by Kris Norris
Cullen surveyed the woods encroaching on each side of the railroad. “Am I supposed to know the answer to that question?”
Lucas huffed, marching over to him. A pink flush stained his cheeks, the hard line of his mouth pinching tighter. “Reverend Miller said he saw Buford’s gang ride past him on their way here. Claimed you and the crew were in danger.”
“Not sure what to tell you, Lucas, but we haven’t seen anyone. And I’m not sensing any danger.”
“Damn it!” Lucas kicked at the mud, fisting his hands at his side. “I knew the bastard was lyin’. He didn’t smell right.”
“But that doesn’t make any sense. Why would he lie about an attack? It’s not as if you wouldn’t discover the truth once you got here.”
“Like I fucking know. The guy’s been actin’ weird since we informed him we were taking Hollis…” The color drained from his face as he looked back the way he’d ridden. “Shit!”
Cullen snagged his arm. “Easy, mate. Talk to me.”
“Isn’t it obvious? He wanted me gone so he could do something to Hollis.” Lucas slapped his leg as he headed back to his horse. “I wondered why the idiot was wearing a pistol.”
Cullen jogged up beside him, palming Lucas’ thigh after he’d climbed on his horse. “Look, I know we don’t like the man, but he’s a preacher. I don’t think he’d hurt Hollis.”
“Hurt, no. Threaten? That’s completely different. Especially if he thought he was—how did he put it—saving her immortal soul. I noticed a wagon parked at the side of the clinic. Didn’t think much about it, until now. Something tells me it’s his, and he has no intentions of leaving alone.”
“A wagon?” Cullen let the growl burning in his chest rumble free, yelling out instructions to the crew before heading for his horse. “Over my fucking dead body.”
Lucas didn’t answer, choosing to nudge his horse forward. He kept the animal at the fast walk until Cullen joined him, finally urging his mount into a full gallop. Cullen followed suit, riding in silence as they wound their way back. The wind chilled his face, but all he felt was the burning need beneath his skin. The way his bear clawed at his control, threatening to take over with every ragged breath.
He did his best to mollify the creature, picturing Hollis in his arms, Lucas snugged in behind her. Both their scents surrounding him. But Cullen knew he’d likely lose his fragile hold on his animal and finally show the camp who—what—he really was, if Joseph had harmed her in any way.
Lucas grunted beside him, sliding a glance his way. “You’re supposed to be the calm one, remember?”
“Since when has my Kodiak ever been calmer than your grizzly?”
“I can dream, mate. But it’s important we keep it together. We can’t help Hollis if we’re wearing fur. At least, not initially. Once we know she’s safe, however…”
Cullen sighed. Whether Lucas intended it or not, he always had a way of talking Cullen down. Easing the tight feeling that lingered beneath his skin. Though it probably had something to do with the guy always being right. They needed to remain calm. Besides, all they had were suspicions. Until they knew if there was even a true threat, getting worked up was a waste of energy.
His bear snorted but settled, pulling back as they rode into the camp. They reined in their horses, jumping down amidst a spray of mud. They ignored the people gathered on the street, vaulting up the steps and into the clinic.
“Hollis!”
Cullen sighed at the fear in Lucas’ voice as their mate’s name seemed to echo through the empty space. The man stormed into the adjoining room, reappearing with a shake of his head. Cullen inhaled, stopping cold as her scent filled his head. Only it wasn’t the usual sweet essence that wrapped around his chest, making it hard to breathe. This aroma was earthy. Metallic.
He turned, beating Lucas to the sink by a few steps. A loud roar pounded through Cullen’s head as he stared at the blood-soaked bandages, some tattered fabric layered on top. The room dimmed at the edges, a warm feeling billowing up from his legs, when Lucas grabbed his shoulder.
“Breathe, Cullen.”
Cullen frowned, nothing really making sense, until his mate growled, pressing his body tight to Cullen’s.
“I’m scared, too, but you need to breathe, or you’ll pass out on me. And I can’t do this alone, mate. Just thinkin’ she might… I can’t.”
Lucas shook him this time, breaking through the daze. Cullen gasped in a few breaths, doing his best not to throw up when the iron-tinted odor burst along his tongue. He palmed the counter, waiting for the sensation to pass before closing his eyes. Anger slowly bled through the pain, his bear surging forward.
Cullen straightened, finally looking at Lucas.
Lucas leaned in. “You back in control?”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but…I’m better.” He picked up the piece of her sleeve, doing his best to sift through the different aromas. “It’s hard to tell for sure, because there’s so much of her blood on it, but I can definitely identify two other scents. One is Miller’s. The other…could be a patient’s, I suppose. But it smells…odd.”
Lucas took the fabric then inhaled, color flushing his cheeks as his lips pinched tight. “It’s vaguely familiar—like I’ve encountered a version of it before. And I smell gun powder.”
“I was hoping I’d imagined that. If Miller did this, I’ll kill him.”
Lucas arched a brow. “Only if you beat me to him. Can you sense her? All I can tell is that she’s alive.”
“Same here. Our connection’s getting stronger, but with her not being a shifter… It’s not nearly as developed as my link to you. But I have no doubts my bear can track her.”
“Mine, too. Would have been nice, though, to have had a bit more of a sense of what we’ll be facing. If it’s one man or ten.” He swallowed with obvious effort. “How badly she’s hurt.”
The floor creaked behind. “It was only a graze.”
They turned, staring at Joseph as he stood in the open doorway, jaw set, hands clenched around his rifle as he pointed the barrel at them.
Cullen growled. “You had better have a really good explanation for what happened here, Preacher, or I’m going to tear you apart.”
“I’m the one with the rifle, James. I doubt you can draw before I fire.”
“Based on the way it’s shakin’, you’ll be lucky to hit me, even this close. The chances of you killing both of us…”
Joseph swallowed with effort, worrying his lip before shaking his head. “I just want some answers.”
“So do we. Where’s Hollis?”
His chin quivered for a moment as his expression fell. He motioned to the door. “Buford took her. The man came riding in here with about a dozen men. Shootin’. Yellin’ for the doctor to come out or he’d kill everyone. I tried to help her, but…” He glared at them. “He said someone from town killed his men and injured his brother. That was one of you, wasn’t it?”
“Buford?” Cullen glanced at Lucas. “You’re sure?”
“I was standing right there when he said his name. Now, answer the question. Did you kill his men?”
Lucas inched forward, hand hovering beside the hilt of his pistol. “I did. And I won’t apologize for it. They were threatening Cullen. Would have eventually killed Hollis, too, if I hadn’t stopped them.”
“Then, this is your fault.” Joseph narrowed his eyes, sweeping his gaze the length of Lucas’ body. “What’s a shifter?”
Lucas blinked, inhaling roughly before wetting his lips. “A what?”
“Don’t play stupid with me, Quinn. I was worried Buford would hurt her when he followed her into the clinic to get her bag, so I slowly moved over to the doorway. I heard them talking. Buford said his brother saw a man shift and that Hollis smelled funny. A scent that wasn’t hers because she’d fucked her mate recently.” He snorted. “Normally, I would have thought he was talking about Cullen, since James used that same term yesterday, but it’s you, isn’t it?” He glanc
ed between them. “Or are you just taking turns? Wouldn’t surprise me. And here I thought I could save her…”
Cullen moved, ducking low then lunging forward. He caught the reverend around the waist, knocking his arms up as they all stumbled backwards into the wall. The rifle fired when his hands impacted the hard surface, blowing chunks of wood down on their heads as Cullen fisted Joseph’s jacket, pinning him against the wood.
“I believe I already warned you about calling our mate a whore.” He leaned in close. “The only reason you’re still breathing is because I want answers. Where did they take her?”
Joseph glared at him. “I don’t know. They rode off. Headed northwest. He said he’d kill her if anyone followed.” He looked over at Lucas as the man crowded in beside Cullen. “Except you. He wanted you to follow. Said he wanted to settle the score.”
Lucas smirked. “The bastard isn’t the only one out to settle a score. Did he say anything else about shifters?”
Joseph glanced between them, more white coloring his eyes. “Hollis said something about Buford being one and wondering why his brother needed a doctor. But I couldn’t hear what he told her. Then, they walked outside and left.”
Lucas growled then pounded his fist against the wall. “Damn it. We have to leave. Now.”
“Wait. What’s a shifter? I’ve heard of legends and folklore, but—”
“It’s nothing. The man’s insane. He’s talking gibberish.”
“Then, why would Hollis say it?”
“Because she’s trying to stay alive. She knows better than to anger a madman by tell him he’s imagining things.” Lucas bent close. “Was Buford the one who shot her?”
Joseph looked away as his shoulders hunched. “I told you. I was trying to save her. It was an accident. I just grazed her arm.”
Cullen hovered an inch from Joseph’s face. “I’m only going to say this once, so you’d best listen carefully. You’re going to go back to your church, pack up, and leave. And if anyone ever comes snoopin’ around here because of our unconventional relationship, I will hunt you down and kill you. Is that clear?”
“You’re condemning her soul to Hell. You know that, right?”
“You shot an innocent woman you’d planned on kidnappin’. If loving us is a sin, then you’ll be there long before anyone else.” He eased back, finally releasing the man before bending over and picking up the rifle. He opened the loading gate, collecting the rest of the bullets in his hand before shoving the empty gun at the preacher. “I meant what I said.”
Joseph glanced at Lucas then turned to the door.
“And, Preacher?” Cullen motioned to the rifle. “I’d think twice about aiming that at anyone else. Your next target might not be so generous in letting you live. I know I won’t if I see it pointing my way, again.”
Lucas moved over to Cullen once the reverend’s footsteps had faded. “That scent on her shirt? Now, I know why it’s familiar. I smelled it this morning where I saw those tracks.”
Cullen groaned. Fuck, he should have sensed it. Recognized the hint of human in the wild aroma. Realized that a pack of wolves hadn’t just happened by.
Lucas slapped him in the shoulder. “It’s not your fault. I was there, too, and I didn’t catch it, either. Too damn focused on you and Hollis.” He arched his brow. “But I bet I can fucking follow it, now. Pick it out of every other odor we encounter.”
Cullen nodded. “From what the reverend said, it sounds as if he only thinks Hollis has one mate.”
Lucas’ shoulders drooped. “It was a rash decision. But she was having more of those cramps and just smelling her all wet and wanting… I’d planned on letting her sleep until you got back then having you wake her up the same way.” His eyes widened then narrowed. “Shit! That must be why Joseph got the jump on her. I removed her holster, and she wasn’t wearing it when I left. Damn it!”
“Easy. This wasn’t your fault. And blaming ourselves isn’t going to help get her back. Are her guns still in her room?”
Lucas frowned, walking into the other area then reappearing. He held up a pistol. “Hers are gone. I assume this one was Joseph’s. She must have grabbed it after and clipped her belt on.”
“The fact Buford let her leave with them…”
Lucas nodded. “He doesn’t really see her as much of a threat. Which means at least half of his remaining men must be shifters, too. Explains why they smell similar if they’re living as a pack.”
“Pack or not, they aren’t expectin’ two men to come lookin’. We can use that to our advantage.”
“I might let you take on a couple, if I feel like sharing.”
“Lucas…”
“Let’s go. Every moment we spend here is another she’s with them. Alone.”
The man didn’t wait for Cullen to answer him, choosing to spin on his heel and head out the door. Cullen took one last look around, praying it wasn’t the last time he’d be standing in the small room, imagining Hollis treating patients. But if they weren’t successful—if anything happened to her—there was little chance they’d be back. At least, not as men.
He huffed then followed Lucas out. They didn’t speak, climbing onto their horses then racing out of town. They headed northwest, clearing the camp before reining in their mounts. Lucas jumped down, slowly walking across the ground until something must have caught his attention.
He knelt, running his fingers across the soft mud. “There’s a drop of Hollis’ blood here. Her arm must still be oozing. And there’s a cigarette butt. The thing stinks the same as the scent that was on her shirt.”
“Buford.”
Lucas nodded. “Looks like they’re heading into the foothills. There’s a stream that runs along the south ridge. Bet my ass their camp is somewhere along it.”
“You got their scent memorized?”
His mate turned, eyes red, teeth showing beneath his upper lip. “Couldn’t forget it if I tried.”
“Then, lead the way. Hopefully, our connection will kick in more once we get close enough.”
Lucas glanced at his horse then in the direction they were traveling.
Cullen sighed. “I know what you’re thinkin’, but… We can’t risk shifting until we know what we’re up against. We need to ensure she’s safe, first. And as much as our bears want to save her, they also want to rip those men apart. Might be best if they didn’t face them to start off.”
“If anything happens to her…or you…”
“Nothing is going to happen to any of us. You heard Joseph. They need her. To treat his brother. And we can’t be that far behind. We’ll get her back.”
Lucas released a weary breath. “Guess we’re going to be taking turns talking the other back from the edge. All right. Let’s ride.”
They struck off, following the trail, stopping only when the scent got muddied. The sun dipped low on the horizon by the time they finally reined in their mounts at the edge of a river.
Cullen inhaled, bombarded with a multitude of aromas, all similar to the one they’d been tracking. He nudged Lucas when his mate moved in beside him. “Thinkin’ we’re getting close. There are way more crisscrossing scents.”
“Probably be best if we left the horses here. Go in on foot the rest of the way. They only think I’m coming. It’d be a shame to lose that element of surprise by riding in there.”
“Just, don’t go bargin’ in without a plan.”
Lucas smiled. “Me? Act rash? Isn’t that your forte?”
“Jackass. Fine. We’ll both keep it together until we have some sort of strategy.”
“Agreed.” Lucas grabbed his elbow. “Unless it looks like she’s in danger. If that happens…”
Cullen nodded, looping his reins around a tree. “Ready?”
His mate took off, darting amidst the brush as he followed the river. Cullen trailed behind him, constantly telling his grizzly to be patient. Regardless of what they faced, they’d end this tonight.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Here we are, Doc.”
Hollis glanced at Buford, sliding down from her horse as the man grabbed her reins. She surveyed their camp. Several tents were scattered around a small clearing, a blazing fire flickering in the center. He had a few more men walking around the perimeter, the red flash in their eyes when their gazes clashed impossible to miss.
Buford hooked her elbow. “Feel free to leave your weapons here.”
She arched a brow. “You boys really that afraid of a couple of guns? Thought you’d be stronger than that.”
He snorted. “Shootin’ us will only make us angry. But then, you probably know all about our kind, don’t ya?” He trailed his fingers through the ends of her hair. “Does your bear mate have a name?”
“I never confirmed he was my mate.”
“You don’t have to. His scent says it all. Though, I’ll admit you have more of those on you than most people. Guess that goes along with treating people. They all rub off on you. Makes it hard to pinpoint any particular one—except his. Like I said, fucking the man definitely imprinted it on your skin. And it won’t fade like the others are starting to do.”
Hollis clenched her jaw. If Buford wasn’t lying, it was only a matter of time before he realized Cullen’s wasn’t fading, either. A fact she definitely wanted kept secret. Especially when she knew her mates would do exactly what Buford had hoped and come for her. Not that she expected any less. She’d track them to Hell and back if someone had taken them. But having both of them show up when Buford and his men were only expecting one might be the advantage they needed. While she didn’t doubt how strong her mates were, going up against a gang of shifters was risky, at best. And if she wasn’t armed…
Dread settled in her gut as she unclipped her belt and laid it across her saddle. She had no qualms about throwing a few punches, but this wasn’t a saloon with a couple of drunken cowboys. And she knew firsthand that their strength would vastly outweigh hers.
“Easy, Doc. Don’t get hysterical on us, yet. You still have a job to do.”
