The Lost Wolf's Destiny

Chapter 10

While he struggled to find the right words without hurting her, she gave him a slow smile. “Look, I know we don’t really have a relationship,” she said, letting him off the hook. “But we have been through a lot together in the short time since we met. Sometimes that’s enough to make a bond.”

“Right.” Noncommittal. Wary. Even though something intense flared inside him.

She lowered her chin. “No worries, I completely understand. You’ve already done enough. I’ll try my best to get out of your life as soon as I can.”

Out of his life? How could she not realize that everything had changed, for both of them? She could no more go back to her former life than he could go back to his.

“How are you going to do that?” he asked, curious to hear what she thought. “Are you finally going to get the Pack involved?”

“The Pack?” Judging from her tone, the word tasted sour on her tongue. “No. That’s not going to happen.”

He glanced at her, surprisingly relieved. What the hell, he might as well give her his opinion. “I have to say I’m glad to hear that. Actually, the Pack seems like another version of Sanctuary.”

One corner of her perfect mouth lifted as she shook her head. “Most of the Pack isn’t like that at all.”

He jumped on her words.

“Most? With the exception being the Pack Protectors?”

Ignoring him, she continued, “Those of us in the Pack don’t try to impose one set of beliefs on everyone. The Pack is simply what we are. After all, half of us are wolves. Wolves can’t be alone. Even our wild brethren run in packs.”

“So you modeled the human Pack after them?”

“I guess you could say that. We change together, run together and hunt together. Cover each other’s backs. This is our Pack, a network of our own kind. You’d be surprised how many prominent people are actually Shifters. We look out for each other. And the humans never know.”

He considered this. She’d said wolves couldn’t be alone, but he had been for most of his life. By choice. He’d never had the slightest inclination to be part of any Pack. Not even now, though he had to admit her simple and eloquent words made him reconsider. Plus, changing with her—he’d never experienced anything quite like it.

Brushing away the unfamiliar—and completely unwelcome—yearning, he glanced at her. “Still, if you do involve this Pack of yours, how will they help you?”

This time when she looked at him, he saw the anger simmering behind the emerald of her eyes. “He must be stopped. They need to know what he did to you. And what he planned to do to Hailey.” Again she smoothed back her daughter’s hair. The yearning expression on her face left no doubt how much she hoped Hailey would wake up soon.

“Don’t involve me. I don’t reveal my past to anyone,” he said.

“You talked about it with me.”

“That’s different,” he admitted firmly. “I had to in order to make you aware of what Jacob was capable of.”

She lifted her chin. “Which would be the exact same reason you’d need to let them know.”

“It sounds pointless. If I did talk to them,” he said, his tone cautious, “what could they do to stop it? Jacob Gideon and his church of Sanctuary are very powerful.”

“They might be in the human world, but the Pack takes acts of violence against Shifters seriously. They’d investigate.”

“Which puts us back at square one. You told me the organization that protects the interests of the Pack is called the Protectors. The very same one you’re so adamant about not getting involved.”

She said nothing, so he continued. “I agree that it’s definitely time to expose him,” he said. “He can’t be allowed to continue doing this to innocent people. Who knows who he could grab next, what other innocent child he’ll try to torture and ultimately destroy?”

“Exactly.” She sounded relieved. “If he really is on a crusade to destroy our kind, no one can tell how many people he’ll hurt—has hurt. I have to let them know,” she said.

Torn, he considered for a moment. Part of this was due to his distrust of anything with a group mind-set. Pack or Sanctuary, no matter what Blythe believed, they seemed to be cut from the same cloth, at least to him. Her reluctance to involve these Protectors was another red flag.

Finally, he planned to do it on his own. He really wanted to expose the bastard himself.

Would that selfish desire for revenge be his downfall? Frustrated, he gripped the steering wheel tightly, if only to keep from pounding it. Jacob needed to be brought down. It shouldn’t matter who actually did the deed.

Though he hated to admit it, she was right. They did need help. Still, he had to know all the facts.

“Will involving them endanger your daughter?”

She gave him a carefully blank look. “How could it?” This then, was part of her refusal.

“You’ll have to be front and center. If there’s a media storm, you’ll have to be willing to go on camera—and let Hailey go on camera—and say what Jacob has done. You’ll need to obtain a lawyer and press charges.”

“You’re talking like a human.” Still not an answer.

“Jacob is a human. In order to stop him, you will have to go through human channels. Assuming you don’t want him killed.”

She looked so shocked he nearly regretted saying the words. But the black thought had been festering inside him for years, churning up his insides. An eye for an eye, he’d often told himself. Jacob’s life for Lilly’s. Only fitting. Part of his guilt was the knowledge that he should have found a way to kill Jacob years ago and hadn’t.

“I’m not a murderer,” she said, indignant.

Which only meant she hadn’t been pushed to that point. If Jacob had killed or seriously injured Hailey, he had no doubt Blythe would go looking for blood.

“Then be prepared to go through legal channels.”

Silence while she considered this. He kept his eyes on the road, taking comfort from knowing they were putting miles between them and Sanctuary. They’d already crossed out of Texas into New Mexico. It wouldn’t be too much longer before they reached the Colorado border.

“The Pack will help me find me a lawyer,” she said haltingly, making it clear she wasn’t fond of the idea.

Ruthlessly, he pressed on. She needed to be clear on what she was letting herself in for. “Are you willing to testify? And let Hailey testify?”

“I don’t know.” The way her voice broke nearly cracked his heart.

“You’ll need to, if you really want him stopped.”

“Stop.” Her gaze touched on his, pleading with him. “I can’t deal with this right now. Maybe later.”

Exhaling, he let it go. Before she contacted this Pack of hers, he’d bring it up again.

When he didn’t push, she bent over and kissed her sleeping child’s forehead. “I just want to concentrate on getting Hailey well. One thing at a time. Then I’ll handle all the rest.”

The softness in her voice, the love in her expression as she gazed at her daughter...something intense flared inside him. A flash of emotion, so strong he felt it like a punch in the gut.

Mouth dry, he nodded, aware if he spoke, his voice would reveal more than he wanted her to know.

She must have taken his silence for condemnation. She reached out, touching his shoulder, startling him. He stiffened, glancing sideways at her. The fierce determination in her beautiful long-lashed eyes surprised him. “But after, I can promise you this. What that bastard has done will not go unpunished.”

“You took the words right out of my mouth,” he told her, sounding like he’d swallowed rusty nails. “Because I personally will make sure of that.”

Her answering smile sent heat blazing through him.

Again silence fell, though this time he found it companionable. As he drove, finally Blythe fell asleep. Once again alone, Lucas had the entire cab of his pickup to himself. The Colorado border flashed by, making his whole body tighten with relief.

When he reached Walsenburg and saw the familiar turnoff to La Veta and Cuchara, out of habit he glanced again in the rearview mirror. The road stretched out, dark behind him. Fantastic. They were nearly there, with no one following them.

Safe and sound. He’d done it. With help from a Shifter named Kane, but still. Blythe and Hailey were out of Sanctuary, away from the monster masquerading as a man of God.

As the landscape grew more and more familiar, a lightness lifted his spirit. In the seat beside him, Blythe still slept, holding her child close, the shoulder belt across them both. Again, an unwelcome rush of tenderness filled him. This time, he didn’t immediately push it away, even though its sharp sweetness made him clench his teeth.

They arrived at the road that led up to the cabin shortly before dawn. Incredibly wired, especially after driving all night, he cracked his window and inhaled the cool crispness of the mountain air.

They had enough provisions for a few days. He still had the ice chest he’d stocked before leaving the motel in Texas. Though Blythe had declined everything but water, after she showered she’d most likely be ready for a hot meal. He knew he would.

“Hey.” He gave Blythe’s shoulder a gentle nudge. “Wake up. We’re nearly there.”

He watched her struggle to come up through the layers of sleep. Blearily, she fought to open her eyes, blinking at him, groggy. His chest went tight. No one had the right to look so beautiful and desirable right after waking.

“What’s up?” she croaked.

“We’re nearly at my cabin. Think hot shower and a hot meal.”

But she wasn’t listening. She’d refocused her attention back on her daughter. “Has she moved at all?”

Slowly he shook his head. “A little.”

“What’s wrong with her? She should have at least...she hasn’t woken up yet.” Barely contained panic edged her quiet voice.

“Give it time.”

Her mouth opened and closed. She swallowed hard.

He couldn’t help himself, he squeezed her shoulder. “But she has shifted position. That’s got to mean something.”

“Do you think so?” She raised her face to his. Judging from her expression, hope warred with fear. “How much longer can a drug last?” she asked, worry coloring her tone. “It should be out of her system by now.”

“That depends what they gave her and how much. All we can do is watch and wait.”

“Is there a doctor nearby you trust? Not only does she take medicine for her heart, but I’m concerned about the impact of the sedative on her.”

“Once we get there, I’ll make some calls,” he promised.

“Thank you.” She grimaced and looked away. “I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to her because I trusted that man. And he calls us demons?”

“I know,” he said, aching for her. “But at least you got her away from him. She’s safe now.”

Though she nodded, his words didn’t seem to bring her any comfort.

They reached the final turnoff. As he swung the truck to the right, his headlights illuminated a huge deer standing by the side of the road. Instantly, his wolf reacted. Prey!

Next to him, Blythe let out a low growl. They glanced at each other with sheepish half smiles.

“You’re hungry, too,” he said, pushing his wolf down.

She nodded. “Sorry. It’s been a long couple of days. I’m exhausted and my wolf is very close to freaking out.”

Startled, he glanced sideways at her. Before Blythe, he’d never actually talked about his inner beast with anyone else. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was what other, more normal Shifters did: incorporate their wolf self into every aspect of their lives.

One thing was for sure. He’d gained so much knowledge about his Shape-shifter nature from talking to Blythe. If they spent a lot of time together, as he suspected they would, he imagined he’d discover a lot more. He needed to learn more, but not just about himself. He wanted to know everything about Blythe. Her favorite color, what kind of music she listened to. What made her laugh. How she sounded, singing in the shower. Every single idiosyncrasy and quirk, habit and flaw. For the first time in his life, he cared enough to want to know about another person.

Shivering, Blythe followed as Lucas carried Hailey inside and placed her on the couch. Blythe covered her with a blanket and watched while Lucas piled logs in the fireplace and worked to get a fire started. The inside of the cabin felt chilly, no surprise as she imagined at this altitude, the Colorado mountain nights would have already begun dipping close to freezing.

After a few minutes, the fire caught. He added wood and soon a good-size blaze was going.

Dusting his hands off on his jeans, Lucas stood. In the dim light, his aura seemed to actually glow. A trick of the fire, she decided. What else could it mean?

Expression shuttered, he glanced at Hailey, who was still unconscious, then back at Blythe. At first, she thought he’d say something. Instead he simply turned and went back outside to bring in the rest of their things from the truck.

Silently, Blythe watched him go. As she faced her daughter, she fought not to give in to her exhaustion and fear. Hailey, Hailey, Hailey. In her mind, she chanted her name over and over, along with a silent prayer. Wake up, baby girl. Please, wake up.

Oblivious, Hailey didn’t move. Only the slight rise and fall of her small chest gave testimony to the fact that she was alive.

Fear and anger knotted inside Blythe, tangling with remorse. She had no one else to blame. This was her fault. She’d decided to trust Jacob Gideon, to take her defenseless little girl inside Sanctuary. The responsibility belonged to her.

Panic stronger than she’d ever known tightened her throat as she watched her sleeping daughter. Despite Lucas’s obvious attempt to soothe her, she knew something wasn’t right. It had been hours since they’d escaped from Jacob’s compound. Surely the drug should have begun to leave her system by now.

Clearly, they’d given her too much. An overdose.

If Hailey didn’t wake up... Terror clawed at Blythe. Breathing in quick, shallow gasps, she forced it back down. She worked to keep her composure. Iron control—that was what she needed now. She’d be of no use to her daughter or anyone if she let hysteria claim her.

Hailey would be fine. Fiercely determined, she squared her shoulders. After all, there quite simply was no other alternative. She couldn’t even think about what it would mean if Hailey never regained consciousness. If that happened—it wouldn’t, she told herself fiercely—she’d be changing into her wolf and going feral, on a hunting expedition of her own. Jacob—and Dr. Silva, too—would learn the true meaning of hell before she’d finished with them.

Lucas reappeared, dumped their remaining bags on the floor, took one look at her and froze. “Are you all right?” he asked quietly.

Realizing that something must have shown in her face, she looked down. She jerked her head in a nod and swallowed hard before speaking. “I just don’t understand why Hailey hasn’t begun to stir even a little bit. She needs to show some sort of sign that she’ll be able to fully wake.”

“She will.” He sounded so certain. How could he be that positive? Watching as he turned and went out a back door, she admired and longed for his confidence, even if it was only an act to placate her.

A moment later he returned, carrying logs. “Come on, it will be all right. Don’t look so tormented,” he said, dumping his armload of firewood in a bucket next to the fireplace. “If she’s not better by morning, we’ll find a doctor. It’s not as bad as you think.”

“It seems pretty awful to me,” she shot back, her jaw tight. “Not only do I not know what he gave her, but I have no clue how that will impact her already-fragile heart.”

He nodded. “Give it time,” he countered. “I’m reasonably sure that Jacob wanted her alive a bit longer, so I doubt he gave her anything that would permanently harm her.”

That actually made sense. Briefly, she closed her eyes, grabbing on to his words with both hands, as if he’d tossed her a lifeline. When she opened her eyes again, settling on the calm reassurance in his face, she felt slightly better.

“How will I know?” Letting her gaze cling to his, she knew he could see her frustration and the terror she held at bay.

Though his eyes darkened, he didn’t look away. He lifted one shoulder. “Let her wake and then she can tell us how she feels.”

Such confidence. Suddenly, fiercely, she prayed he was right. “Thank you,” she told him quietly. “Doctor in the morning, if there’s been no change.”

“Yes.”

That said, there was nothing to do but wait. Patience wasn’t one of her virtues. She studied her daughter for even the smallest sign she might be on the verge of regaining consciousness.

Every time panic rose, she raised her head and found Lucas watching her. Oddly enough, just the simple act of meeting his blue-eyed gaze was enough to calm her.

“Don’t give up hope,” he told her, his voice quiet. “Sometimes it takes a full twenty-four hours for the drug to pass from her system.”

She didn’t ask how he knew this. Hell, she didn’t even question why his mere presence had such an effect on her.

Instead, she sat perched on the edge of the couch, watching her baby girl, with the fireplace warming her back. She felt on edge and watchful, hopeful, guilty and terrified all at once.

Every time the tightness in her chest threatened to strangle her, when she thought she couldn’t breathe without gasping for air, the sight of Lucas moving around the kitchen grounded her, kept her sane.

Hope. Faith. Things she’d never quite managed to give up on. Ever since her daughter had been born and the doctors had broken the news about her defective heart, she’d found strength and optimism because to do otherwise would be admitting defeat. And where Hailey was concerned, Blythe would never, ever give up.

So she knew her baby girl would wake up. She’d stretch and yawn and open her beautiful brown eyes and ask for something to eat.

Soon. Just not yet.

For now, Hailey lay limp and unresponsive. Still, the slight rise and fall of her chest reassured Blythe she was alive.

Lucas touched her shoulder, making her jump.

“Sorry,” she stammered. “I was lost in my thoughts.”

He nodded. “Would you like to put her into bed? I’ve got a guest room with a nice mattress and a down comforter. She might be more comfortable there.”

“No,” she said quickly. “I want her where I can see her. I’m sorry, but I’m not ready to let her out of my sight.”

“That’s understandable.” Eyeing her, his expression softened. “You can see her from the kitchen. Why don’t you come sit at the table and I’ll make you something to eat?”

When she was about to decline, her stomach growled, reminding her she needed nourishment.

“You need to keep up your strength if you want to help Hailey,” he added, apparently having noticed her hesitation.

He had a point. And since the cabin was small, the kitchen was close enough that she should be able to hear any sounds Hailey might make.

“All right,” she said, pushing to her feet so quickly the room spun. Blinking, she waited for everything to settle.

“Here.” He held out his hand. After a split second of hesitation, she took it, sliding her fingers between his, appreciating how secure the grip of his large hand made her feel.

He led her to the kitchen before releasing her. While he rummaged in the cupboard, she took a seat at the table. As she watched him, she noted how he moved around with the ease of long familiarity, opening cabinets and removing various cooking utensils—a stainless steel pot, two bowls and spoons.

“Do you come here often?” she asked, elbows on the table, resting her chin in her hands.

“Yep.”

Studying his back, she judged from the shortness of his reply and the sharp tone of his voice that her question made him uncomfortable. Odd, since he’d told her so much about his horrific childhood.

“What do you do for a living?” She figured she had a right to know, since she would be spending some time with him.

“It’s a good thing I just completely restocked the place,” he said instead of answering her, holding up two cans of what looked like clam chowder. “How does soup sound?”

“Fine.” She could eat anything, as long as it filled her belly and provided nourishment. She wouldn’t taste it anyway, she thought, with a glance at her child.

Obviously, Lucas didn’t understand that his apparent reticence to answer any personal questions only made her more curious to know the answers. Still, since he’d done so much for her and Hailey, she’d save them for another time.

Turning her chair slightly, she returned to keeping a vigilant watch on Hailey. Nothing had changed there, so occasionally she let her gaze drift back to Lucas. He moved with quiet confidence in his tiny kitchen, and she realized she wouldn’t be surprised to learn he was a gourmet chef or something. Then she had to shake her head at her overactive imagination. The man was only heating canned soup. Yet...

“Do you cook?” she asked. She found herself holding her breath, wondering if he’d deflect this question, too.

“Cook?” He glanced back over his shoulder, shooting her a smile so brilliant it nearly took her breath away. Could Lucas know how beautiful he was? Doubtful. He didn’t have that sort of self-aware attitude that most great-looking men seemed to have.

Which was good, as she’d never had much patience for that sort of thing.

“I can,” he said cautiously. “But since I live alone, I don’t usually do much. I might grill a steak every now and then when it’s warm out, or make tacos when I’m craving Mexican food, but that’s about the extent of it. Why?”

She shrugged, massaging the back of her neck with one hand and trying to relax a little bit. “Just curious.”

From the refrigerator, he pulled out a bottle of wine. “It’s a pretty decent Riesling,” he said. “Would you like some?”

How long had it been since she’d had wine? She couldn’t even remember. Halfheartedly, she nodded. “Maybe it will help me relax.”

He poured them each a glass and placed the bottle on the table. A moment later he set a steaming bowl of chowder in front of her and her mouth began to water.

“Crackers?” he asked, passing a box of saltines. “Sorry it’s nothing fancy, but it’s the quickest warm meal I could think of.”

“Hailey loves chowder,” she said, her throat aching.

“When she wakes up, I’ll make her some,” he replied, the firm certainty in his voice helping her maintain her equilibrium.

One last glance at Hailey and then she allowed herself to focus on the food, inhaling the delicious aroma. It was hot, but not overly. Just right, actually, and the buttery, creamy taste warmed her mouth and stomach. She ate without regard for decorum, lifting one spoonful after another into her mouth and not stopping until it was gone.

When she’d finally finished, Blythe raised her head and looked up to see Lucas watching her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Do you want mine?” he offered. “The way you devoured that makes me think you’re starving.”

From somewhere she found a smile to offer him. “No, thank you. Go ahead and eat. I’m full now.”

Again she turned to look at her daughter. She felt guilty, allowing herself to partake in a hot meal while Hailey was so out of it.

“Don’t do that,” Lucas urged, as if he knew. “You can’t deny yourself food or sleep or anything. She needs you to be strong. Most likely, she’ll be digging into a big bowl of soup by this time tomorrow.”

Hounds, she hoped he was right. He had to be. She wouldn’t consider any other alternative.

“I know you had some questions for me earlier.” He cleared his throat. “And I promise to answer them, but for now I need to inquire about a few things and I’m going to ask you to give me honest answers.”