Salvaged Souls

by Deena Remiel

  “Shiloh, time to wake up.”

  She whined, snuffled, giving Willow her you’re-wrecking-the-best-dream-ever look. It didn’t work.

  “Shiloh, we gotta get moving. It’s a long way to Los Lobos.”

  She growled, stretched her legs then stood to shake away the cobwebs. Once shifted, she offered her newly dubbed sister a disappointed, sleepy glare. “I’m not much of a morning person.”

  “I can see.” Willow chuckled then took a sip of whatever was in her mug. “Did you sleep well, though? Out here all night?”

  “Yes, it was wonderful. The waking part, not so much.”

  “Well, if you like coffee, I have plenty in a pot ready to pour.”

  “I used to. I think I might cry on the first sip.”

  “It is a powerful bit of magic, that damned elixir. It’s the dawn of a new day for you, my dear. All things possible, all things grand. I’m glad to be a part of helping make it happen for you. So, we’ll leave within the hour. Greyson says he can get us there by noon. Should give us enough time to conference with Drew and Ryker first. Then we can meet up with Greyson’s friend, Parker, to see about new living quarters.”

  Teeth and hair brushed, it was as good as Shiloh was gonna get. Her wolf took over, spending the entire ride in the backseat of Greyson’s truck, head out the window, mooning over her dream mate, who’d thankfully come to her during the night. She thought she’d lost him once she escaped. He’d kept her alive during her long captivity, visiting her nightly to cradle her in his protective embrace, mating with her, helping erase the emotional and physical damage Josiah had caused. At least, he did so in her dreams.

  She guessed her brain was a mighty powerful tool for self-preservation. He’d said something this time that had her puzzled. If he was conjured from her mind while dreaming, how could he awaken from it? Bizarre.

  “We’re here, Shiloh,” Willow said. “We’re in Los Lobos. Once Greyson parks, we can get started on our to-do list.”

  Shiloh shifted then cleared her throat. “Great!”

  Enough dreaming. Time to get her reality safe and secure.

  Chapter Five

  It’s so different here from where I was just a couple of days ago. The contrast was striking. It looked like a real town, with houses, stores, a restaurant, even a school. Most importantly, the clean streets, freshly painted buildings, and people’s happy faces proved people cared. They took pride in their town. A sense of calm washed over Shiloh. They hadn’t lied. She would be okay. This place could work out.

  She walked behind Greyson and Willow as they guided her through the town center. The first order of business was to meet the alpha to get his official approval. Would he be intimidating or welcoming?

  “Here we are.” Greyson trudged up to the front door then knocked.

  It took a few moments, but a woman, a very pregnant woman, opened the door with a grin that quickly morphed into a frown. “Greyson, I didn’t expect to see you so soon! Is everything all right?” She peered beyond him and waved at Willow. “Everything is how it’s meant to be. In other words, it didn’t work out in Washington. By the looks of it, all has worked out awesome for both of you. Congratulations!”

  “Thank you! I’m so ready for our little pup to arrive! I’m sure you’re here to see Drew, but he’s over at Gee’s.”

  “Would you mind if I used your bathroom, Betty? It was a bit of a long ride to get here. I don’t think this human can hold out much longer.”

  “Oh, my goodness! Not at all. Come in, come in!”

  The pair walked in, but Shiloh couldn’t move. Meeting the alpha was one thing. Meeting his mate, in such small quarters, was another. Her body remained paralyzed, a statue.

  “Oh, forgive me! This is Shiloh. Our newfound sister. There’s a story to be told at another time. Shiloh, this is Betty, Drew’s mate.”

  Willow beckoned her to join them inside. All Shiloh could do was shake her head. Her voice had left her. The very knowledge of how to form words, gone.

  “Shiloh, you’re welcome to come inside my home.”

  Greyson’s brow furrowed. He lowered his voice to say something to the very pregnant woman. She nodded and walked out of view while Shiloh’s guardians stepped over to her.

  “It’s okay. You can stay out here. We’ll only be a few minutes. All right?”

  She nodded, sucked in a deep breath, and rocked in place.

  “I-I guess I’m a bit claustrophobic, huh?” She tried to make light of it then shifted into her wolf to hunker down where she stood. But there was nothing light about it. She could barely stand to take showers in Greyson’s home, let alone sleep inside it. It seemed houses were a huge trigger for her right now. She’d need one for an address, but her wolf wouldn’t tolerate living inside it. Given all she’d been through, whatever wolf wanted, wolf got. That’s one way around a problem. Heck, it’s only been a day.

  Her nose found all sorts of scents to interest her. Nothing threatening, really. Werewolves just doing their business, but there was a definite undertone of urgency in the chemicals their bodies produced. As shifters passed her in human form, they turned to examine her, inspect her, size up whether she was a threat or inconsequential. She was used to being ignored, so this kind of close scrutiny unnerved her.

  The constant drone of construction assaulted her ears. It came from all directions. Lots of building happening here. Growth? She remembered the concept, but hadn’t seen it in action for a while. Growth was good. She could see herself blending in, disappearing into the fabric of the community. She could make connections if she wanted, or not. She didn’t know what to expect in terms of relating to other people. When she’d escaped to Greyson’s RV, she was desperate and had to trust them. They wound up working their way into her heart. How would it be to make friends when the only intent was to be sociable?

  “We’re all set! Let’s go on to Gee’s. Then we’ll meet up with Drew.”

  She whined and stood to walk beside them.

  “Oh, can you tell Drew to bring over a few hamburgers when he’s done?” Betty called from the front door, patting her belly. “You don’t want to know how ravenous I’ve been, even as big as I am!”

  “Not a problem. Great to see you!” Greyson rested an arm around Willow’s shoulder as they walked comfortably with Shiloh’s wolf trotting behind.

  When they approached a storefront, she hesitated. Greyson patted her on the haunches. “It’s not a house, Shiloh. It’s a bar. Come on. You might want to change first, though.”

  She shivered and shifted. “Yeah, I guess it wouldn’t be sensible for a wolf to enter a bar. Anything I should know before I meet your alpha?”

  “Just be yourself. If Ryker’s with him, just know he’s very serious. He doesn’t take shit from anyone.”

  “Who’s Ryker?”

  “He’s our enforcer. His job is what it sounds.”

  She took in a deep breath then let it out. “Here goes everything.” For the first time that day, she led, but quickly learned she had no idea where she was going. “Um, maybe you should go ahead of me, Greyson.”

  “Yeah.” He chuckled.

  He marched them to the rear of the bar where he knocked on the office door. A muffled approval to enter signaled the beginning of her new life. Two men occupied the small room. One sat at the desk while the other leaned on its edge.

  “Greyson, Willow, I’m surprised to see you here so soon. You’ve brought a guest with you.”

  “Drew, Ryker, we’re as surprised as you but happy to be here. This is Shiloh, my dead brother’s forced mate. Shiloh, this is our alpha, Drew. Our enforcer, Ryker. She has a story to tell and a plea. We hope you’ll hear her out.”

  Drew sat up a bit more formally in his seat and sighed. “A story. We all have stories, don’t we? Forced mate, you say? Stories with that kind of beginning are never pleasant. What kind of wolf are you, Shiloh?”

  “R-red wolf, sir.”


  “Um, hmm. Belong to a pack?”

  She bit her lip, accidentally drawing blood. “Well, you see, I—”

  He held up his hand to stifle her.

  “I’m sensing complications. I don’t need any more complications, least of all a pack charging onto our lands hunting you down. Ryker, deal with this. I’m sensing a hungry mother-to-be. Am I right, Greyson?”

  “Yup, you are. She wants a boatload of burgers.”

  “All right, well, by the time I return from bringing my mate her lunch, I want whatever Shiloh’s story is to be explained and a solution ready for my approval.”

  “As you command it,” Ryker said, standing.

  Drew lumbered out of the office, leaving Shiloh shaken. She peered at the couple, only to find puzzlement on their faces.

  Ryker leaned against the desk once again. He lowered his voice. “A lot’s happened since you left, Greyson. We’ll talk later. Right now, I need to know why you brought her here. What does she want from us?”

  “Josiah, my brother and appointed alpha of my birth pack, kidnapped her then held her captive for two years. When we went to take control of the pack, they refused me. Just before we headed here, she came to us, seeking asylum, a fresh start. I suggested she join the pack by swearing a blood oath to Drew. I highly doubt the pack will come seeking her out. They have no desire to improve their circumstances or any interest in her whatsoever. I’ve taken over the role of guardian. I am formally asking she be allowed to live among us, as one of us.”

  “Please,” she added, taking a step forward, clasping her hands together in a prayer. “I beg of you.”

  Ryker’s face offered no clue as to which way he leaned. “Why didn’t you return to your birth pack?”

  “I’d already left my pack when I was abducted. It’s not a healthy place for me to return to either.”

  “Hasn’t your birth family been searching for you?”

  “I left almost three years ago. In all that time, I never crossed paths with anyone telling me my family was searching for me. They are, I’m sure, as glad to see me gone as I am to be gone.”

  He grunted, scratching his chin. “You are willing to make a blood oath to our alpha?”

  “Whatever I have to do, I’ll do. I was told the pack is filled with nice wolves. Walking around, it feels safe here. I need safe. I need nice.”

  “When Drew returns, I will recommend you make a blood oath. Greyson, you are bound by the oath you made before you left. If you should choose not to live by the oath, I will be forced to kill you.”

  “Understood, but there is no need for a reminder. My heart, my loyalty, will forever be offered to Drew.”

  Drew returned without fanfare and took his place behind the desk. “So, what’s been decided?”

  “Shiloh is prepared to make a blood oath to you to join the pack. With your approval, of course.”

  “I see. I’m trusting any issues have been laid out and discussed. Give me your knife.”

  Ryker handed over his hunting knife.

  “Shiloh, hold out your hand.”

  She did. Without ceremony, he slashed her palm and his own then clasped the two together. She winced but held steady. She’d endured much worse pain. Blood lost was replaced with a profound sense of coming home, of rightness, of calm.

  “Swear your loyalty to me and to the Tao Pack.”

  “I swear my loyalty to you, Drew, alpha of the Tao Pack, and to the Tao Pack.”

  “It’s done. Welcome, Shiloh.” He directed his attention to Greyson. “What’s your plan for her?”

  “We’re going to the Bread & Butter. We’ll see if Parker’s in need of a worker and if he’s got space to rent.”

  The alpha nodded. “He’s a good man. I’m sure he’ll help you out. As for you two, Greyson, anything I need to be concerned about, or have you closed the book on your birth pack to come home for good?”

  “No concerns, and, yes, we’re staying at my house. I’ll start tracking again as soon as Shiloh’s situation is resolved.”

  “Good,” Ryker chimed in. “We need you out there.”

  Shiloh accepted a wad of tissues from Willow as Drew released her hand. “What’s one more scar, right? This time, at least, I earned it for a good reason.”

  “Go ahead. Shift so it can heal,” Greyson offered.

  She didn’t have to be told twice. As they said their good-byes, walking out, she hobbled for a few minutes on three good legs. By the time they arrived at the grocery store, she had healed. Shifting into her human form, she lagged behind as the others entered the store, breathing in deeply to steady her heart. If there was a job for her here, she’d have to get accustomed to being indoors without fear of getting locked in. A quick glance and confusion set in. If this was the store, where were all the goods?

  “Hey! Greyson, my man! What are you doing back in town? I didn’t expect to see you for a good couple of years or more.”

  Shiloh grabbed hold of the doorframe with a vise-like grip. A sound as rich, deep, and silky like the finest chocolate, filled her ears, causing a flutter low in her belly. The baritone timbre sought every nook and cranny in her heart, her soul. It wrapped them in a luxurious, protective cocoon. When she dared to gaze upon the man sauntering toward Greyson and Willow, she gasped, unable to navigate the incredible situation unfolding before her. The voice. I’d know that voice anywhere. But who is this man?

  “It’s…it’s….” she whispered then pressed trembling fingers against her lips as words failed her. The world tilted as his eyes met hers. Puzzlement faded to concern on his beautiful face. Unable to endure the cataclysmic event any longer, she tapped out, sliding to the floor in a heap of semi-consciousness and then total darkness.

  Chapter Six

  “Shiloh! Wake up!”

  A strong ammonia smell brought her around mighty fast. “Oh, that is horrid!” She looked around, confused. “What am I doing on the floor? What happened, Willow?”

  “You’re all right. You just fainted. Maybe the oath took a bit more blood from you than we thought. Parker’s gone to get you some orange juice.”

  She wriggled upright to lean against the doorjamb, thoroughly embarrassed by her weakness. “Parker. Orange juice. In here? There’s…there’s nothing in here. You sure this is a grocery store?”

  “I don’t know what’s happened, but, yes, it’s the only one in town. I’m sure we’ll find out once we get you stable.”

  The reason behind her fainting spell rushed over with a small bottle in his mammoth-sized hand. “Here, drink this. It’ll help.” He smiled as he offered it to her. Careful not to touch him, she responded in kind as she accepted the bottle.

  “Th-thank you,” she stammered, paying way more attention to her drink than to the man who’d given it to her. She had to be having a waking dream. This was not possible, at all.

  She pressed the lip of the bottle to her own and drank deeply. It tasted real. If she was truly dreaming, she wouldn’t be able to taste, would she? If she was really awake, then she better get her shit together because there was no way in hell she’d share what raced through her mind the moment Parker Bennett spoke.

  “Feeling better?”

  She blanched. He’s talking to me again! Answer him, damn it! “Uh, yes. I think so. I guess I won’t be donating blood any time soon.”

  He laughed.

  His chuckle sent a rush of tingles from the base of her neck down her spine. The fluttering down low kicked into high gear. She groaned then waved off the concerned glares. “I’m all right. I’m all right.”

  “Maybe we should do this tomorrow, Greyson. She doesn’t seem okay to me.” Willow coddled her, like a mom would—at least a mom who cared would. She wasn’t used to that.

  “Honestly, just give me a minute. I’ll be perfectly fine. Like this never happened.” She shooed everyone away from her and stood on her shaky feet, beaming at her success. “See?”

  “So, Grey
son, this isn’t just a friendly visit, I take it?” Parker turned to his packmate.

  “We would’ve stopped by anyhow, but there’s a bit of business we’d like to conduct with you. First, let me make introductions. Parker Bennett, this is Shiloh, our sister-in-law. She just joined the pack a few minutes ago. Shiloh, this is Parker, owner of the Bread & Butter.”

  Shiloh waved meekly. “Hi. Thanks for the OJ. I feel so much better.” That’s it, girl. Finally found your tongue and your sensibilities!

  “Pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the pack.”

  Greyson stepped forward. “I see you’ve got a sign in your window seeking help. I think we found it.”

  “I can’t even begin to tell you how much hiring someone would make my day, Greyson. A couple of days ago, I put in a huge order to fully restock the place. I’ll be picking everything up tomorrow. There’s no way I can stock the shelves by myself quickly enough to suit the needs of the pack. I need to be up and running as soon as possible. With help, I can make it happen.”

  “She needs a job, long-term, but if you only need her for a little while, at least it would help both of you out while she finds something more permanent.”

  “I need permanent full-time help, actually, so you came at just the right moment, Shiloh.” He turned his full attention toward her. “Do you have any experience working in a store?”

  Holy shit, I don’t know how much longer I can keep it together! I don’t know who the hell she is, but I’d know her voice anywhere. I just don’t know how it’s possible.

  “I don’t, but I’m a fast learner and work hard.”

  “Then I think I can take the sign out of the window. You got yourself a job.”

  “Great!” She clapped her hands together, thrilled at how well things were going.

  “There’s something else we wanted to ask you.” Willow rested a warm hand on his arm while flashing a smile to melt even a hardened wolf’s heart.

  He already scored a major boon with hiring this woman. What more could make his day, or totally ruin it? “Yeah, what’s that?”