How hard did she hit you? Paige asked in concern. You might have a concussion.
You are as irritating to talk to as Monster, I muttered and Paige hurried to open the cell door and come inside.
I should heal you. Dru must not have realized how badly injured you were. Paige reached for my head and I moved out of range.
I’m fine, I growled. Just bruised.
You’re talking about monsters, she exclaimed. Clearly, you’re not fine.
I blinked at her, then chuckled. That’s his name, I explained.
You know someone named Monster? She asked in disbelief and I nodded. Who would name their child that?
His sister and it’s actually very appropriate, I replied, remembering Dom’s many stories about Monster’s exploits. He’d just turned sixteen and only the combined efforts of Dom and Jess kept him under control. He was too smart for his own good and one of the most powerful wolf shifters any of us had ever seen. Add in the fact that his best friend was also a dominant wolf shifter with Down syndrome who could also ignore his Alpha’s orders and Dom had a lot on his hands.
Is the weird name a wolfy thing? She questioned, her hand smacking against my cheek as she surprised me with her speed. Ha, she puffed, grinning hugely. Gotcha.
I arched an eyebrow, but remained still as warmth tingled through my battered face. Didn’t your sister tell you not to heal me?
Her eyes widened. Were you eavesdropping again?
I shifted my gaze to the side. It’s not my fault, I declared defensively. How am I supposed to ignore you when the two of you are chattering in my head? Hmmm?
No one else can hear us, she argued, lifting her hand once she was satisfied my brain was in fact sound and not concussed.
You sure about that? I questioned, causing her nose to crinkle. Also, do not ever refer to anything I do as wolfy. I grimaced just thinking the word and her eyes brightened in amusement. I nodded to the open cell door. Do you think it’s a good idea for you to be in here?
Paige rolled her eyes. Honestly, you’re as bad as Dru.
I’ve heard worse insults.
I wanted to check on you.
She refused to talk to you, I guessed and the air gusted out of her. I’m not sure I can help you.
It’s not me I want you to help, she retorted, staring at me pointedly.
I’m not giving up on her, I assured Paige. But she doesn’t seem exactly eager to leave.
Paige looked at the ground. It’s my fault.
I know. Her gaze shot to mine and I shrugged. Wasn’t exactly hard to figure out. You’re the only thing she loves.
She raised me. She’s protected me every single day of my life. Paige crossed her arms over her chest. But she’s sacrificed everything for me. Her eyes pleaded for understanding. I know a wolf needs a pack.
I’m not sure your sister knows that, I murmured, more to myself than Paige. I’m pretty sure she’s not going to leave, not without you.
Paige frowned. I was afraid you would say that. She waved her hand. You just need to convince her. You’re her mate. Make her.
I leaned back against the wall, shaking my head. It doesn’t work that way. I grimaced, Plus, I don’t want a relationship like that. I gestured to the door. Why don’t you leave with us? She froze, not answering and I sighed. I thought we were past all the secrets.
Depends on the secret, she replied. That one is mine.
Well at the moment, it affects your sister…and me.
Just get her to leave, Paige begged with an intensity that made me study her more closely.
Why? I asked, her urgency contagious. Why now? Why me? What do you think will happen?
Gran will kill her, Paige said simply. It’s only a matter of time.
Why do you think she’ll kill her? I questioned, feeling a little desperate. After all these years?
I didn’t expect Paige’s next words. Gran is determined to destroy the wolf inside of Dru.
But that would kill Dru, I sputtered, dumbfounded.
Yes, but Gran can’t see that. She blames the wolf for everything. And if she succeeds it’ll be too late. Paige’s eyes glistened. I won’t be able to heal Dru from a wound that severe.
Her words made me question how many times she’d already healed Dru and any sympathy I might have felt for her grandmother disappeared. The wolf is part of her. A part of her identity. Paige nodded reluctantly. Pressure built in my chest at the thought of having the wolf taken from me. I couldn’t imagine what it would do to Dru. She’d spent years relying on her wolf for survival, and if losing her wolf didn’t kill her physically, it would break her mentally and emotionally. I don’t know how to convince her to leave, but I won’t let your grandmother hurt her, I promised Paige, and seeing the hope bloom in her eyes my resolve hardened. I had no idea how I was going to uphold my promise but knowing what the stakes were, I knew I would do whatever it took.
Chapter Nine
Dru
Paige? I called out mentally as I dropped onto the bed. She didn’t answer and I flopped back on the bed, exhaustion tugging at me. I touched my lips, remembering the way they tingled when I brushed them against Caleb’s. “You’re a fool,” I announced to the empty room, the words echoing in the cold air. It was so cold I could see my breath which didn’t faze me, but Paige felt the cold more keenly.
I forced myself up, but didn’t bother with shoes as I padded outside and collected firewood. I set more logs on the fire, then stirred the coals until flames flickered to life, warming the air.
You called? She appeared in the doorway, her jacket still on.
Where have you been? I questioned sharply and her expression became guarded. Paige, I sighed. Caleb isn’t some magical knight in shining armor. He’s just a man.
He’s a shifter, Paige corrected me, like I didn’t know that better than she ever could. And you’re the one who called him Captain America.
Because of his looks! I said, exasperated. Not because he’s some hero who’s going to save the day.
You don’t know that, Paige protested, snagging one of the comics off the nightstand we shared. Why do you read these if you don’t believe? At least a little bit? Her face pleaded with me to agree, but I only shook my head.
They were Dad’s, I answered, taking the comic book back and setting it gently on the stack. She scrutinized me, seeing everything I didn’t want her to see. You need to stop talking to Caleb, I warned her. It’s too dangerous.
If she kills him, you’re not going to be okay, Paige stated and my chest tightened painfully. See? Just saying it pains you.
It’s just the stupid mating thing, I argued, dismissing her words. I tapped the bite mark on my lip. Heal it and I’ll be fine.
I don’t think it works that way, Paige disagreed, staring at me sadly.
We won’t know until you try.
She reached over, placing her finger against my lip, but the familiar warmth never came. I glanced at her, but she shrugged helplessly. It’s not a wound I can heal, she answered, her mouth pinching worriedly. Why didn’t Caleb escape when he had the chance?
He wouldn’t leave without me, I grumbled, trying to hide the tiny spurt of pleasure that thought brought me. I’d spent years being the strong one, relying on no one because there had never been anyone, and now he’d shown up and was refusing to leave, and I was the reason.
And why didn’t you go with him? Paige prodded and I gave her a cross look.
I’m not leaving you, I stated, shaking my head adamantly. You know this.
Paige’s eyes darkened as she frowned. I’m not a child anymore. I can take care of myself.
I know you can. There was no mistaking her surprise at my agreement. But leaving you at her mercy isn’t an option. My expression tightened. I can’t do it. I’d spent too many years acting as a buffer between Paige and Gran, and the idea of leaving my little sister defenseless was abhorrent to me.
I’m not completely defenseless, Paige retorted and I blinked, not realizing
I’d pushed that thought to her. I’m as powerful as Gran.
That startled a laugh out of me. The fact that you think so is enough reason for me to stay. A hurt expression crossed her face, sobering me. You’re strong, but in a different way, Paige. I clasped her hand, grateful when she didn’t jerk away. You heal, and it is a powerful gift, but never underestimate Gran.
I don’t, she snapped, standing up, and my hands dropped away from hers. You are the one who underestimates her.
I sat back, surprised by her outburst. I know exactly how powerful she is, I contended and some of the steam left Paige as she dropped back on the bed, shaking her head.
I’m not talking about power, she answered tiredly.
Then what are we talking about? I asked in confusion.
Intention, Paige replied, one shoulder lifting then dropping. Her casual demeanor belied her next words. She intends to rip the wolf right out of your body and if you think I can fix that, then you overestimate my ability.
I lowered my head, my amber eye twitching at Paige’s interpretation of the situation. I started to shake my head and the weight of her sigh ruffled my hair.
I’m not stupid, Dru.
She’s never succeeded, I protested weakly, not needing to see her irritated expression to know exactly how ridiculous my argument was.
Not for lack of trying, Paige countered waspishly. She can’t see past her anger and you can’t see past your guilt. My head snapped up and she bit her lip. I shouldn’t have said that.
Why? You’re right, I admitted thickly. If our parents were alive, everything would be different.
We can’t know that, Paige reminded me. It might have been worse. I gave her a cynical stare. Okay, it probably wouldn’t have been worse, but we can’t think about that. All we have is the here and now.
And right now, it’s my job to protect you, I declared, standing abruptly. You deserve a life.
Paige’s smile was brittle. And you don’t? She waved her arm around the room we’d shared our entire life, the rough log walls barely adequate in the cold winters. There is no life to be had here, she said, saying what we both knew but rarely acknowledged. No future. No love. No job. Nothing. This place is dying.
Her words unleashed a torrent of emotions, the strongest being bitter regret. Are you okay? Caleb’s voice caught me off guard and I sat down as waves of cold and hot flashed through my body at the unexpected concern he expressed for my wellbeing. His arrival had taken me by surprise. I’d never expected to meet anyone like him, to care about anyone besides my sister, or to want to feel responsible for another person, and then he’d shown up.
I’m fine, I replied automatically and a shiver went through me as I felt his doubt, but he didn’t question me, a fact I was grateful for as I met Paige’s eyes. You’re right, I told her, About all of it, I continued with a sigh as her eyes widened in surprise. Staying isn’t an option, but neither is leaving you.
She smiled sadly. I can’t leave and you won’t go. I gripped her hand, any comfort I attempted to give futile in the face of our reality. I’d hoped one of us would have a chance at a life, Paige murmured. She bumped the stack of old comics intentionally. That heroes really did exist.
I didn’t like seeing her hopeless expression but before I could say anything, there was a knock at the door. I moved silently, pausing at the door until Paige nodded, the glow fading from her eyes. The heavy wooden latch thudded against the wall as I cracked the door. Margaret’s eyes met mine for the barest second before she looked down, her head bowed.
“Miss, do you have any more of the deer meat?” Her voice quavered, as did most of the villagers whenever they had to come to me.
I shook my head, then frowned when I realized she couldn’t see me because her eyes were glued to the floor. “No, where’s Strickland?” I asked brusquely, almost all requests for food or resources went through Strickland at Gran’s request. Most of the villagers were terrified of me, so she must be desperate.
“I don’t know,” she whispered, almost crying. “I can’t find him.”
My forehead wrinkled at that information and Paige came to the door. You’re scaring her, she reprimanded, brushing me aside.
I didn’t do anything, I protested as the door creaked open wider. I just asked a simple question.
Paige reached for Margaret’s hands and when she realized who it was she looked up in relief. Paige patted her hands gently, smiling through gritted teeth as she asked me, What does she want?
Meat, I answered, buffing my nails on my shirt. Strickland isn’t around.
They’re hungry, Paige concluded, still smiling as she raised her hand, mimicking eating and Margaret nodded hopefully. Do we have anything?
I leaned back, out of Margaret’s line of sight as I shook my head.
Nothing? Paige asked a little desperately and I lifted my shoulders helplessly.
We’re all hungry, I reminded her unnecessarily. Food was scarce since most animals avoided our land, sensing it was tainted and there were no roads, making trips into towns difficult at best, and near impossible during the winter.
She has a sick son, Paige prompted and I closed my eyes, already well aware of that fact. We can’t let her leave emptyhanded.
I cursed under my breath, knowing she was right, but not liking my options. Give her our dinner, I told her and Paige’s eyes shot to mine, already knowing what was coming. I’ll have to go hunt tonight.
It’s dangerous, Paige replied, grabbing for my arm, but I was already at the window.
So is starving, I muttered grimly, raising the sash and slipping out so Margaret wouldn’t see me.
One meal won’t hurt anything, Paige called after me, worried, and I glanced back.
Caleb has to eat, I said, feeling my stomach clench with hunger. I understood all too well the appetite of a shifter, the constant, gnawing hunger of an empty belly, and if he had any hope of surviving then he’d need meat. I’ll be back soon, I reassured her, but the pinched look didn’t leave her face as I ducked my head, making my way to the woods.
I hadn’t gone two miles when I felt the link I shared with Caleb flare to life. Where are you going? I slowed, my concentration split between Caleb and the ground, as I tried to avoid long ago set traps.
Why do you think I’m going somewhere? I asked instead of answering.
I felt you shift.
I stumbled in surprise. You felt me shift?
Yeah, it hurts, he grunted, something in his tone telling me he wasn’t pleased about that fact. Then it felt like you were moving away from me.
That I understood. Our connection felt like a thin string, growing taut as the distance between us grew. I need to hunt, I answered briefly, my hackles rising slightly. I didn’t like this feeling of having to account for my whereabouts.
Need? He prodded and a low growl escaped me. My stride lengthened as I tried to outrun the connection. Dru, his voice took on a soothing note, I worry about you. I’m stuck in a cage. Help me understand.
I snorted, shaking my head but I slowed down and it felt like the connection between us grew more elastic, allowing it to stretch further. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s not a lot of stores around here.
A spurt of amusement met my words. Are there any?
Nope. Which means hunting and gardening are the main sources of food. My steps grew eager as I approached the border of our land. I sniffed, picking up the scent of a rabbit. It wouldn’t be enough to take home but it would ease the ache in my own stomach. Problem is food is scarce. It was a bad growing season and most of the hunts are unsuccessful.
Wolves hunt in packs, he mentioned casually and I gnashed my teeth.
It’s not my ability, I retorted in irritation. I have to go further to find meat, I explained, reining in my anger as I pounced on my dinner. I tore into the rabbit, finishing it in seconds. Every year there are less animals.
Do you know why? I sensed his puzzlement. It would be difficult to over hunt the land since I wa
s essentially the only predator around.
They sense the wrongness, I suggested and felt his unease. It matched my own. Every year the crops grew smaller and the hunts less successful. It was as if my mother’s curse spread, contaminating every inch of the land. The land is poisoned, cursed by grief.
You can hunt our lands, he offered and I shook my head, ears flapping, even though he couldn’t see.
No, I answered, zeroing in on a fresh trail. We don’t need your help.
He hummed, but I didn’t respond as I stalked my prey, unyielding on this point. What’s mine is yours, he finally mentioned. That’s the way it is with mates.
I hope that doesn’t mean you expect me to share my dinner, I retorted, the wild boar coming into sight. A tingle of fear went through me as I watched the beast root in the dirt, its sharp tusks gleaming in the moonlight.
What are you hunting? Caleb questioned abruptly. Dru, he said sharply when I didn’t answer immediately. What are you hunting?
Whatever is available, I said evasively.
That’s not an answer. His growing concern pressed down on me. I should be with you.
You should be with your own Pack, I retorted, slinking forward. Now be quiet so I can concentrate. His emotions cut off abruptly, but I could still sense him with me, a Pack mate ready to offer assistance.
Boar, I answered and he cursed. A second later though, possible strategies flooded through the link, images of successful hunts, and I smiled, filing them away as I prepared to lunge, my best chance a surprise attack.
My teeth sank into tough hide and I immediately started to shake my head, trying to tear through as it squealed, twisting its body to get me off. I hung on, trying to avoid the sharp tusks and hooves. Blood made it slippery and my grip loosened, and the boar gave a hard shake and sent me skidding to the side. The boar trumpeted, not turning to run, but instead turning to charge me. I moved, but not fast enough as one of those sharp tusks pierced my side, and I twisted, using my claws to rip into its underbelly.
My teeth snapped at its neck, finally sinking in deep enough to do damage. I felt it start to weaken and clung, desperate to end the fight as blood oozed from my side. Luck wasn’t with me though as a snuffling snort broke through the clearing, and another boar trotted into view. I started to back away, dragging the dying boar with me, not prepared to take on another one.
Lone Wolf (The Pack Book 5) Page 6
