Wolf in her Soul: Salvation Pack, Book 8

by N. J. Walters

  He shook his head. “No. I want to do it.” He sat down beside her and eased her thighs apart.

  It would do her no good to protest. She recognized the stubborn set of his jaw. “Are you sorry we did this?”

  The sizzle in his eyes made her nipples tingle. “No. I’d just planned to wait until after you’d eaten and rested some more.” He cleaned away the evidence of their lovemaking and tossed the cloth aside. “There’s so much more I want to do.”

  Her entire lower body clenched and then softened. His nostrils flared but he stood up, grabbed his jeans, and pulled them on.

  She tugged at the sheet until it covered her. “I need something to wear.” Her duffle bag was there but she didn’t have the energy or ambition to open it and dig out something. “Lend me a shirt.”

  Reece walked over to his closet and pulled out a long-sleeved linen shirt in a slate gray. He held it out in front of him, grunted his approval, and then carried it to the bed. She expected him to hand it to her, but he helped her into it. He was careful of her wrist and buttoned all the buttons once it was on.

  It was time for the real world to intrude. Their private interlude was over.

  Chapter Twenty

  “So, what happens next?” she asked.

  “Now you need to eat and build up your strength.”

  She shook her head. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “I know, but it’s what’s going to happen.”

  Reece was as stubborn as ever, but so was she. She tossed back the covers, grateful that she was wearing Reece’s shirt. It fell down to her thighs, covering enough of her so she didn’t feel self-conscious. It was one thing to be naked with him when they were making love. She did not want to be naked while they were arguing. Although it would certainly distract him.

  “Where are you going?”

  She stood and waited until she was sure she was steady on her feet before she took a step toward the door. “To find someone who will answer my questions.”

  Reece laughed. “And everyone says I’m stubborn.” He scooped her off her feet just before her fingers touched the door handle.

  “You put me back in bed and I’ll just climb out again,” she warned him.

  “Don’t I know it.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips that left them tingling. “Get the handle,” he told her.

  She tried not to look smug as she opened the door and thought she might have failed when he chuckled again. “Stubborn.”

  She shrugged, unable to deny it. He carried her down a short hallway and into the main living space. She was curious about Reece’s home. He must have carried her through it on the way to his room last night, but she had no memory of it. She remembered being outside and then they had been in the shower together. The rest was a dark fog she couldn’t quite penetrate.

  The living room had a large sectional sofa and two oversized chairs arranged around a fireplace. A large flat-screen television was mounted over the mantle. Both the sofa and chairs were plush and looked comfortable. They were basic brown, but there were colorful green and orange pillows arranged on them. A massive coffee table sat in the center.

  “You’re up.”

  Reece turned toward the feminine voice. Hannah tensed and turned to face the first member of his family. The woman had blond hair that fell to her shoulders in a stylish cut. She was average height and had a curvy figure. She was also fully human. Hannah couldn’t catch a whiff of wolf from her. No, that wasn’t true. She could scent a male wolf all over her.

  “Hey, Sue.” He angled his body so she was facing the woman. “Hannah, this is my Aunt Sue. Sue, this is Hannah.”

  Sue walked forward and held out her hand. “I’m so glad you’re both all right.” Her sincerity helped Hannah relax. Now that she was closer, Hannah could see the fine lines radiating out from her eyes, a testament to the fact she was fully human and not werewolf.

  She took the woman’s hand with her good one and gave it a quick squeeze. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.” She patted Reece on the shoulder. “Put me down.” It was awkward to meet his family while he was carrying her.

  “Why don’t you sit at the table and I’ll make you something to eat. You have to be starving.” Sue bustled into the kitchen area. The entire main living space was open. Half of it was devoted to the living room and the other half held a large dining table. Off to the left of the table was the kitchen. It was separated from the other space by a long peninsula that had four stools in front of it.

  The kitchen itself was gorgeous with white Shaker-style cabinets and a butcher-block counter.

  “I have turkey soup simmering and I can make some sandwiches. Or I can make an omelet. What would you like?”

  Hannah could see why Reece adored this woman. There was something motherly about her. “The soup is fine. Thank you.”

  Reece set her down on one of the chairs in the dining room. The table itself was gorgeous. Rustic, yet elegant at the same time.

  “Your uncle should be along soon. He’s over talking with Jacque.” Sue gave her a gentle smile. “He’s the alpha if no one has mentioned that. I don’t know how much Reece has told you about the pack.”

  Hannah tensed at the mention of the alpha. Was he one of the men who’d come to find her and Reece? Probably, but her memories were vague, clouded by her injuries and exhaustion. “Do you know what happened?” she asked, ignoring Reece’s scowl.

  Sue shook her head as she ladled up two bowls of soup. “I’m sorry, but I don’t. I was working most of the day.” She shot Reece a worried glance. “Keeping busy.” She didn’t have to add that she was keeping busy because she was worried about them.

  “Thank you,” Hannah said when Sue put a bowl in front of her.

  “I’m going to make some sandwiches too.” The older woman started back into the kitchen, but Reece reached out and tugged her into his arms.

  “Everything will work itself out,” he told his aunt.

  She nodded and patted his chest. “I know. I can’t help but worry. I think you’ve given me another few gray hairs,” she joked. “Go and eat. Jacque will want to speak with you soon.”

  Hannah dipped her spoon into the soup and tasted it. She closed her eyes and made a little humming sound of pleasure. It was delicious.

  Reece dropped into the chair next to her and pulled his bowl closer. “Like it, do you?”

  She ignored him and kept eating, unwilling to be distracted. She was starving. The soup brought back her appetite, and she dug into one of the two thick sandwiches Sue gave her.

  Hannah was aware of Reece eating and talking with Sue, but she was too consumed with the food in front of her to pay much attention. At least at first. Once the worst of her hunger was appeased, she was appalled at how fast she was shoveling the food into her face. She forced herself to slow down. Otherwise she could make herself sick. Not a pleasant thought.

  “Would you like some more soup?” Sue asked.

  Hannah shook her head. “I think I’d better slow down and see how this sits in my stomach.”

  Sue smiled. “There’s plenty more if you want some later.”

  Reece had already finished and stacked his empty dishes. He added hers to the pile and carried them all into the kitchen, then loaded them into the dishwasher.

  “What now?” She was rested, her body was healing, and she’d eaten. Now she needed answers.

  Reece closed the dishwasher and turned toward the back door. “We’re about to find out.”

  Reece knew his uncle and twin had returned before the door opened. He left the kitchen and went to stand beside Hannah. He could tell from her expression she was nervous. As much as he knew she wanted to know what had happened, she was anxious.

  To tell the truth, so was he. Other than his name, Reece had no idea who Hannah’s attacker really was or what kind of pack affiliations he had.
Had he been acting on his own or under the direction of his alpha? There was a lot to think about.

  Reece would do whatever it took to protect Hannah, but he wouldn’t sacrifice his own pack. If it came to it, he’d leave and take her somewhere else.

  He’d barely had the thought when the door opened and they walked inside. Sage glared at him and Reece knew his brother had caught that stray thought. He pointed his finger at him. “You are not going anywhere.”

  He didn’t want to argue with his brother so he turned to his uncle. “What’s happening?”

  Elias shook his head. “Not here. The alpha wants all of us at his house. Now.”

  When Hannah stood, he noticed her hands were shaking. She twined them together to hide it. “I’m ready.” She turned to Sue. “Thank you again for the wonderful meal.”

  “You’re more than welcome.” Sue went to his uncle’s side. “Where’s Billy?” Billy was Sue’s human son from her first marriage.

  “He’s going to watch the kids for us. We can fill him in later,” Elias told her. Reece could see the relief on his aunt’s face. It wasn’t always easy being the only humans in a wolf pack. It took a kind of strength and courage that he admired in them both.

  “Sue, do you have anything Hannah can borrow to wear? She’s a little underdressed.” He didn’t think she’d be comfortable wearing only his shirt. Come to think of it, he didn’t think he’d be comfortable with her wearing only his shirt around the others.

  “Of course. Come with me.” Sue led the way with Hannah following. He wanted to follow but settled on keeping an ear out for her. He heard dresser drawers open and close and the low murmur of Hannah’s voice as she thanked his aunt.

  Impatience ate at him. He hated having her out of his sight.

  “Relax,” his brother told him. “She’s safe with Sue.”

  Before Reece could tell Sage to stuff it, the women were back. Hannah was wearing a pair of black leggings under the shirt. She also had on a pair of black flats.

  “Let’s go.” Elias held the door and Sage left first. Reece wrapped his arm around Hannah’s waist. He thought about carrying her. She glared at him, warning him with her eyes not to attempt it. He decided to keep a watch on her and carry her only if he felt it was necessary. Not that he’d tell her that. He wasn’t stupid.

  It was quiet outside, as if even the wildlife was holding its breath. The sun was low in the afternoon sky and there was a chill in the air. He was only wearing his jeans but he didn’t find it cold. Besides, they really weren’t going far. Their house was the closest to the main pack house.

  Hannah stiffened, and he knew it was because she smelled all the other wolves. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Don’t worry.” He wanted to say more but they were within hearing distance, especially because the door was already open and Cole stood there waiting.

  She nodded and walked slowly up the stairs. He couldn’t decide if she was tiring or if she was just reluctant to enter. Not that it mattered. There was no escaping what was about to happen.

  Jacque stood at the head of the long kitchen table with his mate beside him.

  Reece put a slight pressure on Hannah’s back to get her to move forward. “Hannah, I’m not sure if you remember Jacque LaForge, the alpha of the pack. And beside him is his mate, Gwen.”

  Hannah nodded. “I’m pleased to meet you.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you. For everything.”

  Gwen smiled but Jacque only inclined his head. Reece wanted to continue with the introductions but sensed now was not the time. Everyone held their silence as they waited for Jacque to speak. Their pack might be more progressive than most, but they were still a wolf pack at heart.

  “Sit down.” Jacque motioned to some empty chairs. Reece held one out for Hannah and stood behind her instead of sitting. The alpha rolled his eyes and then pointed at Armand, who was their resident tech expert. “Tell them what you’ve found,” Jacque ordered.

  Armand smiled down at the screen of the laptop. “Edgar Treadmont was a busy wolf. He’s kept detailed records and has had over a dozen kills in the past ten years.”

  Gator gave a low whistle. “So many.”

  Armand nodded. “He’s meticulous. He seemed to be searching for someone in particular, but I haven’t found out who yet. I haven’t had time to read it all yet. It took me a while to get past his security.”

  “So, this guy just goes around the country killing half-breeds.” Reece shifted his weight slightly. “Why? What set him off? Is this his pack’s doing or is he acting on his own?” What he really wanted to know was if there would be repercussions.

  Armand glanced at Jacque and got his nod before continuing. “From what I can tell, he’s acting on his own. He seems to handle a lot of pack business and travels to keep an eye on some of their interests. As I said, I don’t know what his motivation was, other than he saw half-breeds as weak, an abomination to be destroyed. He’s from a pack in Montana.”

  Hannah made a small sound and all eyes turned toward her. She stiffened and Reece could smell her fear when Jacque addressed her. “What do you know about Montana?”

  Hannah wondered why she’d ever been so eager to find out what they knew. She was scared out of her mind. She’d never been around so many werewolves in her life. There were so many of them. All the men were big and tough. Dangerous. She recognized some from their rescue in the woods, but that wasn’t exactly comforting.

  There didn’t seem to be enough oxygen in the room, especially when the alpha turned his golden-brown gaze her way and demanded answers.

  Strong hands gripped her shoulders and squeezed. Reece. He was behind her. He had her back.

  That allowed her to take a breath. She didn’t want to embarrass him or herself in front of his pack. “My father was from Montana.”

  Jacque’s eyes narrowed. “Where is your father?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know.” It wasn’t easy to meet his gaze but she managed. “He left when I was eighteen. Said there were people looking for him, for us. It was safer for us to split up.”

  “He just left you?” Hannah could see both sympathy and, strangely enough, understanding in Gwen’s eyes. It made her uncomfortable.

  She nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “What about your mother?” Jacque asked.

  Her stomach cramped. She hated laying her life bare for all these strangers, but it couldn’t be helped. And she owed them because they’d saved her life. An explanation was the least she could give them.

  “She was full human and I was an accident. She never knew what my father was. All she cared was that he paid her to have me. When I was born, she took the money and ran. He raised me on his own.”

  Reece’s hands tightened briefly on her shoulders and she knew he was trying to comfort her. She’d long since stopped allowing her past to hurt her. Now it was just an embarrassment.

  Jacque rested his elbows on the table. “So your father, what’s his name?”

  “Troy. Troy Burdette.”

  “So your father paid your mother off and raised you himself?”

  Hannah nodded. “Yes, sir.” There was something about Jacque that demanded respect and a quick answer.

  “Then he left you as soon as you turned eighteen?”

  She’d never understood it herself, but her father had been a distant man in many ways. “Yes.”

  Jacque sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Okay. You got anything else, Armand?”

  The wolf manning the computer had black hair and several wicked scars running down the left side of his face. But his eyes were kind. “There was a number on his cell. Only one. I’m assuming it’s for his alpha.”

  “What have you been doing since he left?” Jacque asked.

  She hated the in-depth intrusion into her affairs, but she owed them. They were trying to clean up the m
ess that had been left in the wake of her attacker. It wasn’t like they could just call the cops and have them deal with it. Pack business was private. Her father had always drilled secrecy into her from the youngest age. She understood that this pack was only protecting itself.

  “I’ve moved around a lot, mostly working in coffee shops. You can always find a job if you know your way around coffee and aren’t afraid of hard work. I also do photography.” She kept her explanation short and to the point. She might owe them, but that didn’t mean they had to know everything.

  “You any good?” There was curiosity in the alpha’s voice.

  Armand answered before she could. “Yes. She’s very good.” He turned the laptop around and her website was on the screen. She’d used her real name. Mostly as a way for her father to find her if he wanted too. Pathetic really, but she hadn’t been able to stop herself.

  Reece leaned over her shoulder to stare at the screen. She’d wanted to show him her work, but there hadn’t really been time. They were all staring at the screen as Armand scrolled through some of her cityscapes and architectural photos. Then he clicked on her people shots. The world was filled with interesting faces and she’d been lucky enough to be given permission to capture some of them.

  “These are incredible.” Pride filled her at the awe in Reece’s voice.

  “I love your composition. And your black and white ones are spectacular.” A woman with curly brown hair and blue eyes studied her work.

  “That’s Gray,” Reece told her. “She’s an artist.”

  The woman turned and smiled. “My photography is only passable. I’m a painter. I’d love to show you some of my work.”

  “Another time.” Jacque knocked on the table. “We’ve got bigger problems to deal with. We have a dead man’s truck in one of our garages. We need to decide what we’re going to do about it.”

  Armand turned the laptop back around. “I’ve told you everything I know. I need more time to read through everything on here. There are business reports, personal stuff, and his entire murder journal, which is what I’ve been skimming. He’s kept very complete records of who he’s killed, where, and how.”