Finding Our Way (Werewolf Wars) (30 page)

“You think they drowned?” deep voice asked.

“Not until I see a body. It’s imperative we find them. They are the alpha's brother and his mate’s sister. We’re at war, they are valuable hostages. With Fernando Juarez dead, the Gulf packs need a leader. There is no way dad is going to sit back and watch that kid Malakai take the reins,” Chip explained.

“Then why did dad make it look like they were dead?”

“So the Harris’ wouldn’t look for them,” Chip replied nonchalantly. “No sense and coming to risk your life for a body. You come to rescue the living not the dead. Besides, we don’t want the focus on us right now. Let them chase down Malakai while we rally our troops. We just need to get the wolf and the girl alive and then wait for the opportune time to strike.”

“You want to head down river?”

“Yeah, you go on ahead. I’m going to call in another favor to Sherriff Morris; he certainly owes us enough favors. I’m going to have him lock down all the streets and exits out of the state. The two can’t be allowed to leave.”

“He already gave us that girl’s body,” the unnamed man said. “How much more is he going to do without questions?”

“If he doesn’t want his dirty secrets out, he’ll do everything we ask,” Chip replied. “Let’s go down stream. They’re around here somewhere.”

Sarah shuddered in Vincent’s embrace as leaves crunched beneath sneakers signifying the departure of the two men. She sighed and leaned her head forward on Vincent’s shoulder.

“It’s going to be okay,” Vincent said quietly.

“They think we’re dead. Our family thinks we are dead,” she whispered, peering up into his green eyes. “They’re not even looking for us, Vincent. How is that okay?”

“We know we can’t trust anyone until we get far away from here. As long as we stay off the highways and out of sight, we’ll be fine. We’re going to get home, Sarah. I promised Dev and Lark I’d take care of you. I’m not breaking that promise,” Vincent said with conviction.

Sarah shivered. “First we have to get out of these woods.”

“It’s going to be dark soon, we’ll find a spot to hunker down and hopefully get some food. At least water shouldn’t be an issue,” he said, smiling. Vincent removed one hand from her torso and used it to scoop up water. He slurped loudly, waggling his eyebrows as he downed the liquid.

Sarah scoffed and shook her head, unable to stop a small smile from slipping over her face.

She tore her eyes away from Vincent as she looked at the vast trees that surrounded them. The water splashed onto her face and her wet, blonde hair floated in the stream. The sun was beginning to set and they were both drenched. It was going to be a long, cold night. But hopefully Vincent was right, maybe their situation was starting to improve—at least she hoped it was.

“I mean it, Sarah,” Vincent said quietly as he pushed matted, wet hair from her face. “We’re going to get home.”