Wandering Off the Path

by Willa Edwards

  She looked back over at Wolf, where he casually leant back across the table, chewing on another apple. His broad chest was on display, the muscles bunching and moving as he ate. Her gaze dipped south, to a part of him ready and willing for distraction, creating a heat deep in her stomach.

  Regardless of how much power she might wield over Wolf’s hungers, she couldn’t divert his attention forever. Eventually they’d need to leave this cabin, and when they both reappeared, there would only be more questions. Questions she didn’t know how to answer, or wouldn’t want to answer, after Wolf had left her. After he’d taken what he’d come for.

  Besides, Hunter might have news of her grandmother.

  “What is it?” Wolf’s eyes met hers. He straightened and the smile dropped from his face as he looked up at her, concern evident in the contours of his features. His expression warmed her more than any stroke he’d placed upon her.

  Abigail felt his pull again. She twisted towards him, her whole being alert and aware of his hard form beside her. She clutched her hands at her side, wanting to run her fingers across that chest, through his thick hair, down his smooth back. She fought against the haze of desire Wolf had unleashed in her, trying to remember Hunter’s presence just outside her door. She had no idea what Hunter would do if he found her being ravished by her big, bad Wolf, but she didn’t wish to find out.

  “Wolf,” she spoke quickly, forcing the words from her throat even as her heart opposed them. “You need to dress.”

  His molten gaze assessed her, warming her with invitation. Her body responded—she was more than willing to accept the enticement in his stare. It took all of her willpower to deny his request.

  “I heard a horse.”

  Wolf leapt from his seat, the bench rocked underneath her, his every muscle tensed for attack. The tightening of his frame only improved her view of his chiselled nakedness, her gaze lingering upon his strong legs and arse. The rational part of her mind fought for control.

  “It’s fine. It’s a friend,” she reassured, hoping to calm the spooked warrior within. A husky tenor wrapped around her words, roughness that she hoped wouldn’t incite him further.

  From the way his eyes glowed, she knew Wolf had noticed the lusty, gravelly sound as well. He turned towards her, licking his lips. The movement was performed with expertise to elicit a response. Even realising the manipulation, her heart thumped harder, wanting to give in.

  “Why don’t you send them away?” Wolf stepped closer. His muscles clenched, he looked about to pounce. She found it difficult to remember why she needed to deny him. The idea of giving in played sweetly in her mind. They could go back to the bedroom, crawl into bed. Wolf’s hard body would pin her to the mattress, his rough palms would hold her wrists above her—

  “No!” she exclaimed. Her breath was ragged.

  Wolf leaned closer, as if preparing for his next assault, determined to break through her poorly constructed barriers, but she stopped him with a touch.

  “He might know something about my grandmother.”

  Wolf leant back in surrender. But he made no move to return to the bedroom and clothe himself as she’d asked.

  “Please, Wolf.”

  The bang of the stable doors and the sounds of Hunter settling his horse into the small stable, where he kept his mare every time he visited, echoed through the air.

  Wolf nodded, stepping away from her to the bedroom. Abigail let out a sigh of relief as he disappeared behind the door, his acceptance not as reassuring as she’d hoped for. Her reputation would be ruined if Hunter found Wolf there. But soon Wolf would be gone as well, leaving a gaping void where her quiet life had once resided.

  She pulled the edges of her cloak closer around her. Not only to warm herself from the cold created by Wolf’s departure, but to cover the thin chemise that moulded to her body. She’d never worn anything so revealing in front of Hunter, but nothing could be done about it now.

  The second thwack of the wooden stable door alerted her to Hunter’s approach, settling a chill through her body, and a sudden foreboding encircled her. The sense that something was about to happen she wouldn’t be able to turn back from, that would change her forever, nagged at her. But she shoved it aside. Two life-changing events couldn’t occur on the same night and there was no arguing that Wolf had changed her.

  Determined to conquer her trepidation, Abigail strode to the door, reaching the knob before Hunter. Pre-empting his knock, she swung the door open, allowing the cool October air to intrude into the cosy cabin.

  Hunter stood before her, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, ready to step inside the cabin. His bright blue eyes studied her with a mixture of surprise and relief. His curled sable hair stuck out around his head, windblown from his ride.

  “Abigail, you’re all right?” He spoke the words like a question, but she detected a subtle insult buried within his statement, that she was incapable of taking care of herself without him. If only he knew. She moved back from the door frame, allowing him entrance.

  Hunter closed the door behind him, forcing the bitter wind back into the starlit night.

  “Of course.” She walked around him towards the table, collecting the remnants of Wolf’s and her meal, more to occupy her hands rather than to clean. “Was there any doubt?”

  Hunter swallowed and she realised how harsh her words had sounded. She had no reason to be angry with him. He was being a good neighbour, a good man. It wasn’t his fault he’d appeared the same night Wolf had set her alive, making the rest of her life look dreary and boring in comparison.

  Forcing herself to soften, she smiled at him. The tension in the room decreased with her sweet expression, in spite of the effort it took to don the mask. She stared at Hunter, his eyes sparkling, a triumphant grin on his lips, but all Abigail noticed were the qualities Hunter did not possess that she desperately needed. The darkness and dominance that Wolf oozed naturally.

  “I came to check on you. The temperature dropped so quickly, I wanted to make sure you were prepared…” His words tapered off, the solid slam of the bedroom door closing behind her interrupting his concern.

  Hunter’s eyes widened. His stare focused past her right shoulder. She didn’t need to turn to realise what he saw. His shoulders inched up, his body was stiff. A subtle signal of strength and challenge emitted between the two men.

  “Thank you, Hunter.” Keeping her gaze fixed forward, Abigail forbade herself to turn towards Wolf. No good could come from the pliant declaration such a peek would display. All it would do was hurt Hunter. Even though she knew now that she did not want to be with him, she had no desire to hurt her oldest friend.

  As if remembering her presence in the too-small room, Hunter trailed his gaze back to her, his stare hovering an inch to the right of her face, keeping Wolf in sight.

  “I’ve always looked out for you.”

  Possession buzzed through Hunter’s tone, attempting to stake a claim on her he’d never owned. She flinched involuntarily at the menacing look she imagined would fill Wolf’s eyes at Hunter’s bold statement, not needing to see him to discern his thoughts.

  “I appreciate your concern.”

  She watched Hunter, inspecting him, gauging his emotions. She didn’t want to hurt him, but it was clear Hunter could never be to her what Wolf was. Even as primal and possessive as he was now, Hunter didn’t hold the same power over her as Wolf. When Wolf demanded she submitted, her whole body surged and her knees went weak. But Hunter’s possession felt like wearing a dress two sizes too tight, uncomfortable and made for someone else.

  “As you can see, we’re fine.”

  Hunter’s eyes filled with hurt, accompanied by a bright, angry flare. Immediately she understood her mistake. She hadn’t intended to speak for both she and Wolf, but the words had sprung so naturally from her lips she hadn’t censored them.

  Hunter’s glare moved from her to Wolf. His pupils enlarged, as if perceiving the dark energy surrounding her lover. The
same darkness that had attracted her on the quiet path alerted her to the inherent difference between them.

  Hunter wasn’t unappealing. He was just as gentle as he was strong. He would never harm her, or any other woman, with his muscle. She’d be safe with him, far safer than she was with Wolf. She didn’t want the safe. Not anymore.

  “Abigail, what do you think you’re doing? You’re alone. With a man.” Hunter’s voice was harsh, filled with hate. “Do you have any idea what others might think?” He scowled at her, his tone closer to the scorn of parent against an ignorant child than a man towards a woman.

  She steeled herself, fighting the desire to lash out at him. Her implied ignorance in his words suffocated her. She hated how he treated her. She was an adult, capable of making her own choices, even if that choice was to be alone with Wolf.

  She nodded. There was no point in trying to deny it when the evidence was right now staring him in the face. “And I don’t care.”

  As if in response, Wolf took a step closer. His possessive energy surrounded her. Hunter’s eyes flared, searching her gaze. She feared what he might find in her eyes. Would he instantly know all they’d done? Could he see the claim Wolf held over her? Even if he did, she had no idea how to renounce it. Nor did she want to. Wolf owned a part of her, the piece she’d given him, freely and without regret.

  “But… I…” Hunter stammered, “We… I thought…” He looked down, flushed, and her heart twisted.

  She couldn’t deny the truth within her, not anymore, but she had no wish to hurt Hunter. If only there were something she could do to ease his pain, she’d be more than happy to. But she couldn’t think of any way to do so. She wouldn’t surrender her own happiness for his. She couldn’t.

  “What’s he doing here, Abigail?” Hunter’s voice lashed out at her. He shifted his weight towards her, the floorboards squeaking beneath him.

  “That’s none of your concern. I wish for him to be here. That’s all that matters.”

  Hunter’s eyes narrowed on her, his hands forming two fists by his sides. She wouldn’t have believed herself capable of such a bold statement, yet today she could think of no other way to respond.

  “As you can see,” Abigail continued, ignoring the pained expression on Hunter’s boyish face, “I’m fine. There’s no need for you to stay.”

  His eyes widened further. His jaw clenched. “You cannot expect me to leave you here”—he swallowed—“with him.”

  “This is my home. I’ll be safe here.”

  Hunter moved a step closer. His mouth opened as if he were about to argue with her, though she saw no point.

  Behind her she heard Wolf’s feet shift across the floorboards. His possession reached out to her through the empty space, calling her to step back. She held in place, not ready to concede to either man who commanded her submission.

  She stood still, hoping the two men would follow her lead and abandon the standoff. She didn’t know what she’d do if they came to blows. Her small form would be inadequate to stop the two testosterone-filled men if they wished to harm each other.

  Hunter relaxed his stance, imploring her to listen. “Abigail.”

  She tensed in anticipation. She remained silent, allowing him to say his piece so he could leave the cabin knowing he’d fulfilled his purpose as protector.

  “I’ve known you all your life. You’ve always been a smart girl. You know better than this.”

  She drew back from his condescension. He didn’t know what kind of girl she was. She hadn’t truly known herself until today. Only Wolf could claim such knowledge. Only he saw deep inside her, to the truth.

  “You don’t know anything about me,” she sneered as Hunter’s eyes once more glazed with anger. “All you ever saw was what you wanted to see.”

  His face contorted. His brows creased and his lips pursed. His hands were clenched tight at his sides. She’d never seen Hunter look so furious before. But unlike when the same fury filled Wolf’s eyes, her heart didn’t pound faster or knees shake. Instead it created a returning angry flame within her, equal to that lighting Hunter’s sapphire depths. “And he sees something different?” Hunter extended his arm, pointing towards Wolf.

  “Yes, he does.” Her statement was simple, yet it felt so much more substantial. It was the true difference between them. Wolf had seen the real her, the woman who was hidden even from herself. Unlike Hunter, he’d never wanted to make her into something different, into the person he wanted. He appreciated her for who she was.

  Hunter pulled back in surprise. He looked between her and Wolf as if watching for something, though she had no idea what he was looking for.

  Abigail shifted, the weight of their silence pressing down on her. She turned back to look at Wolf’s blank face. What wouldn’t she give to know what he was thinking now? “Hunter, I think it’s best if you leave.”

  Hunter shook his head, stepping towards the exit. His shoulders were slumped in defeat. “I think you’re right, Abigail. It was a mistake for me to come.”

  Abigail nodded, watching Hunter back away. She didn’t feel scared or nervous, concerned for what the future held, as she should have. With Wolf standing behind her, his scent still dappled on her skin, she felt brave, strong and powerful. Her body was satisfied in a way she’d never been before. Would it always be that way? Or would he abandon her, taking all her strength with him?

  Wolf would leave eventually, just as her parents and grandmother had, and when he did, would she still be proud of her choices? Or would she be begging Hunter to forgive her? Would she regret the harsh words she’d spoken tonight, or the impropriety Hunter had witnessed them enraptured in? Would she be left alone to wallow in misery, having hurt the only man who’d cared enough to stay by her side?

  As Hunter walked towards the door, he passed the upturned vase her grandmother used for flowers, pushed aside for the winter season. Through all the anger and hurt, she’d almost forgotten why she’d allowed him entrance into her home. The reason she still needed Hunter.

  “Hunter,” she called across the icy silence between them. She tried to infuse warmth and friendship into her tone, but feared after all she’d said her effort fell flat.

  Hunter gripped the door handle tightly. His knuckles white around the wood. His body poised to flee. He didn’t turn to face her. But despite his silence she continued. She had to. She needed to know.

  “Have you heard anything of my grandmother? I don’t know where she is.”

  He turned back, his gaze still stiff. For a moment it looked as if he would say something hurtful, or nothing at all. But after a minute the angry glee dropped from his face, and the real Hunter—hurt—stood before her.

  “No,” he spat out between clenched teeth. Hunter grabbed the latch, releasing the mechanism and walking out of her home, and her life, for good.

  Abigail didn’t know if she should be relieved or more anxious that Hunter had not seen her. While she believed that he’d know if any ill had befallen her, the lack of any word of her was disheartening. Where was her grandmother? Was she safe?

  While she loved her grandmother, and wanted her home safe soon, her possible return filled her with a whole different set of worries. When her grandmother got home, Wolf would be gone, along with all her prospects for the future. She’d have to watch him walk out of the door, leaving her to a grimmer future than she’d had before. A future where she knew what she wanted, had experienced everything that she desired, and would never have it again.

  A future where she was only half living. Only half the person she was now.

  A future without Wolf.

  Chapter Six

  Wolf watched the man leave, the door slamming behind him. His heart still pounded from Abigail’s avowal. His fists still clenched tight at his sides, ready to defend her from any attack.

  He’d seen the longing in Hunter’s eyes as he’d looked at Abigail. The same bone-deep need pulled at his own heart when he stared down at those amber eyes, though his
emotion was requited. The sunset-haired beauty, with her soft heart and fiery nature, could attract any man’s devotion. It had only taken Wolf moments to decide he wanted this woman, her curiosity tempting him to such a drastic response.

  That same longing that had filled Hunter’s eyes had turned to anger in a moment. If he hadn’t been there, who knew what might have happened. Hunter might have even hit her. Wolf’s stomach twisted at the thought. If he had, Wolf wasn’t sure what he would have done, but pulling his limbs from his body appeared a sound idea.

  He couldn’t deny he’d been as much to blame for the loss of her good name as Hunter was. He should have known better than to stake Abigail as his territory. She wasn’t his to claim. She never could be. She deserved far better than he.

  He turned to look at Abigail, out of some instinct he couldn’t identify. He needed to see her. Needed to know she was beside him. His nerves prickled. Something wasn’t right. Something in the room had changed.

  Beside him, Abigail bit down on her puffy lower lip. She stared up at him, her gaze watery with tears, slamming him in the chest and stealing his breath.

  What have I done? He’d taken her prospects from her, a future filled with happiness, in one arrogant gesture. One she clearly didn’t welcome. He should leave her, before he had any more time to destroy her life or deprive her of the future she really wanted. At the idea of tossing her aside, a need to protect her bloomed, strong and stiff, in his midsection, painful to push away. He couldn’t release her. Not today. Not any day.

  Quickly she turned and ran to the bedroom. A sad, muffled noise escaped her throat as she scampered away, piercing him like an arrow to the chest. Not bothering to shut the door behind her, Abigail dropped to the bed. Bracing her elbows on her knees, she smothered her face in her palms. Sobs racked her small shoulders, each shake like tiny stabs to the gut.