“What’s the Council?” Tess cut him off.
“The alphas of each pack or the elected leaders by the solitary shifters are on the council, and together they make executive decisions for the greater good of everyone here,” he explained. “It was hard at first, but I think everyone is falling into a groove.”
“And everyone gets along?” Tess inquired warily. The walking was getting tiresome, and she didn’t know how much longer she could go without passing out. She squinted her eyes, trying to make out how much further this Sanctuary place was.
“For the most part. There are rules that all residents are required to follow,” Nate started, but paused, cocking his head to the side. “Xander sent a welcoming party. They’ll be here in a minute.”
Tess stiffened and stopped walking.
“Hey,” Nate said, touching her shoulder. “It’s okay. You’re safe here. I promise.”
Tess swallowed and stared down at his hand. The haze in her head cleared and she stared intently at Nate. His touch was innocent, but it ignited a desire in her she’d never felt before. Her lips parted and her body leaned forward of its own volition. She wanted to taste him.
Nate’s finger brushed against her collarbone, sending liquid heat coursing through her. His head tilted forward, his eyes locking with hers.
She blinked as her heart sped up. No. No. No. He’s a wolf. What are you thinking? She wasn’t even sure if she could trust him—not really anyway—her intuition could be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time. She snapped her head away and pushed past him. Keep walking.
She stumbled the second she broke contact from him. The dizziness and blurriness returned. Weird. It wasn’t something she could afford to worry about at the moment; a welcoming party was on the way.
A howl erupted into the air and echoed off the rocks. She froze as her eyes darted around, trying to find the wolf. Flee. Her feet were sluggish as she attempted to run.
“Whoa,” Nate caught her before she could get too far. “They’re just loud. Come on out guys,” he called.
Tess curled into Nate as six wolves stalked out of the brush. Her fingers clasped onto his shirt tightly as she pressed herself against his firm body. Nate wrapped a protective hand around her waist and held his other up to stop the wolves. The animals sat on their haunches staring at her inquisitively.
Tess released her death grip on Nate’s shirt feeling less threatened with the wolves sitting. Her wolf wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. Wait. What? My wolf? And since when do you trust him? You don’t know him.
The leaves to her right rustled loudly and a shrill, voice called out angrily, “What is this?”
Chapter Three
Nate grumbled under his breath as he turned to meet his mother’s glare.
“What is she doing here?” his mother demanded, eyeing Tess.
“She’s hurt,” he explained simply.
“She’s a werecat,” his mother argued. “Get her out of here. She isn’t welcome.”
Tess pulled away from him, standing straighter. She inhaled shakily and swayed on her feet but made no inclination that she was going to move.
“This is a place of sanctuary, all shifters are welcome here,” his father stated, emerging from the trees. His father’s dark brown eyes turned to Tess. “Including werecats.” He took a step toward Tess. “I understand you’re hurt. Come lets get you inside.” He motioned with his fingers, and two men hustled out of the bushes carrying a stretcher.
“And what about the council?” his mother pressed, crossing her arms. “Enemy shifter’s need to be cleared before allowed onto Sanctuary’s grounds.”
“We’ll hold a meeting after she is tended for. I’m not going to make the girl wait while the council assembles,” his father replied. He offered his hand to Tess and after a long moment she accepted it. “Come let’s get you taken care of,” he repeated as they approached the cot.
“I can walk,” Tess replied stubbornly.
“Very well,” his father acknowledged, leading the way into Sanctuary.
Nate went to follow, but his mother stepped in front of him blocking his path. “Surely you haven’t forgotten that werecats are our enemies,” she snapped, her icy blue eyes churning with anger.
Nate shook his head at his mother. How could he forget the stories? She had told them to him every night at bedtime as a child. His mother hadn’t been the nurturing type. What she lacked in physical strength, she made up for with her tenacity.
“I know the stories, Mom, but those are stories from grandma’s youth. The fighting had nothing to do with her. She wasn’t even born,” he insisted. It was the truth everything that had happened between the wolves and the cats took place decades ago.
His mom smoothed a hand over her pristine, grey suit. “They can’t be trusted. Cats betrayed us in the past, they’ll do it again,” she snapped. “If werecats or hunters end up here, it will be on you.” She arched a pointed brow at him.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he said through gritted teeth before walking past his mother. Maybe one day he’d do something to her satisfaction. Yeah right, hell would freeze over first.
Nate hiked up the hill, ignoring the stares from his fellow shifters. Everyone was curious about the werecat—including him. But more importantly, he yearned to know Tess was going to be okay. Ironic that a slip of a girl, who he’d known for less than two hours, already had him concerned. He cared about the shifters he rescued, and always wanted the best for them, but this was different. His stomach knotted with worry, and his heart clenched tightly in his chest. He needed her to be okay.
He made his way to the top of the incline and shoved aside the brush that led to the entrance. The sliding doors hissed open, and he entered the large compound. Sanctuary was above ground, but used the mountain and the trees to disguise the large building. Vegetation covered the roof, walls, and most of the windows, giving the compound the perfect disguise.
Nate traveled down the long corridors and into the medical wing. The stench of antiseptic hit him hard as he entered, and he twitched his nose in displeasure. He hated the alcohol odor of the infirmary. Too many mishaps as a youth—and a few as an adult too—had landed him here.
As he continued down the long beige hall, one of the doors opened and his father stepped out. His old man’s eyes widened with surprise as they landed on Nate.
“Is she going to be all right?” Nate asked, ignoring his father’s look.
His father placed his hands behind his back and turned to look into the small rectangular window. “Doc is getting her some medicine now. She’s still fairly coherent and able to walk, I don’t imagine the poison has caused any permanent damage yet.”
“Good.”
“How did you come by her?” his father asked, still gazing into the infirmary.
“I didn’t. Eden did,” he explained.
His father snapped his head toward Nate at the mention of Eden. “How did that happen?”
Nate nodded towards the closed door. “Tess wandered into Gordy’s last night, then passed out.”
“You’re positive no one followed her?” his father pressed.
“I wouldn’t have left Eden if I’d thought there was danger,” he assured his father.
“I know,” he sighed and ran a hand through his greying hair. “How is your sister? I presume she is well?”
“She’s good,” he assured. Eden was a sore spot for his father. He didn’t get to see his daughter as often as he wanted.
His father smiled faintly and placed a hand on Nate’s shoulder. “I’m glad. Be sure to keep an eye on her though. I fear it won’t be long until the hunters make their way here. All of our neighbors have been forced into taking residence here. There isn’t another pack for five hundred miles.” He shook his head sadly. His father’s eyes snapped to the left, staring at something behind Nate. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to meet with the council.” He nodded to someone behind him and held up one finger. “I trust you’ll
stay with her until after the meeting. Some of the council members won’t like her presence.”
Yeah. His mom was one of them. Nate leaned against the wall. “I’ll be here.” There wasn’t anywhere else he wanted to be.
***
Tess groaned, turning onto her side. She let out a strangled yelp as the motion sent a burning sensation through her side. Rolling onto her back, she opened her eyes and stared up at the bright florescent lights. She blinked rapidly against the offensive light and lifted her hand to rub at her eyes.
A cord rose up with her arm, and she squinted at the clear tube. IV. She shot up, tossing the blankets to the floor.
Nate stood up from a chair in the corner and walked toward her slowly. “You’re up,” he stated, raising his hands so she could see them. “It’s okay. You’re safe.”
Tess met his eyes and swallowed as she recalled how she’d ended up here.
“How do you feel?” he asked. His eyes flicked to the beeping monitor and then back to her.
“I’m all right,” she answered indifferently. Her side ached, but he didn’t need to know that.
“Good,” he grinned. The smile lit up his amber eyes.
“Why are you here?” she asked quietly.
“Orders. Members of the council are meeting now. I’m supposed to stay with you until they decide what to do,” he shrugged.
She didn’t need a bodyguard. I’ll just show myself out, thank you. “Well then, your job is done. I’ll be on my way,” she replied as she looked at the tape holding the IV in place. Carefully, she placed her fingers over the adhesive and pried it off. She grunted as the sticky tape ripped off the top layer of her skin.
“Whoa,” Nate argued, his hand shooting out to cover hers. Heat seeped through his fingers into her skin, sending gooseflesh shooting up her arm. “You still need to heal.”
“I feel better.” She did too. Her side was sore, but nowhere near the throbbing she’d endured the past few days.
“There is no rush, Tess, you can stay as long as you need,” he offered.
Tess stared down at his hand that still rested over hers. A part of her wanted to stay. Why? For a man she barely knew. That made no sense. No one—except Nate... maybe—wanted her here. Even if she wanted to stay, she had to find her family. They were still out there somewhere. What if they were hurt too and needed help? She had to get back out there.
Her mind made up, she pushed his hand away and ripped the rest of the tape off her arm. She gritted her teeth and pulled the needle out of her arm. A rivulet of blood bubbled to the surface, and she flexed her hand, hissing as her bones snapped and nails elongated into their feline form. Once the paw was formed, she shifted it back, smiling when the small spot where the IV had been disappeared. She was healed—well for the most part. Now, she just needed to shift fully and her side would be better.
She slid off the bed and stood up. Her feet wobbled slightly, causing her to sway. Nate’s hand jutted out to help steady her. Tess gasped at the contact, her eyes flicking to meet his.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, holding her shoulders tighter.
Tess yawned and stretched, rising up on her tiptoes to work out the kinks. She felt like she’d slept for two days. “Yeah. How long was I out for?” she asked curiously, gazing into his eyes. Her stretching had brought her closer to him, their chests brushed against each other, causing her breath to hitch. She blinked getting lost in his stare. It was mesmerizing. Again, she found herself wanting to close the distance between them.
“Six hours,” Nate blurted, jolting her back to her senses.
Six hours? That was too long. Every hour she spent here was time she wasn’t spending searching for her family. She snapped out of her trance. If her sister made it out with her mate and the others, then they could be to Ohio already. “Seriously? I have to go,” she said, trying to wiggle out of his grasp.
“Where?” he asked concerned.
“Ohio, Cincinnati area. To look for my family,” she explained.
“I don’t know of any packs—prides in Ohio,” Nate replied, stepping back so she could gather her things.
“Well, werecats are your enemy,” she reminded. Why would he know where they were?
“True,” he conceded. “But I was in the Cincinnati area a few months ago to help out a werebear family. They said they were the only shifters in the area. The hunters combed over the state in full force. Are you sure they’re there?”
Tess paused, remembering her father’s words. He’d said Cincinnati, Ohio. But what if he was wrong? What if his information was old? Why do I trust a wolf I’ve only just met? He could be lying. Her heart sped up as she considered the idea. She studied Nate, scrutinizing him. Calmness washed over her. He was telling the truth—she didn’t know how she knew—she just did.
“Hunters came close to our home many times before they found us. We are very good at hiding,” she argued.
“Maybe. But nowhere is safe. Even here,” he warned.
“If the group I was with made it out, that’s where they would go. My sister is with them. I have to look for her,” Tess insisted. Crap. If what he said was true, her sister could be walking straight into a trap.
“Tess, you’re not well enough to do that yet. Take a day and heal, shift, then leave if you must,” Nate insisted.
“Who said anything about her leaving?” a female voice snapped as the infirmary door swung open.
Nate stiffened as Tess turned toward the intruders. She instantly recognized the voice. It was the same snotty woman from before. Great. Tess narrowed her eyes, sizing up the older woman. I don’t have time to be a prisoner. My family needs me. I can take her. She looks like she spends more time behind a desk than she does fighting. Nate will be a challenge though.
“She’s not a prisoner,” Nate defended, stepping in front of Tess.
“That’s not your call,” the woman shot back.
The hairs on Tess’ arms prickled as she took in the domineering alpha female standing in front of her exit. Tess’ eyes darted over the room, looking for weapons and another way to escape. If it came to it, she’d make a run for it.
“Of course she isn’t a prisoner,” the man who had escorted her to the infirmary replied, stepping past the prickly woman. “She is our guest here, and we would be most humbled if you decided to stay.”
Tess shifted on her feet. The older man seemed nice enough, but what if he were trying to trick her? She needed to be careful how she played this. They don’t want you here; hopefully, they’ll let you go.
“I appreciate the offer,” Tess started, staring hesitantly between the two men. They were clearly related. Both had the same cobalt eyes and russet colored hair. Their body build was also similar, except Nate was a touch taller than the older man and more muscular. Enough ogling. Time to move. “But I have to go.”
The woman bristled as she crossed her arms over her middle. “We can’t just let you leave.”
Tess huffed, grabbing her sweater and shrugging it on. “Want to bet,” she growled.
“Whoa,” Nate interjected. He wrapped a hand around her wrist. Tess snapped her attention to him, glaring at him through narrowed eyes. “Both of you need to calm down,” he insisted.
“Perhaps it would be best if you let us handle this, Patrice,” the older man said to the woman.
The woman glowered and shook her head once.
“Patrice,” the man sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “The council has already decided. Don’t make this difficult, or personal.”
“Can we not subject her to our family drama. Out with it already,” Nate growled.
Tess quirked a brow. Father. Yes, the man could definitely be his dad. But the woman? Tess scrutinized her carefully. Mom? Maybe. Her and Nate had similar jawbones. That seemed to be the only resemblance though. Thank goodness he didn’t have her personality because it sucked.
The man cleared his throat and jammed his hands into his pockets. “Sanctuary is
a safe haven for people like us. I’m sure you can understand the importance of its location remaining a secret,” he explained.
Tess nodded. They may not be welcoming her with open arms here, but she would never do anything to harm a fellow shifter. “I’m not going to tell anyone about this place.”
The woman rolled her eyes as she scoffed and shook her head.
Tess narrowed her eyes, focusing on Nate and the older gentleman. Hell would freeze over before she convinced Patrice of her plight, that much was obvious. The two men were her best bet to winning her freedom. “I understand this place needs to remain a secret. But I need to leave. My family could be out there. They could be hurt, or even being pursued by the hunters. I have to find them.”
“There are more of you out there? Perfect. I don’t want her kind prancing around here. She should be locked up, not out and about,” Patrice hissed.
“Patrice,” the older man snapped.
“Charles,” she taunted back.
“What is it that you want?” Tess growled. Would they just tell her what was going on already? If she needed to fight her way out, she would prefer to do it before anyone else showed up.
Nate’s grip on her wrist tightened—she’d forgotten his hand was there. She wrenched her arm free. Her eyes shifted into their feline form of their own volition and her body shook, readying to transition if needed. If these wolves thought they could easily subdue her, they had another thing coming.
“Easy,” Charles insisted, holding out his hand as a sign of peace.
“If you are trying to assure her, you two are doing a horrible job,” Nate said, sitting down on her abandoned bed.
Patrice grunted and took a step back. “I can’t stand to be around her another minute anyway. I trust you’ll follow the rules set forth and agreed upon by the council members,” Patrice glared at Charles.
Charles nodded his head as Patrice continued to stare. Finally, she took another step back, spun on her heel and marched off down the hall.
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