Wolf in his Heart (Salvation Pack) (5 page)

He reached out to touch her arm and pulled back at the last second. He raked his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath. If he came on all heavy-handed, she’d run. He’d have to play this smart.

In the meantime, he needed to call home. He pulled out his phone—glad to see he had service—and punched in one of the numbers on his contact list. It was answered on the second ring.

“Hey, Sage. What’s up?” Even over the phone, there was no missing Jacque’s commanding presence. The alpha was the most powerful werewolf Sage had ever met.

“Hey, Jacque. I have a situation.”

“Okay.” Jacque paused.

“I ran into a female werewolf in the park last night.” He paused and glanced over to make sure Rina was still sleeping. “She was being pursed by human hunters.”

Jacque was quiet for a moment, but Sage could feel the anger pulsing through the airwaves. “Hunters?”

“Yeah, that’s what she said. She’s at the end of her rope, physically and mentally. I got her with me and she’s sound asleep. Now she wants me to dump her at the nearest bus stop.”

Jacque growled low and long. “Not happening. Bring her here. Make sure you’re not followed. Anyone see you with her?”

“Yeah. One of the rangers. I’ve worked with him on a couple search-and-rescue missions.”

Jacque sighed. “Let’s hope that doesn’t come back to bite you in the ass.”

“I can take her someplace else.” The last thing he wanted to do was put the pack in danger.

“No. Bring her home.” This was the alpha speaking, and Sage felt the weight of his command. “You’re in more danger out there on your own. If trouble comes, we’ll deal with it.”

“I’m really sorry.” Sage hadn’t meant to put the pack in this position.

“Nothing else you could do. You couldn’t leave her out there on her own. How soon will you be here?”

“Forty-five minutes, give or take.” He was tired and couldn’t wait to get Rina to pack land, to safety.

“Gator will have breakfast on.”

“Will you call Uncle Elias for me? I don’t want to wake Rina until it’s too late for her to run.”

Jacque chuckled. “I’ll take care of it. And, Sage.”

“Yeah.”

“Be careful.” He knew the alpha meant more than just watching to make sure he wasn’t being followed. He was cautioning him to be protective of his heart.

Sage glanced over at Rina. Her lips were slightly parted and she was snoring lightly. He wanted to kiss those full lips and wake her slowly. His entire body clenched and his cock sprang to life, ready and willing to participate.

“Yeah, it might be a little too late.”

“I was afraid of that.” Jacque sighed. “You take care and we’ll see you soon.” The alpha hung up, and Sage tucked his phone away. He knew he should call Reece. His brother had to be feeling Sage’s restlessness and his up-and-down emotions.

Later. He’d call Reece later, once the first meeting with the pack was done and they’d convinced Rina to stay, at least for a while.

For the first time in his twenty-eight years, he truly felt like a wolf. He might not be full-blooded, but three-quarters of the blood running in his veins was werewolf. And right now, every instinct he possessed was screaming at him to claim Rina for his own.

But she’d run from him if he tried that.

No, he had to take his time and lure her with the promise of safety, a home, and love.

He could love her. He knew that deep in his core. He was physically drawn to her in a way that made a mockery of every other time he’d been aroused by a woman. He knew he’d never want another woman the way he did Rina.

But it was more than that. He hadn’t known her long, but he knew she was brave and resourceful. She was also independent, but he sensed a deep loneliness in her. A longing for a pack and home.

Whatever had happened to her in the past hadn’t been pretty. A female werewolf didn’t end up on her own without something drastic happening. Sage wanted her to trust him enough to tell him. He wanted her to share all her problems with him. He wanted to laugh with her and love her.

Most of all, he wanted to mate with her.

But first he had to get her home and then survive the explosion when she realized where he’d taken her.

Chapter Five

“Wake up.”

Rina stirred from sleep. She knew that voice. It soothed her and made her feel protected.

“It’s okay. You’re safe.” He’d said those same words to her before. She pried her eyes open and stared up into the concerned face of Sage Gallagher.

He had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Like the sky of a beautiful summer day. One side of his mouth turned up in a smile. “How are you feeling?”

She took stock of her body. She was still exhausted in spite of the nap and she was starving. “I’m good.” She could tell he didn’t believe her. “I slept the whole way.”

“Yeah, you did. Remember I told you I’d wake you when it was safe.”

Rina nodded, getting a knot in the pit of her stomach. “I remember.” She’d asked him to wake her when they reached the nearest town with a bus stop.

“You’re safe now.” He moved away giving her a perfect view out the windshield of the truck. There were no buildings or town. Only a handful of other vehicles.

“Where are we?” She had a sinking feeling she knew.

“Salvation Pack land.”

She clawed at the seatbelt until it released. She had the door open and her pack in her hands before he’d finished speaking.

“Rina.” There was some emotion in his voice she couldn’t name, and she wasn’t sticking around to figure out what it was.

“You lied to me.” She surged out through the open door and started back down the road. She had no idea where they were. Well, they apparently were on Salvation Pack land, wherever that was.

Sage moved in front of her so quickly she almost plowed into him. He caught her by the shoulders and steadied her. “I did not lie. I told you I’d wake you when you were safe.”

Okay, he had her there. “You knew what I wanted.” Why did he have to be so damn good looking? It wasn’t fair. All she wanted to do was lay her cheek against his chest and rest.

Fatigue was obviously making her stupid.

He scowled and his eyes grew dark with annoyance. “There was no way in hell I was simply going to drop you off at some bus stop and leave you.”

“Why not? I’m not your problem.”

“Why not? Why not?” He shook her lightly. Not enough to hurt her, but enough to make her lightheaded considering her current physical condition. “You’re making me crazy,” he muttered.

Then he kissed her.

He slammed his mouth down on hers in the most possessive kiss she’d ever experienced. Her toes curled in her sneakers and her pack fell from her grasp as she was suddenly too weak to hold it. She dug her fingers into the thin material of his tank top and hung on for dear life.

Sage stole her breath and then gave her his own. He was so warm. Hot really. She burrowed closer, feeling chilled in spite of the growing morning heat.

He cupped the back of her head and tilted it slightly to give him a better angle. He tasted so good. Every inch of her body was alive with sensation. Her breasts ached so she rubbed them against his chest.

He growled and stroked his free hand down her back to cover her behind. The rigid length of his erection pressed against her. This was dangerous. This was wrong. Rina didn’t care.

She met the thrust of his tongue, boldly stroking in return. Then she became the aggressor, surging into his mouth. He groaned and tightened his hold, as if he was afraid she’d escape him.

Wait. Wasn’t that what she’d been trying to do?

Before she could summon the energy to pull away, a male voice interrupted them. “I was going to ask if there was a problem, but I can see everything is just fine.”

Sage released her ass and her lips but kept his hand behind her head. He sighed and touched their foreheads together. Werewolves liked to touch, and that seemed to be one of Sage’s favorite ways to touch her, as he’d already done it several times in the short while they’d known one another.

“You have great timing,” Sage grumbled.

The other man just chuckled, and Rina eased away until Sage was forced to drop his hand. She could see the family resemblance immediately. They were the same height and build and shared similar features, although this man’s eyes were dark brown instead of blue. He also radiated an intensity that she would have found frightening if Sage hadn’t been beside her.

Sage bent down, scooped up her pack, and tucked it under his arm. “Rina, this is my Uncle Elias. Uncle Elias, this is Irina Matheson.”

“Sir.” She wanted to run but feared her legs wouldn’t get her too far.

He studied her and then nodded in greeting. “You need to come back to the house. Breakfast is waiting.” With that, he turned and walked away.

She started to let out a sigh of relief when she sensed another wolf behind her. She slowly turned and came face-to-face with the largest wolf she’d ever seen. He was covered in brown and blond fur with piercing green eyes that missed nothing. He was larger than the alpha of the Sitka Pack.

Her wolf bristled and then whined, content to stay inside and let Rina deal with the predator before her.

“That’s Cole Blanchard,” Sage told her before he turned to the wolf. “Hey, Cole.” The wolf dipped his head at the greeting but didn’t take his eyes off her. She was beginning to feel hunted once again, except this time she had no hope of escaping.

When Sage had mentioned his pack included half-breeds and humans, she’d figured they were weak wolves banding together for protection. Both men she’d met so far could have challenged any alpha for power, especially the one who was still watching her.

“Come on.” Sage took her hand and tugged her toward the same path his uncle had taken. “You need to meet everyone. You’ll love Gator’s cooking. He’s the best. Although don’t tell the women I said that.”

Gator? What kind of name was Gator?

Rina didn’t have the reserves to run. For better or worse, she was here. This place and this pack were her fate, at least for now. She reached for her pack, but Sage shook his head. “You’re dropping on your feet. Let me carry it for you.”

Let me help you. She heard his unspoken plea. Why was he helping her so much when he barely knew her?

They rounded a bend in the trail and a beautiful log home came into view. It was a sturdy bungalow with a large porch on the front. Several chairs were placed invitingly on the covered deck. Through the trees, she could glimpse several smaller homes. She craned her neck around wanting to see more.

“I’ll show you around later,” Sage promised. He pointed off to the left. “The home I share with Uncle Elias and Aunt Sue is off that way.” Before she could get a good look, he was pulling her up the stairs.

The door opened and yet another big and powerful male filled the entrance. This one had shaggy, shoulder-length brown hair, but it was his eyes that had her halting in her tracks. The golden-brown gaze studied her intently, and she fought the urge to bow her head.

He was a commanding presence, and she knew in her heart this had to be the alpha. She inclined her head in respect. Her entire body quivered with the need to run, but that would be the worst thing she could do. A running target was prey, and she was no coward.

Sage squeezed her hand, reminding her she wasn’t alone. Although that hardly mattered considering any of the males she’d met so far could easily kill them both. They were all full-blooded, deadly werewolves.

“Jacque, this is Irina Matheson. Rina, this is Jacque LaForge, alpha of the Salvation Pack.”

Yup, she’d been right about that one. Small compensation when she was facing the most powerful wolf she’d ever come across. Not even the alpha of her home pack had terrified her this much. Perhaps that was because she’d known him all her life while Jacque LaForge was a total stranger, but she didn’t think so.

Power clung to the man like a second skin.

“Come on in.” The alpha stepped back. Rina really didn’t want to go inside where she could sense other wolves waiting. But the scent of bacon wafted by, and she almost swooned at the delicious aroma.

Sage wasn’t giving her a choice, in any case. He tugged her behind him up the stairs and into the house. It was darker and cooler inside. She had a glimpse of dark, sturdy sofas and a fireplace before he pulled her into the sunnier dining area just off the kitchen. It was really all one room with only a breakfast bar separating the cooking area from the large table.

Several other people were waiting. The fact that three of them were women was encouraging. Of course, some females were even deadlier than their males. She sniffed and her gaze fell on a blonde woman sitting next to Sage’s uncle. If she wasn’t mistaken, the woman was full human. She had to be his aunt.

“I’m Gwen. Welcome to our home.” Her attention was pulled to another woman. This woman was also blonde, but her hair was shorter. The alpha stood beside her with his hand on her shoulder. This was the alpha female. Rina respectfully lowered her gaze.

“That’s Sue next to Elias.” Rina had been right. The woman next to Sage’s uncle was his aunt. “And that’s Sylvie.” Gwen pointed to a beautiful woman with long black hair and a scar on her right cheek.

“Sit down and eat, then you can tell us everything.” An unknown man set several large platters on the table. One was filled with bacon, the other with pancakes. The deadly looking male had black hair and tattoos running up and down both arms.

It startled her that he was giving the orders and not the alpha. She glanced at Jacque, and he inclined his head. “Best do as Gator said. He doesn’t like it when his food gets cold.”

Rina practically fell into the chair Sage pulled out for her. He set her pack by her feet and took the chair beside her. Now she knew what a man named Gator looked like. He wasn’t a man she wanted to cross. He went back to the kitchen and returned with two more platters. One with eggs and the other with ham.

Rina had died and gone to heaven.

She sat back to wait until the others had filled their plates. That was only good manners, and she had no position here in the pack. Sage, however, had other ideas. He grabbed the bacon platter and loaded a half dozen pieces onto her plate. Before she could object, he’d passed the plate to his aunt and was already adding ham to her pile of food.

Rina checked to see how the alpha was responding to this. As if sensing her confusion, he simply motioned to her plate and then picked up his fork and dug into his own food.

The delicious smells were too good to resist any longer. Rina grabbed her knife and fork and began to eat. The ham was sweet and succulent and the bacon pure heaven. But the pancakes, the pancakes were light and fluffy and the best she’d ever eaten.

Rina ignored the conversations going on around her. It was rude, but savoring her meal took all her attention. She never put one thing on her plate, but it never seemed to get empty. Sage kept adding more as soon as she’d finished what was there.

Finally, she could eat no more. If she did, she was going to be sick.

She sighed and sat back in her chair. Everyone was watching her. Self-conscious, she set her utensils down and placed her hands in her lap. “Thank you for the wonderful meal.”

“You’re welcome,
chère
.” She knew it was Gator who’d spoken, even though she wasn’t looking at him.

Beneath the table, Sage covered her hand with his. In spite of her desire to stand on her own two feet, she turned her fingers into his.

Jacque pushed his plate aside, drawing her attention. “Now, Rina. Why don’t you tell us everything.”

It was an order, not a suggestion. She swallowed and a sick feeling permeated her entire being.

Sage wanted to take Rina away from here but knew Jacque wouldn’t allow it. He was grateful they’d let Rina eat before questioning her. Not that he’d expected anything different. The males of his pack were very protective of females, especially those in trouble.

She licked her lips and took a sip of orange juice before answering. “I was working at a diner and renting a room by the week at the local motel. There aren’t any apartments nearby and the guy who owns the motel also owns the diner.” She ran her finger over the condensation on the glass, sending several droplets of water down the side.

“I hadn’t shifted in months and needed to.” Sage hated the guilt he heard in her voice. He didn’t understand the urge to shift. Couldn’t. But he did know what Reece and his uncle went through. The need to shift was a powerful thing.

“I thought I was alone. I went out to the woods behind the motel and shifted. There was someone watching me.” She shivered, and Sage gave her fingers a squeeze. He really wanted to put his arm around her. Hell, he wanted to set her in his lap but didn’t think she’d let him, not with the others watching.

Pride was a big thing for her. He understood that, but sometimes a person just needed a shoulder to lean on. Didn’t make them weaker. If anything, having someone beside you made you stronger.

She cleared her throat. “I didn’t know until the next morning. I went to work and he was sitting there. He was a regular, but I don’t know his name. He told me he’d seen me shift and that he’d tell everyone what I was if I didn’t leave with him.”

Several of the males growled, and Rina pressed back against her seat. She kept her head down as she finished her recitation. “I told him I’d go with him. Then I went back around the counter to return the coffeepot I was holding. I went straight to the office, grabbed my knapsack and ran. I ran all day. I made it to the park and hit the trails. When I realized he was following me, I headed off the beaten track.” She shrugged and reached for her glass. After a fortifying sip, she shrugged. “I kept going, but they kept on my trail.”

“They? I thought you said it was one man.” There was suspicion in Jacque’s voice. Sage growled, but the alpha ignored him.

“It was one to begin with. He must have called his brothers. He’d threatened to if I didn’t go with him.” Her hand was shaking when she set the glass back on the table. “Then I ran into Sage. He came out of nowhere.”

Jacque raised an eyebrow at him, so Sage picked up the story. “I was kicking back at my campsite enjoying the evening air and the night sky when I heard something that didn’t sound right. I figured I’d check it out to make sure it wasn’t a lost hiker or a bear.” He lifted her clasped hand onto his knee. “I found Rina.”