“When we first met he made me promise never to tell anyone who he was or what he did, ever.”
She was unable to control the fear, which must have flashed in her eyes, and she knew they could see that Wolf had threatened her with something terrifying. He had no other choice if he wished to keep Casey alive. If the authorities were to go after Wolf, if Casey revealed his intended crime, it could lead them to others, depending on the circumstances; mean and dangerous others.
Whether or not Wolf then made good on his threat to her, someone else might be forced to finish what he had started. Whatever Wolf had threatened her with should have sufficed, why it might not have appeared to confuse Lando.
“What happened?” Christy breathed out.
“We were on the beach. We had been keeping a signal fire blazing all day. It was so terribly hot I needed to cool off. Wolf had come from the ocean seeking the same thing, but sent me back to the falls we had found.
“There was a huge stingray swimming in the shallow part extremely close to the beach and he didn't want me to be hurt. When I went to the falls I dunked my head and, after emerging, heard a voice from behind me. It was Todd, a man I had met on the ship and another survivor. He had been alone on the island for so long he was ecstatic to see another living soul. His over-enthusiasm frightened me and I hit him over the head with a rock to escape and raced back to Wolf.” Casey had drawn her knees up to her chest; she began quivering.
“Did you tell Todd?” Lando asked.
“Todd was mad because I hit him with the rock and he accused me of lying because while we were on the boats, I had told him twice Wolf was after me.” Casey looked up at Lando, this time allowing her tears to fall.
“I started to tell him I didn't lie. I started to tell what had happened, but Wolf stopped me. He cut me off quickly and said to Todd he had been trying to propose. When he came at me he was so angry, I realized right away what I had almost done. I knew he was wondering if I would keep my word as I had promised. He made it appear he was considering killing Todd and perhaps even me. I was so scared. It would have been simple for him to do away with us. Everyone would just assume we drowned in the storm. I felt he only would have kept me alive for company until others arrived.”
“You must have been terrified,” Christy said. Her own tears began falling for the distraught woman.
“He grabbed my arm and dragged me back to the fire at the falls. It felt as though he were crushing my bones. He threw me down to the ground and then went to get some water; I could see he was struggling with his rage. I had already been injured when the yacht went down and my body hurt everywhere, it seemed. But I was so scared, wondering what he would do next.
“When he came back he still looked so infuriated, I knew I needed to do something to save our lives. But Todd was sitting there watching us. I couldn't beg him for our lives in front of him,” Casey continued. Though her shaking had increased, she managed to control her tears.
“For me to beg for our lives openly would have had the man, Todd, realize instantly something was amiss. Wolf would have had no other choice but to kill or brutalize the man into silence.”
“What did you do?” Lando asked.
“I remembered after I had hit Wolf with the low branch and knocked him down—” Casey started.
“You nailed him with a branch?” Lando interrupted her, eyebrows raised.
“Well, after I hit him with the coconut, knocking him out, and then the log, he threatened me never to hit him in the head again. The branch got him in the chest,” Casey said, feeling a bit defensive because of his incredulous tone. Lando was suddenly laughing.
“It's not funny, I was terrified,” Casey said, bristling.
“Now I understand the warning,” Lando said, trying to control himself. “The images alone are priceless.”
“What happened with Todd?” Christy interrupted, dying of curiosity.
“I pulled myself into Wolf's lap and rubbed his arms and shoulders, trying to calm him enough to listen. I whispered to him I would do anything for him. I told him I was sorry. He spared our lives, then had me pretend to be in love with him. He told Todd we were engaged. I was still so afraid. Wolf can be so tender at times but when he is angry he is so fierce,” Casey said, finishing her story.
“How did you manage to placate him enough to spare you the first time?” Lando asked, obviously intrigued at her ingenuity. “I know Wolf's hunting style. He usually never allows anyone to see him coming.”
Warily Casey looked at Lando as he eagerly awaited her explanation. “I explained what really happened to Abby after I knocked him out with a tree branch that fell from a trip line I devised, and tied him up with vines.” She grimaced as Lando once more howled with uproarious laughter.
“Lando!” Christy interfered.
“I can't wait for Wolf to get back,” Lando said, making no effort to hide the fact he was amused. “No wonder he's so intrigued by you. No one has ever gotten the best of him.”
“Lando, Casey must have been terrified. How can you laugh about this?” Christy admonished.
Sobering, Lando looked over at Casey's tear-streaked face and smiled gently at her. “I'm sorry, sweetheart, I understand you must have been terribly frightened, but you've got guts. I respect that. Defying a man like him, I'm impressed. Even grown, huge, powerful men are afraid to defy the Wolf.”
“I did it for David,” Casey said, feeling the pain.
“Damn the man to hell!” Lando exclaimed, to her surprise. She jumped, startled by his sudden change to furious anger.
“Wolf told me your story, although he neglected to mention the branch incident. I was disgusted at the man's betrayal to his own wife. God forbid if anything were to happen to Logan, I would need Christy's support as much as she would need mine. To have accused you of murdering his child, and then attempting to murder you is unfathomable. It had obviously been a terrible accident. I can barely imagine the betrayal you suffered.
“Wolf will take care of it, Casey,” he added, eyes narrowed. “If word ever arises he is once more seeking to harm you, Wolf will take care of him permanently.”
Casey almost shuddered at Lando's now intense look. She scratched Sam behind the ears, ruffling his soft fur. The fluffy light grey wolf had found her interesting. Although still a pup, his size was already intimidating.
Casey had found the animal to be equally fascinating and had made a friend of him by early breakfast with the small pieces of bacon she had unobtrusively handed him under the quaint oak table. He now sat leaning heavily against her side; his head lay upon her thigh. He had not been exposed to many new people and, though curious, he had been wary of her at first. But Wolf had been a smell he remembered. Wolf was a friend, a recognized member of the pup's pack, and since she had come with him, the pup decided to allow her for the moment.
Logan's sudden babbling from the monitor on the table before them had Christy rising to fetch her son from his nap, leaving Lando and Casey alone. Casey studied Lando as he studied her.
“Did you tell him you love him?” Lando asked her, surprising her.
“What would be the point?” she replied.
“Once he knows your feelings he only has to figure out his own. I'll tell you a little secret, sweetheart. Men are bright creatures until it comes to feelings. If he has to try and figure out yours and his at the same time it will take him longer. Save him the strain of the unknown,” Lando advised.
Casey thought about that for a moment. Although it made perfect sense, she would still risk being hurt again. Could she do that for Wolf? She felt so confused.
There were so many reasons why she should encourage Wolf to remove himself from her life. He was an assassin. That was what he was and who he was. How could she have a future with him?
Yet, Wolf's father had been an assassin and Wolf's mother had loved him. Wolf had loved him. Thoughts resounded in her head. Wolf did not kill innocents. Because of his sister's death, he killed the evil. Did th
at make him evil? Casey knew he was dangerous, but no, she admitted, she did not consider him to be evil. How could she when she loved him? There was no doubt in her mind anymore.
“Lando?”
“Tell him, Casey. Don't give away an opportunity. I see your fear. Ask yourself if you would be more afraid to live with him, than without him,” Lando said.
“How do I get him to listen?”
“Hit him over the head,” Lando said, and chuckled.
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* * *
Chapter Sixteen
* * * *
Over the next few days, Casey began to relax while in the capable care of Lando. She was certain the solitude and serenity that abounded was also helpful. Christy proved to be a woman of compassion and caring, and had calmed any residual fears Casey had. Logan always provided a sweet distraction and she was drawn to the child.
Sam had indeed one day made off with her underwear, though when Lando had returned them to her in a flourish, chuckling, he had grandly exclaimed to her embarrassment, “Welcome to the family!”
Casey still pondered the discussion she had with Lando about Wolf. Lando was inquisitive and had coaxed her into telling him her entire life story. Though closemouthed about his own past, Christy had told her the story of how they had met. How Lando had sought to end her life with a mercy killing while out in the deep woods, miles from civilization, after the plane they were in crashed.
Christy's poor battered body had been so badly bruised, Lando had felt certain he would be committing a kindness if he ended her life quickly, instead of leaving her exposed to the elements and wild animals. He had been moved to offer her aid instead.
She spoke fondly of the memories while Wolf had protected her. She said though she was terrified of him at the time, he had kept her safe. He was indeed a man of his word. He kept his promises.
Casey had watched as Lando fed pieces of apple to a deer and had encouraged her to do the same, holding out her hand within his own. As the dainty lips nuzzled her palm, her exclamations of wonder had Lando chuckling fondly at her, caught up in her rapture.
Casey had never before fed wild animals and had been amazed as Lando fed mini-marshmallows to a raccoon while Christy rifled off pictures at a furious pace. The serenity was captivating. She wondered if she could convince Wolf to give up his frightening lifestyle to adapt to something as glorious as this.
Sadly, she realized that unless he could overcome his sister's brutal death, it would be impossible. There was a terrible anger inside Wolf, a need to seek justice for the innocents of the world time and time again. A continuous release he had to explore. Wolf was indeed a formidable opponent; he strove to dominate the men around him, taking control of every encounter.
She wondered at his desire to keep her safe. Did he somehow feel if he kept her from harm he could finally atone for not being able to help his baby sister? He had helped Christy, perhaps because he had been injured in the skirmish, and it had, in fact, been a young boy who had saved Christy from his father's wrath. Maybe Wolf felt he had failed her as well.
She wondered on a deeper emotional level if Wolf was angry with himself over that too. If the young boy could save Christy, why could he not have saved his own sister when he had been young? Wolf was battling a great many demons.
Casey helped Christy prepare dinner that night. They spoke companionably while Lando entertained Logan and listened to their conversation, bouncing the child upon his knee.
“You are a wonderful cook,” Casey said to Christy. She munched on a raw carrot, dicing them for salad while the stuffed Cornish game hens roasted on the oven's rotisserie.
Christy smiled. “Lando and Wolf were great teachers,” she exclaimed. Having basted the hens from the heavenly juices dripping into a pan underneath, she mixed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cream and butter.
“Wolf?” Casey asked, amazed. She paused at her task.
“Yes, Wolf is a great chef. He made sure I ate well; he took care of everything,” Christy said, though she paused in her work watching with curiosity at Casey's animated expression.
“That rat!” Casey exclaimed heatedly.
Lando chuckled as if sensing another story.
“Didn't he cook for you?” Christy asked.
“No, not ever. I found the food, I cooked the food, and he ate the food,” Casey said with annoyance. She suddenly lightened up. “Well, there was the wild pig incident. But I still cooked it, and then stored it for later.”
“Wild pig?” Lando asked.
“It chased me and I fell. If Wolf hadn't been such a letch, and was spying on me while I bathed, it would have gored me, or killed me. He saved my life. He claimed I was the only entertaining thing on the island to watch. I guess I don't really mind. He did also save me from that huge snake that attacked Todd,” Casey mused. “Poor Todd. But if it hadn't been for him being bitten I never would have found out Wolf was jealous. He certainly was in a rage that night. I didn't think I'd ever calm him down.” She rolled her eyes in mock exasperation.
“You and I are going to have to sit down again and talk after dinner,” Lando declared.
Casey chuckled at his expression. The man was even more curious than Wolf. She hoped after this was over she would one day be allowed to return to visit. She liked the family before her, and was growing fonder of them by the second. She only wished she could have her own.
Casey had been right; it had not taken long for Wolf to track David down. Tracking was a specialty Wolf excelled in. Wolf had gone to their secluded cabin, knowing the man would be playing the bereaved husband and needing solitude. No doubt while counting Casey's money.
Wolf stalked David as he gathered wood to take inside. He moved unhurriedly, knowing the man was alone and unaware he was under surveillance. David sat the wood down by the large fireplace and turned, intent on gathering more. His eyes widened in disbelief. He retreated a step as Wolf appeared before him. David lifted a hand to his heart.
“Good God, you scared me! Where the hell did you come from? I thought you were dead,” David said on a generous amount of expelled air.
“You misled me.” Wolf approached David, wasting no time.
“What do you mean?” David stammered.
“Casey did not murder your daughter,” Wolf said with conviction.
“So she got to you,” David said bitterly. He continued his retreat.
“Casey loved your daughter,” Wolf snarled.
“She killed her,” David spat out, his face reddening in apparent frustration.
Wolf moved swiftly. He smashed David against a wall with his forearm pressed to his throat. “A car accident killed Abby. The money isn't yours either, is it?”
“Is that what you want, more money? I can get it. Is that what she offered you for her life?” David choked. He pushed at Wolf, trying to dislodge his arm, but Wolf remained steadfast. David was no match for the powerful, angry man. It was not long before David's struggles ceased. Wolf held him firmly, easily.
The sun glinted off something shiny, capturing Wolf's attention; he reached out and unhooked a small fishing lure David had made into a type of pin. He fondled it, thinking hard. David's eyes shifted from the lure to Wolf. He looked away guiltily. Wolf knew he had been right; David blamed himself for his child's death.
The thought angered him further; he would plot the demise of a caring, helpless woman to meet his own needs. His own wife! Wolf glared heated daggers at the pathetic man before him, feeling he was no innocent, as Casey was, but he had promised her he would not bring about this fool's destruction.
“I want you to leave Casey alone. Forever. You get within a hundred miles of her and I'll know. You send anyone else after her and I will kill you. Do you understand?” Wolf snapped into his face.
“It's too late,” David cried out.
“What do you mean, too late?” Wolf howled, a sinking feeling beginning in his belly.
“When your boat went down, a ma
n came to me wanting to know what you had been working on, a man like you. I told him everything. I told him who you were after. I told him why I sent you after her. He didn't want any money to finish the job you started; he thought you were dead. He went to make certain Casey was.”
“Who was he?” Wolf yelled, enraged. He shook David, snapping the man's head back and forth.
“I don't know! He found me. He only told me his name was Tyr.” David slumped to the floor slowly as Wolf released him. He was sobbing, no doubt assuming his life would now come to an end.
Wolf stood stunned. Casey was in grave danger. Tyr was another expert tracker. He needed to act quickly. He needed to get back to her now, or she would die. Lando would be unaware how deadly the man was, or that he was coming. He looked down, furious at the man slumped on the floor before him. He was curled into a tight ball, pleading for his life. Wolf crouched before him as David cowered back. His hands splayed before him, whimpering for mercy.
“Now you know how Casey felt. How frightened she was. Even by the end, she fought for you because she loved you and Abby. You owe her your life. But make no mistake. If she dies, you die. There will be nowhere you can hide from me,” Wolf said.
Wolf rose; he tossed the fishing lure at David's feet and was once again on the move.
Casey held Logan in her arms, rocking on her feet, and sang him a soft lullaby. She cuddled him to her breast, kissed his sweet cheek, and wished he was hers. She missed Abby terribly. Logan seemed to help fill a void deep within.
She was very grateful Wolf had brought her here. Though she would never stop loving Abby, she could feel some of the hurt lessening. She was not surprised when Lando appeared beside her. Like Wolf, he moved quietly. Unless he wanted you to hear his approach, you would not. It never ceased to amaze her how two such large, powerful men could move so stealthily.
“He's asleep,” Lando said, and gazed down into his son's peaceful face.
“I know. I just like to hold him,” Casey said, admiring the sleeping child.
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