Wolf in his Heart (Salvation Pack)

by N. J. Walters

  An hour later, Rina found herself ensconced on the sofa in the living room with Sage on one side of her and her brother on the other. Her shoulder was itchy again, but there was nothing she could do about it at the moment, not with the local sheriff sitting across from her.

  A large white bandage now covered her shoulder—not because she needed it, but because there was no way to explain how quickly she was healing—and a blanket was thrown over her legs. She didn’t have to act tired. Showering and eating breakfast had depleted her energy. She was more than ready for a short nap. As much as she hated to give in to the exhaustion pulling at her, she knew the more she rested and fed her body, the stronger she’d get.

  The sheriff glanced around at the other family members. “You think we could have some privacy?”

  Elias glanced at Sage and waited until he’d nodded. “We’ll be outside if you need us.” Which meant his uncle would still hear everything. Sue rubbed Sage’s shoulder on the way along and gave her an encouraging smile. Billy had left right after breakfast to go to work on a project in the workshop.

  That left Reece and Mikhail, and she didn’t think her brother or Sage’s twin were going anywhere.

  The sheriff looked pointedly at the other two men, but they both ignored him. Finally, he sighed and spoke. “I’m Sheriff Dohner, Miss Matheson.”

  She nodded and pulled the blanket a little higher, more for comfort than anything, because she certainly wasn’t cold. Sage rested his hand on her leg while her brother crowded her on her other side. Reece leaned against the wall off to the side.

  “Can you tell me what happened? From the beginning?”

  Rina took her time and explained about how Johnny Bellamy had first threatened her at the diner where she’d been working. She left out the part where he’d accused her of being a werewolf.

  The sheriff consulted his file. “You ran?”

  She nodded. “Yes, I did.”

  “Why didn’t you go to the law?”

  She didn’t like the man’s insinuation that she’d done something wrong. “Because he was local, and I wasn’t. The law isn’t always fair in these situations, Sheriff Dohner, especially to the women involved.”

  He sighed and rubbed his hand over his graying beard. “Unfortunately, I can’t say you’re wrong there. So you ran away.”

  “I was afraid of what he might do. He told me he’d been watching me, following me, and I had no idea who he was, other than a regular at the diner.” She glanced at Sage and the anger in his eyes strengthened her because she knew it wasn’t aimed at her but was on her behalf. “I took to the woods figuring I could lose him. He must have called his brothers like he’d threatened, because suddenly I had three men after me.”

  She shivered. Sage swore under his breath and then lifted her into his lap.

  “I was camping,” Sage told the sheriff. “All the rangers know me at the park.”

  The sheriff nodded, and Sage continued. “I heard something or someone in the woods. It was late, so I figured if it was a person, they had to be lost. I went to check out the situation and found Rina.” He rubbed his hand over her back. “After she explained the situation, I decided it was best we packed up and left. I know those woods like the back of my hand and knew I could get us out safely.”

  “But you were followed?”

  “Oh, yeah, they were right on our trail the whole way. I figured we lost them when we left. I’m still not sure how he found her.”

  The sheriff sat back in his chair. He was a tall man and solid. He looked to be in his early sixties but moved like a much younger man. Rina was curious about what he could tell them.

  “According to Mr. Bellamy, he asked a ranger at the park. Apparently, one of them saw you leaving. He told the ranger he was your boyfriend, Miss Matheson.” She made a small sound of distress. “Oh, I know that’s not the case,” he assured her, “but the ranger didn’t know the situation. He bought the story that you two had had a fight and you’d caught a ride with a stranger.”

  He turned to Sage. “The ranger reassured him that you were a good guy and told him your name. Bellamy used that information to find out where you lived.”

  Sheriff Dohner closed his file and set it aside. “He was by himself at that point. I’ve talked to the ranger and to some folks in town. Seems like Mr. Bellamy was asking about Sage at the local diner. One of the waitresses told him where to find you.”

  That explained everything. Rina was glad to know and doubly glad that her stalker was currently sitting in a jail cell.

  “Now that leads me to my next question.”

  Rina straightened, or tried to. Sage had a firm hold on her and wasn’t letting her move. She sighed but settled back, resting her head on his shoulder. “What is it, Sheriff?”

  The older man looked slightly uncomfortable. “He’s spouting all kinds of nonsense about you being a werewolf. I know.” He held up his hands. “It’s nonsense, but do you have any idea where it came from?”

  She’d thought about this and had come up with what she hoped was a believable explanation. “I’d sometimes walk in the woods behind my apartment at night. I grew up camping and hiking, and it was a way to relax after a hard day of waitressing. I never ran into anyone and always believed I was alone.”

  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 th
e 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.”