“Morning!”
Knowing her face was going slightly pink, she gave Tom a smile as he walked back into the bedroom, a tray in his hands. “Hey,” she murmured, sitting up and pulling the blanket up around her chest.
“Now, now,” he grinned, putting the tray down and waggling a finger at her. “None of that.” With a wink, he tugged the blanket down, his eyes moving over her immediately. “You’re too pretty to be covered up.”
“Thank you,” Savannah murmured, fighting the urge to cross her hands over her chest.
Tom’s smile turned tender as he leaned over to kiss her thoroughly. It took her breath away. “Delicious,” he murmured, leaning back. “The only problem is, if I start this now, then I won’t stop,” He cocked his head. “And you’ll be late for work.”
“Then we’d better not start,” she replied, laughing. “I don’t want my boss to fire me!”
“He’d never do that,” Tom chuckled, picking up the tray and handing it to her. “Anyway, here’s breakfast. I’ve got a couple of things to get to before Nick, Jo and Dan arrive.”
“Did Dan stay over at the cabin?”
Tom nodded, not wanting to think about why his brother had convinced Dan to stay overnight. Tom had thought he’d been keeping his feelings for Savannah well hidden, but either Nick or Jo had seen straight through him. “Do you want to stay here tonight?” he asked, hopefully.
A smile spread across Savannah’s face, happiness settling in her soul. “I’d love to. I’ll have to go back and get some clothes first, though.”
“Sounds good,” he replied, running a finger down her soft cheek. “Maybe bring enough for a few days at least, okay?”
Her smile was immediate. “Okay.”
“Great.” Leaning forward, he gave her another swift kiss before getting up and walking out of the room, knowing he’d see her later.
Sighing happily, Savannah pulled the blanket up to her shoulders before looking over the breakfast Tom had brought her. He’d been so thoughtful, and Savannah didn’t think she could be any happier. Her decision to leave the Northern Wind pack was the right one, she knew that now. She didn’t want to ever have to go back to that. That pack wasn’t right for her, this pack was. Savannah didn’t want to be part of a pack that attacked other shifters, simply because they wouldn’t join them. She didn’t want to be part of a pack that forced shifters to stay in one skin over another, giving them no freedom at all. She didn’t want to be part of a pack where the pack leader dictated absolutely everything and forced them to live in fear. It didn’t feel right anymore.
Picking up a piece of toast, Savannah munched on it, thinking hard. Lucas had lied to her. He'd told her that Nick and Tom had killed Dan, without ever telling her the reason they'd gone to attack them in the first place. He left out the details that he'd ordered the Northern Wind pack to kill Nick, and he'd certainly never discovered whether or not Dan was really dead. He'd decided that the pack would take revenge on Nick and Tom, without ever really telling the rest of them why. Savannah knew she didn't trust Lucas, not in the least. There was no respect between them, only fear and intimidation. Suppressing a shudder, Savannah lifted her chin. If Dan thought that they should go and speak to Lucas about things, then that was exactly what she'd do. She'd go and tell him everything she'd learned about this pack compared to the Northern Wind pack, and then she'd turn her back on them forever.
But what about Tom? Didn’t he deserve to know the truth? A stone settled in the pit of her stomach as she thought about that. Savannah knew that the truth would come out one day, somehow. It would be best for her to tell him the truth, even though it might wreck things between them. She couldn’t have this shadow hanging over their relationship. Even if Tom didn’t see it, Savannah knew it was there – and she knew it had to go. The only way she could do that was if she was honest with him.
“I’ll do it after I speak to Lucas,” she muttered to herself, ignoring the instant knot in her stomach at the thought of telling Lucas she was leaving. At least Dan would be with her, although he was still recovering. Her mouth twisted. Would they be safe? Or would Lucas attack them?
“Think I’m ready to go outside today!” Dan announced. Startled, Savannah looked up, seeing his slight nod in her direction.
“Really?” Tom looked up, a little puzzled. “There’s no rush, Dan.”
“I know,” he replied. “But I’ve been inside for a long time and I haven’t had a chance to shift either! It’s getting….itchy.”
Nick laughed. “Fair enough, Dan. I get it.” He tilted his head, looking at Dan for a moment. “Have you thought about staying with us?”
Dan nodded. “I have. I think I will, if that’s okay with you guys.”
Silence filled the room. Nick and Tom glanced at each other while Savannah held her breath. Jo was the only one who wasn’t with them, having gone to the store.
“That’s great news, Dan,” Tom said, eventually. “I’m really glad to hear it.”
Savannah’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. From all appearances, Tom was being genuine. “What about the Northern Wind pack?” she blurted out.
“What about them, Savannah?”
She swallowed hard, before answering Nick’s question. “What if they come to attack you again?”
Tom shrugged. “Then we’ll defend ourselves. But I don’t reckon they will.”
“Why?” she asked, her heart beginning to pound in her chest. Lucas wasn’t exactly going to give up two of his pack without a fight.
“Because we’re both alphas,” Nick replied, with a chuckle. “And now we have you and Dan too.”
Tom gave her a half smile. “Plus, Nick’s got a warning system all set up. We’d know if they were on their way here.”
That didn’t do much to settle Savannah’s anxiety. As far as they knew, Lucas was only losing one pack member, when the reality was he’d be losing two. Savannah couldn’t imagine how furious he was going to be.
“Anyway,” Dan continued, stretching. “Reckon I’ll go on out to the woods for a bit.”
“You’re not going to run away, are you?” Tom asked, a little suspiciously.
Dan chuckled. “No, don’t worry.” His face became serious. “Listen, I’ve seen the difference between Lucas’ pack and this one. I don’t want to go back. That pack isn’t exactly a happy one.”
“No, it’s not,” Savannah murmured, catching herself whispering aloud just a second too late. She lifted her head and caught Tom’s frown, her heart slamming like a stone in her chest. “Dan, uh, told me a lot about them,” she muttered, attempting to explain her comment away. She watched as Tom’s face cleared, although a slight frown still played around on his forehead.
“Do you want to come, Savannah?”
Savannah twisted her head to look around at Dan, knowing exactly what he was planning to do. “Go to the woods with you, you mean?”
Dan shrugged, nonchalantly. “Tom and Nick seem to have a lot on their plate at the moment and –”
“So does Savannah,” Tom growled, his lip pulling back just a little.
Holding up his hand, Dan grinned in Tom’s direction. “I’m not trying to steal your girl, Tom, don’t worry. I just thought she might not be as busy as you.”
“Tom trusts me,” Savannah replied, swallowing hard and attempting a smile. “I’m sure he won’t mind.” She glanced over at Tom, trying to keep her mood light despite his angry expression.
“Great!” Dan said, not waiting for Tom to give his permission. “After lunch?”
“Sounds great,” Savannah replied, picking up her fork. “I won’t be long.”
Tom shook his head to himself, telling himself that he was being ridiculous. For whatever reason, he’d watched Savannah and Dan walk off into the woods, and his ears had caught the sound of their shifting, but still, he couldn't get rid of the uneasiness in his stomach.
“Something’s not right,” he growled, his entire body tensing.
“What are you ta
lking about?” Nick yawned, rolling his eyes. “There’s nothing going on between them.”
Tom shook his head. “It’s not that,” he said, quietly. “I trust Savannah, I know she wouldn’t be doing anything…like that, with Dan.” After what they’d shared, Tom knew there was no way Savannah would be interested in anything Dan had to offer. But still, Dan had seemed very keen to take Savannah into the woods with him. “What if he’s taking her back to Lucas’ pack?”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he’s still loyal to them?”
Nick snorted. "You don't trust people, do you, Tom?" He shook his head at his brother, before going to pick up his jacket. He was taking the afternoon off, to go up to the cabin with Jo. A romantic afternoon, apparently. "Dan told me all about Lucas' pack last night. There's no way he's going back."
“Or maybe you’re just too trusting.”
“He won’t hurt her, Tom. He can’t. He’s still recovering from his injuries.”
“Or it’s all put on for our benefit.”
Letting out a long, frustrated breath, Nick shrugged his shoulders. “Look, Tom, if you want to go after them, then just go. But the consequences will be on your own head!”
“What consequences?”
“She’s going to know you don’t trust her,” Nick warned, walking back into the shop. “And you’re going to have to fix that.”
CHAPTER 20
Savannah couldn’t help but look over her shoulder as they walked into the forest, giving Tom one last, long look. He was watching them both, his face set. Silently, she prayed he wouldn’t come after them. They had to talk to Lucas alone.
“Ready?”
Dan grinned. “I’ve been waiting for this!”
Within seconds, they were both in their bear skin. Dan tested his muscles, shaking his legs and pushing his weight onto his hind legs. Throwing himself back down onto all fours, he snorted once. He was clearly still in some pain, but at least he’d been able to shift. Walking forward slowly, Dan tested his weight on all his limbs, before shaking his fur all over, clearly thrilled to be back in his bear. A growl of contentment came from him, and Savannah tossed her head in happiness. Dan was back to normal and, together, they were going to make Nick’s pack a stronger one.
They began to walk further into the woods. Savannah had no idea where they would find Lucas, but was sure that he would be around somewhere. He’d been watching the mechanics, and her, she was sure. How else would he have found her at the lake?
Once the mechanics shop was hidden by the trees, anxiety raced through Savannah. They’d left her safe place, left Tom behind. She just hoped she’d be able to get back there safely.
A sudden growl of warning rattled from Dan, just as Savannah caught a scent.
Lucas. He’s here.
Dan looked at her, before walking further in. Savannah knew she had to follow, had to be brave enough to stand up to her former pack leader once and for all. She couldn’t be a part of this pack any longer, and Lucas had to know that.
He’s here somewhere, she heard Dan say. A shiver of fear ran through her body, but she kept her nose to the ground, following Dan. Lucas’ scent grew stronger as they moved through the woods. The trees grew dense, hiding the sunlight completely and only letting tiny shafts of light pierce through the leaves. They were getting closer to the Northern Wind territory, but Savannah just focused on putting one paw in front of the other.
You’re here.
Lucas’ voice in her head made Savannah freeze, ice filling her veins.
I’m safe, Lucas, Dan said, his head turning from side to side as he searched for Lucas in the trees. I’m not dead.
Savannah’s breath puffed out in a cloud, betraying her fright. She couldn’t see Lucas anywhere, but his scent was all around her.
Did you bring him?
Tossing her head, Savannah pushed herself up on to her hind legs. Deciding that she wouldn’t show any fear or even the smallest amount of respect for Lucas, she pulled back her lips and let her teeth show. No. I didn’t.
Why not?
Dan raised himself up beside Savannah. I’m not dead, Lucas. There’s no need for revenge.
Tom couldn't help but follow Savannah. There was something gnawing at him, an uncertainty that he couldn't ignore. A look had passed between Savannah and Dan, one that he was sure he wasn't meant to have seen. It was like they knew each other, although Tom admitted he could be wrong about that. After all, they had gotten to know each other a little bit over the last couple of days. Maybe they'd talked about more than he realized.
Shaking his head, Tom walked to the edge of the wood, his bones already beginning to snap before he set foot on the forest floor. His bear was nervous, snuffling and snorting. Something was wrong with Savannah and the bear was determined that Tom was going to find out exactly what it was.
He caught her scent almost at once. She’d shifted not long after walking into the woods, and had begun to head deeper into the woods. Almost towards the Northern Wind pack territory, he thought to himself, just before he shifted completely. His bear pulled itself from its skin with a rush, but Tom kept his mouth clamped shut. He didn’t allow himself to make a single noise of pain, suddenly aware that he had to be both quiet and stealthy. His bear instincts took over completely, forcing him to walk as silently as possible through the woods. Sniffing hard, he caught both Dan and Savannah’s scent. At least they were still together. There was no scent of blood, which was a relief. Savannah was still safe.
Walking slowly, sniffing with every step, Tom felt a swirl of unease take over his whole being. Dan and Savannah’s scents had mixed, but now there was another one on the wind. Stopping still, he sniffed again, longer this time. A lump of fear settled in his stomach. Lucas.
A snarl tore from his jaws as he moved more quickly through the trees. He’d known Dan was up to something, but Nick hadn’t believed him. Now, here he was, taking Savannah in the woods and back to Lucas! They were probably going to force her to join their pack, and he’d never see her again. His chest rattled, but Tom forced the growl back into his throat. His anger was fuelling every step, but the bear remained quiet. He had to find her and take in the situation before he could think about making any kind of attack.
A whisper caught his ears. Lucas’ words, directed at somebody else. His large paws stepped carefully, his ears pricking up to catch every sound.
I wanted Tom. You failed me.
Tom bared his teeth, wishing he could rip into Lucas' skin. Obviously, Dan had been told to bring Tom to him, but he'd brought Savannah instead. What was Lucas going to do to her?
I failed you on purpose, Lucas.
Tom felt his heart almost stop beating at the sound of Savannah’s voice. His anger ebbed away like the tide. Savannah had been part of Lucas' pack? For how long? His strength began to fade, forcing his bear to sit backward in the grass. Twigs snapped under his weight, the sound echoing through the trees, but Tom didn't even notice. All he could think of was Savannah, and how she had betrayed him. She'd come into his life and kept the truth from him. She was part of Lucas' pack, and that could only mean one thing: everything she'd told him had been a lie.
Growling low in his chest, Tom felt as though he were being torn apart. He’d given himself completely to Savannah. He’d shared his heart and his body with her, only to discover that she was part of the Northern Wind pack. Part of the pack that had attacked him and Nick. The pack that had almost killed Nick.
I won't be part of the Northern Wind pack anymore.
His ears pricked up, as his dulled mind slowly registered what Savannah was telling Lucas. She’d been told to take him to Lucas, but instead, she was turning her back on her pack leader. The pain in his heart slowly began to lessen.
I’m done, he heard her say. I won’t help you, Lucas. Not anymore.
Lucas bared his teeth and began to snarl viciously. Despite what he'd heard, Tom's protective instinct came out full force, and he pushed himself
back onto his four paws.
Savannah tried to ignore the pulsing fear racing through her, as Lucas growled at her. The more she held her ground, the angrier he became, until, eventually, he'd pushed himself onto his hind legs and roared to the skies. Dread rippled down her spine, but she stood her ground. To lower her head and show deference now would make her lose the fight. She had to show Lucas that she meant what she said.
Suddenly, the sound stopped. Lucas stayed on his hind legs, but his nose was working hard, sniffing the air around him. Afraid of what it was he'd discovered, Savannah sucked in a breath of air, sorting through the different scents until she discovered exactly what it was Lucas had found.
Tom was here.
CHAPTER 21
Lucas dropped to his four paws and turned to his left. Sniffing once more, he looked back at his two remaining pack members. Kill him.
Savannah rushed forward, desperate to get to Tom before the other bears did, but they were much stronger and bigger than she was. Crashing through the trees, they found Tom almost immediately, and the vicious attack began.
Tom only had a few seconds to prepare before three of the Northern Wind pack members began to attack him. Managing to stand on his back legs, he swiped hard at one, knocking him to the ground. Teeth dug into his shoulder, but he shook that one off, snarling. Only managing to take a single breath before Lucas attacked, Tom felt himself stumble back as Lucas threw himself at him full force. Falling backward, he clawed at Lucas' back, hearing a roar of pain come from the bear. Lucas' teeth dug into his neck, but Tom shoved the pain away, managing to plant one of his huge paws into Lucas' belly. Throwing the shifter backward, Tom rolled onto his stomach, shaking his head. The fall had dazed him and, for a moment, he couldn't see clearly.
The Dragon's Charm (Elemental Dragons Book 4) Page 119
