The Lost Wolf's Destiny

Chapter 18

“Blythe,” Lucas said, his tone much calmer and full of all the love he felt for her, love he’d never known would be his. “Don’t kill her. You aren’t like that. Let Kane arrest her.”

At his voice, wolf Blythe raised her massive head and looked at him, her curled lip and snarl disappearing. Then, moving gracefully, she backed away from Dr. Silva. Not retreating, not at all.

“Thank you,” Kane said. Turning, he went over to the doctor, keeping his pistol aimed at her. “Dr. Silva, you’re under arrest.”

Sitting up, she hung her head and didn’t respond. Kane helped her to her feet and cuffed her, before beginning to read her rights.

Both Lucas and Blythe—as wolf—watched this in silence. Then, he went to her. Crouching low, he buried his hands in her fur, his heart full of relief and love. “You can change back now,” he said. “You’re safe.”

At his word, she lowered her head. Then she backed away. Turning a circle, wolf Blythe found a spot and lay down. And then she initiated the change back to human.

As soon as the thousands of firefly lights disappeared, he went to her, snagging her torn and ruined clothing on the way. “These are mostly destroyed, but they’re better than nothing.”

“Here.” Kane passed him Dr. Silva’s white lab coat, which he’d evidently taken from her. “She can wear this.”

Lucas took it, appreciating how the other man, even though he was Pack, kept his back to Blythe’s nakedness.

Clearly drained, Blythe allowed him to help her put her arms into the lab coat. Then, once she’d buttoned it, he brought her to her feet, keeping her up against him for support.

Gently he held her, hoping she couldn’t see how his hands trembled.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

Slowly, she tested out how each leg would bear her weight. “I think so. Yes.”

Still treating her as if she might break, he tenderly brushed the hair back from her face, sending a shiver through her. Her lip was split and swollen, with a small trickle of blood at the corner. “I thought I’d lost you.”

She smiled. Though a bit wobbly, the enchanting curve of her mouth made his heart skip a beat. “No, you didn’t. You always find me.”

Smiling back, chest tight, he tried to speak past the odd knot in his throat.

“I hate to interrupt,” Kane said. “But we’re all done here.”

Eyes narrowed, Lucas shot him a look of warning, before turning his gaze back to Blythe.

Kane continued as if he hadn’t noticed. “Blythe, why don’t you get cleaned up and get ready to go? I know you’re eager to see that little girl of yours.”

Lifting her chin, Blythe stepped away from Lucas and nodded. “Definitely. Though I need to find something else to wear. I can’t travel wearing only a lab coat.”

“I’m pretty sure we can dig up something,” Kane told her.

“Great.” For whatever reason, she wouldn’t meet Lucas’s gaze.

Confused and, damn it, hurt, he watched her pulling away from him. In a way, he understood. By not protecting her from the crazed Dr. Silva, once again, he’d failed her.

“Lucas?” The sharp edge in Kane’s voice told Lucas he understood. “I can give you a ride to the hospital to see your sister.”

Chest tight, he nodded. “Thanks. I’d like that.”

Though she’d already turned away, Blythe paused. Glancing back over her shoulder, she gave him a tentative smile. “I guess this is goodbye, then? At least for now?”

Though he knew she really meant for forever, he dredged up a smile in response. He held out his arms and pasted his best impersonal look on his face. “Come give me a hug.”

With a wordless sound, she crossed to him and wrapped her arms around him. Holding on so tight she nearly cut off his breath, she kissed his cheek. He hugged her back, closing his eyes and inhaling her feminine scent one last time.

When she released him, he had to blink rapidly to keep his eyes clear. Swallowing, he hoped he didn’t make a fool of himself as he faced her. “Goodbye, Blythe. Say hi to Hailey for me,” he managed.

She waited, as though she expected him to say something more. When he didn’t, she finally nodded, her green eyes alight with what looked like pain. “I will. And you do the same with your sister.” Her tender smile seemed genuine, which oddly enough made it hurt even more.

A knock at the door had them moving quickly apart, as though they’d been caught doing something wrong.

Kane cleared his throat. “The rest of my team is here.” He raised his voice. “Come on in.”

Silent, Lucas and Blythe watched as he handed over custody of Dr. Silva. Once she’d been escorted away, he holstered his pistol and turned back to them. “All right, then. Are the two of you ready?”

Exhaustion warring with exhilaration, Blythe followed the officer down the hall to one of the sleeping quarters. Inside, she would be given clean clothing and then whisked away to begin the several-hour journey to be reunited with Hailey.

Lucas, on the other hand, had gone with Kane. While she understood the temporary separation was necessary, she’d expected...more. Not promises, not exactly. But something. Maybe exchanging phone numbers. Or a quiet I’ll be in touch.

The abrupt dismissal hurt. Clearly, he’d done his duty, helped free the children, and she was on her way to being reunited with her little girl. With his insistence on keeping things casual between them, apparently he considered his role finished. She wondered if he was glad to finally wash his hands of her. She wondered...

Stop.

Disgusted with her restless uncertainty, she pushed away the thoughts and emotions. She’d been granted a miracle: her daughter had been healed. She’d focus on the joy of that. Though she knew she’d always wonder what might have been, she had been given Hailey back. No one could take Hailey from her now.

Resolutely, she opened the closet door and grabbed a long dress. Shapeless and plain, it would more than adequately cover her until she could get to her own clothing or a store to buy something in her size.

A pair of flip-flops completed her outfit.

Now she was ready.

Dusting her hands off on her dress, she squared her shoulders and told the officer she would like to get on the road.

This time, she made the trip in a navy blue unmarked police cruiser. She elected to ride in the backseat and fell asleep an hour into the drive.

Stirring, Blythe groggily opened her eyes. According to the dashboard clock, she’d slept over three hours. Sitting up, she dragged her fingers through her hair and leaned forward into the front seat.

“How much farther?” she asked.

The driver smiled. “A couple more hours. How about we stop and stretch our legs? You can get something to eat if you want.”

Though what she really wanted was to see Hailey, she also couldn’t remember the last meal she’d had. “There,” she pointed ahead where a huge sign for a popular hamburger chain beckoned.

The short break helped more than she’d expected. She ate then cleaned up in the restroom, and they were back on the road before thirty minutes had passed.

Finally, just as the sun had begun to set, they pulled up in front of an ordinary ranch-style house. The car had barely stopped before Blythe opened her door and jumped out. Since she wasn’t sure of the protocol—as in, if they’d let her in—she ran up the front steps and turned impatiently to wait for her escort to catch up.

The front door opened. Blythe turned and there she was! Hailey! She scooped her daughter up, hugging her so tightly. Hailey laughingly protested.

“Mama!”

“Sorry, baby.” Covering her baby girl’s perfect little face with kisses, Blythe noticed two people standing in the foyer.

“Come in,” the tall, slender woman said, smiling. “I’m Samantha Herrick. This is my husband, Lucaine. We’re here on a short break from my work.”

Still clutching Hailey, Blythe shook the redheaded woman’s hand, warmed by the genuine kindness in her caramel eyes. “I can’t thank you enough,” she began. “I’ve been on your waiting list for what seems like forever and—”

“It’s all right.” Samantha dipped her head, as though embarrassed by the praise. “And actually, I should apologize to you for even having a waiting list.”

“But it’s unavoidable,” her dark-haired husband said, slipping his arm protectively around his wife’s shoulder. “There’s only one Healer for millions of Halflings.”

“Miss Sam made me all better.” Hailey bounced on Blythe’s lap, her five-year-old energy in sharp contrast to the wan, listless child Blythe had seen last. Love and gratitude made Blythe feel alternatively weepy and giddy.

“You look exhausted,” Samantha said, her soft voice full of sympathy. “Hailey’s been staying in our guest room. Why don’t you spend the night there with her?”

Appreciative, Blythe shook her head. “You’ve already done enough. I owe you a debt of gratitude for healing Hailey. I couldn’t possibly impose any more.”

“It’s not imposing.” Lucaine’s deep voice carried a hint of authority. “Especially since we insist.”

With a sigh of gratitude, Blythe gave in. “Thank you,” she said.

“Yes, thank you,” Hailey echoed, snuggling into her mother’s side with a big grin. “Mommy, I missed you sooo much.”

“I missed you, too.” Holding her daughter, breathing in the baby-shampoo scent of her hair, Blythe wanted to feel completely content. A few weeks ago, this, holding her healthy child safe in her arms, had been her only dream. But now she wondered for the hundredth time what Lucas was doing and how he was holding up.

While Kane drove him to the hospital, Lucas allowed himself to close his eyes and rest. His physical fatigue could be cured by a good night’s rest.

The exhaustion in his soul went a lot deeper. He had no idea how long something like that took to disappear. Went to show what happened when he actually let someone in, he thought ruefully. A world of hurt.

“Your sister is special,” Kane said, the bemused certainty in his voice making Lucas open his eyes in confusion.

“Yes, she is,” Lucas agreed, wondering where Kane could possibly be going with this. “For fifteen years, I’ve blamed myself for her death, and she’s considered herself responsible for mine.”

Kane shook his head. “She must be a strong woman to survive so long under those conditions.” A thread of anger underscored his tone. “I’d like to personally wring Jacob Gideon’s neck.”

“Me, too.” Gut twisting, Lucas eyed the other man. “If I’d known, I would have rescued her a lot sooner. I hate knowing that he’s kept her locked up and subjected her to his damn experiments and torture.” He cursed, blinking back tears for the second time that day.

Damn. Turning his head to face the window, he pretended to study the passing landscape while trying to get his emotions under control.

He nearly jumped when Kane squeezed his shoulder. “Hey, man,” Kane said. “Don’t blame yourself.”

Tired of pretending, Lucas didn’t even bother to try and summon a smile. “How can I not? She’s been through hell, and all because I ran away without her.”

“Let me get this straight.” Kane’s expression was equally grim. “First you beat yourself up because you think she’s dead and then when you find out she’s not, you still feel responsible.”

“Don’t you understand?” Lucas snarled. “I didn’t save her. I should have saved her.” Fist clenched, Lucas wanted to hit something.

His wolf growled, earning a similar response from Kane’s.

“You were fifteen. A kid.” Kane gave him a fierce look, one without the slightest trace of pity. “So was she. Neither of you can spend the rest of your lives blaming yourself for the actions of a criminally insane man. You need to get your head straight so you can help her.”

Slowly, Lucas nodded. Kane was right. Lilly needed him now more than ever, and he couldn’t—hell, he damn sure wouldn’t—let her down. Never again.

When they arrived at the hospital, Kane escorted him to Lilly’s room. At the door, he clapped Lucas on the back. “I’ll wait out here so you two can have privacy. Just yell if you need anything.”

Grateful, Lucas nodded. Though he couldn’t find the words to express his gratitude, he felt sure Kane understood.

As if he’d read his mind, Kane dipped his chin and jerked his head toward the room.

Lucas took a deep breath and pushed through the door.

Looking tiny and far too battered, in the hospital bed, Lilly appeared to be sleeping. Yet, as Lucas quietly approached, she opened her eyes as if she’d sensed him.

“Hey.” She held out a hand. Gently, Lucas took it.

“Hey, yourself. How are you feeling?”

Lilly’s wan smile broke his heart. “Okay, I guess. You’ll never believe it, but all these doctors are like us. Shape-shifters. Pack, they call it.”

He nodded. “I know. I found out about them recently, myself. Have they told you what they think is wrong?”

As her smile faded, her eyes filled with tears. “It appears my wolf is damaged. All those times they forced me to change, all the painful experiments...” Her voice broke down. She turned her head into her pillow and began to sob in earnest, shoulders shaking.

Dropping into the bedside chair, he leaned over and awkwardly tried to comfort her. All he could do was rub her back and just be there.

Gradually, the intensity of her sobs faded and she drifted off into sleep. Sorrow warred with fury. How could someone, especially a man who proclaimed himself a man of God, do this to another being, human or not?

Exiting the room, he found Kane leaning against the wall, waiting. Kane took one look at him and cursed. “What’s wrong?”

In a few, clipped words, Lucas revealed what his sister had told him. “I’d like to find that son of a bitch and make him pay,” he finished.

“I’m right there with you,” Kane replied, surprising him. “But don’t give up hope. We brought Samantha—the Healer—in to heal Hailey. I’m sure we can bring her up again to help Lilly, if necessary.”

Lucas nodded, drawing comfort from the knowledge. “Have they done a complete analysis of her condition?”

“Not yet. They’ll need a bit more time. How about I buy you a beer and something to eat?”

Glancing back at the hospital room, Lucas grimaced. “I don’t want to leave her.”

“Completely understandable. But I’m pretty sure she’s going to sleep for a while. You’ve got to take care of yourself, too. How long has it been since you’ve eaten?”

Trying to remember, Lucas finally gave up. “All right, let’s go eat. I’m guessing since you mentioned beer, you’re not thinking the hospital cafeteria?”

Kane grinned. “Absolutely not. I’ve got just the place in mind. And tonight, you can bunk with me.”

When Lucas started to protest, Kane waved him away. “I live all by myself in that house. The guest bedroom can use a visitor. Stay as long as you want. Once you know more about your sister’s condition, you can make other plans.”

Stunned at the kindness of a man who was essentially a stranger, Lucas decided to go with the flow. His only regret, as he followed Kane out to the hospital parking lot, was that Blythe wasn’t with him. He already missed her more than he would have imagined possible. Not merely a regret. His longing for her was an ache, a keening howl inside his mind.

With her little girl asleep in the soft bed next to her, Blythe slept better than she had in weeks. Her deepest prayer had been answered: Hailey had been healed. If she had a new empty spot inside her, she and Hailey would now be able to live a life that would fill them both to overflowing. She couldn’t demand all the joy the Fates had to offer. She burned at the memory of Lucas and his “give me a hug.” Time to focus on what she had rather than on what she did not.

Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder what Lucas had done after she left: where he’d slept, and if he and his sister were getting reacquainted with each other and were making plans for the future.

She missed him with a visceral ache that made her feel hollow in the midst of all her joy. His presence, however unlikely, would truly make her happiness complete.

In the kitchen, she and Hailey sat down to breakfast with Samantha and Lucaine. The other couple clearly were in love, as evidenced by their tender looks and constant touches. Thinking of Lucas, Blythe found herself envying them. She could only hope that once everything settled down, Lucas would be willing to take a chance on love. On her. On them.

“You look sad, Mama,” Hailey observed.

“I’m just thinking.” Ruffling her baby’s hair, Blythe looked up to catch Samantha’s knowing stare. She managed a wan smile back before turning her attention to making sure her daughter ate her breakfast.

After they’d finished eating, Lucaine grabbed his briefcase. “Feel free to stay as long as you need,” he told Blythe, before giving Samantha a kiss that must have curled her toes. He left for work and Hailey went into the den to watch television, leaving Blythe and Samantha alone in the kitchen.

“So what are your plans?” Samantha’s easy smile invited Blythe to share. “You must be so relieved to have your daughter back.”

“Yes. Having Hailey back and healthy is the greatest gift anyone could ever have given me. I’m so lucky Lucas decided to help me.”

Again, Blythe saw Lucas’s face, and she nearly doubled over from the pain of his absence. Inhaling sharply, she got herself together. “As for my plans, I’m ready to go home to Houston,” she said. “Now that Hailey is well, I’m hoping we can ease into a normal life. She hasn’t had much of one so far.”

Samantha nodded. “How about you?”

Glancing toward the other room, where her daughter watched a cartoon with a dancing yellow sponge, she smiled. “Me, either. Ever since Hailey was born, I’ve devoted my life to getting her well.”

“What kind of work did you do?”

Since Samantha seemed genuinely interested, Blythe relaxed, enjoying the rare camaraderie over steaming cups of coffee. “Mostly I’ve been living off the money my mother left me when she died, as well as doing some freelance website work and ebook formatting. The only thing that’s kept that business from taking off was the fact that I’ve had limited time.”

“I guess you’ll have time now, especially once Hailey starts kindergarten in the fall.”

School. Blythe smiled. “She’s been so ill, I hadn’t even thought about that. But you’re right, I definitely will have more time on my hands.”

Again, she thought of Lucas, wishing she could call him, just to hear his voice and ask him how he was doing.

“You’re missing a man?” Samantha asked softly.

Surprised, Blythe studied the other woman. “Are you psychic, too?”

“No.” Samantha chuckled. “It’s just written all over your face. When Luc and I were trying to hash things out, I remember feeling as if the world had ended.”

“Did you know for certain that he was the one?” Blythe couldn’t help asking. “I mean, from what I’ve always understood about mates, when two find each other, they both know there can never be anyone else.”

“Is that how you feel?” Samantha’s gentle smile inexplicably made Blythe want to cry.

“Yes.” She sniffed back tears. “The thing is, I’m pretty sure he feels the same way. I don’t understand why he beat such a hasty retreat.”

“Then give it time,” Samantha advised. “He’ll come around. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

Though Blythe nodded, she knew the unspoken part of that would haunt her. “I keep thinking of all that was taken from him. The awful man who raised him actually murdered his real parents. At least he has his sister back.”

“I wonder...” Samantha looked thoughtful. “If he has any other family alive who he doesn’t know about. Aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents.”

Stunned, Blythe grimaced. “If there were, surely they would have taken Lucas and Lilly in and raised them after their parents’ deaths.”

“Maybe they didn’t know.” Picking up the phone, Samantha eyed Blythe. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll call my Luc and have him check it out. He works for the Pack Protectors. Since at least one of Lucas’s parents was Pack, he ought to be able to find information.”

“Sure, why not.” The rightness of the idea made Blythe feel better. “Lucas helped me get my daughter back. If I can help him reunite with his real family, that would be a way to repay his...kindness.” She choked on the last word.

Too kind to remark on this, Samantha nodded and punched a number into the phone. She spoke briefly to her husband and disconnected the call. “Done,” she said, giving Blythe a satisfied smile. “He’ll call me back if and when he finds out anything.”

“Thank you.” Again, to her consternation, Blythe’s eyes filled with tears. “I miss him so much.”

“Have faith.” Samantha covered Blythe’s hand with hers before getting up from the table and carrying the dishes over to the sink. “It definitely will help you get through all of this.”

Faith. Slowly, Blythe let the word sink in. She’d refused to give up on Hailey, and look how that had worked out. Samantha was right. How could she do any less for the man she truly believed was her mate?

“Let me wash those.” Swiping at her eyes, Blythe jumped up and attempted to nudge Samantha away from the sink. “You’ve already done enough.”

“I’ve got this.” Samantha refused to move. “All I’m going to do is rinse them off and put them in the dishwasher. Go spend time with your kiddo. When you’re ready, I’ll call the Protectors and let them know you’re wanting to go home. Personally, I think you should take another day or two. Whenever you choose to leave, I’m sure they’ll send a car for you.”

Once again, the other woman’s kindness had Blythe’s eyes pricking with tears. Sniffing, she nodded her thanks and went to watch cartoons with Hailey.