Thomas' Heart (Judgement Of The Six Companion Series Book 4)

by Melissa Haag

  “She could,” Winifred said, entering the room. She closed the door and moved closer to Mary, gaining Charlene’s attention. “However, she would have been considered Forlorn, an outcast, until she could find another pack to take her. Mated, that would be an option. However, an unMated Forlorn female is a dangerous position. Even for a moment.”

  I frowned and opened my mouth to point out that hadn’t come close to happening when Charlene asked another question.

  “Could she just rejoin her father’s pack?”

  “Once her father is proven weak in a challenge, he would find himself constantly challenged by those looking to win an unMated female,” Winifred said, confusing me.

  What does that have to do with her question?

  We both know he would have been challenged if Mary tried going back. And he would have lost. He is not the fighter you are.

  Charlene turned back to me.

  “Did you challenge her father?”

  “No.”

  “Did you tell Gregory to ask Mary to join your pack since they will be Mated eventually?”

  The glint of annoyance in her gaze kept me quiet.

  “I’m guessing being part of your pack isn’t all Mary had hoped it would be. I’m also guessing that leaving her current pack to rejoin her father’s isn’t as easy as one might think.” She turned toward Mary.

  “He’s telling you to keep secrets and to do things you don’t like, and you’re feeling guilty about it. Don’t. I’m pretty smart and will know whom to blame once I figure everything out.” She eyed me. “And I will figure it out.”

  That was what had upset her? My efforts to keep her safe and to keep her from worrying? I couldn’t win.

  “The water’s getting cold,” she said, looking pointedly at her wrist which I still gently held.

  I let go and closed myself in her bathroom.

  “Mary, help yourself to breakfast. Winifred, could I talk to you outside for a moment?”

  I shook my head as I listened to her steps retreat. I’d done everything right. I had won the challenge and kept her home safe. And, she was mad at me? I would never understand how Charlene thought and wasn’t sure if it was because she was female, human, or both.

  Frustrated, I bent over the bowl and splashed water on my face and cleaned my hands and arms. I hoped her anger wouldn’t last long. I was tired of the distance between us.

  As I dried myself with one of their little cloths, Winifred’s truck rumbled to life. Frowning, I tossed the cloth to the floor and opened the door. I hadn’t heard Charlene return, and as I looked around the room, a sick feeling curled in my gut.

  Several of the men were eating at the tables. Mary stood near the stove handing out portions. Charlene wasn’t anywhere in the room.

  “She left,” she said, looking at me. “With Winifred.”

  Winifred, return her now.

  She’s not yours Thomas. You may hold sanctuary, but she isn’t part of your pack or your Mate. You have no say in where she goes.

  Knowing I had the attention of most of the room, I withheld my snarl and strode toward the door.

  You were the one concerned about her staying. Taking her from here will only tempt her to leave. Or worse, say something about what she now knows.

  You know I would never allow that. Now stop bothering me, unless you have something important to say.

  My lip pulled back in a silent snarl. Unable to do anything about Charlene’s departure, I moved off to check on everyone’s progress. Several males still worked at repairing items to resell. Bine, Zerek, and Carl had several long rows of stacked split wood. I didn’t know how much would be needed for winter but agreed they should keep cutting. As Charlene had pointed out, humans sold firewood. We could do the same if we had too much.

  Hem still worked on the window frames. He had a few completed already.

  Anton, though not part of the pack, continued to work on the fence.

  “I will see if we can purchase the netting we need,” I said before turning to leave.

  “She’s stronger than you think,” he said, stopping me. “She’s young but sees more than either of us. She’ll respect you more if you’re honest with her.”

  I turned to face him.

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because we both know she prefers you, even if she isn’t ready to admit it.”

  His words stunned me. She didn’t smile around me or seem to want to spend time with me. Yet, I could see Anton firmly believed what he was saying. Charlene preferred me.

  “How long are you planning on staying?” I asked.

  “Until she’s Claimed, there will always be someone who wants to challenge you for her. I’ll stay until she’s truly safe. There’s safety in numbers even if we’re not all part of your pack.”

  I nodded, feeling less resentful of his presence, and left him to his work. Back inside, I went to look at the potbelly stove meant for Charlene’s room.

  Elder Jean’s mind touched mine with a brief message.

  As you know, I am near the end of my life. We ask that anyone interested in dedicating his or her life to the protection of our race to contact me. Now more than ever, we need strength and unity to survive.

  Why would the Elders decide to ask for volunteers now? Disturbed, I glanced at Mary. She studied me for a moment.

  “She’ll be fine. Winifred is with her.”

  That was what upset me the most. If Winifred thought Charlene posed any threat to our kind, she wouldn’t hesitate to remove Charlene in any way necessary.

  * * * *

  By the time I heard the sound of the truck’s engine, tension had coiled deep in my gut. What could Winifred had done with her for so long? Was Charlene still angry? Was she okay?

  I quickly finished helping Anton straighten the last crimped section of wire then moved off toward the building.

  Winifred and a male were loading the back of her truck with the repaired items. Two males walked out of the building to help.

  Mary’s voice still came through the repaired window as I reached the door.

  “Winifred says the pile of scrap will help with that, too.”

  Walking in, my gaze immediately found Charlene. She stood near Ann and Mary at the table.

  “Don’t ever leave like that again,” I said, moving to stand in front of her. Her untroubled and clear gaze met mine.

  “All right.”

  “All right?” I’d expected some argument or resistance.

  “Yes. All right. I understand that you were worried, and your request is only so you don’t worry in the future. It’s a reasonable request.”

  She smiled and moved to check the supplies as if she was deciding what to make for our midday meal.

  “Oh,” she said, turning to look at me. “And don’t ever again command Mary to do something for your own personal gain. It’s beneath you. Mary, I’ll help you move your stuff back into our room.”

  Her challenging expression had me chuckling.

  “Fair enough.” I glanced at Mary. “I will make sure Gregory understands.”

  She smiled at me and nodded gratefully.

  Your future Mate would rather sleep with Charlene than you, I sent Gregory.

  What?

  That bed was making you too soft. Let’s hunt so the females can cook.

  “I’ll return with some meat for the meal. Did you, by any chance, find something to help keep your birds in their coop?”

  She reluctantly shook her head. With one last look, I left her.

  Gregory was waiting for me outside.

  “What did you mean?” he said, looking at the building where we could both faintly hear their conversation.

  “She’s worried about Charlene and would rather sleep by her.”

  Gregory’s put out expression made me laugh and clap him on the shoulder.

  “You know it won’t be for too long. Mary feels the pull, too. She won’t be able to deny it forever.”

  He d
idn’t look convinced and remained that way even after we brought down several geese near the lake.

  “The pull is going to kill me. I can barely walk in my skin because of these.” He tugged at his pants.

  I’d grown used to the covering but knew what he was saying. Pants were confining when not thinking about my Mate. It didn’t take much to make them painful.

  “Let’s take these birds to the main room. You can help Mary cook while I move her things back to Charlene’s room.”

  “I’ll do my best to convince her to stay with me.”

  “It will just make her feel like she needs to protect Charlene more.”

  He sighed and didn’t argue.

  When he gave the birds to Mary, I saw her give him an apologetic look and knew he would be fine.

  Taking the stairs two at a time, I wondered how long Mary would hold out. Two nights alone with Charlene had been nice, and I wanted more. But I’d learned my lesson about manipulating a member of my pack. The strain it had put on me was gone.

  It wasn’t long before I had Mary’s bed back in place.

  I joined my pack for dinner in the main room and heard Gregory whispering to Mary about a quick run before she went to bed. I didn’t miss the way he smoothed his hand over her arm or the blush that colored her cheeks. Envious of my friend, I watched the two stand and quietly leave the room. I didn’t think it would be long at all until they were Mated.

  Setting my bowl by the pump, I wandered upstairs. At the last minute, I decided to wait in Charlene’s room. I wasn’t sure how long Mary would take and didn’t want Charlene waiting alone.

  Several minutes later, I heard footsteps on the stairs.

  Charlene pushed the door open, the lantern lighting the room, and froze at the sight of me.

  “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

  “Keeping you safe.”

  “I thought I told you...”

  She’d told me she wanted Mary back, and I’d put her bed back. She’d also told me never to misuse my power with members of my pack. Did she think Mary wasn’t there because I’d commanded it? I stood and moved toward her. She looked up at me, her lips parted temptingly.

  “You told me what I needed to hear, the truth. Someday I will figure out how to make you mine, and I can only hope I’ll be worthy of you then.” I brushed my fingers over her soft cheek, wishing today were that day.

  “What will it take to be worthy?” she asked, making my pulse race.

  Did she already think me worthy?

  “I don’t know,” I said.

  “If you don’t know, how will you know if you’re worthy?” She smiled slightly, taking the sting from her words. “Be honest, not just with others but with yourself. Be loyal, not just to those you love, but to those who need you. Work hard to improve the lives of those around you. Don’t waver from your integrity. And, above all...” She leaned toward me, her eyes mesmerizing me as much as her wise words. Her breath caressed my chin as she spoke her next words. “Don’t assume you can sleep in my room again.”

  I needed her. A taste. A touch. Anything.

  “Kiss me, and I’ll leave.” Desperation made my voice rough.

  “In your world, my age is acceptable for Claiming and Mating. In my world, while you helped my father clean his gun, he would tell you to wait another year then come back and speak to him again. And, that would be to take me on a date. A kiss would be months after that.”

  She stepped back, putting space between us and making me want to groan.

  “Since you’ve kissed me twice already, I think that’s enough of a compromise for now.”

  “Not nearly.”

  I tugged her to me. She tripped forward, catching herself on my chest. The feel of her cool fingers on my warm skin heated me further. I wrapped an arm around her and lifted her chin with a finger. Her shy gaze was my undoing. I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers. She was everything I wanted. And I knew she felt the same for me when her eyes closed and her pulse raced.

  A noise in the hallway stopped me from exploring her sweet lips further.

  I pulled back and kissed her cheek.

  “I will be worthy,” I said before letting her go.

  I left the room and found Mary in the hallway. I grinned at her and went to my room where I lay on the floor for hours, hoping for any scent or sound from Charlene.

  TEN

  Before the sun rose, a distant soft rumble echoed in the clearing. Ignoring Gregory’s soft snores, I stood, stretched, and went downstairs. Winifred was already awake and dressed. I still felt a little resentment toward her for taking Charlene from sanctuary. It had been a low move, and I didn’t like that she’d risked my Mate for no apparent reason.

  “It feels like it will be a heavy storm,” she said, looking around at the walls and window. “You might want to bring some of the wood inside while it’s still dry.”

  “What time are you leaving?”

  “Soon.” She met my gaze. “Take care of them, Thomas. All of them.”

  I nodded and walked out the door to start bringing in wood.

  Winifred had the truck loaded with scrap and water boiling for oatmeal when I checked to see if Charlene was awake. The sky’s rumbles grew louder with each passing moment.

  “I’ll stay until she’s up,” Winifred said. “Go see what you can do about the windows.”

  Hem was already in the tool building putting the trim around his latest build.

  “I’ll bring them in when I’m done.”

  “I’ll take the ladder around front and grab some boards. We’ll need to use what we can to cover the openings for now.”

  He nodded in agreement.

  Gregory and Grey helped me take the boards into the tool building and cut them to manageable lengths while the wind kicked up. As soon as we had enough for several windows, I took them to the ladder.

  While I was climbing, Winifred walked out, waved farewell, and got into her truck. A large boom echoed in the clearing, followed less than a second later by a bright flash and another boom. I hurried to pound the first board into place. It didn’t sound like the storm would hold back for much longer. The wind pulled me and the ladder away from the house for a moment. Quick reflexes and a strong grip on the fascia board kept me from falling.

  I’m holding the bottom, Gregory sent me. But I’m not going to catch you if you fall.

  I laughed and pounded the next board into place as the rain let loose. The cold drops pelted at my back and water ran into my eyes.

  You’re not going to like this, Grey sent me, but I just saw Anton and Hem go inside.

  I swore as I pounded the last board into place then hurried down the ladder. Despite Anton’s words, I knew the wolf still held out hope Charlene would prefer him.

  As I went toward the door, Gregory moved the ladder. Above the howl of the rain, I heard Charlene say something about going outside.

  I pushed the door open and found her studying Hem’s window covers as Anton stood close beside her. She wouldn’t be going anywhere with him. Especially not in the rain.

  “Not you,” I said, meeting her gaze. “We’ll do it. Once we have these on, we’ll do what we can to protect the rest of the windows.”

  Hem picked up a stack of covers, and Anton took the one from Charlene’s hands. Both walked out the door with me.

  “She’s human,” I said to both of them. “She would get sick coming out in this weather. Next time, get me instead.”

  Hem nodded and moved off to cover the first exposed lower level window. Anton smirked at me for a moment then went to help Hem.

  We worked together boarding the windows and quickly learned that one ladder wasn’t enough in the gusting winds. Gregory and I went into the trees and broke off two more tall pines no thicker than our arms.

  We quickly snapped off the largest branches from one to make it easier to pull through the trees.

  “We won’t get this made in time to help,” he said, the wind trying to st
eal his words.

  “They won’t be able to reach the northern window without it. The wind’s too strong. Start taking that one back. I’ll be right behind you.”

  Not long after he left, the rain started to let up.

  Mary’s fear suddenly pierced me.

  Thomas, we need you.

  I turned and ran as she continued to communicate with me.

  Four newcomers just entered. They know we’re unMated. Charlene’s keeping them out, but I don’t know for how long. They came because of that Elder message.

  I’m coming, I sent back. Fear and anger pulsed through me as I reached out to my pack. They should have been watching the building.

  There’s a threat to Charlene and Mary, I sent. Protect them now.

  When we reached the clearing, Gregory, Anton, and Bine were circling four snarling males.

  Charlene’s pale blonde hair caught my attention as she looked out the window by the door. How had she kept the four males out? Her power again?

  “You are unfit for Elders and have broken the laws of sanctuary by threatening those under my care,” I said, lowly.

  One of the wolves looked back at Charlene and moved closer to the window. His muscled tensed. Instinct had me shifting and leaping toward him before he could launch himself through the window.

  Get Charlene upstairs. It’s not safe, I sent Mary.

  The newcomer twisted at the sound of my landing and growled. I didn’t give him time to think but dove for him. He let loose a challenging growl as he met my attack. My hackles rose. He didn’t have a chance to win my pack from me.

  One of the others issued the same challenge and crept forward. There was no rule against what they were doing, but they would never hold the pack if they won. There was no respect in winning this way. But, I doubted they were after leadership. They wanted the females.

  Guard the door at all times, I sent to Grey.

  I started a retreat into the clearing, keeping both of the outsiders in my sight as I lured them further from Mary and Charlene.

  One of the wolves looked back at the two who still hovered near the door. I growled to gain his attention, but he ignored me while his partner kept an eye on me.

  Anton, Gregory, and Bine moved to block the other two from joining the fight. The outsiders shifted back into men, crossed their arms, and widened their stance, showing they had no intention to help their friends. However, one of them glanced at the window and grinned at Charlene, who still watched.