t let my guard down and you know I have Dad’s old hand gun if some fool does try something,” I remind him.

  “Good to hear. Just make sure you remember to take the safety off. It doesn’t shoot when it’s on,” he says with a grin. Billy knows I’m a great shot, he and Dad taught me to shoot when I was a kid, but that doesn’t change the fact that he likes to tease me.

  “Oh give me a break old man. I’m a better shot than you.” I push his shoulder teasingly.

  “Well you did learn from the best. This old man is hungry. Do you have any breakfast left?” he asks rubbing his shoulder, as if I could really hurt him.

  Heading towards the kitchen I call, “come on I’ll find you something to eat.”

  I whip him up some scrambled eggs and toast and then sit at the table with him drinking my apple juice. Pike is once again curled up beside my feet and I’m rubbing my toes through the fur on his side. Billy’s not normally a quiet man but when you put food in front of him you get quiet time. Though it doesn’t take him long to finish because the man doesn’t eat he inhales his food. Sitting his fork down and wiping his mouth he asks, “So are you ready for me to start doll?”

  “Are you ready?” I ask back.

  “You know what I’m talking about Bloom Michael.” You can always tell an adult is being serious when they use your first and middle name.

  “I’m ready Billy, but if you don’t mind I won’t be helping. I’m not sure I can go through his stuff yet.” I admit, not meeting his eyes because apparently watching the condensation on my glass is more important.

  He places his hand under my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes. “I know doll, that’s why I’m here.” He stands up from the table, comes around Pike and gives me a one armed hug. “I’m going to get started. Holler if you need me to save you from that bear of a dog.”

  “Not needed Billy. He’s a teddy bear.” I prove it by getting on the floor with Pike and cuddling him close to my chest.

  “Yeah yeah a 300 lb teddy bear that can rip out a man’s throat. Real cuddly,” I hear him mumble as he walks out of the kitchen.

  After cleaning up the mess from breakfast I decide to straighten up the living room as well. I’m elbow deep in the dust bunnies behind the couch when I feel Pike nudging my leg. Crawling out and wiping my hands on my jeans I ask him, “What’s wrong?”

  He turns and points his head towards the clock hanging on the wall. I have less than thirty minutes to get ready and drive to town to meet Bonnie. How a dog can know that is baffling, but I have no time to think about it because I have to get ready. Hopping up I rush into the bathroom and start stripping off my dirt covered clothes and take the quickest shower of my life. In my haste I forget clean clothes, which normally wouldn’t be a problem but with Billy in the house I can’t walk around in a towel, so I peek out the door to see if the coast is clear then begin a mad dash for my room. I make it all of two steps before I trip and fall over Pike who has decided to stand guard at the bathroom door. Trying to grasp the wall to stop my fall I manage to pull a couple picture frames down with me. I’m trying to stand up, hoping Billy didn’t hear my fall, but no such luck because he comes running out of Dad’s room.

  “Are you okay doll?” He asks stopping just short of the broken frames.

  Pulling the towel around me tighter and trying to maneuver around the glass shards, “I’m fine. I just tripped.”

  “You look like you started a fight with the wall of pictures and the pictures won. And your knee’s a little banged up. Do you want me to check it out? You might have glass in the cut.” He makes a move to come help me but Pike instantly gets in his way. Billy tries to move to the other side to get by but Pike’s faster and blocks that way as well.

  The two stare each other down for a good minute, before Billy looks away. Pike must have won because Billy throws his hands up, “Fine pup I won’t doctor up her knee. Sorry doll it looks like your guard refuses to let me help you. You best go clean up that knee before you bleed all over the floor. I’ll get the broom and clean this glass up.” Then he proceeds to stomp toward the kitchen.

  Running my hand through Pike’s coat in a soothing voice I tell him, “Okay come with me you big brute. I’ll clean up my own knee. No help from Billy.”

  Yelling after Billy’s retreating form, “Sorry, I’m not sure why he’s acting this way. Thanks for getting the glass though.”

  “No problem. Just don’t let that horse boss you around, if you start now he’ll always have the upper hand.” Billy calls from the kitchen.

  Heading back to the bathroom I holler over my shoulder, “He’s just a dog Billy. He can’t boss anyone around.”

  “Tell that to him!” I hear him reply in a chuckle.

  Chapter 10 – Pike

  ~ I’m a little taken with him as well ~

  Take out the part where the trap caught my paw and last night was one of the best nights of my life. It took all the control I have not to shift back to my human form while I was laying in bed with her. God, if she knew what was racing through my mind when she was rubbing her hands over my coat she’d stop thinking of me as an innocent dog.

  A dog! The woman thinks I’m a dog, and not even a scary dog. A dog she trusted enough to bring into her home and allows to share her bed.

  I’ve been called a lot of things over the years, including being likened to a hell hound, come to bring the wrath of Satan, but nobody has ever mistaken me for a common house pet. I can’t decide if I’m insulted or should be happy that I don’t scare her. Okay, I am happy she’s not afraid of me, but I think my alpha ego is bruised. I’m supposed to intimidate people. People like Billy, but you see how that’s going. And I know I promised no more growling at this guy, but I can’t help myself when she’s running around in those tiny shorts she tries to pass off as pajamas.

  Hell, because of the little towel move she just pulled I almost killed the man. She would’ve never forgiven me for that one; I don’t care how nice of a guy he may be, he’s rubbing my wolf and me the wrong way. My wolf doesn’t want anyone but him around her when she’s practically naked. What the heck happened to flannel pajamas or even a robe? It would’ve been a much more sensible choice when you have a man running around your home that’s not your mate. If it’s just her and me she could lose the towel and I’d be fine, more than fine. I’d shift and have her in my arms in less than a heartbeat. But no, she has to run around in baby doll si
zed shorts and towels that are meant to clean dishes not cover wet bodies. This woman is so going to be the death of me, a beautiful death, but a death none the less.