Louis motioned them all forward. “I think we need to go back to the house and talk.” Then his expression changed and he looked more resigned than anything. “Just what we need,” he muttered seconds before Sage picked up the scent. Uncle Elias was coming and he was coming fast.
Sue didn’t know what to make of things. This was not going how she’d planned. When she’d made the decision to come here, she’d pictured a quick in and out. Talk to the people who lived here, warn them and leave.
She’d never expected to see both Sage and Reece here. And the last thing she’d imagined was that she’d find Anny.
It hurt her deeply to know her friend was so close by but had kept that secret from her. Sue could have used a friend over the past year and a half with everything she’d had to deal with. Knowing Anny had been so close but hadn’t bothered to reach out made Sue want to cry. But she wouldn’t. She couldn’t afford to break down now. She had to get herself and her son out of here.
No one had threatened her outright, but she felt the underlying menace surrounding her. These were people who had secrets to keep. Obviously, they’d had no trouble keeping Anny’s whereabouts from everyone in town. But why? That’s what didn’t make any sense to Sue.
They could keep their secrets. She and Billy were fine on their own. “I’m leaving.” Decided, she started toward the big man in her path, her glare daring him to try to stop her.
He didn’t budge, so she went around him. Or tried to. He simply moved and blocked her retreat.
Reece’s threatening growl raised goose bumps on her arms. Seemed like Elias and his family were welcome here, were part of whatever secret they were keeping here. Fine. She didn’t need him either.
They were welcome to their privacy. She had no plans to return.
“Come back to the house and talk.” Anny implored Sue. “I don’t want you to go yet.”
“Why?” Sue asked without turning around. “I don’t live that far away. You could have talked to me any time at all, but you chose not to.” She felt like crap when she heard Anny’s sharp inhalation. She’d hurt her friend and hadn’t meant to. No, that wasn’t quite true. She’d wanted to hurt Anny because her friend had hurt her. And that wasn’t fair.
She took a deep breath and slowly faced Anny. “I’m sure you had your reasons for pretending to leave town. I respect that. But we’re not part of each other’s lives any more. You have no idea what I’ve been dealing with.”
“I’m sorry about your folks.”
Sue wanted to take her son and run. Billy was watching everything and he was sucking his thumb again. He sensed the stressful situation. Thank heavens for Reece who was keeping Billy’s attention mostly focused on him. The animal seemed to have an almost human intelligence.
She frowned. Come to think of it, why had the dog gone and gotten Anny, because that’s what he’d done. Sage stood next to her with his arms crossed over his chest.
Louis tensed and swore just as Elias burst into view. He was running faster than she’d ever seen a man run before. Like the other men, he was wearing only jeans, but he had sneakers on as well. Sweat made his chest and shoulders gleam in the sunlight. A lock of brown hair tumbled over his forehead.
He stumbled to a stop in front of her. “Are you okay?”
She wanted to throw herself into his arms. That made her feel weak and needy. She didn’t need a man to cling to, no matter how strong or handsome he was. She settled on giving him a nod. “I’m fine.” Her reply was curt, but she was at the end of her rope.
“Why are you here?” he demanded.
Sue had had quite enough of overbearing men and secrets. “I came to warn the people who live here that I overheard some local men talking about hunting a wolf on their land. I knew they had a dog out here.”
“Of course you did,” he muttered.
He might as well of slapped her. She was tired of being treated like an idiot. “Next time, I’ll mind my own damn business.” She grabbed her son and held him close. He looked over her shoulder, at Reece no doubt. “I don’t care who is living here or what you all are doing. I just want to take my son and go home. Believe me, you’ll never see me again.”
At this point, the only one she wasn’t mad with was Sage. And, okay, Reece. No point in being upset with the animal.
More people seemed to appear out of nowhere, both women and men. They had a damn colony out here. Was it some kind of commune? Sue didn’t know and didn’t care. She wasn’t lying when she told them that. She had enough problems of her own to deal with. She didn’t need to worry about whatever it was they were doing out here.
A tall man with long brown hair and scars on the left side of his face went to Anny and pulled her into his arms. Sue recognized him. He was the same guy who’d asked Anny to dance the night of her birthday. That had been the night everything in their friendship had started to unravel.
There were other women and a couple more men. But it was the man walking toward her that held her entire attention. He wasn’t quite the biggest of them, but that didn’t matter. This was the man in charge. There was no doubt in Sue’s mind.
Elias stepped in front of her, blocking her view. Was he protecting her? The fact that he thought she needed protection made her stomach drop. It was all fine and good to figure she didn’t need anyone’s help, but in this particular situation, she did. She’d go back to being independent just as soon as she and Billy were away from here.
Her son squirmed in her arms, but she tightened her hold. No way was she letting go of him.
Elias’s broad shoulders tensed when the man stopped a few feet away. “It appears we have a problem,” the intimidating stranger announced.
“No problem.” She spoke up and addressed the man. “I said what I came to say and now I’m going back to my own life. I have enough problems of my own without worrying about anyone else’s.” She hoped he believed her when she told him she really didn’t care about what they were doing here.
A woman came forward and touched the man’s arm. “Jacque.”
At least Sue had a name to put to the man. That helped settle her nerves somewhat, not much, but a little. She didn’t believe they’d do anything to hurt her or her son, not with all the women standing around.
Other than saying she couldn’t leave, no one had made a threatening gesture or remark. So why was she so scared?
There was something about these people that put her on edge. Every instinct she possessed was screaming at her to run, to put as much distance between her and them as possible.
Sue was totally confused and hurt and getting angrier by the second. “Look, you’ve all lived here for years now with no problems. I don’t see why that can’t continue.”
Jacque’s golden-brown eyes pinned her in place. Predator, her instincts screamed. “I need to know more about what those men said in the diner.”
That took her aback. Obviously, Jacque had been listening to her conversation with the others. “Fine.” She started to talk, but he held up his hand.
“Not here. Back at the house.”
Sue didn’t want to go anywhere with anyone. Then Anny stepped forward. “I made two chocolate cakes this morning. We can have some of that with coffee. Some milk for Billy.”
Her son pulled his thumb out of his mouth. “Reece likes milk too.” That drew a few chuckles, but Sue didn’t relax.
“He does, does he?” Anny smiled at Billy. “I’m sure we can come up with some milk for him. Sage too, if he wants some.”
Jacque tilted his head to one side. “Please.”
Sue didn’t know why, but she had the distinct feeling that wasn’t a word the man said very often. “Yes, okay. But only for a little while. I have to get home.”
Sage reached out and plucked Billy from her arms. She started to protest but the young man shook his head. “I’ll keep him safe,” he promised.
“And occupied.” Reece trotted off beside them. She knew in her heart that Sage would keep his word. She trusted him to protect her son.
Elias wrapped his arm around her shoulders and dragged her forward until she was plastered against his chest. He smelled like a hot summer’s day—pine trees, male sweat and sunshine.
She wanted to bury her face in his shoulder and inhale. Her fingers itched to trace the hard planes of his chest and abs. It was only last night that they’d made love, but it felt like a lifetime ago.
But she did none of those things. She forced herself to push away from him, ignoring the way his muscles rippled under the palms of her hands.
His brown eyes heated as he stared down at her. She wasn’t about to fall under his sensual spell. Not this time.
“What are you and Sage doing here?”
Chapter Eighteen
Elias was in big trouble. Jacque wasn’t happy, but that was the least of his worries. No, it was his heart that was in the biggest danger. When he’d scented Sue nearby, he’d almost lost his mind. He couldn’t imagine why she’d come when she’d never been here before. He should have known it was her protective streak that would bring her to pack land. Sue naturally mothered and protected everyone she crossed paths with. It was only one of the many reasons he was drawn to her.
He snagged her hand and tugged her down the path toward the main pack house. Reece and Sage were ahead of them all with Billy. The boy laughed as Reece played with Gray’s dog. Shadow was almost as big as Reece and just as playful.
Sue tried to pull away, but he tightened his hold, laying claim on her in front of the rest of the pack. He didn’t think they’d hurt her, but he wasn’t taking any chances.
“I asked why you and Sage are here.”
She was still wearing the skirt and blouse she’d worn to work. The smell of onions and grease clung to her hair. Mixed with her natural scent, it wasn’t all that bad. In fact, it made him hungry.
He stifled a grin, knowing she wouldn’t be pleased if he started smiling. Not when she was so upset. “We’ll talk at the house.” He deftly avoided her question. She pursed her lips and quickened her pace when the boys disappeared around a bend in the path. She didn’t slow when they came back into sight and hurried toward them. He kept pace, not willing to let her go.
They all trooped into the house except Cole’s father. He nodded at Jacque and quietly left. Elias knew he’d patrol the area. If the hunters came back onto pack land, they needed to know.
Sage and Billy were sprawled on a rug in front of the cold fireplace when he and Sue walked in. Both Reece and Shadow were with them. Sue smiled when Billy laughed and some of the tension in her shoulders lessened.
“Coffee or lemonade?” Anny asked. She hovered next to her friend and knotted her hands together.
“Lemonade would be great. I’ve had enough coffee for today,” Sue told her friend. “Thanks.”
Anny opened her mouth and then shut it again. Elias understood her predicament. She obviously cared for her friend, but there was only so much she could tell Sue, for both their sakes. There were too many lives at stake.
Armand stuck close to his mate and helped Anny pour lemonade and coffee while Gator pulled out the cakes and started slicing them. Cole leaned against the backdoor. Elias wasn’t fooled by his casual stance. He was on guard.
“Why don’t we sit down?” It was more an order than a request.
Elias sat on one of the sofas and pulled her down next to him. She glared at him, but he ignored her.
Gator carried both cakes into the living room and put them on the table. Sylvie followed behind him with plates and forks. Since the cakes were already sliced it wasn’t long before everyone had a piece. While that was being done, Armand and Anny carried in the drinks.
Jacque didn’t bother with either cake or coffee. “Who were the men you overheard talking?”
Sue glanced at her son and took a sip of her lemonade. Elias had coffee but he had a hankering for lemonade, tart and sweet. He wanted to lick it from her lips.
“Connor McLennan was the one I overheard talking about shooting a wolf.”
Louis swore and Gray frowned. “Is he any relation to Fergus McLennan?” Gray asked.
Sue nodded. “They’re cousins. Fergus was there with his brother, Sean. Connor’s brother was there too. They often hunt together. How do you know him?”
“I’m Gray, by the way.” She pointed to the big dog licking Billy’s face. “Shadow is my dog.” At the mention of his name, the big animal’s head snapped up and he left Billy behind and went to sit beside Gray.
Before Billy could become upset by the dog’s desertion, Reece nuzzled the boy’s neck. Sage took a small glass half-filled with milk and a piece of chocolate cake from Anny. That was more than enough to distract the child.
“When I first came here, I had trouble with Fergus and his brother,” Gray told Sue. “They were hunting wolves then too. I feared they’d shoot Shadow. I reported them to the local authorities.”
Sue shook her head. “If they’ve been warned off and know Shadow is a dog and not a wolf, why would they do such a thing?” The dog wagged his tail as if to agree with Sue.
“I’m pretty sure they saw Reece.” Jacque frowned toward the fireplace and Elias’s nephew hung his head. A low growl started to work up Elias’s throat, but he swallowed it back. He wouldn’t have anyone blaming Reece for this. The boy had enough problems as it was.
“That’s all I know.” Sue set her glass on the rustic coffee table. “We should go.”
Jacque dragged his fingers through his hair. “It’s not that easy. If the hunters find out you came to us, you could be in trouble.”
Sue shook her head. “I’ve known them all my life. I’ll be fine.” But Elias could tell she wasn’t quite as confident as she was pretending to be. Her eyes strayed toward Anny and then away again. “I should be going home. Billy needs his supper.”
At the mention of his name, the boy lifted his head and frowned. Elias nodded at Sage. His nephew set the cake aside and lifted Billy into his arms. “How about Reece and I walk you back to your car.”
Billy nodded. “There are trucks.” The boy whispered it but everyone in the room heard him. The women smiled and so did some of the men.
“There are a lot of trucks. We’ll go have a look at them.” Sage looked to Sue for permission. When she inclined her head, Sage carried the youngster out of the house with Reece right beside them.
“Thank you for the lemonade and cake.” Sue rose and smoothed her hands over her skirt. Elias noted that Sue hadn’t touched her cake at all. Jacque nodded and Elias walked beside Sue as they followed the boys.
Anny was right behind them and stopped them on the porch. “Sue, I want you to meet my husband. This is Armand LaForge.”
Armand kept his arm around his wife but nodded at Sue. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Anny talks about you all the time.”
“I wish I could say the same.” The sadness and resignation in Sue’s voice cut Elias to the core. She’d lost so much in her life. He could relate. “I’m glad you’re happy,” she told her friend.
Anny nibbled on her bottom lip. “You won’t tell anyone I’m here, will you?”
Sue shook her head. “Of course not. If anyone ever discovers you’re here, it won’t be because I told them.”
“No one else knows,” Armand pointed out. Elias bristled at the underlying threat to Sue.
“You’ve got hunters running around the woods. If Anny’s outside, they could see her. Everyone from around here knows her,” Sue noted.
Armand frowned and Anny looked thoughtful. Elias thought she’d made a damn good point.
“Be happy,” Sue told her friend. Then she went down the steps without a backward glance.
“Don’t be too hard on Anny.” Elias wanted to drag Sue into his arm
s, but the stiff set of her shoulders told him she wouldn’t be receptive to his advances. Not now. She was dealing with a lot.
“I don’t blame her, but I can’t understand why she’d leave me to deal with everything I’ve been through the past few years on my own when she was so close. That’s not what friends do.”
Elias winced, knowing Anny and Armand could hear Sue. Sometimes werewolf hearing could be a detriment. “She has her reasons.” He felt compelled to defend the other woman.
Sue shrugged. “I’m sure she does. But they’ve got nothing to do with Billy and me. Her life is her own and we’re not a part of it.” She rubbed her forehead and sighed. “I’m glad she’s found a man who makes her happy. I really am. I’m just sorry she felt as though she had to toss away everything in her former life. That’s all.”
“Sue.” Elias struggled with what to say to her. There was so much he couldn’t share.
“No.” Sue stopped and looked up at the clear blue sky. “I get that she’s dealing with a lot of stuff. She probably doesn’t feel safe after her attack. Being isolated probably gives her a sense of safety. I get that.”
She started walking again when she heard Billy’s laughter wafting through the trees. “But she’s not a part of my life anymore and isn’t likely to be again, is she?”
Elias wouldn’t lie to her. “No.”
“There you go. Better to just walk away and put that part of my life behind me.”
“Is that what you’re going to do with me too? Put what we shared behind you.” Elias knew he was being totally unreasonable but couldn’t help himself. The thought of Sue forgetting him and eventually taking up with another man brought out his wolf.
“Like Anny, you’ve got secrets. You’re a part of this place, and you’ve refused to tell me why. And that’s okay. It’s your business.” She held up her hand. “I don’t want to know if it’s going to put Billy in danger. And you can’t share. Not if you want to stay here. I’m not stupid. Whatever is going on here is something only those that live here know about.”
Wolf on a Mission: Salvation Pack, Book 6 Page 18
