WOLF (Wolf River Book 1)

by Alaska Angelini

  “We got a call about an accident. I take it from the blood that you were the victim?”

  I nodded as I stepped back, allowing him in. “That’s right. Erin Billings. I…”

  My mouth closed as I tried to figure out what to say. The accident was a blur. What followed shortly after I was hit was even more so.

  “Something rammed into the side of my car.”

  The officer looked around the living room. “I see. Where’s Alex? Dispatch said he’s the one who called it in.” Alex. He talked as if he knew him. With as small as this town was, I didn’t doubt that was the case. They looked around the same age. Except where Alex had dark hair, this man held blond.

  “I’m not sure. He took off back into the woods just before you arrived.”

  “Probably checking on the car or something. Sheriff’s over there now looking at the scene.”

  More sirens sounded and I knew it was an ambulance. I’d been around the sounds long enough to know the difference.

  “Can you tell me more about the accident, Ms. Billings? You say you hit something.”

  “No,” I said, in a deeper tone. “I didn’t hit something, something hit me. It broadsided me. I thought it was a car at first, but there was no intersecting road. It was an animal. I’m just not sure what kind could do something like that. The force...” My words died off toward the end. I really didn’t know what it could have been and I wasn’t about to start making speculating.

  “An animal?”

  EMS had us looking toward the opened door. I nodded as a man and woman came forward.

  “It was big,” I continued. “Maybe they’ll find it on the road. Surely it couldn’t have survived with as hard as it hit. It must have been running from something when it plowed into me.”

  “You’re probably right. I’m sure they’ll find it.”

  “Ma’am, can you look right here?”

  I squinted past the bright light that flashed in my eyes. “I’m okay, it’s just a concussion. Probably a mild one.” I lifted my arm as they brought out a blood pressure cuff, but turned back to the officer. Before I could speak, another man came into the cabin. He wore a suit and was maybe a few years older than me. His dirty blond hair was cut short and his green eyes scanned the room, much like I had.

  “Detective Perkins. Surprised to see you here.” The officer gave him a nod and the tall detective glanced over at him before putting his focus on me. I couldn’t help but sit taller under his watchful gaze. The paramedic started bandaging up my head, but I didn’t break my stare.

  “Just happened to be in the area when I heard the call over the radio. Figured I’d come check everything out.”

  “Looks like an animal collided with her car. Probably a spooked deer.”

  My fist clenched and I subconsciously shook my head. “There was no way that was a deer. It was bigger. And … darker in coloring. Bear, perhaps, but not a deer.”

  The detective pushed his hand in his pocket and cocked his head. “Did you get a good look at it, Ms…?”

  “Billings. Private Investigator, Erin Billings. And no, Detective, I did not. Only a glimpse from my peripheral just before it hit. But I’m telling you, it was no deer.”

  Something flashed over his face that I couldn’t read. Seconds went by before he seemed to let whatever he was thinking pass. “Well, I didn’t expect to see you until the morning. I think I would have rather met you under those circumstances. I’m sorry your welcome into this town had to turn out this way. At least you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine. It’s just a mild concussion,” I repeated. “I’ve had worse.”

  “I know your background, but we can talk more about that when you get released from the hospital.” He took a step to turn around when I shrugged out of the paramedic’s grasp and stood.

  “I’m not going to the hospital, I’m fine. I’m only staying a mile or so down the road. All I really need is sleep and some pain relievers. I intend to still meet you in the morning.”

  “That was a decent sized laceration,” the male paramedic said. “I’d advise you to go get checked out.”

  My head was already shaking when the detective nodded, agreeing.

  “Thank you for your concern, but I’m declining the right to go.” I walked closer to the door. “If I could just go down and get my things from my car, I’d appreciate a ride to my place. If you don’t mind taking me.”

  “I’ve seen your car. I don’t think you’re in any condition to wave your rights.” Detective Perkins stepped in my way, cutting me off. “Let me ask you a question. What’s the date?”

  Shit. I had no idea. Everything kept looping in my mind, yet I could barely recall what I was thinking. My head felt like it was going to explode. Still, I wasn’t going. I knew these symptoms.

  “She said she doesn’t want to go.”

  A voice outside had me and the detective turning to see my rescuer standing a few feet away.

  “I’m aware of what she said, Alex. Whether it’s for her best interest or not has yet to be determined.”

  Intense eyes scanned over me and I could see his wide, blood-smeared chest rising heavily. A thin layer of chest hair beneath the crimson stains caught my attention and I followed it down to take in the sweat beading over his defined stomach. I couldn’t help but step through the threshold, closer to him. There was a mystery surrounding his rugged appearance. The danger he threw off intrigued me just as much as his good looks.

  “You ran off. Where did you go?”

  His arm lifted a little and my purse dangled by his knee, but he didn’t look very willing to hand it over. He stood rooted to the ground, clutching to the strap in his fisted grip.

  “I thought you might need this.”

  I swallowed hard, walking toward him. He seemed to stiffen, but held still until I stopped only a foot away.

  “Thank you. For everything.”

  I took my purse, but kept my eyes on his. The light from the house cast a soft glow across his face and I couldn’t deny how handsome he was. From his square jaw, to what I could now see were light brown eyes, mixed with a lighter gold coloring, his good looks gave me butterflies. I almost couldn’t turn away with how surprised I was by his effect on me. I didn’t usually react this to way to anyone. Not since Martin.

  Footsteps approached from behind and I turned to see Detective Perkins stop only a few inches away. Guilt swamped me and I got uncomfortable as I was suddenly sandwiched between the two. The realization had me moving off to the side. But I didn’t miss the tension between them. They were glaring and my instincts flared. There was definitely something there.

  Detective Perkins’ jaw tightened just before he turned to me. The mask that slid into place was nothing but a stoic expression. So different than the amount of anger that had been present only moments before. “I guess you seem lucid and steady enough on your feet. Why don’t we head out?”

  He was already walking away. It hadn’t been a question, but a demand for me to follow.

  I turned, jolting to a stop at the hand that latched to my bicep. Alex’s face leaned in toward mine and he breathed in deep before weight pushed against my chest. “Better keep this close.”

  My fingers grasped around the extra gun I carried under the seat. I felt my pulse explode even more.

  “Don’t go into the woods alone. Especially at night. Out of the darkest nights can crawl the deadliest creatures. Best to remember that if you’re going to be staying here.”

  His fingers let go and my mouth opened to speak. The detective calling out to me cut off anything that might have come. I shoved the gun in my purse and turned, taking in Alex’s serious expression for only a moment before I began to take careful steps to the unmarked car. What had he meant, out of the darkest night could crawl the deadliest creatures? Did he know something about these attacks, or was he speaking in general? Regardless, the statement was odd. It went right along with what the store clerk had said.

  The engine came to lif
e and I noticed Alex kept his focus on me as I got in the car. His plaid shirt blew back with the gust of wind, drawing my attention back to his hard stomach. I traveled the length down, following the thin trail of hair leading to the low waistband of his jeans. Before I could break myself from the sight, we began to turn. Trees illuminated the surrounding forest and we headed down a dirt road. My mind raced and I couldn’t shake what I’d been through tonight. I was exhausted and hurting in places I hadn’t realized before. My head throbbed and I still felt sick. Not to mention my shoulder and hip were starting to feel the effects from the safety belt. I was surely going to be covered in bruises. And Alex… I didn’t even know where to begin concerning him.

  “You’re lucky, Billings. Not many people travel down that road. There’s no telling how long it would have taken someone to find you down there.”

  I glanced over to the detective and winced as he hit a bump. “I would have recovered before then. I am glad it didn’t come to that, though. I really wouldn’t have wanted to walk back to town.” I turned more to face him. “Did they find what hit me?”

  The car rocked through the pot holes while he shook his head. “I don’t think so. They hadn’t when I stopped by on my way in. What do you remember from the accident? You say you saw it out of your peripheral. Are you sure it wasn’t a deer? They have more force than you think.”

  My head was already shaking. My brain just wouldn’t believe that’s what hit me.

  “It wasn’t a deer. I’m certain of it. It was … big. It looked like a flash or blur, but it was—” I stopped before I sounded absolutely ridiculous and destroyed any credibility he thought I had. I couldn’t say that although I thought it was hunched forward as it ran, that it was still slightly taller than my vehicle. That would make it how tall?

  “It was what?”

  I licked my lips, glancing out of the window. “It appeared bigger, but maybe you’re right. I guess it could have been a deer.”

  Silence drew out between us until he was pulling into a driveway. I didn’t think to ask how he knew where I was staying. I hadn’t supplied the information, or even thought to. Jesus, was I so far gone? I knew I was. My head was as wrecked as my car.

  Light flooded the interior and I stood from the door. Pitch black surrounded me, making my pulse accelerate. Even the trees were masked in the darkness. They had to have been thick if the moon wasn’t even making it though.

  “Charlie said you were staying at his rental. Key’s under the mat, but I’m sure he already told you that.”

  I shakily followed Detective Perkins up the stairs to the small deck. In all of my life, I had never been as spooked as I was in this small town. Sounds came from the woods all around and I couldn’t shake that damn feeling that I was being watched.

  “Here we go.” He stood, unlocking the door within seconds. He took a step, but stopped to peer behind us. It had me turning around and cursing the damn uneasiness I kept getting. Was something there? Someone? I never reacted this way unless I had reason.

  The porch light lit up and I let the weight of my holstered gun remind me who was in control. I stepped through the entrance to follow, surprised by what I saw.

  “Nice.” I dropped my purse on a small table, taking in the pale blue decorated living room. I knew the place was a seasonal rental, but from the stale air I could tell no one had been here for a while.

  A white sofa sat against the far wall and a picture of a light blue flowered field hung above. The lamp shades were white, but the base was the same color blue. My brow furrowed for only a moment before I forced a grin. I wasn’t much of a decorator, but whoever had put time into the place had done it with care.

  “Thank you for the ride. I really appreciate it.”

  Detective Perkins, shrugged, glancing toward the door. “Not a problem. Do you need anything else? Town isn’t too far away. I can pick you up something.”

  “No. Thank you, you’ve done enough. I have Tylenol in my bag. That’s all I need. I may be late meeting you in the morning. I’m not sure of a rental place around here, or when they can deliver a car. I … need to call my insurance company.” My hand rose to my head to try to stop the pounding.

  “I’ll come to you. Don’t worry about it. You take your time getting everything situated. The case is already solved anyway.”

  “Perhaps. But Mr. Morrison has reason to believe otherwise. I have to admit,” I said, sitting on the arm of the couch. “The evidence I’ve collected…” My ease vanished as I pushed back to my feet, jerking my head to the door. “Shit. My files are in the car.”

  “They’re fine. What were you saying about the evidence?”

  A response was almost impossible when all I wanted to do was make it back to my car and retrieve those files. And my tape recorder—I had to get that back as soon as possible. If anyone heard everything I had on there … my thoughts, insight into who I was … the stuff that happened. Fuck, I didn’t want to think about that.

  “I have to go.” I rushed toward the door, only for him to step in my path.

  “Where exactly do you think you’re going?”

  “To my car. I have to get my stuff.”

  He shook his head. “You’re lucky as hell that I even let you come back here. You should be in the hospital. I said don’t worry about your things. I’ll have the sheriff collect them for you.”

  I didn’t trust him not to go through it first. “Sorry, detective. I can’t do that. You can give me a ride or I’m walking. The choice is simple.”

  A hardness came to his face as he began to stare me down. “How about this? I’ll go give him a call and have him drop it off tonight when he leaves the scene. That’s your only option. If you want to argue with me, the only place you’ll be going is to the hospital. Fight me if you want, but I think waiting here is a hell of a lot better than being secured in the back of my cruiser for the next half hour. What do you think?”

  Damn that bastard animal that hit me. “Fine,” I ground out. “But you better hope nothing of mine is missing. I want my files. Oh, and my recorder. It’s in the compartment between the seats.”

  “I doubt there’s anything in those files we don’t already know. Give me a minute. I’ll go call it in.”

  The door shut quietly behind him and I pressed my fingertips into my temple. It brushed against the bandage on my head and I groaned in frustration. Nothing ever went my way. If something was bound to go wrong, it did.

  Chapter 4

  Alex

  To see Caleb Perkins so close to Erin left me more territorial than I could ever remember feeling. I still couldn’t believe I didn’t push for her to go to the hospital. What in the hell had I been thinking?

  Oh … I knew. If she was at home, she’d be away from the bastard detective. And, she’d be an easier target. It was wrong, but seeing her talk to Caleb at my front door was enough to have me reacting rashly. I wasn’t thinking past the need to have her isolated. I wanted them away from each other, and her in a place I had access to. Not only physically, if I wanted, but visually. It was uncontrollable on my part and I knew I was making things worse. Not only for her, but me. Damn my wolf.

  “Yeah. It’s in the middle console.”

  Caleb’s voice drifted to the edge of the woods, just outside of her property. I had to stop my fingertips from pushing into the bark of the tree I was crouched next to. Pieces were falling at my feet. If I continued to do these stupid things, it might just get me busted by the one person who I butted heads with the most.

  Since Kevin’s death, Caleb had never been the same. With him being the older brother, we never got along when my best friend was alive. We sure as hell didn’t now. The tragedy had pushed us further apart and neither of us had wanted to try to work on forming any sort of bond over Kevin’s loss. I wanted to be left alone and Caleb couldn’t stand to see me alive when his brother wasn’t.

  “10-4. I’ll be here for a bit longer so just drop everything off when you can.”

&n
bsp; A few seconds went by before Caleb stood from the front seat and shut the car door. He scanned the perimeter, but continued forward. The moment I watched it shut, I stayed low and rushed closer. The shadows were something I was used to. I used them to my advantage as I made it to the edge of the house and then around to the back. When I came upon the opposite side, I slowed, listening as Erin’s low voice hit my sensitive ears.

  “My bag would be great. Thank you, I didn’t even think to ask you to have my suitcase brought over, too.”

  “You’re not thinking much about anything right now. Why don’t you lie down on the couch? You can rest while I wait for the sheriff to arrive.”

  “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  A loud sigh left Caleb and I could almost see him standing there with his arms across his chest.

  “You have got to be the most stubborn woman I have ever met. You were just in a serious car accident. Lie down, dammit.”

  The tone was bordering threatening and I closed my eyes to calm myself. It wouldn’t be long now. I had to let him do his thing until he left. Once he was gone, I was home free. The cops had already got my two-sentence statement and left. Unless the sheriff wanted to talk to me personally, I didn’t have anything to worry about. And I knew he wouldn’t care to. No one liked talking to me for long. It was my energy. I made everyone nervous.

  “Pardon me if I don’t want to be vulnerable around a complete stranger, Detective. I don’t know you, just as you don’t know me. If it makes you feel better, I’ll sit, but I’m not going to take a cat nap while some man watches over me.”

  “I’m law enforcement. What do you think I’m going to do? The sheriff knows I’m here.” He got quiet and I couldn’t hide my smile. It pleased me that they weren’t getting along. I couldn’t bear a threat, especially from him.

  Footsteps were followed by a creaking of what I assumed was the sofa.

  “I don’t believe you’ll do anything, but you miss the point. I’m just looking out for myself. I’ve had a hell of a night and I just want my things. I want to go to sleep. Waiting isn’t something I’m good at. I’m sorry if I’m being complicated right now. I…” she trailed off and I moved in closer.