Dark Heart Wolf

by Haley Weir

  “Boone and Abigail, Charlotte and Wesley, you and Sam...what about Mr. Porter?”

  “Oh, that would be Beth.” Mary Ann walked over to the door. “They don’t get along too well at the moment, but with the way things are goin’, I don’t think it will be long before he starts feelin’ the matin’ bond with her the way the others have. Sam seems to be the only lost cause.”

  “The ones who fight it the most are the ones that fall the hardest.”

  “Wise words for such a young woman,” she said with a tinge of awe coloring her voice. “You speak as though you have some experience with love, Miss Ruth.”

  “Not me, no. But I’ve seen love grow between all sorts of people.”

  “As have I. All right, I’ll leave you to it. You must be exhausted from your trip. Goodnight, Ruth. I will see you in the mornin’.”

  “Goodnight, Miss Pearl.”

  She headed out of the bedchamber and gave Ruth some privacy. Mary Ann pulled her favorite chair over to the window and stared at the open landscape until the sun peeked out from behind the mountains. She hadn’t slept much since Sam walked out of her bakery. And when she tried to relax for a few hours, the memories of Leroy were too painful. They roiled within her mind constantly. Mary Ann just wanted a moment of peace where her head wasn’t filled with thoughts of Wesley or Leroy or even the wendigo.

  Chapter Four

  Silver Fox Ranch

  Colorado

  Sam flopped into his usual spot at the dining table. Abigail’s eyes were red and puffy like she had been crying all morning. Beth and Wesley hadn’t returned yet, so everyone was on edge. Itsá didn’t know how long Charlotte would survive on her own. Even though Sam hadn’t taken the time to ever really get to know Charlotte, he felt her absence as well. Her laughter had been able to break the tensions between before a fight broke out, and her unusual way of looking at the world had filled the halls of the ranch house with renewed life as she chatted endlessly about this or that. Unlike the others, Sam didn’t blame Wesley for Charlotte’s capture.

  She had chosen to go after the man she loved even though she wasn’t certain how he felt about her. That sort of devotion was rare, and Sam respected it. He glanced around at the empty spots at the table. Jesse and Boone were the only other people present aside from Sam and Abigail. The uncomfortable atmosphere was eating away at his patience. “I’ve spent three days at this ranch and nothin’ has happened. Is Itsá sure this threat is as big as he thinks?”

  “Eight people have gone missin’ in two days, Sam. What do you think?” Boone snapped. “I’ve been out there searchin’ for these poor folks only to find piles of bodies or more wendigo.”

  Sam looked at the scrapes and bruises on his brother’s face. “How many were there?”

  “At least thirty. Stumbled upon what looked like a nest. Good thing them ugly bastards can’t see too good or else we would have been caught for sure.”

  “The Wendigo Spirit is growin’ his numbers quickly then,” Sam supposed. “Beth and Abigail are decent fighters. The four of us can handle our own. But we don’t know how Charlotte will be if she returns in one piece. If you saw thirty wendigo already and Jesse barely survived the fight against the other horde the day Charlotte was taken, we don’t stand a chance.”

  "Itsá is working on weapons. He needs to communicate with the ancient spirits so he can figure out how the Wendigo was defeated the last time he rose to power," Jesse replied as he sipped his coffee.

  "Yeah? Well, what about the others? He said there are three evil spirits on the rise, and we're already gettin' our asses handed to us by the first one." Sam reached into his pocket and pulled out a hand-rolled cigarette before lighting the end with the lamp sitting at the center of the table. He popped it into his mouth and pulled smoke into his lungs. "I say we set fire to those damn mines and watch those things burn."

  "We can't do that," Abigail said with a shake of her head. "Not until we know where they're keeping Charlotte."

  The odds of the woman's survival were low. If she had survived the injuries she sustained in the fight, then she would have had to deal with the Wendigo Spirit, and if that hideous thing didn't kill her, then she would have died of the cold or been picked off by outlaws in the region. Sam didn't wish anything bad on Charlotte, but he preferred to keep a more rational outlook on the situation, and there was no proof that Charlotte was even alive.

  The housekeeper announced guests a moment after the conversation died down. Mary Ann stood beside a girl Sam had never seen around town. Jesse and Abigail seemed to recognize her, however. The young girl threw herself into Jesse's arms, and Sam could have sworn he could smell the scent of his friend's tears. Jesse took a moment to collect himself before addressing the room. "I know this is coming as somewhat of a surprise, but I wanted to keep things quiet."

  Sam stood up and offered his hand to the young woman. She seemed shocked by his gesture, and he didn't understand why. "My name is Sam Cassady, Miss."

  "I...I've never shaken a white man's hand before. Other than Mr. Porter’s, that is." She swallowed nervously and then shook his hand.

  "White man?"

  "Can't you tell that I'm dark-skinned?" the young woman asked politely.

  "I can only see in shades of red. And even then, it ain't very accurate. I trust my other senses more than my eyes. Would not matter anyhow." Sam smirked. "A lot of folks around here ain't bothered by such things."

  Jesse whispered a thank you for Sam's ears only. "Well, this is Ruth. She's my ward. I'd like to keep this from Beth as long as possible. Don't need her asking too many questions."

  Everyone groaned collectively. Abigail and Mary Ann rolled their eyes in tandem. The only person who could not see the spark between Jesse and Beth was them. Sam stepped back so that the others could introduce themselves. Ruth was tentative and bashful.

  "I'll tend to my chores as soon as my things are put with the other workers'."

  Boone arched a brow. "No rush, Miss Ruth. I plan to get you set up with an account down at the bank and a room here in the house. You might be doin' some work, but I don't need any more servants. Help out, and you'll get paid, but don't think you're obligated to do anythin'. If Jesse says you are his ward, then in my mind, you're family."

  Ruth looked around nervously.

  It was clear to everyone that she wasn't accustomed to kindness. Abigail placed her hand on the young woman's shoulder. "You can start studying to be my assistant."

  "I can't read all that well, ma'am."

  "Then I'll just teach you with my words, Ruth. There are lots of ways to learn." Abigail walked Ruth out of the room and up the stairs to settle in. Boone and Jesse disappeared into the study to handle the paperwork, leaving Sam alone with Mary Ann.

  She was quiet at first, just staring at the side of his head as if committing his profile to memory. "That was sweet, Samuel. I'm sure you made Ruth feel very special."

  "I lied to her, though."

  "Did you?" She asked. "How?"

  "I told her that I only see red. That ain't the whole truth." Sam shifted closer to Mary Ann. "I see the shades of gold and brown in your hair, the warm hues of your skin, and the green of your eyes. My brother might think you and I only became friends last year, but I remember every single moment we have spent together. The words whispered in dark corners, secret winks from outside your shop, and sneaky little kisses goodnight."

  "It don't mean nothin', Sam. You've made it clear enough."

  He stepped closer and slid his arm around her waist. "The day I returned to Wolf Valley was the first time I had ever seen color. I could only see you in a world of red. It frightened me, made me feel like a monster for seein' you differently than Savannah."

  Mary Ann stood shocked for a moment before she wrestled out of Sam's arms. She walked away from him, hurrying through the kitchen and out the back door. Sam was swift. He caught up with her quickly and spun Mary Ann around. "Listen to me, Mary. I'm tryin' to tell you how I feel. Al
l of us talked this mornin' and things ain't lookin' good right now. But I feel the need to tell you what's on my mind."

  "Don't. You missed me," she said with a small smile. "That's what this is. You missed me and we're good friends, Sam. Comin' back to the ranch must have made your matin' urges stronger, but I know the real you, and he would never bow to his instincts like this."

  Sam shook his head to clear his mind. Mary Ann was right. What had he intended to say just then? He wasn't the sort for love confessions or anything like that. Besides, he wasn't quite sure if what he felt for Mary Ann was love at all. She placed her hand over the mark on his shoulder. The gesture had been meant to bring him comfort, but even through the fabric of his shirt, Sam felt her warmth. His large body shuddered. Heat entered her gaze, and suddenly, it seemed like she wasn't interested in running away anymore.

  Her fingers curled around his shoulder and Sam pressed her against his chest. Mary Ann licked her lips and he wanted to chase down that moist flicker of pink with his own tongue. Their breath mingled as she moved closer instinctively. Sam's arms tightened around Mary Ann, and she gasped. "We say one thing, but our bodies want somethin' different. I feel like you’re drivin’ me insane, Mary. I can smell your desire…"

  He rocked against her, hearing the way she moaned as the growing bulge in his trousers rubbed against her hip. Mary Ann's eyes widened, and she reached up to cup his face and pull him closer. Sam could feel the yearning that radiated off of her, and he was certain she felt his. "Why are we fightin' this?" she asked in a little whisper of a sound.

  But they both knew why. "Because neither of us can let go of my past." Sam fought through the temptation and urges. He fought through the lust and whirlwind of emotion. Sam released Mary Ann and ran his fingers through the salt and pepper strands of his hair. He paced a few feet in front of her, back and forth like an animal on the prowl. “I need to get in control of myself, and I can't do it here at the ranch. I'll stay for a few weeks, but we need to keep our distance."

  "After that?" Mary Ann asked.

  "Can I come home with you?"

  He watched the shock on her face warm to a pleasant smile. "You want to live with me, Samuel Cassady?"

  "I'm not welcome here, and I get nervous each time my brother takes in someone new. I belong with you, Mary. So, yes. I want to live with you."

  "What will people say?"

  Sam heard the teasing in her voice and fought back a smile. "You know what I always say about that, sweetheart."

  "To hell with them."

  "That's right. To hell with them." Sam struck like a viper, stealing a quick kiss before either of them could think about it. He ran into the house with his heart pounding in his chest. He felt as though he had gone back in time to the days when he was an inexperienced boy lusting after a pretty girl.

  "I don't know whether that was pathetic or endearing," Jesse quipped. "But if that's what I have to deal with when I meet my mate, then I'd rather it be childish love than what Wesley and Charlotte went through."

  "Sadly, I think my brother had it the easiest. I've known Mary Ann and I were meant to be together for a long time, but it doesn't make me feel as...dirty to be her friend. I don't know if we can ever get to a place where I won't feel like I'm betrayin' Savannah."

  "You will."

  Sam didn't want hope where he and Mary Ann were concerned. He wanted the sort of easy love that Boone and Abigail were blessed with. If only his weary heart and broken mind would allow such a thing. Each night when Sam laid down to sleep, he saw his wife and daughter dying in that fire all over again. The liquor kept the demons quiet, but only for so long. "I just want silence for a while. I want simple."

  "It'll be a long time before any of us get some peace and quiet, Sam. We know better than anyone that there ain't no peace in war." Jesse leaned against the wall beside Sam. "You should see Itsá. I see the way you and Mary Ann are with one another. You'll need a talisman to help you stay in control of yourself."

  "You think I'm capable of hurtin' Mary Ann?"

  "Yes," Jesse said candidly. "You said yourself that you've begun to express yourself in a more physical manner towards her. You grab her and chase after her in ways you never have before."

  Sam felt the weight of Jesse's words and the absolute shame of the truth behind them. "Where is Itsá now?"

  "He is in Abigail's office." Jesse wandered into the kitchen as Sam walked out the back door.

  Sam waited until the wagon took Mary Ann back into town. When there was no sign of the others around, he headed into the apothecary that acted as Abigail's office now that she was the doctor on the ranch. Itsá sat with his back to the door, bandaging a cut on his arm. "I was wondering when you would come to talk."

  Chapter Five

  Two weeks later…

  Wolf Valley,

  Colorado

  Mary Ann pulled her supper off the stove and hurried to answer the door. She jumped over crates of flour and sugar that she ordered for the bakery. Her fingers curled around the handle, and someone pushed it open forcefully. Mary Ann jumped back and allowed Sam to step into her home. "Samuel, what is it?"

  "Charlotte is back. Wesley and Beth brought her back. Abigail is tendin' to her injuries as we speak," he said, out of breath. "I raced here to let you know."

  Mary Ann was touched. She worried her bottom lip between her teeth and closed the door behind him. "Would you like somethin' to eat? We could share my supper if you're hungry."

  Sam followed her into the kitchen and arched a brow at the lack of table. "Where will we be eatin'? I don't see any chairs or anythin'."

  Mary Ann grabbed two spoons and slid to the floor. Sam smiled and sat beside her. His long legs stretched out as he accepted the plate. Their shoulders touched as they removed the distance that had been between them for far too long by pressing together so tightly that Mary Ann could not tell where he ended and she began. "I want to see Charlotte once she is feelin' better, but I...I missed you, Samuel. I don’t ever want us to be apart for that long.”

  “Darlin’, if I have any say in the matter, you won’t ever leave my sight again.”

  She rested her head against his shoulder and breathed in the scent of his skin. He smelled of fresh winter snow and sharp spices from the cologne he often purchased from the barber. Mary Ann took the plate from his hands once it was cleared and climbed into his lap. Sam sucked in a harsh breath but placed his hands on her hips to steady her. She was close enough to feel the puffs of air that streamed through his nose. Close enough to kiss.

  Before she could stop herself, Mary Ann stroked her tongue across his bottom lip. She let out a squeak when Sam lunged, sealing their mouths together as he sucked the air from her lungs. Mary Ann pressed closer until her ample breasts were firm against his chest. Sam sucked in a harsh breath, and his grasp on her hips tightened. They were strong and demanding, igniting a desperation inside of Mary Ann that she had never felt before.

  Sam groaned, and she felt the fierce pounding of his heart in every breath.

  Mary Ann threw her head back with a high-pitched moan as his hands moved from her hips and slid beneath her bunched-up skirt. Calloused palms caused her to shiver. One hand dipped between her thighs as the other grabbed a handful of her rump. Her breath caught in her lungs as she rocked against his prodding fingers. Feather-light kisses peppered her neck and face. Mary Ann felt Sam tease her slickened folds until he brushed something that made her thighs clench. “What are you doin’ to me?” she whispered.

  “Just relax and enjoy it.” Those teasing caresses became more purposeful. Mary Ann felt as though she were a puppet on a string and he the puppeteer. Every muscle in her body coiled tightly. Sam rocked her against him, thrusting up to meet the roll of her hips. He claimed her lips in a searing kiss. Mary Ann felt herself climbing towards heights unknown.

  One perfect thrust and something inside of her broke, fracturing into a million cracks as though she were made of fine china. Sam held the shards of
her being in the palm of his hands until she collapsed against him. Lips brushed her temple, and she reached a hand between them to feel the way his member twitched between her legs.

  Sam sucked in a harsh breath and shuddered against her. Giggles bubbled up inside of Mary Ann. She slipped out of Sam's arms and brushed a faint kiss against his cheek. "I guess you did miss me after all," she whispered. But it wasn't until Sam opened his glowing red eyes that Mary Ann saw the real hunger within him.

  He stood up and kissed her forehead. Before Mary Ann could say anything, Sam hurried for the back door. He launched himself at the wood, causing it the splinter. Mary Ann ran after him, watching as Sam's skin stretched tight over bulging muscles. He had never lost control of his change near her before.

  She had to make sure he was all right. Mary Ann climbed over the wreckage of the door and gave chase. She saw scraps of cloth leading towards the forest. Her feet were sore, but she kept going until she reached the river. Pawprints marked the bank on the other side. She gritted her teeth and waded through the rushing frigid waters that reached her waist.

  Mary Ann's teeth clattered as she pulled herself onto the snow-covered ground. Her fingers and toes ached. She crawled over to a tree and used it to pull herself up. The wind was like knives against her cheeks. Her lips were blue as she trudged through the forest in search of her beloved wolf. "Samuel…" Mary Ann croaked. Her bare feet slipped on a patch of ice, and she fell to her knees. The pain radiated up her leg, forcing a yelp from between her lips.

  A low growl came from behind her. It was followed by a heart-wrenching screech that caused her ears to ring. Mary Ann held completely still. The stench of rotting flesh permeated from over her shoulder, and a thick glob of saliva trickled down her neck. Mary Ann felt bile crawl up her throat. She stared straight ahead and tried to push down the urge to scream.