by Bryce Evans
This man had the biggest smile on his face, and he was wearing a flannel button-up shirt. Even more odd, she became calm and comfortable when he spoke. “Hello Emerson, I’m Dr. Bill Hubbard. I’m glad to see that you’re awake.”
Emerson shook the doctor’s hand. She could see her father standing behind him, sneering at Nash.
“If both of you would leave, I can check this little lady out.” Dr. Hubbard looked at Nash and her father and waited. She could tell that the doctor wasn’t going to start until they both left the room. Nash bowed to the doctor and winked at her as he walked out. That left her father, who just stood there until the doctor turned and stared at him. Finally he grunted and walked out. She wanted to laugh, because nobody, and she meant nobody, ever told her father what to do. But this place was different. These people were different than any she’d ever met.
Dr. Hubbard just shook his head, then turned back around smiling. “Now let’s check you out.”
She watched as the doctor pulled his stethoscope out and pressed it against her chest. Once he finished, he checked her pulse and looked into her eyes and mouth.
“Does everything look okay?” Emerson whispered. Nobody had told her what had happened, or if her kidnappers had done something to her.
“I think everything sounds great.” The doctor smiled. “Miss Prescott, has anyone told you what happened?”
Emerson needed to know, and she wasn’t getting anything from her father. “My father said that I was almost sexually assaulted, but I don’t remember everything that happened. I remember the man, and he was going to…but then alarms went off and he left the room. He had given me something, and I started feeling sleepy again and that’s all that I remember. He didn’t come back, did he?”
“No, dear. I gave you a check-up just to make sure. You’re okay there. You were dehydrated, but other than that you’re physically fine. The straps cut into your skin and you may be sore from being strapped down to the table for so long, but nothing that won’t heal.” The doctor stopped, looked up and asked, “Are you sore or feeling any type of pain?”
“I’m sore and tired.” Emerson wanted to die. She’d let them get her, and if it hadn’t been for the Unit that evil S.O.B. would have taken something from her. She knew it was crazy for someone who was twenty-five years old to still be a virgin, but she was, and it was something that she wanted to share with the person she fell in love with and married.
“Okay, I can give you some ibuprofen, which will help with the soreness. Your father said you hated to take medicine; I don’t blame you. I only take medicine when I have to. But I think if you took some ibuprofen you would feel much better and it would allow you to get some rest. I’ve instructed your dad that you’ve been through a lot and that you need to stay in bed until tomorrow, but I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t be able to go home tomorrow. If that’s what you want.”
“I don’t want to go home, but my father said that…well, it doesn’t matter now. I doubt the Unit will want me in the group if I can’t take care of myself.”
Dr. Hubbard sat down on the side of the bed beside her and took her hand into his. “Don’t say that.” She could feel the warmth from his fingers as he spoke gently to her. “These feelings you’re having are natural for someone who’s been assaulted. I did one semester at the hospital, helping victims of assault, and let me tell you what I learned. You might start to think that you actually deserved it; that if you hadn’t been there then this wouldn’t have happened to you; or that you don’t deserve anything good in your life. Does that sound familiar to you?”
Emerson nodded. That was exactly how she was feeling, and she hated that she felt that way. “Well, it’s not true. These feelings are natural, and they’ll go away, but you’ll have to work on it. You’re a strong woman and the Unit would be privileged to have you. They picked you, Emerson, and believe me when I say that when they look at someone to join them, they investigate them and find out everything they can about that person to make sure they’re what they need. Just remember that. The Unit does a great job and they need witches like you. Especially ones with such a big heart.”
Emerson blinked back tears. After what her dad just said, she was second-guessing herself. “Thank you, Dr. Hubbard. That is really sweet of you to say, but…but I think I need to talk to the one in charge to see how they feel first. I don’t want to be a problem for the Unit.”
“I think you’re underestimating yourself. But if you need to talk to someone, then let me find Jonas. He’s the person you need. I’ll be right back. Just lie back down and get some rest. I’ll check on you again in a few minutes.”
Chapter Two
Nash sat across from Larken Wilder, his cousin and Alpha. After he left Emerson’s room, Larken had motioned for him to follow him to the lounge. They both sat in some rocking chairs beside the fireplace. He loved the lodge, and especially the fireplace. Everything about the place calmed him and made him feel at home. He could hear the fire crackling as his cousin poked the logs, making them blaze up. Larken didn’t say anything at first, but Nash understood how he worked. He was in deep thought probably wondering how to say what he was thinking. He knew the family were all worried about him. Hell, he was scared that Kingston Prescott would be able to talk Emerson into going home, and once he got her back there, Nash wouldn’t be able to talk or see her ever again. If she stayed here at the lodge he might have a chance at letting her get to know him.
He’d dreamed of the day he finally got to meet his mate, and she was everything he could have imagined. Would it have been better for him if Emerson was a shifter and could feel the mating pull like him? Yes, but his mate was a witch and from what he could gather she was one of the best. She was mostly human, so the mating pull wasn’t as strong for her. Nash knew she felt something—he could scent her arousal when he spoke to her—but it might not be enough to keep her here.
“How is Emerson?” Larken finally asked.
Frowning, Nash shook his head. “Upset at what her father said to her.” Nash had to look away before his temper flared up at his Alpha, who didn’t deserve it. “I can’t believe a father could be that insensitive to his only daughter. Someone who he says that he loves with all his heart, but tries to control by…by telling her she’s worthless. Can you believe that he told her that she wasn’t strong enough to be part of the Unit? And he practically told her that it was her fault that she was—” Nash sucked in a deep breath. He had to stop talking before he lost control. His wolf was already trying to break through his skin, to protect his mate. His claws dug into the side of the chair he was sitting in before he realized what he was doing.
“Calm down, wolf.” Larken’s voice was calm and controlled, but Nash heard the command in it. He looked down at the chair and closed his eyes. His wolf was so close that he didn’t realize his claws were out and destroying the fabric. His Alpha only wanted the best for him. It wouldn’t help him if his wolf broke through, scaring his mate or even going for even going for her father’s throat. He had to calm down and make this work.
“I’m sorry. I’ll get you a new chair,” Nash said, looking around the room. Thankfully the only other people in the room—an older man and a young boy playing checkers—were too involved in their game to notice his claws out.
Larken leaned forward in his chair. “I don’t care about a new chair, Nash. I care about you. I know how important she’s to you, but she’s not a shifter and she’s Kingston Prescott’s daughter. She’s not used to how we think and live. I know you want her to accept you, but that’s going to take some time. Trust me, I know how you feel.” Larken smiled and put his hand on Nash’s arm. “Remember, I’ve been where you’re sitting, and just like you I didn’t want to wait on her to understand. I wanted her immediately in that moment. But I got some good advice from someone who cared deeply about both of us. He told me to put myself in her shoes and realize how scared she was. She didn’t need to be pressured, she needed to be loved, and most of
all she needed time to get to know me.”
Nash glanced up at Larken. He watched as the corners of his Alpha’s mouth quirked up. “So I’m going to give you the same advice you gave me. Give her some time and try to go slow. I know she’ll come around. The fates don’t make that kind of mistake when it comes to mates. She’s your match, your equal in all ways, but she doesn’t know that yet. Right now she just needs to realize that she’s safe. Make her feel safe, my wolf.”
Nash nodded, stood up, and walked over to the window. The snow was falling again, making the ground look clean and untouched. The sun had started to go down behind the trees as the light glimmered across the white landscape. It was beautiful, just like his mate. All of this was his home, and he hoped that one day it would be Emerson’s home, too.
“She’s scared right now. Her dad told her that she couldn’t handle working for the Unit since she was kidnapped and had to be rescued. Pretty much blaming it all on her. I could see the pain in her eyes, Larken. Her dad is a complete asshole. Who does that to their child? He crushed her hopes and dreams just to keep her away from me. Take me out of the mix, the man is a bigot and doesn’t care that he just broke her heart. His own daughter, who loves him, but wanted a chance to show what she could do in this world. He just didn’t care.”
“I’m sorry, Nash, but all you can do is prove him wrong.”
“But what if she leaves, Larken? What if she leaves me?” He could feel his wolf clawing at his insides, trying break through again. The thought of his mate leaving was killing him, and his wolf wanted out to make sure that didn’t happen.
“She’s not going to leave. We have to show her that her dad is wrong about shifters, and about her. She needs to be shown that the Unit needs her.”
Nash blew out a deep breath and leaned his head against the window. “I know what you’re saying is true, and I’m putting the cart before the horse. I just wish she felt the mating pull as much as I do. Damn, it’s hard to just wait and do nothing.”
“Maybe, but right now she needs to rest and get her confidence back. I think once she does that, she’ll stay and continue with her plans to be part of the Unit. Hang in there, Nash. Just have some patience. Right now she needs friendship more than a mate. That man took her control away, and that’s a fear that you don’t get over in one day. Once she gets that back and learns that she’s very much needed, I think she’ll come around. She just needs you to be there for her.”
Nash walked out feeling worse. At the moment, he wanted to kill someone for what they did to his mate. Nobody was left at the facility to pay for what they’d done to Emerson. If he ever found man who did this, Nash would certainly make him pay.
“Hey, buttercup.” Lilly Wilder, his cousin, was propped up against her office door waiting for him. He couldn’t help it; his cousin made him smile even now, when he felt like killing someone. Lilly was special to him. They had a great relationship. He could talk to her about anything and knew that she wouldn’t hold back. Even if it hurt his feelings, she was always there with the truth, because she knew how much that meant to him. Several guards were sitting outside her office courtesy of her mate, Sindrid Abner, who was the King of Vampires.
“Hey ball-buster,” Nash said with a smile on his face.
“Walk with me to the kitchen. I need something, I’m just not sure what yet.” Lilly didn’t wait, she just wrapped her arm around his and started walking. One of her guards walked ahead of them in silence. She didn’t say anything at first, which was unlike her, but he knew she was going to bust his balls for something.
“How is Emerson doing?”
Nash glanced at her before he answered. He could tell she was worried about Emerson as well. Lilly had a big heart, and no matter what she’d be there to help them both get through this.
“Confused and scared.” Nash blew out a deep breath. “Then add on her father. He said some terrible things to her before the doctor came in. Now she doubts herself, thinking the Unit has changed their minds about her. He pretty much said she was weak and deserved what she got because she wasn’t at home, with him to protect her. I don’t get it. Everything I’ve heard about Emerson says that she’s a strong woman who’s one of the most powerful witches alive, but he acts like unless she’s under his thumb she’s a weak little girl. I just don’t get a man who would belittle their own child.”
“Because he needs to control her.” Lilly stopped and looked at him. “Listen, what I’m going to say you may not agree with, because you’re on the defensive and you care about her, but I’m sure Kingston Prescott loves Emerson.”
Nash’s anger rose to the surface again. “If he loved her so much then why is he trying to crush her dreams?” The man only cared about his precious reputation and nothing else.
“Listen to me, Nash. She’s been hurt and violated, and he couldn’t do anything about it. Even though the bastard didn’t succeed in sexually assaulting her, he was going to, and he came damn close. Take all of that information, and add that there wasn’t anything Kingston Prescott could do about it. Emerson is his only child, and he couldn’t protect her.”
Nash leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes. “He wants to blame someone, and maybe he doesn’t realize that he’s putting the blame on Emerson.”
Tilting his head, he looked over at his cousin. Lilly continued, “And the only way he knows to keep her safe is to keep her with him. In his eyes, maybe he still thinks of her as his little girl, and he wants to protect her, but he’s going about it the wrong way. I’m not saying what he said was right, because he hurt her deeply, but think about it.”
Nash didn’t want to think about it. “If only the man wasn’t such a jerk. And a racist.”
“I agree, but what if Emerson was your baby girl, your child, and the worst thing besides death almost happened to her? Now he’s in protective mode, and if that means tearing her down to get her to leave with him so he can protect her, he will.”
Nash pushed off the wall, about to argue with his cousin, when she held up her hand. “Look, I’m not saying he’s going about this the right way, but what he’s done is the only way he knows how to take care of her. We need to show him that Emerson is a strong person and can protect herself. Change his mind, and let him know what he said was very hurtful to her and could permanently kill her self-esteem. I hope you understand what I’m saying. I know he’s a bigot, but we need to change his idea of us if we can. Maybe we can’t, but we’ll never know unless we try.”
“Who is this woman I’m talking to? So democratic! But I know you, Lilly Wilder. If he doesn’t change, you’re going to rip his heart out,” Nash said with a smile.
Lilly snorted and shook her head. “Exactly right, my dear cousin. But I’m trying. I’m trying. I called and ordered Emerson some comfort food and wanted to take it up to her. You think that would be okay?”
“I think she might like that, especially coming from you. Do you want to go with me?”
“I think I’ll go check out the Lodge and talk to some of the guys about security. I want it to be beefed up around here. I don’t want anyone to come looking for her. I’ll be up there in a few minutes.” Nash started to walk off, but stopped and put his hand on Lilly’s arm. “Thanks, Lilly. What you said makes sense, but I don’t know if I can make that man understand that we’re just like them, that the only difference is I can shift into a wolf. Jeez, it’s the twenty-first century, for God’s sake. Sometimes you can’t change people’s perception, no matter how much you wish you could.”
“Maybe if we all give it a try, we can change him a little. All we can do is give it a shot, but most importantly, in the meantime we need to support her,” Lilly said, packing the food into a basket.
“Thanks, Lilly. See you in a few.” Nash walked off. His cousin was a very smart lady. He hoped that she was right, and if it would help Emerson get better he would bow down for her dad. But right now, the man needed to get a grip and stop hurting his daughter before Nash ripped
his throat out.
Emerson draped her arm across her eyes, trying to go to sleep, but every time she closed her eyes she saw the man in the mask. The look in his eyes was repulsive. She knew every sick thought the man was having, and what he planned to do to her. God, how many people had he done this to already?
Although she didn’t remember a lot of what had happened while she was trapped in that hellhole, she did remember the man’s rough hand as he rubbed it against her body. She could taste the bile as it started to rise in her throat. These horrible memories were all she could think about. How would she able to help the Unit when she was scared to leave this room? Maybe her dad was right, and she needed to go home.
A light knock on the bedroom door drew her attention away from the unspeakable memories. She removed her arm and looked up, squinting. A man she didn’t know was standing at the door. She could feel her pulse quicken while he just stood there.
The stranger waved. He didn’t look like the man in the mask; he had sandy blond hair. “Hello Emerson, I’m Jonas Glenn. We spoke on the phone a couple of times.”
Emerson relaxed, remembering who Jonas was. He was her new boss. Her breath hitched, knowing he was here to let her down easy. “Oh…yes. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.” Emerson pulled herself up, making sure she was covered. The cuts in her legs and wrists hurt as sat upright. She motioned for him to come in and sit down. No matter what, she wasn’t going to let him see that she was in pain.
“I can come back later if this is a bad time. Dr. Hubbard said that you had some questions. I didn’t want to bother you until you got more rest, but he assured me that you wanted to talk to me now. I’m glad, because I wanted to talk to you too.”
Here it was. Jonas was going to tell her that he had reconsidered her for the position, that she wasn’t what they needed. She didn’t expect at all what he said next.
