Wolf in his Heart (Salvation Pack) (22 page)

The sheriff nodded his encouragement. She could see in his eyes that he would accept whatever explanation she gave him as long as it was believable. “I was out walking and looking at the stars when I heard something. There was a huge dog nearby. I assumed it was a stray, because it didn’t have a collar. I figured I was safer inside and slipped away. I looked back and the dog was sniffing around where I’d been.”

She held her breath and waited. The sheriff immediately nodded. “That makes perfect sense. Mr. Bellamy twisted that to have you turning into a werewolf.” Sheriff Dohner sighed. “I’ll be honest with you, Miss Matheson.”

“Please, call me Rina,” she offered.

“Rina.” He nodded. “Johnny Bellamy might never see the inside of a prison. The prosecutor is already making noises about a mental institution. The man is obviously dangerous as his delusions led to him shoot you.”

Rina shivered, and Sage tightened his arms around her. Beside them, her brother stirred and gripped one of her hands. She knew both men were still very upset by what had happened.

“So he just goes to a hospital, is that it?” Sage demanded.

Sheriff Dohner shook his head. “I’m pushing for prison. They have wards for the criminally insane there. I’ve got his confession and your account of what happened. I’ve taken statements from people in town and the ranger. Hell, I’ve even talked to his brothers.”

“What did they say?” She wanted to know what kind of men would join in a hunt for a woman.

The sheriff looked uncomfortable. “They admitted to being in the woods with their brother that first night. They claim it was to keep him from hurting you, and I have no reason not to believe them.”

“But they left him there.” Every word Sage spoke vibrated with anger. She used her free hand to pat his chest. He had to calm down so he didn’t do anything he’d regret.

“Yeah.” The sheriff didn’t look any happier than Sage. “I checked Bellamy’s cell phone and there were calls and text messages from his brothers begging him to come home.”

Sheriff Dohner pushed out of the chair and picked up his file. “I’m sorry this happened to you, Miss Matheson. We’re a quiet town. Things like this just don’t happen here.” He turned to Sage. “My office will keep you apprised of what’s happening.” Then he turned his attention back to Rina. “You just need to concentrate on getting well. We’ve got him in custody, and he’s not going anywhere.”

Rina knew that had to be good enough for now. “Thank you.”

He put on his hat and tipped it. “Ma’am.”

The door opened before the sheriff reached it, and Elias stood in the doorway. “Thanks for coming out, Sheriff. We appreciate it.”

“No need for Rina to have to make a trip into town, not injured like she is.” He tipped his hat at Sue. “I’ll be in touch.” Then he was gone.

Rina practically wilted against Sage. He kissed her brow and her cheeks. “It’s over. It’s over now and you’re safe. You’re home.”

He wasn’t quite right. Yes, the ordeal was over for now. If it went to trial, it could drag on for years. She was safe, she’d give him that. As for home…well, that depended on a lot of factors.

It was a nice thought. She hadn’t had a home in more than a year. Scrap that, she’d never truly had a home. It had been nothing more than a dream, smoke and mirrors. They’d turned on her quickly enough. But this pack, these people, had stood by her and protected her.

This was a good pack. Could she take the risk and reach out to be a part of it?

Sage stood and started toward the bedroom. “Rina needs to rest.”

Rina inhaled Sage’s scent—woodsy and male. Home.

Could she take the risk? How could she not?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Sage paced the deck outside his bedroom. Rina was still sleeping. Other than waking long enough to eat lunch, she’d been in bed all day. He knew that was normal and what she needed. She had to be exhausted, not only physically but also mentally after giving her statement to the sheriff.

That didn’t mean he had to like it.

He had no idea what she was thinking or what her plans were, and that worried him.

“Sit down. You’re making me dizzy.”

He glared at his brother but threw himself down into a deck chair. “Do you think this thing will go to trial?” His brother had years in law enforcement and had a lot more experience in these matters.

Reece propped his feet up on the railing and shook his head. “I doubt it. Bellamy has confessed, but beyond that, he’s talking crazy. Any good lawyer is going to try to cut a deal rather than have this thing go to court.” His brother reached down by his side, lifted his bottle of beer, and had a long swallow. “If it does go to trial, we’ll hire the best lawyers money can buy and bury the bastard.”

Sage liked the way his brother thought. “Yeah, I know you’re right.”

“But you’re worried about Rina.”

Sage nodded. “I am.” His brother handed him his beer and Sage finished it off. It tasted smooth and was still cool. He set the empty bottle down by his chair. “I don’t know what she’ll do now that the threat is gone.”

“Why don’t you ask him what he thinks?” Reece jerked his head to the right.

Sage had known Mikhail was standing in the shadows watching them. Now he had to acknowledge him. “You might as well join us.” He knew he wasn’t being very gracious. It wasn’t Mikhail’s fault he felt an underlying anger toward the man. It wasn’t because of anything he’d done, but out of fear he might convince Rina to leave.

Mikhail prowled up onto the deck and looked toward the open patio doors. “She still sleeping?”

“I checked on her about five minutes ago. She hasn’t moved in hours.”

Her brother nodded. “It’s for the best.”

“What are you going to do now?” Sage knew now probably wasn’t the best time to ask, but he didn’t want to wait any longer. He wanted to know what he was going to be dealing with.

Mikhail leaned against the rail and cocked his head to one side. “What do you mean?”

Sage growled and sat forward. “Don’t play stupid with me, Matheson. You know exactly what I mean. Are you going to try to convince Rina to leave?”

The older man studied Sage for a long minute before shaking his head. “No. Rina is better off here. If she wants to stay,” he added.

And that was the kicker. Sage didn’t know if she wanted to stay or not. How would she feel about him now that the crisis was over and she no longer needed his protection? He hated thinking about their relationship in such a way, but the truth couldn’t be denied. They’d come together in the first place because she’d needed help and safety.

“What are you going to do?” Reece asked Mikhail.

It shamed Sage to realize he’d been so intent on what Rina was going to do he’d forgotten that her brother had given up his pack for her. “What
are
your plans?” he asked.

Mikhail shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. I’d like to stick around a bit longer, if that’s okay with Jacque. I want to make certain Rina is settled.”

The underlying warning was if Rina wasn’t happy, her brother would take her away. Good enough. If he couldn’t make her happy, Sage would let her go.

Who was he kidding? He’d fight tooth and nail to keep her with him, even if that meant leaving his pack.

“I’m going for a run,” Mikhail announced.

“Is that safe?” Sage asked.

He nodded as he stripped off his shirt and tossed it over the railing. “Jacque okayed it as long as we go in pairs, stay close to the houses, and keep an eye out.”

“Who are you going with?” There was no one else around but the three of them.

Reece stirred and stood. “Me. He’ll go with me.”

Sage knew his brother was doing this for him and appreciated it. The last thing Rina needed was for something to happen to her brother. Although, he figured the big bastard could take care of himself.

Mikhail toed off his sneakers and pulled off his jeans. Naked, he embraced his wolf. His outline shimmered and his shape began to change. He fell forward onto his hands. Fur pushed out from beneath his skin. His jaw cracked and contorted and his forehead flattened. It was over in seconds. A huge wolf with a brown and reddish coat stood in front of him.

Reece was already naked and in the process of shifting. As many times as he’d seen his brother embrace his wolf, it still fascinated Sage. This was what he’d look like if he could shift. He studied the big brown wolf with familiar blue eyes.

Sage forced himself not to rub the ache in his chest. That would only make his brother sad. He didn’t want Reece to feel like he had to hide a part of himself. “You two be careful,” he told them.

Mikhail whirled around and left. Reece came forward and bumped his muzzle against Sage’s shoulder. “Yeah, I know. I wish I could join you too. But you enjoy it for both of us.”

Reece dipped his head in acknowledgement and then bound after Mikhail. Sage wrapped his fingers around the deck railing and watched them disappear into the woods. It was quiet around now with only the occasional voice drifting on the light breeze.

The others were still gathered at Gator and Sylvie’s. He loved that most of the pack got together for at least one meal a day. The kids loved it, and it made this close-knit community even tighter.

“Sage.”

He whirled around at the sound of her voice and hurried into the bedroom. “Hey.” She was struggling to sit, so he sat on the bed and helped her. “How are you feeling?”

“Good, but I have to go to the bathroom.”

He jumped back to his feet and lifted her out of bed.

“I can walk,” she told him, but he wasn’t listening. He didn’t want her doing any more than she had to.

He deposited her inside the bathroom door. “I’ll be here when you’re done.” She closed the door, and he waited. It didn’t take long and then he heard water running in the sink. A few seconds later, the door opened. He scooped her up again and carried her back to bed.

“I think you just like carrying me.” She was smiling, so he was pretty sure she wasn’t mad with him.

“I do.” It gave him an excuse to hold her. Even now, he didn’t want to release her but he did.

“Where is everyone?”

“Most are over at Gator’s place. They barbecued for supper.”

“I missed it.”

He smiled and pushed a stray lock of hair off her cheek. “I’m sure they saved you some. If you’re hungry, I can get you something.”

She shook her head. “Not yet. Maybe later.” She peered over his shoulder and out onto the deck. “Is Mikhail here? I can scent him and Reece.”

“They went for a run. And before you ask, Jacque okayed it. They’ll stay together and close to the houses.”

“So we’re alone?”

Sage tucked her smaller hand in his. “We’re alone.”

Rina nodded and rubbed her free hand over her face. “I think we should talk.”

Icy fingers of dread crept up his spine and around to the front of his chest to grip his heart. “Okay.” It was better to get this out in the open. Once he knew what Rina wanted to do, he could make plans.

He’d let her take the lead on this since she was the one who’d initiated the conversation. She’d had too many choices taken from her in her lifetime. He wasn’t about to take any more from her.

Rina could tell Sage wasn’t exactly eager to have this discussion, but he didn’t put her off either, for which she was grateful. She had to do this now while she still had the nerve. The fact they were alone also played into her decision. It wasn’t likely they’d be offered such privacy again anytime soon. Not with him still living in his uncle’s home.

Then there were Reece and Mikhail, who were never very far away.

The silence grew between them, like some long bridge separating them. “Rina,” Sage finally began, but she shook her head, and he went silent.

He was the one who was always putting himself out there. It was time for her to stop being such a coward. She was physically stronger, almost back to normal. She figured one more day of eating and mostly resting and she’d be at full strength.

Emotionally, she was a mess.

“I don’t have a pack,” she blurted.

Sage canted his head to one side and his blue eyes filled with compassion. “I do,” he reminded her.

She nodded and searched for the right words to express what she was feeling. “I grew up isolated and homeschooled. My father wasn’t big on education, but especially not for women. As far as he was concerned, my role in the pack was to mate and have babies. As long as I could shift and hunt and had rudimentary survival skills, that was all I needed beyond a basic education. Mikhail taught me as much as he could, but in the end, our father’s word was law.”

It had left her ill-equipped to deal with the outside world, which was exactly what men like her former alpha and her father wanted. She’d felt totally inadequate to deal with the challenges she’d faced when she’d been cast out of the pack.

“Your father was wrong.” Sage squeezed her hand. “Knowledge is power, and that’s why they didn’t want you to have it.”

She understood that, but it didn’t make her feel any less lacking. “I’ve waitressed the past year, cleaned buildings, and done other menial labor.”

Sage released her hand and cupped her face. “Baby, you did what you had to in order to survive. You’re brave and strong. Don’t ever doubt that.”

Before she could respond, he leaned down and kissed her. Their lips met in the briefest of touches. He pulled back and then brushed his mouth against hers again and again, each time lengthening and deepening the caress until they were both breathless.

The tenderness brought tears to her eyes. Sage always seemed to know what she needed and then gave it to her.

It would be all too easy to simply slide into making love, but that wouldn’t really settle anything between them. She knew he was waiting for her to make the next move, to take the kiss to the next level. As much as she wanted to, she knew she couldn’t. Not yet.

She eased back and their lips clung for a moment longer before separating. He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers. “Talk. Right.” He sucked in a deep breath and sat back.

Rina picked at the hem of her cotton tank. She wasn’t wearing a bra beneath it because the strap would irritate her healing wound, and her nipples were visible beneath the thin fabric. She’d pulled off her capri pants when she’d crawled into bed earlier to nap and was wearing only thin cotton panties. They were damp with her arousal.

Sage inhaled and his eyes widened and his muscles went taut, but he made no move toward her. She didn’t have to look down at his lap to know he was aroused. She could smell the change in his body chemistry and knew he was hard.

His self-control continually astounded her. From everything she’d witnessed, she knew his true nature was more werewolf than human. His instincts would be screaming at him to take her, but he refrained.

A perverse part of her wondered if she should be worried about that, if it meant he didn’t want her as much as she thought he did.

“Rina?”

She brought her thoughts back around to the problem at hand. “Right. The thing is, I don’t know where I belong or what I want to do with my life.” And she was terrified of making a mistake. A claiming was no small thing. Once it was done, it couldn’t be undone, and males were very, very possessive.

“Is there anywhere you’d like to go?” he asked. His jaw tightened, or maybe it was just a trick of the shadows. The sun had set and there were no lights on in the room. Neither of them needed artificial light to see, but it was somehow easier to talk in the dark.

Did that mean he wanted her to go? She didn’t think so, but her insecurities were playing on her. She needed to lay everything on the line and take a chance. The worst thing that could happen was she’d get her heart broken. Yeah, it would hurt, but she knew she could survive on her own if she had to leave. And she wouldn’t really be alone because she had Mikhail.

“I care for you.” She blurted the words out. No lead up. No explanation. She dropped her face into her hands and groaned. Sage tugged at them until she was forced to look at him.

“Do you mean it?” he asked.

She started to pull her knees up to her chest but realized it was a defensive move and forced herself to relax. Sage wasn’t going to hurt her. “I do. I’m not sure I trust it.” Better to be honest. “Everything has happened so fast, and the situation has been fraught with danger.”

“And you’re not sure what you feel for me is real,” he finished.

“Yeah.” It sounded lame when she said it out loud. Her arguments sounded much better in her head.

“Let me get this straight.” Sage held up one hand. “One, you don’t have a pack.” He raised a second finger. “Two, you don’t know what you want to do in life, don’t feel as though you have the necessary skills.” He raised a third finger. “You don’t know where you want to live.” He lifted another finger. “And finally, you have feelings for me but you don’t trust them.”

She wanted to crawl under the covers, pull the pillow over her head, and stay there. “That sums it up.” She crossed her arms over her chest but couldn’t stop herself. She hated feeling stupid.

“Then it’s perfectly clear to me that we’re meant for one another.”

She frowned, not quite understanding what he was getting at. “How do you figure that?”

He lowered one finger. “I have a pack I can share with you if you want. They adore you already.” He curled a second finger toward his palm. “There is plenty of time for you to decide what you want to do in life and lots of people here who’d love to help you figure it out. Sue, Anny, Gwen, and the others would be all over that in a heartbeat.”

Rina felt the weight lifting from her shoulders. Her arms unlocked and slid back down by her sides.

But Sage wasn’t finished. “If you want to try living someplace else, we can. Or we can try it out here for a while and see how you like it. Things will be different now that you’re no longer constantly looking over your shoulder and will be back to full health in a day or so.”