Wolf in his Heart (Salvation Pack) (9 page)

An older woman strolled up beside them and smiled at Sage. “This is Miss Elise,” he told her.

Rina smiled at the older lady. There was such kindness and compassion in her gaze. And also understanding. “I’m honored to meet you. Sage has already mentioned your amazing pies.”

Elise had shared her coloring with her oldest son. They looked very similar. She smiled indulgently at Sage. “He and his brother always were partial to my pies.”

Sage leaned down and kissed Elise’s cheek. “You make the best pies, but don’t tell Anny.”

Elise put her forefinger and thumb to her lips and twisted like she was turning a lock. “It’s our secret.”

Rina could tell the two of them shared a special bond. It made her jealous, and then she was mad at herself for being so petty.

“Steaks are up. Come get ’em,” Gator called. He moved out from behind the largest grill Rina had ever seen and carried two platters toward four picnic tables that had been put together to make one long one.

Bowls and plates of food ran from one end to the other. Rina inhaled and gave a sigh of appreciation.

“Come on before it’s all gone.” Sage led her over to the middle of the table. She climbed over the bench seat and settled in with him on one side of her. Amy scuttled in on her other side.

Rina smiled at the child but wasn’t quite as comfortable when her big father took up a seat next to the little girl.

“Potato salad?” Sage asked. She turned her attention to him and the bowl he was holding out for her.

“Please.” She took it and put a small scoop on her plate. She took a deep breath and turned to the little girl. “Do you want some salad?”

Amy bobbed her head up and down. Rina looked to Cole for confirmation. He gave a quick nod and she put a small scoop on the child’s plate. And so it went with each new plate or bowl Sage handed her. Sometimes the child wanted whatever was being offered and sometimes she didn’t.

Sage also introduced her to everyone she hadn’t already met. She was introduced to Cole’s parents and his mate, and another couple—Armand and Anny. At one point, another little boy, a bit older than Amy, came over and squeezed in beside her. He didn’t say anything, but Amy told Rina his name was Etienne. He was Gator and Sylvie’s little boy.

Her head whirled as she tried to match names and faces together. It was a small pack, but there was no doubting the strength of the males. This was not a weak group. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

The food was amazing. Rina tasted every dish and consumed the steak in record time. This bunch certainly knew how to cook. Just when she thought she was full, they brought out desert.

She moaned when she took her first mouthful of lemon meringue pie. Sage leaned in close and murmured in her ear. “Told you she made the best pies.”

Elise smiled, but Anny frowned. “I heard that, Sage Gallagher.” Anny pointed her fork at him.

“You make the best chocolate cake,” he told her.

Anny shook her head and grinned. “You’re only saying that so I’ll keep making you cake.”

“It’s the truth.” He took a mouthful of cake and chewed. “But I also don’t want you to stop making cake.”

Rina laughed along with everyone else. She loved their camaraderie and the obvious love they shared for one another. Like all wolf packs, the children ran back and forth among the women. But they also went unhesitatingly to the men as well, confident in their welcome.

The sun was sinking in the sky, bathing the clearing in an orange light. There was a slight breeze now that made the leaves dance and sway. The remnants of the best meal she’d ever eaten cluttered the table. It wasn’t just the food that made it the best, but the company.

This was not just a pack, but also a family, people who would stick together come what may. She’d thought she’d had that, but she’d been mistaken. She could see that now in retrospect, especially since she’d spent time with Sage’s pack.

When the women stood and started clearing the table, Rina joined in. It was the least she could do to repay them for such a wonderful dinner. The men pitched in as well, ferrying plates and platters into the house. Those that weren’t helping clear away were watching over the children.

Jacque walked over to his mate with a boy tucked under each arm. His sons were laughing and wiggling like young pups. “I’m going to take these two home and dump them in the shower.”

Gwen smiled. “Okay. I’ll be home in a bit.” She leaned up and kissed her mate before turning to her sons. “You two, be good. I’ll be home in time to tuck you in and read you a story.”

While Gwen was speaking with her sons, the alpha met his brother’s gaze. Louis nodded, and Rina knew he’d make sure Gwen got home safely even though it was only a short walk away.

With that, the alpha, one of the scariest men Rina had ever met, walked off with his sons, the two boys laughing and chattering happily.

“Anything wrong?”

She watched the trio leave, not wanting to face Sage until she composed herself. How could she tell him what she didn’t quite understand herself? There was a deep yearning inside her for connection, for something she’d never had. The only person she’d ever felt remotely close to besides her mother was her older brother, and her mother had turned away from her. She hadn’t seen Mikhail before she’d been banished and was too afraid to contact him, afraid he would simply hang up on her if she called.

Sage rested his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Don’t worry. Everything will sort itself out in time.”

“You can’t promise that. No one can.”

He nodded. “Okay. How about I promise you everything will be okay tonight? You’re safe here with me.”

She slid her arms around his waist and hugged him. “I’m so lucky I ran into you in the park.”

He pressed his lips against the top of her head. “I’m the lucky one.”

* * * * *

Johnny settled on the sleeping bag in the back of his truck and wished he were home in his own bed. He could easily slide behind the wheel and leave, but there was a demon on his shoulder urging him to stay.

He knew he was obsessed with Rina, but he was beyond caring.

Thankfully, he didn’t punch a time clock. He hunted and fished and made money here and there, some in the lucrative and dangerous ginseng trade, and a bit more fixing engines and such. He and his brothers were handy at just about anything. His brothers would pick up the slack for a few days.

He’d checked his phone when he’d stopped for the day. There’d been four messages from Charlie, but he hadn’t answered. He knew what his brother had to say. Come home.

It had taken some doing to find Sage Gallagher. It wasn’t as easy as just searching his name online. Whoever Sage was, he kept to himself. In the end, Johnny had resorted to old-fashioned measures. Gossip. He’d stopped at every gas station he’d passed until he’d finally gotten lucky. It had taken him most of the day, but he’d found Sage Gallagher.

The gas attendant had narrowed his gaze and studied Johnny suspiciously before replying. “Yeah, he lives around here. That will be twenty bucks for the gas.” Knowing better than to push his luck, Johnny had paid, given the man a wave, and driven on.

Salvation was a small town in North Carolina. Johnny didn’t know where Sage Gallagher lived yet, but he would. People always talked, and the best place to find out anything was at the local diner. He planned on having breakfast there in the morning.

Once he knew where the man lived, he’d go out and play the boyfriend card again. He didn’t know what she’d told the stranger, but it certainly wouldn’t have been the truth. He could claim they’d fought and she’d lied to the man about her situation. Surely the man would tell Johnny where he’d dropped Rina. Then he’d be hot on her trail again.

Satisfied with his plan, he closed his eyes and settled in to sleep.

* * * * *

“What have you got?” Jacque kept one ear open for his sons. They were both clean and in their pajamas waiting for their mother to come home and read to them. He could hear them chattering away in their room.

Armand sat across from him and rested his hands on his stomach. “Not much more than I told you earlier. It’s never easy with the packs. We’re a suspicious bunch.”

Jacque grinned. “Yeah, we are. Keep at it though. I’d like confirmation of why she was banished if I can get it, although the girl seems to be telling the truth. I didn’t smell a lie.”

“Will do.”

They both paused when they heard two sets of little feet moving stealthily down the hallway. They were good at stalking for boys their age. Fatherly pride filled Jacque. They were close when he suddenly whirled around and growled.

Both boys squealed and jumped at him. He wrapped his arms around his boys and playfully tussled with them.

“I’m heading out,” Armand told him. His cousin reached the door just as Gwen opened it. She smiled at the scene before her. Armand gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll leave you to handle the savages,” he teased.

Gwen put her hands on her hips and tried to look stern, but Jacque could see her faltering. Then she laughed and opened her arms. The boys abandoned him and ran to their mother. “Did you pick out a book?”

Nicholas nodded. “Harry Potter.”

“Again?” Gwen asked. Jacque knew she liked the books, heck, so did he, but she’d already read the entire series to the boys. Twice.

“Please,” Aaron pleaded.

“Go climb in bed and I’ll be right there.” Both boys scampered off and then it was his turn to be hugged. “Thanks for getting them cleaned up.” She nuzzled her nose to his, and he was immediately aroused. That hadn’t changed in all the years they’d been together and never would.

Gwen’s blue eyes lowered slightly and her lips parted when she felt his erection digging into her. “Hopefully, the boys will fall asleep quickly.”

Jacque groaned when Nicholas called out for her. “Somehow I doubt that.”

Gwen laughed, slid her hand down the front of his jeans and cupped him through the thick material. “Hold that thought. I’ll be as quick as I can.” She strode off with a little extra sway in her step. He wanted to run and howl. Most of all, he wanted to protect what was his.

Sage’s woman had trouble trailing her. Jacque hoped it wouldn’t take long to deal with it. He would protect what was his, but he’d gotten used to the peace and quiet of the past few years. He wanted his sons to feel safe on pack land. And God help the person who threatened that.

Chapter Nine

Sage waited until Rina finished saying her goodbyes. She might not have realized it, but the other members of the pack liked her. Sure, a few of the men were a bit watchful, but they were like that with everyone.

She’d especially won over Cole when she’d solemnly promised Amy she’d come by tomorrow to visit if it was okay with her parents. The little girl seemed taken with Rina.

He waved as they all headed their separate ways. “Did you have a good time?” It was as natural as breathing to slip his arm around her waist as they started walking.

“I did. The food was outstanding and everyone was kind to me.” The way she said it, almost as if it surprised her, made his heart ache.

“Why wouldn’t they be kind to you?”

She shrugged. “I’m a stranger and I’ve brought a lot of trouble with me.”

“You’re also pretty special.” Sage stopped and faced her. “We’re not like your old pack, Rina. You can trust us. You can trust me.”

He wanted to be the one she depended on in times of trouble. The one she turned to when something was bothering her. Hell, he wanted to be her knight in shining armor. His brother would laugh his ass off if he knew what Sage was thinking.

But his brother had never met Rina.

She was special in a way no other woman had ever been or ever would be. He might not be a full-blooded werewolf, but he knew Rina was his mate.

She looked away, not meeting his gaze. He slid his hands up her arms and cupped her neck. “What is it?”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. “How can I trust any of this? It’s too good to be true.”

He stifled the pang of hurt and the burst of anger. She had every right to be distrustful after what her own pack had done to her, but it didn’t make it sting any less.

He tilted her head until she was looking at him. Then he rubbed his thumbs over her neck. “If you can’t trust them yet, at least trust me.” He knew he was being unreasonable and didn’t care. He moved closer until their bodies were almost touching.

It was still warm even though the sun was down. The heat from the day was still clinging to the ground and trees around them. An owl hooted and a mouse scurried through the nearby underbrush.

He could see the longing in Rina’s eyes and knew she wanted to trust him. He knew she wanted him. The sensual heat scorched him, burning all the way to his soul.

“Rina.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. There was no hesitation on her part. She opened and invited him inside. He slipped his tongue into the hot cavern of her mouth and tasted her. His entire body hummed with pleasure. He could kiss her all night long.

But that wasn’t all he wanted to do to her.

She clung to his biceps and leaned into him. Sage wanted to howl with pleasure at her touch. She made a soft sound of pleasure in the back of her throat and went up on her toes to get closer.

He was surprised the front of his jeans didn’t split open. His cock throbbed like a toothache and his balls were trying to climb into his body.

He had to have more or he’d lose his mind with wanting her.

He reminded himself to keep his touch light and unthreatening. The last thing he wanted to do was spook Rina and have her back away. He had to let her know she was the one in charge. If she wasn’t onboard with something, he’d back away.

He wanted her pleasure and happiness more than his own. That’s how he knew she was his one true mate.

Sage splayed his hands over her ass. It was full and firm and he wanted to take a sensual bite. He slid his hands over the slight curve of her hips up to her waist. She was too thin for his liking. He wouldn’t care if she was naturally this slender, but he knew it was the result of too much hard work and not enough food.

“Sage.” He almost lost it when she whispered his name. There was such longing in her voice that it made his chest tight. She nibbled at his lips and ran her hands over his shoulders.

He continued upward and brought his hands around to her front and cupped her breasts. They were high and firm and fit his hands to perfection. He thought he might die if he didn’t have her soon.

Snap
. Something moved in the trees just beyond them. They pulled apart and Sage instinctually shoved her behind him. A white-tailed deer stared at them before bounding off in the opposite direction.

Sage knew the moment was broken. Rina wouldn’t quite meet his gaze and she seemed ill at ease. He knew he had his work cut out for him in order to get her to relax again and let down her guard. He wouldn’t have made love to her outside anyway. Not with an unknown hunter after her. Maybe later when the danger had passed.

And he was getting way ahead of himself. He didn’t know for sure she’d let him touch her again. But he was damn sure going to do everything in his power to see that it happened.

“We should be getting back.”

“Yeah. Sure.” She started past him. He could tell from her tone she was as reluctant to return home as he was.

Then he had an idea. “Want to go for a run?”

She came to a dead stop. “Are you joking?”

The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea. “No, I’m dead serious.”

“Half-breeds can’t shift,” she pointed out.

He inwardly winced and, once again, felt lacking. “I can still run faster than any human. I can keep up.”

Rina raked her fingers through her hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.” Her eyes glowed in the moonlight. He could see the unease written all over her face.

“It’s okay. I can’t shift and nothing will ever change that.” He wanted to reach out and touch her, so he shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. “Doesn’t mean I don’t have a wolf’s instincts.”

She nodded. “I know.” He wasn’t sure if she believed what she was saying or if she was trying to placate him.

“You want to go for a run or not? We’ll have to stay close to the pack houses.” Maybe it was unfair of him to entice her with an opportunity to run. He knew her wolf had to be restless and uneasy after everything that had happened.

“Is it safe?” He could tell she was wavering.

“It’s safe,” he promised her. He’d damn well make it safe. “The woods are empty this time of night and there are patrols.” He knew there were at least two other wolves out scouting the perimeter. He also knew all the males would sleep lightly for the next while.

She scuffed her toes in the dirt and rubbed her hands up and down the thighs of her jeans. He could tell she really wanted this.

“Trust me.” It was like a mantra. He figured if he kept repeating it, she’d someday come to really trust him without question.

She glanced around and sniffed the air.

“There’s no one around but us,” he told her.

Rina’s hands went to the front of her jeans. The zipper sounded unusually loud as she lowered it. She took a deep breath and shoved her pants down. She briefly held them in front of her before folding them and setting them aside.

She was still decently covered with only her long legs showing. Sage couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Rina turned her back and shimmied out of her underwear. He sniffed the air and inhaled her sweet scent. Anticipation was mixed with fear and arousal. The fact that she wanted him helped to settle his restlessness. She needed to run, and it was up to him to make sure she got what she needed.

He didn’t rush her even though he was dying to see what she looked like in her wolf form. She yanked off her shirt and tossed it aside. She wasn’t wearing a bra beneath it so she was totally naked before him.

Sage licked his lips, feeling every inch the big bad wolf. He wanted to devour her whole. She was gorgeous with her slender spine and waist and her flared hips and long, long legs.

The air around them seemed to shimmer, and his entire body clenched in anticipation. Rina fell forward, her body changing shape before his very eyes. Bones snapped and reformed. Fur pushed out from beneath her skin. He held his breath and waited for her to turn and face him.

She slowly turned and he caught his first glimpse of her muzzle and the flat slope of her forehead. He wished there was more light and promised himself he’d see her in the full light at the first opportunity.

He fell to his knees and opened his arms. “You’re beautiful.”

Rina wanted to run when Sage just stood there staring at her. She wished she knew what he was thinking. He’d shocked her with his suggestion that she shift and go for a run. Her wolf, on the other hand, had fully embraced the idea, practically clawing to get out.

He’d assured her it was safe, and she knew he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize the safety of his family and pack. She felt bad about what she’d said, even if it was the truth. Sage couldn’t shift. It made her sad that he’d never experience the glory of embracing his wolf. To have the instincts and the strengths of a wolf but never able to become one had to be tough.

Funny she’d never thought about it that way before. She’d been taught that half-breeds were weaker. In reality, they were stronger. They had to be in order to survive.

She wished he’d say something. He was making her nervous.

Then he fell to his knees and opened his arms. When he told her she was beautiful she felt something hard in her chest melt away. She inched forward. He showed no sign of impatience. His eyes glowed with longing and something more. Was it pride?

Rina couldn’t resist prancing a bit as she neared him. Sage threw back his head and laughed. “Oh yeah, baby, you’re gorgeous.” He ran his large hands over her head and down her flanks. “Sleek and fast and dangerous.”

She felt all those things and more. He buried his face in her neck and just held her. “I’m so damn glad you found me.”

She was too. She didn’t even want to think what might be happening to her if she hadn’t gotten lucky enough to cross his path. She backed up and gave a small yip.

“Time to run. Hang on a sec.” He took the time to bundle all her clothing together and tuck it against a tree. “I’ll come back for it later,” he promised.

She raised her head and sniffed the air. Everything seemed fresher and wilder than it had even seconds before. There wasn’t even enough of a breeze to ruffle her fur. It was hot and still. Her entire body quivered in anticipation but she waited.

Sage touched his hand to the crown of her head. “Ready when you are.”

Rina was off like a thoroughbred out of the racing gate. Free. She was safe and someone else was watching over her, leaving her to fully enjoy just being a wolf. She didn’t need to look over her shoulder to know that Sage was right beside her. He ran lightly, barely making a sound. He really was fast.

She had no idea where she was going and didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was free to run. She’d forgotten what it was like. Living and working in towns and cities had left her feeling cramped and confined, like an animal in a zoo, still wild but not able to fully be herself.

Sage had given her this gift.

He surged ahead of her and urged her to the left. Resentment surged to the fore and then commonsense returned. She had to stay on pack land close the houses. The last thing she wanted to do was bring more trouble their way. This pack had been nothing but kind to her. The man running alongside her had risked his life to save hers.

He’d also sensed her need to embrace her wolf and run and had made it happen. The least she could do was follow the rules. It wasn’t like being caged. She was still free.

She sensed another wolf up ahead but wasn’t ready to face the other members of the pack in her wolf form. Tonight was special. It was about her and Sage. She veered off again, heading toward the houses.

She zigzagged though the trees, jumping logs, and flying over rocks. She felt like a teenager who’d just made her first shift, giddy and overwhelmed by the sheer pleasure of being a wolf.

Rina hit a clearing and slowed to a trot. Sage was just behind her and to her right. He was flanking her. Protecting her.

She stopped and sprawled on the warm bed of wildflowers, rolling one way and then another. Sage dropped down next to her and chuckled. “I take it you’re enjoying yourself.”

She raised her bottom in the air and pounced. He caught her and rolled, taking her beneath him. “Now what are you going to do?”

She licked him. One big, sloppy lick down the side of his face. Sage laughed so hard he fell to the side. She sidled up to him, rested her head on his shoulder, and sighed.

He rubbed behind her ears and down her spine. “It’s been a long time since you’ve been able to do this, hasn’t it?”

She gave a small whine of agreement. She could shift back and talk to him, but she wasn’t ready. They stayed there watching the stars and listening to the sounds of the insects and nocturnal animals. A bat swooped overhead and disappeared.

Rina knew it was time to head back to the house. She also knew Sage wouldn’t pressure her to go. It was up to her not to abuse the gift she’d been given. She forced herself to leave the comfort of his arms. He immediately rolled to his feet.

“Home?”

She dipped her head in agreement. Home. Home was quickly becoming a person and not a place. Sage made her feel as though she belonged somewhere. And for a wolf, that was an enticement she couldn’t ignore.

By unspoken agreement, they took their time on the walk back. She started to detour to get her clothes, but Sage stopped her. “I’ll get them in the morning. Promise.”

She didn’t fight him on it. Truth be told, she was exhausted. The adrenaline of shifting and running was diminishing, leaving a bone-deep tiredness in its wake. Yes, she’d napped and eaten a good meal, but she was nowhere near back to full strength yet, and shifting and running took a lot of energy.

But soon.

Then what would she do?

Rina shoved that thought aside. She wouldn’t let anything destroy her joy of this evening. She’d spent time with a pack, eaten good food, and shared in their laughter. She’d shifted and run through the woods, feeling safe for the first time in more than a year.

Even on the night she’d shifted outside her motel room and been seen, the night that had sent her on this path, she hadn’t run far for fear of being discovered. It had been more of a tease than anything, and nothing at all like tonight.