Sam could hear Alpha’s shrill bark over the rotors as the copter began its descent to the helipad, which had been cleared of snow. She felt excited, giddy, actually. She looked forward to seeing the big wolf-dog and…Pappy again. In more ways than one she felt like she was coming home. She knew the others felt the same way because while she pretended to sleep, she’d heard them talking. How strange. Yet, it wasn’t strange at all that they had bonded. She supposed living with a group of your peers twenty-four/seven would account for the feelings. What was even stranger was that she liked, really liked, the first three Rainford wives. If anything bothered her, it was that there were seven other wives out there. Clearly she wasn’t really number four. She was more like number eleven, possibly number ten. She should know which one. Why hadn’t she paid attention to the dates on the marriage licenses? How many women had Douglas married after he dumped her? In the scheme of things, did she really care?

They were on the ground, and everyone was unbuckling, checking to make sure they had everything they’d boarded with. Her heart was thumping in her chest.

Christmas Eve.

And it was snowing.

They would truly have a white Christmas.

Sam was third to hop off the helicopter. The others stood back when Alpha let out a ferocious, earsplitting bark and raced toward her. He slammed against her, his huge paws circling her neck. He licked at her cheeks, her hair, anyplace he could get his tongue. Stunned at the dog’s greeting, Sam dropped to the ground and rolled in the snow with him while the others watched.

Alpha was playing.

From the kitchen window, Pappy and his father watched what was going on. “The dog is playing,” Kyros said, awe ringing in his voice. “I find this very strange, son. The dog doesn’t love you, but he obeys you. He respects you, but he has never shown feelings like that toward you. Can you explain that to me?”

“She’s a woman.” It was more a question than an answer. Pappy continued to watch Samantha Rainford and his dog. How in the hell had that happened?

“There are other women here, son,” Kyros said slyly. “I’m thinking this one is special. At least Alpha thinks so.” He watched the conflicting emotions on his son’s face as he struggled to form a reply.

“She feeds him. Gives him cookies. He likes sweets,” Pappy said inanely.

“So do the others. You just don’t see them doing it. No, this one is special. I think you might have a problem, son.”