She focused on the wolves. They’d stopped about ten feet away. They were snarling now and eyeing Griff, as if trying to decide whether eating Scarlett was worth this fight.
Griff waved the knives, puffed himself up, standing on tiptoes in his socks in the snow, and let out a roar powerful enough to shake snow off of nearby trees. A couple of the wolves howled back. Was he going to scare them away or make them want to fight him? He was an alpha through and through. Didn’t wolves want to challenge the alpha? She wanted to cling to him and drag him back to the safety of the cabin.
“Stand up and slowly back away,” Griff said quietly to her.
Scarlett obeyed, standing and taking a couple of steps back. “Come with me,” she begged.
Griff seemed to listen as he eased back with her, still standing large and intimidating as ever, at least to a human. She knew wolves only thought in terms of prey and who they could best. As a pack, they might believe they could take Griff down, no matter how large and tough he appeared.
The wolves started carefully, cautiously spreading wider, working their way through the snow. Scarlett’s stomach plunged. There were six of them. They could easily circle behind Scarlett and Griff, cutting off their escape. She hated real life so much right now. Living vicariously through something like this in a movie was definitely the way to go.
“Back up faster,” Griff instructed, “but don’t run or turn around.”
Scarlett realized the mistake she’d made. Running meant she was prey. She’d learned that when she was researching for her frontierswoman role, but learning facts and implementing them in real life were two very different things. She’d like to see whoever wrote that research face off against a pack of terrifying wolves.
Scarlett kept easing back, and Griff kept yelling, growling, and waving the knives around. The wolves steadily tracked them, close to completing the circle all the way around them. It was a slower progression for the ones not on the trail, but they kept up as Scarlett didn’t dare move too fast.
She risked a glance over her shoulder and saw the patio was only about ten feet away. They might make it.
The lead wolf let out a howl, and the rest of the pack answered it. The hairs on the back of Scarlett’s neck stood on end. What did that howl mean? She didn’t have to wait long to know; the wolves flew at them.
“Run!” Griff yelled. Scarlett didn’t need to be told twice. She darted across the path, up the patio steps and onto the wide patio, dodging around the furniture that was covered for the winter.
Griff was right behind her. The lead wolf leapt at Griff. Griff dodged to the side, and the wolf slammed into an outdoor couch.
“Go!” Griff hollered at her, turning to face the wolf, but the animal was closest to her, the rest of the pack not far behind in their attack.
Scarlett couldn’t leave Griff, but what help could she be with snarling wolves ready to rip her throat out? The throat. That was it. She remembered more real-life trivia that might actually be helpful. Dodging at the main wolf, which she assumed was the alpha, she heard Griff cry out for her from behind as she plunged her fist into the wolf’s mouth and down his throat. His teeth scratched through the coat and tore at the flesh of her arm, but she kept pushing, thankful she had gloves on so she couldn’t feel how disgusting his throat probably was.
The wolf struggled to get free, whipping its head back and forth, but she worked out hard every day and the winter must’ve been vicious for these wolves. He wasn’t as strong as she was, not to mention the fact that he couldn’t breathe as she kept pushing her fist down his throat until she was up to her elbow. She turned her head away so she didn’t have to look at the beast, gritting her teeth and pushing hard with her legs to stay in place.
Griff was right next to her, moving as if to pull her away from the wolf, but the other wolves were upon them now.
“I’ve got him!” she screamed, pushing and pushing, though inside she wanted to curl in a ball and cry. It was horrific to have her arm down this wolf’s throat, but he couldn’t snap his jaw shut with the way she was pushing and it was obvious he couldn’t breathe.
Griff turned and shoved both his knives into the closest wolf. The wolf howled in pain, and Griff kicked it away. It scuttled back from the fight, the knives protruding from its mangy coat. Scarlett had to concentrate on keeping her fist planted in this wolf’s throat. A large covered couch was nearby. She rotated slowly to brace her legs against it and jammed her fist as deep as she could.
More wolves were coming fast. Griff lifted a patio chair and hurled it at them. The chair took out three of them, and they yelped and scurried back from the battle. The fourth one paused, as if surveying the fight. Now that it didn’t have the strength of the pack to back it up, would it keep fighting?
Griff faced it and hollered so loud it hurt Scarlett’s ears. “Go!” Then he stood so strong and brave, his arms high above his head, every muscle in his neck, shoulders, and arms popping.
Scarlett knew she’d never seen a hero as impressive as Griff.
“Go!” he yelled again.
The wolf slowly backed away.
Griff sidled closer to her, keeping his arms up and his posture threatening. “Pull your arm back and run for the house,” he said in a calm voice.
She knew not to argue with him, but what if the wolf got Griff, or the others rebounded once their leader was free?
“Now!” he commanded.
Scarlett pulled her arm free, and the wolf snapped at her. Griff kicked it hard in the ribs and sent it sprawling off the patio. Scarlett ran for the door, flinging it open. Griff was right behind her, pushing her through. He slammed it shut behind him and twisted the dead bolt.
They both whirled to watch the wolves. The pack stood there uncertainly for a few seconds; then they scurried back down the trail to the river. The one with the knives sticking out of its back brought up the rear, limping. Would that one die? Scarlett certainly wasn’t going after it to pull the knives out.
She released a pent-up breath and muttered, “I’m never going outside again.”
Griff turned to her, shaking his head and staring at her in wonder. “You were brilliant! You were absolutely amazing!”
Scarlett’s jaw dropped. Back in college, Griff had often told her how impressive she was, but to see him this animated blew her away.
Griff put both hands under her arms and lifted her into the air like she was the champion. Scarlett felt weak with relief that the battle was over, but she was even weaker with surprise at how Griff was reacting.
He gazed up at her, grinning. “You’re tougher than any action hero.”
Scarlett’s nerves were gradually settling, but she couldn’t think what to say.
Griff lowered her to her feet, kissed her so quickly she barely realized it was happening before it was over, and then gave her a fierce hug. “Oh, Jane,” he murmured against her hair. “You’re really all right. I was so scared.”
The words coming out of his mouth were so foreign for Griff, Scarlett couldn’t even return the hug or fully process that the love of her life was finally, finally holding her tightly against him. Had he really kissed her? Her lips were saying yes, but it had been too fast and she wondered if she was in shock from the fight with the wolves and Griff’s reaction.
Griff pulled back slightly, smiling down at her. “You are amazing, Scarlett Lily. Show that true-life scene to your fans, and they’d be prostrate on the ground worshipping you. I guess they already do, right?”
Scarlett shook her head and whispered, “Griff. What happened to you?”
His grin faltered, but he still held her close and stared at her like she was his idol or something. “I’m gushing, aren’t I? I sound like Kaleb or Ryder right now, but if you could’ve seen yourself jamming your fist down the alpha male’s throat … How did you think of that?”
“I read up on wolves when I was preparing for a part, and that tidbit just came to me.” She needed to say lots of prayers of gratitude
right now. The Lord had obviously protected them.
“Brilliant.” He smiled again. “Now I sound like Sutton. Next I’ll be saying ‘cheers.’”
She could see he was gradually calming down and returning to the gruff Griff that she knew and, despite herself, loved.
“Not too brilliant,” she admitted. “I should’ve known not to run.”
He lifted his shoulders. “You couldn’t have taken on a pack by yourself.”
“You could have. You were amazing out there.”
“Thanks.” Griff’s shutter fell over his eyes. His arms dropped to his side, and he stepped back. Scarlett felt the loss of his touch all through her body. “That terrified me,” he admitted.
Scarlett nodded in agreement. She felt weak and exhausted and her arm stung. Glancing down, she saw where the wolf’s teeth had scraped through the heavy coat; blood was seeping out in a few places.
Griff followed her gaze and cursed. He escorted her to the kitchen sink, gently slid the heavy coat off of her, and let it drop to the floor.
Scarlett looked down at her arm. It wasn’t too bad, considering. Drops of blood beaded through her torn sleeve.
Griff took off her gloves and slid the shirt carefully up to her elbow. When she winced, his gaze flew to her face. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m tough,” she insisted.
Griff smiled briefly. “Yes, you are, but your fans are going to cry if this perfect arm has scars.”
“Gives character.” She couldn’t take her eyes from Griff’s face as he returned her gaze. His scars were a part of him and she hated that he’d been hurt, but she wanted to love all of him. How could she convey that without him shutting himself away again?
Finally, he nodded and turned from her. Pulling a clean cloth out, he ran it under the water, squeezed it, and then tenderly pressed it to the thin cuts. She doubted they would need stitches, and there were only four scrapes. She might need rabies shots when they returned to civilization, but she would be fine.
He studied the cloth on her arm as she studied him. He was the most handsome man she’d ever seen, but the depth of Griff pulled her in more surely than his perfect face. Reaching up with her other hand, she cupped his face. His eyes darted up again.
“Thank you for coming for me,” she said.
Griff’s blue gaze warmed her clear through. Any other hero would say they’d always come for her, or something similar. Not Griff. That was okay. He’d come. She didn’t need flowery words. She needed him.
The moment was beautiful, and Griff seemed invested in her. This was it; she could feel it. He’d lean down, capture her lips with his, and her world would upend. He did lean down. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart thumped louder than when she’d been running from a pack of wolves.
Griff suddenly lifted the washcloth from her arm, bent down low, and kissed right next to one of the cuts. His lips on her arm did crazy things to her insides. If only he’d work his way up to her face. He glanced up at her, his eyes smoldering with love and desire … for her. She knew it! Four days alone and Griff had returned to her. She had no desire to gloat, only to hold him and talk through all the years and pain, and find the joy of being together again.
Slowly, Griff straightened, and she couldn’t resist tracing her eyes over the impressive muscles in his chest and shoulders. She met his gaze, and he lowered his head close to hers. His warm breath brushed her cheek. Scarlett arched up toward him, but she would not cross those final centimeters. It had to be him. He had to rescue her from the loneliness and anguish that he’d created by deserting her.
Griff softly, achingly brushed his lips over hers. Scarlett trembled at his tenderness. Griff wasn’t tender; he was a warrior at heart. She knew he could be tender with her, and she loved that that hadn’t changed. She waited for more, but Griff didn’t move. Her eyes fluttered open to see that his gaze was intent on her.
His face softened, and he cupped her cheek with his hand, tenderly brushing his thumb along her jaw. “Jane,” he murmured.
She gave him an encouraging smile. She was waiting, ready, and able to kiss away all their heartache, pain, and loss. She loved him. It didn’t matter what they’d been through, or how much junk they needed to work through. Now if only he’d finally kiss her and start their path to healing.
“We need to talk,” he murmured.
“I know.” She had so much to say to him, so much of her future to plan with him.
He straightened, distancing his face from her lips. Out of her reach, once again.
“What are you doing?” she cried out.
He blinked down at her. “We both agreed we need to talk.”
“Not right now,” she protested. “Honestly, Griff! You suck as a leading man, you know that?”
Griff smiled, which infuriated her even more.
She pulled her hand from his face and jabbed it in his chest. “Don’t you smile at me. You know how long I’ve been waiting for your kiss, how patient I’ve been? And then you barely brush my lips and move away. How can you be so heroic in every way but the one that really matters?”
Griff’s smile fled. He grunted, shook his head, and walked away from her.
“Where are you going?” she demanded.
“To get some Steri-Strips for your arm,” he threw over his shoulder, not stopping.
She focused on calming breaths, but she’d need hours of yoga with a master to take away this anguish. No, nothing but Griff could take it away, and he didn’t seem inclined to love her anytime soon.
Griff went to the mudroom and returned with a first-aid kit. He irrigated the cuts, dried them, put on antibiotic cream, and carefully Steri-Stripped them closed, all the while focused on her arm and not even looking at her face. Which was probably just as well—she was sure her face was red with anger and humiliation.
He finished and cleaned up the supplies, put the first aid kit away, deposited Tucker’s coat and Maryn’s gloves in the laundry room, and then retrieved two water bottles from the fridge. She simply watched him the entire time, resentment and despair battling within her. Most of her life was spent in a fantasy world. She recognized this, but was it really that hard for her real-life hero to apologize for deserting her and then give her a decent kiss? Good criminy, he was infuriating.
Griff walked to her and handed her one of the water bottles.
“Thanks,” she muttered, twisting off the cap and taking a long drink.
“Can we go down to the theater to talk?” he asked, draining half of his water bottle and then setting it on the counter.
“Why the theater?” At least he wasn’t dodging their talk now. She wasn’t going to get the kisses and love she’d dreamed of, but maybe she’d get some answers.
Griff looked her over and admitted quietly, “You’re like sunshine to me.” He gestured to the sun pouring through the huge windows. “I can only handle so much light.”
Okay, that was pretty sweet, and illuminating. She had awful visions of him stuck in a dirty, dark prison, his tormentors only pulling him out to whip him. If she was sunshine to him, and he couldn’t handle light … She gasped. “That’s why you don’t want me anymore?”
Griff chuckled, deep and low, and he brushed the hair from her neck. Her skin tingled in response, and her heart leapt at the simple touch. “Don’t overthink it, Jane. I want you plenty.”
Scarlett about flung her arms around his neck, not caring that her one arm was injured. The bites were superficial anyway. As if sensing her intentions, he cut off her hope of going for a better kiss this time by wrapping his arm around her waist and escorting her toward the front entry and the stairs. Neither of them said anything as they walked down the stairs together, passed through the short hall, and finally settled into a leather couch side by side in the darkened theater.
She wanted to ask him question after question, but she waited.
Finally, Griff muttered, “I guess this is my party, right?”
Scarlett smiled. “
You did issue the invite.”
Griff took one of her hands between both of his, which both thrilled her and gave her hope. Maybe this was the breakthrough she’d been praying for. She’d get hunted by wolves every day if it brought Griff to her side. Well, maybe not every day, but at least once a week.
She smiled tremulously at him. “I love your hands,” she said.
Griff rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand. “I used to love to hold yours.”
Scarlett’s chest warmed. He hadn’t cast what they’d had from his memory. She wanted to pile him with questions, but she held back, worried what the answers might be. Loving Griff Quinn was a tremendous amount of work, but she’d never shied away from hard work. Especially when she knew the results would be well worth the effort. Patience and restraint were of the essence right now. If they failed her, she was going to plant herself on his lap and kiss him until he couldn’t deny their love any longer, or pushed her onto the floor.
Griff swallowed and, clinging to her hand, said, “I realized late last night how much I’ve hurt you, am still hurting you.”
Scarlett pulled back slightly. “This was a startling revelation to you?”
“Yeah. I’d hoped you’d forgotten about me with your busy, glamorous life and moved on.”
How could he be so impressive and so stupid and insulting all at the same time? “Griff, I love you, but you are a stupid jerk sometimes.”
Griff pulled in a slow breath and pushed it out. He released her hands and said quietly, “Please, Scarlett. Don’t tell me you love me. This is hard enough.”
She gasped and slapped him hard across the jaw. Griff didn’t flinch, and he didn’t even have the graciousness to look insulted or upset.
Scarlett leapt to her feet and clenched her fists. “‘This is hard enough’? You don’t even know what hard is, you jerk! Do you have any clue what I’ve suffered through the past ten years? Loving you, missing you, being deserted by you?”
Quinn Family Romance Collection Page 49
