“I will take care of her, Ryker,” Josie told him. Raising her hand, she slid her fingers through his soft curls. “She can stay with me. I have room.”
Kissing her gently on the top of the head Ryker vowed, “I will be back. I don’t know when, but I promise you, I will be back as soon as I can.”
“I will be waiting,” Josie whispered as she pulled him down for another kiss. “I will always wait for you.”
Rubbing his cheek against hers, Ryker chuffed softly. Squeezing her tightly to him he whispered, “I love you, mate.”
Josie felt a tremor flow through her body at Ryker’s words. He loved her. He was coming back and he loved her.
Leaning back, Josie palmed his cheek. “I love you, too,” she whispered. “Hurry home, Ryker.”
With one last kiss, Ryker left the room. Josie watched out the window as he strolled to his truck. Opening the driver side door, he paused. Looking back at the hospital, his eyes searched the windows until he found Josie. Raising his hand he smiled before sliding in behind the wheel and shutting the door.
Josie watched with a heavy heart as Ryker left the compound. It was hard to watch him go; even knowing he would be back. Sighing deeply, Josie made herself turn away from the window and walk over to Chloe. Kneeling down beside her, Josie gently touched her shoulder. Jumping in fear, Chloe sprang off the chair and rushed to the opposite side of the room. Falling to her knees, Chloe crawled the last few steps and huddled in a corner. She wrapped her arms tightly around her legs, and buried her head in her knees, her sobs loud and full of pain. For the first time, Josie caught sight of the dried blood that had soaked through the back of Chloe’s ripped shirt.
“Chloe, it’s just me,” Josie reassured her quickly, standing up and holding her hands out to her sides in a nonthreatening way. “It is okay, Chloe. I’m Doc Josie, remember? You are at the hospital. You came in last night with Ryker and Storm.” Moving slowly across the room, Josie stopped a few feet from her. “You are safe, Chloe. No one is going to hurt you here. I promise.”
Moving closer, Josie settled on the floor beside Chloe. Crooning to her softly, Josie reached out and gently stroked her hair. “You are okay, Chloe. You are at the hospital with me and you are safe.”
Hesitantly raising her head, Chloe looked at Josie through bright amber eyes. “I will never be safe as long as Gentry Samson is alive. Never.”
Tucking a strand of stunning auburn hair behind Chloe’s ear, Josie smiled gently. “You are part of our pack now, Chloe. We will all keep you safe. You do not have to worry about your stepfather anymore.” Opening her arms, Josie tugged Chloe into them, careful of the wounds on her back. Rocking slowly, Josie held Chloe for several minutes. When she was sure Chloe was ready, she coaxed, “Let’s get you looked at, Chloe. I want to clean your wounds and then I need to check on Storm. Afterwards, I would like you to come home with me so we can both get some rest. I have an extra room you can use until your mom arrives.”
“Your Alpha is really going to free my Mom?” Chloe asked, obviously afraid to hope. “He is going to bring her here?”
“Our Alpha is going to bring your mom home, Chloe,” Josie corrected. “He is your Alpha now, too. You can trust him.”
Swallowing hard, Chloe nodded. “Okay. I will try.”
“That’s all I can ask,” Josie responded. “You will see over time that he can be trusted and that you are safe.” Rising, Josie held out a hand to Chloe. “Come on, let me bandage your wounds. Then I will check on Storm and we will get out of here.” After a few moments, Chloe placed her hand in Josie’s. It was a start, Josie thought with a smile. It was a start.
Chapter 9
Under the cover of darkness, RARE stealthily canvased the area inhabited by Gentry Samson’s small pack. Jaxson had easily found the three houses titled in Gentry’s name that Chloe had mentioned to Chase. All were in very poor condition; nothing but small rundown shacks. Leaving the families asleep in the first two houses, RARE surrounded the last one. Two people inside, boss, Nico relayed. A woman sitting on the floor in the corner of the bedroom. A man passed out in the living room. Everyone on the team had the ability to speak telepathically. It was one of Angel’s requirements to be a part of the team, one that could make the difference between life or death on a mission.
I’m in position Rikki told the team. She had found a tree to hide out in and her sniper rifle was trained on the man who sat in a chair in the living room, a beer can resting against his ample stomach.
That fucker moves, you take him out, Angel ordered. She was not messing around with Chloe’s mother’s life. Got it, Rikki responded.
Jaxson and Nico, keep an eye on the other houses. Flame, you are with me. Flame followed Angel as she slipped silently around to the north side of the house. Angel tested the bedroom window first. Finding it nailed shut from the outside, she moved on to the next window. Swearing softly when she realized they were all nailed shut she growled, Change of plans. The bastard has nailed all of the windows shut. There is no way we are getting in through one without waking him up. That woman has been traumatized enough. I don’t want her to watch her husband die, no matter how much of a jackass he is. It will just cause more nightmares. We are going to try going through the front door. Nico, I need you with us.
Meeting Nico at the front of the house, Flame and Angel waited while he reached out and turned the doorknob, quietly pushing the door open. The only sound that could be heard was the loud snoring from the man in front of the fire. Shutting the door behind them, they silently moved through the house to the bedroom. The woman gasped, crying out softly in fear when Nico opened the bedroom door. She cowered in the corner, her arms covering her head.
Flame quickly moved to her, kneeling down and gently running a hand over her hair whispering, “Shhh, it’s okay. Chloe sent us. We came to take you to her.”
Raising tear filled eyes to her, the woman grasped Flame’s hand tightly. Her fear and disbelief showing, she whispered, “Chloe’s alive? My baby is alive?”
Nodding, Flame stood and gently helped the woman to her feet. Holding a finger to her lips, Flame guided her to the door. Nico and Angel led the way out of the house, silently closing the front door behind them. When it was obvious the woman was too weak to go far, Nico gathered her in his arms and they ran swiftly back to where they left the SUV. When they were half a mile from Gentry’s, Angel ordered, Do it.
There was the sound of glass breaking and then nothing. After reaching the SUV, they waited for Jaxson and Rikki, then loaded up and headed to the small airport to retrieve their plane.
“He will find us,” Chloe’s mom whispered from where she sat huddled between Flame and Rikki in the middle of the SUV. “He told me if I ever left him he would hunt me down and kill me.”
“You don’t have to worry about Gentry Samson finding you,” Angel promised from the front passenger seat. Turning around to face the woman, she told her, “That bastard will never bother you again. I promise.”
Her eyes widening in understanding, Chloe’s mom whispered, “He’s gone?”
“He’s gone,” Angel confirmed. Smiling gently, she said, “I’m Angel, and this is my team. Your daughter, Chloe, sent us to bring you home. You will have a new Alpha. One that will protect you. One that you can trust.”
Tears slipped down the woman’s face as she whispered, “Layla. My name is Layla. Thank you all for helping us.”
Flame slipped her hand in Layla’s and silently stared out the window. RARE was a team, but they were also a family. Flame had been through the fiery depths of hell when she was held by the General, and she had set her path on revenge. But seeing the team help people like Layla and Chloe, being a part of it, was slowly helping her broken heart mend. She was not ready to set aside her vengeance, but she was slowly allowing herself to open up to new possibilities. Closing her eyes she allowed herself to dream of a man with light blond hair and gorgeous blue eyes. Bran...her mate. No, she could not give up her vengeance, n
ot even for him.
Chapter 10
It was Christmas Eve and the party was in full swing. Chase was decked out as Santa Claus and Josie was his elf. Josie had talked Chloe into taking pictures of the children on Santa’s lap while Josie gave them their presents.
One of the pack children had claimed his place on Santa’s knee and was telling him what he wanted for Christmas. Santa was listening intently and giving the correct responses, but he seemed to be keeping an eye on the door. At Chloe’s startled gasp, Josie swung around. With a cry, Chloe ran to the door, passing Josie the camera on her way by. Standing in the entrance stood a small, stunning woman with long dark hair and hazel eyes. Her arms were opened wide as she waited for Chloe to reach her. Wrapping them tightly around Chloe, the woman patted her back as they both cried softly. “Mama,” Chloe cried. “Oh, Mama, you are really here.”
Chase gently placed the child sitting on his lap onto the floor and rose, making his way over to the women. “Welcome to my pack, Ms. Samson.”
“Please,” Chloe’s mother whispered as she raised her head to meet his gaze. “Call me Layla. Thank you so much for everything you have done for my daughter and me.”
“You will be safe here, Layla,” Chase promised. “I will protect you and Chloe.” Smiling, Chase gestured to the room behind them. “Go, enjoy the festivities. Meet your pack members. You will be staying with Josie tonight, but tomorrow we will move you into your new apartment.”
Smiling gratefully, Layla and Chloe made their way further into the room. They did not get far before they were surrounded by the women of the pack. Guiding Chloe and her mother over to the buffet table, they introduced themselves.
The RARE team filled the doorway once the women were gone. Nico’s daughter, Lily, squealed from across the room when she saw Nico. Running to him, she launched herself into his arms placing kisses all over his face. Laughing, Nico picked her up, holding her close and strolled into the room. Going to his mate, Jenna, he slid an arm around her waist and kissed her softly.
Looking around, Josie smiled. Her heart was full of joy. Phoenix and Serenity were there with Hunter. Chase’s girls, Hope and Faith, were playing with their new dolls in the corner. Janie’s daughter, Alayna, was dressed in a bright red dress with frills and squealing with delight at the other children in the pack. This was her family, her pack. The only thing that would make her night complete would be a visit from Ryker. She had not heard from him since he left three days before to meet with the council. As much as she missed him, she understood he had a job to do and resisted contacting him.
Looking at her watch, Josie decided it was time to check on Storm. She had been slowly recovering but seemed to be fighting it for some reason. Josie had expected more of an argument from Storm when she had forbidden her from moving around too much in the first week. However, Storm had easily surrendered and only left her bed to go to the bathroom, which she required assistance with because she was not doing the exercises Josie had given her. She did not watch television, she refused visitors. Josie decided it was time to shove some Christmas cheer up Storm’s ass. Grabbing a cup of eggnog and a piece of cake, she headed to Storm’s room.
When she heard Angel’s voice, Josie stopped just outside Storm’s door. She did not want to eavesdrop, but Storm was her patient and Josie intended to make sure she was alright.
“It’s time to leave the pity party behind, Storm,” Angel said sarcastically. “Get your ass out of bed and fight back. So, you were hurt. We have all been hurt. It happens. It’s time to buck up and move on.”
“You don’t know anything,” Storm sneered. “You stand there acting like a fucking queen, but really you are just as lonely and scared as the rest of us. If you weren’t you would have let Chase claim you months ago.”
“What is between Chase and I is none of your business, Storm,” Angel growled.
“And I am none of your business,” Storm spat back.
“That’s not true,” Angel argued. “I like you, Storm. I respect you. I am here tonight as your friend, but I am also here because I want to offer you a position with RARE. I want you to work with us, be a part of our family.”
In the silence that followed, Josie felt her head begin to pound. What was going on? What about Ryker? If Angel was offering Storm a position with RARE, did that mean she would offer Ryker one as well? As if reading her mind, Storm asked, “What about Ryker? I won’t leave him. He’s my partner.”
“I have already asked Ryker to join our team,” Angel told her. “He hasn’t given me a response yet, but said he would after he spoke to the council.”
After a moment Storm murmured, “If Ryker agrees, then I’m in. I need something different in my life, Angel,” she admitted. “I can’t go on like this.”
“The first thing you need to do is get your ass out of that bed,” Angel retorted. “Get up and take a damn shower. Then go get some cake.”
Hearing Angel’s voice getting nearer as she moved toward the door, Josie jumped back, guiltily clutching the drink and plate in her hand. The door opened slightly and then Angel muttered, “I can’t let Chase claim me right now, Storm. My children need me. I need to concentrate on them before I can accept a mate in my life.”
Opening the door fully, Angel said goodbye before walking out. Striding past Josie, she left the building without speaking to anyone else. Josie stood there in shock. If Ryker accepted a position with RARE, what would that mean for them? Why hadn’t he mentioned it to her?
Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, Josie entered Storm’s room and placed the goodies she had brought on the table next to the bed.
“Don’t feel bad,” Storm said. “He didn’t mention it to either of us. I had to find out just now from Angel. If he would have told me at least I would have been prepared when she threw out the offer.”
Eyes wide, Josie asked, “How did you know what I was thinking? And that isn’t the first time you have done that to me. Are you telepathic like...” Josie let the sentence trail off not wanting to give away any secrets. She was afraid she had said too much, but she had been in shock.
Groaning, Storm sat up, carefully swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Running a hand through her long dark hair that hung limply down her back, she said, “Yeah, Ryker and I both are. No one else knows, though. We don’t like to talk about it.”
Not knowing what she thought about Ryker keeping something like that from her, Josie changed the subject. “I’m going to go start the shower. Eat your cake.” Avoiding Storm’s gaze, Josie went into the bathroom and turned on the water. After making sure there were towels, she went out to help Storm.
Storm was struggling to get out of bed, but when she saw Josie, she sat back down. “Ryker isn’t keeping things from you, Josie. This is different. This secret was not just his to share or he would have told you.”
When Josie did not respond, Storm tried to stand up again. Fighting against the pain, sweat beaded up on Storm’s forehead. Unable to stop herself, Josie moved to help her.
“Josie,” Storm said as she approached the bed. “You need to understand something.” Reaching out, Storm grasped Josie’s wrist with unsteady fingers. “Ryker and I have been partners for several years. He is like a brother to me.”
Tightening her hold on Josie’s wrist Storm continued, “If Ryker didn’t tell you what we can do, it was not because he doesn’t trust you. It was because he was protecting me. We made a pact 28 years ago when we discovered each other’s gift. We promised to keep our secrets between us. Who knows what could happen if it got out? I know Ryker wanted to tell you, Josie, but his promise to me prevented him from doing it.”
Sighing, Josie sat down on the bed beside Storm. “I understand, Storm. I know about having to keep secrets. It just surprised me. First the possibility of the job with RARE and then finding out he can read my mind.”
Storm giggled, then slammed her hand over her mouth, her eyes widening in surprise. It had obviously been a long time since Stor
m had let go and enjoyed life. “What’s so funny,” Josie demanded to distract her.
Laughing again, Storm said, “Ryker doesn’t read your mind, Josie.”
“He doesn’t?” Josie asked in confusion. “I thought that was how it worked?”
“Ryker isn’t a very strong telepath,” Storm explained. “He has the gift and can speak with other telepaths, but that’s all he can do. If you are a strong telepath you can merge with others and read their thoughts and feelings. Ryker is not strong enough for that. All of your secrets are still safe.”
“You keep saying Ryker isn’t strong enough,” Josie remarked. “You are though, aren’t you?”
Nodding, Storm agreed, “Yes, I can read your mind if I want to. But normally I choose not to. I learned years ago to stay out of peoples’ minds without an invite. Unless, of course, I am on a mission and need intel. But I have to be near someone to read them, and body contact helps.”
Josie chose to ignore the fact that if Storm wanted to she could easily slip into Josie’s mind and see her thoughts and feelings. Gently, Josie pulled her wrist from Storm’s grasp. Standing up, she leaned over and helped Storm to her feet. “Let’s get you in the shower, Storm. Then we can go join in the festivities down the hall for a while before bed.”
After helping Storm shower and change into some red scrubs with green Christmas trees, Josie wheeled her down the hall against her protests. She knew Storm did not want to appear weak in front of everyone, but there was no way she could walk the length of the hall.
“Maybe you will get off your ass now and do your exercises,” Josie said. “The only way you are going to get stronger is if you start eating and doing your exercises, Storm. You have a lot to live for.” Placing a hand on Storm’s shoulder, Josie leaned down to whisper, “I firmly believe your mate is out there, Storm. He is out there. And if you don’t fight back and get better, where does that leave him? If you are gone, he is alone. Choose to fight, Storm. Choose to be the person you once were. Choose to be the person your mate needs.”
Josie's Miracle (White River Wolves Series, #1) Page 6
