Christy closed her eyes tightly when the powerful man turned dark eyes on her. She cowered against Wolf, wishing she were small enough to fit into his pocket. She knew instinctively this was one of the men Lando referred to as a bottomless evil. No remorse, no pity, no mercy. Perhaps not even for a three-week-old baby girl. The thought popped into Christy’s head and she almost screamed at the thought. No. These couldn’t be Lando’s people. Wolf wouldn’t, he couldn’t. Still, when Christy offered a quick glance up into Wolf’s face, she could suddenly see why he was so apprehensive.
“Get her shoes on her,” the dark-haired man commanded.
Without hesitation, Christy was lifted off the ground. Wolf carried her to the bedroom.
“Wolf,” Christy whimpered into his ear, clutching at him.
“Stay quiet, kitten, I’ll take care of you,” Wolf said. Then he looked over his shoulder, as though he’d known the dark-haired man would follow. “She’s been sick and she’s scared shitless. So no yelling or you’ll piss me off.”
Wolf set her on the edge of the bed and crouched and grabbed a shoe. Christy didn’t think her hands were steady enough to do anything. She looked past Wolf at the well-built man. She thought they would have a few minutes alone. Though Wolf’s tone had been caring and gentle, Christy heard the underlying threat. She would remain silent.
“What happened to her?” the man questioned.
“She fell,” Wolf answered almost wryly. Christy knew he wouldn’t mention it had been in a plane.
“Must have been some fall,” Mitch declared.
Wolf ignored him and when Christy’s shoes were on, Wolf lifted her to him. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face against him.
“Can’t she walk properly?” the dark-haired man questioned.
“I want her as close to me as possible with you two damned dogs sniffing around,” Wolf casually mentioned and strode past them.
* * * *
The car ride was long and tedious. Wolf demanded they stop and buy Christy something to eat. She picked at her fast food, having no appetite for the greasy fare, which for some reason she insisted smelled rancid. Wolf sniffed at the food, detecting no ominous odor. But he knew she wouldn’t cause problems or unnecessary attention to herself.
When they stopped at a restroom, Wolf followed her in, much to the amusement of the other men. Surprisingly, this time Christy mentioned it was more of a comfort than an embarrassment to have him close while he stood guarding the door with the other men standing outside.
He heard retching and turned as she vomited what little she’d eaten. Her slight body shook and Wolf held her hair back from her face. She was white as a ghost. Using paper towels he washed her cheeks and lips.
“Wolf?” she whispered.
He placed a finger to his lips and nodded. Christy looked like she was about to faint. She had guessed the men were assassins and from Lando’s old family. She was a smart little thing. He hoped she could keep her wits. He leaned close to whisper in her ear.
“Do what I say when I say it. Understand?”
Christy nodded. There was no other choice. Unless he killed the other men there was no escape. If he killed them, their boss would hunt him down and Christy could be killed. The idea was to keep her alive. In the viper’s den she was safer. As long as she listened to him.
“You fucking in there?” Mitch bellowed and banged on the door.
“Screw off shit for brains, I told you she was sick,” Wolf yelled back. “Prick,” he whispered.
Wolf took a breath and unlocked the door. He’d ditched his cell after the first car he stolen, making sure it was run over. The grapevine moved fast in his world. Within hours, Lando would hear Wolf was with his old boss and in possession of a girlfriend. Lando was going to be pissed, but he’d come for her. Between the two of them they would have a chance. Lando was as good, if not better than Wolf.
Christy clung to him. Her feet wouldn’t budge when she saw Mitch barring their way. Wolf swung her up into his arms and shoved past the man. From the corner of his eye, he saw the mechanic pretending not to notice them.
Fuck.
The black SUV stood out like a sore thumb. Neon lights may as well have screamed ‘assassins on the loose!’ A battered woman in the arms of a man who looked like Wolf was dangerous to everyone. Luke was scowling when Wolf placed Christy onto the seat.
“Should have left her behind. The boss would’ve sent someone for her later,” Luke said.
That’s what I was afraid of.
“She stays with me,” Wolf said. He stood glaring at both men. Then nodded his head in the mechanic’s direction. The man was on his cell.
“Fuck,” Mitch said.
“Wanna stay and chat ladies?” Wolf said. “The cops should be here soon.”
“Let’s move,” Luke said.
Christy slept on and off the remainder of their trip, pressed to Wolf’s side, clutching at some part of him, curling against him. Wolf knew Christy had come to the conclusion early these men were more of a threat to her than he was. He was wondering if she comprehended he was the only one standing between her and death. It was more than likely the way she pressed against him.
Wolf worried when Christy slept she might cry out for Lando. If she did, he’d have a bullet in his head by the end of the day. So would she, if she was lucky. He was relieved when the only one she wept for pitifully was him. Wolf was quick to offer his comfort. He gathered her to him and whispered soft words to her. He attempted to soothe her fears and considered he did an admiral job, though he was feeling clumsy with his babbling endearments to a woman he barely knew.
“Wolf, you usually never bother with a woman like this one; she doesn’t seem your type.” Wolf loathed this particular assassin and knew Luke was fishing.
“Apparently she is,” Wolf countered, but he could see the wheels of the man’s mind turning. He wasn’t through.
“She’s cute enough, all right,” Luke replied while he rubbed at his jaw, still pondering. “She knocked up?” he asked suddenly, taking Wolf by surprise.
Wolf narrowed his gaze on the man. It was a thought Wolf considered, but how the hell had Luke figured it out so fast? He was the most insensitive bastard Wolf knew. Christy was injured, yes, but the sight of food and smells seemed overwhelming to her. She frequently needed to use the facilities. She cried often. She had every right to cry after what she’d been through. Wolf had been wondering as he held back her hair while she puked. Hopefully it was just terrible fear…
“Damn,” Wolf swore.
Luke chuckled. “What’s the matter, don’t you want to hear the pitter patter of little Wolf paws?”
No, Wolf thought. I sure don’t, I hope Lando does. “She’s just too injured to be having a baby,” Wolf muttered instead, seeming to be the doting boyfriend.
“Well, hell, buddy, just because you claim you’re a wolf doesn’t mean she’ll whelp in two months with an entire litter of cubs. Considering how tiny she is, and bruised, you might want to check out the boss’s doc. I don’t remember you mentioning her before,” Luke said.
Wolf knew Luke was fishing for information. Wolf wouldn’t let Christy anywhere near Tony’s slice and dice doctor. If Christy was pregnant, the baby could only be a month or so along, maybe more. Wolf considered the idea. It would have to mean Christy had gotten over her initial fear of Lando pretty damned fast. On reflection Wolf surmised there were other greater factors involved. When you think you’re about to die you seek comfort from the closest available person. Wolf watched a dying woman climb into the arms of a man who lethally shot her, wanting comfort from another, not wanting to die alone.
“Wolf,” Christy said, stirring. “I need a bed.”
“It’s all right, sweetheart, we’re here. I’ll find you a place to lie down.”
Wolf looked up at the huge chalet before them. It was beautiful. The entire structure was made from fitted logs interlocking and stained a soft honey color. The
re were majestic bay windows on the first and second floor of the huge place. On the second story, two of the great logs on either side were carved into the heads of bears. A massive wraparound porch sported chairs and a huge barbecue. The view of the large lake was impressive. Very few other cottages dotted the distance. ‘No trespassing’ signs were posted everywhere, along with attack dog warnings.
The only attack dogs here carry guns.
Christy was trying to hang back as the three men made their way to the chalet. Wolf’s nudging was gentle, but persistent on the small of her back. He would’ve liked to take Christy into his arms, feeling her need and sensing her absolute exhaustion, but he wanted at least one hand free.
The moment of truth was on them. They could very well be walking into a trap, although Wolf was doubtful of that. Luke had casually mentioned a family man could always use more extended family. Someone to take care of the wolf den when he needed to hunt. As if Wolf would ever allow this merciless man to be left caring for anyone he loved. He certainly didn’t want Christy to end up alone with him. She would die of fright if he so much as scowled at her.
Unfortunately, after that thought crossed his mind, Christy slumped before him. Wolf grabbed her up before she could hit the ground.
Damn. Now he didn’t even have a hand free.
“Fainting is definitely a sure sign of pregnancy,” Luke mentioned in a casual way, then laughed when Wolf swore again.
Chapter 18
Christy woke, her eyelashes fluttering. She fingered the material on her, and Wolf made certain the first person she gazed at was him. Wolf had thrown his coat over her to help keep her warm. She was lying on a couch with him perched in front of her. He reached to help her sit up and ran a gentle hand over her face, in a calming gesture. Now wasn’t the best time for hysterics.
There were six other men in the room with them. They were all well-armed and dangerous looking, and they were concentrating on her. Christy moved closer as she sat, hiding against him, huddling in his jacket. She looked so tiny and frail. Wolf could feel her erratic heartbeat through the thin material of their clothing as her warm chest pressed against him. He pulled his jacket around her tighter hoping to hide her actions as she shook.
“Wolf, I’m exhausted. I feel so tired and dizzy.” Her small voice was unsteady.
“Keep quiet, kitten, reserve your strength,” Wolf soothed. He hoped Christy heard the unveiled warning.
“Perhaps she would be more comfortable in another room where she can rest alone,” was suggested. Tony was tall with a good solid build for a man of forty-nine. His dark hair was thinning, but Wolf suspected he could turn a few heads. Maybe he could if his eyes didn’t appear so soulless after the tragic death of his wife and teenage daughter.
“I would prefer she remain close to me. But I appreciate the offer, Mr. Mahoney,” Wolf said with hesitancy, but also with respect.
“You don’t trust me or my boys?” Mr. Mahoney questioned in a casual manner. He sipped from a glass containing whiskey. He was resting back against a large, overstuffed chair with his legs crossed, looking content.
No, thought Wolf, not as far as I could throw a rabid bull elephant.
“She’s skittish and shy. She could be carrying, so her emotions are outta whack. She hasn’t been feeling well, so I’m worried,” Wolf offered in the way of an explanation. Playing his part, he smiled at Christy. He rubbed a gentle thumb across her quivering chin while she gazed wide-eyed around her. She was white as a ghost and Wolf thought she might heave again.
Fuck, little girl, don’t lose it.
“We’re all friends here, Wolf; call me Tony. If she’s already skittish, she may not like our conversation. We have an urgent matter to discuss of a delicate nature. It really isn’t for someone who isn’t one of us to hear regardless,” Tony replied. The ice in his glass clinked. He took a slow, steady sip, his gaze never leaving Wolf’s.
Wolf could see Tony was ready to press the issue. He was outnumbered. He had no choice, though the idea caused great frustration. Sighing, he gazed at Christy. He could see she sensed his intent. She clung tighter to him, her face buried against his chest, and he felt her shudder. Wolf rubbed her back in a soothing fashion and ran his hand over her tangled hair, feeling a great deal of pity for the frightened woman.
She must be so terrified.
“She needs to soak in a hot bath, Tony. I would be appreciative if she could be given clean clothing and some hot chocolate. She seems to be able to tolerate crackers, and maybe some dry toast or a banana?” Wolf said. He had emphasized the word ‘appreciative,’ hoping Tony might be swayed into believing they might have hope with him if his woman was well cared for.
Nodding, Tony gave Wolf a calculating glance. Wolf could almost hear his thoughts. The man had been around a long time; he knew deception, even from one skilled at it, and he knew both Wolf and Christy were at his mercy. Tony never cared how loyalty was obtained as long as it was obtained. As long as Christy remained near him, Tony would have the hold he desired.
Wolf suspected he was as good as Lando. He knew Tony was in the market for a replacement, perhaps a replacement who would be encouraged to remove his predecessor. Wolf didn’t have the same idiosyncrasies Lando possessed. Though Wolf never once killed an innocent, he had his own innocent to protect. He sensed Tony was intrigued.
“Jackson, take Wolf’s friend up to the second guest room. Make certain she feels safe. I want Wolf to understand she will be well taken care of,” Tony said.
Wolf knew Jackson. The man wasn’t unpredictable. He was a well-behaved dog who liked men and Christy was safe enough. With dismay, he pried Christy’s fingers from his clothes.
Damn little thing could put Velcro to shame.
“You’ll be fine, sweetheart. You need to rest, in a bed. I’ll be up soon.” Wolf said.
Wolf watched with apprehension, trying to maintain a calm demeanor, as Christy was led away, her woeful gaze locked on him until she was out of sight.
* * * *
Christy lay back in the tub full of hot, soapy water. She resisted the urge to close her eyes, hearing Wolf’s warning as she was led from the room, away from him. He had once more seemed the doting boyfriend as he told her in his roundabout way not to fall asleep in the bath, it was too dangerous. Though he offered an endearing smile for the benefit of the other men, she could see the stern double meaning in his eyes. Christy shuddered, she was surrounded by maniacs.
Lando, her mind screamed.
I’m coming, sweetheart, she thought she heard in reply.
The man, assassin, Jackson had led her to a beautiful room. He showed her where the washroom was. He told her when he left he was locking the door for her own safety. Until everyone in the house knew she was here it was dangerous for her to wander. He promised to make certain everyone knew she was Wolf’s. His meaning was clear and she knew she gazed up at him, mouth wide, panic stricken. His smile was almost kind when he chucked her under her chin, told her she was cute but not his type. Then left, whistling.
Christy’s gaze wandered to keep her mind awake. The faucets were a golden color, the tub deep. Christy knew wealth and whoever owned the cottage had lots of it. The tiling was modern, the room airy with a small window in a rectangle shape way above her head. There was a double sink, sparkling with cleanliness and a facility for kings. After spending so much time in the forest, Christy had a new respect for plumbing.
Rising with a sigh and heavy heart half an hour later, Christy headed from the bath to the bedroom. She was surprised to find a long, spaghetti strap, satin, white nightgown draped across the bed and a tray covered over with a silver lid.
Christy fingered the satin gown. It had been so long since she wore real bed clothes. Glancing about, she noticed the clothes she had been wearing were gone, including her shoes. Christy sighed, realizing it was either the gown or the bath towel. She opted for the gown.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she lifted the lid to the tray. She p
icked up and sniffed at the single rose lying beside her plate. These people certainly move fast, she mused. There couldn’t have been roses in the house before her arrival, at least not with a whole houseful of men.
Christy lathered a small amount of honey onto her buttered toast. She ate with tiny bites, thinking about what Wolf said. Could she be pregnant already? It was a possibility. The only use Lando’d had for the condom was to carry water. She’d stopped taking birth control after her separation with Chad. She felt it would be a long time before she ever trusted a man to let him get that close.
A baby would explain the odd feelings and sudden distaste for things. Emotionally, she was overwrought; yet, she had been through, and was still going through, an ordeal. The longer Christy pondered, the more convinced she became.
Christy put down her toast and peeled the small banana. After taking a bite, she nibbled a cracker. Every suggestion Wolf made was honored. Steaming hot chocolate sat in a ceramic mug.
Christy returned the lid over the tray, keeping out the flower and her drink. She sniffed at the rose, trailing the delicate petals over her cheek. She understood why Wolf had done what he did. If these men knew she was Lando’s, she would be locked in a cold dark room with cockroaches, left to starve until they could use her to get to Lando. It was hard playing girlfriend to an assassin she hardly knew.
Christy knew in her heart if Lando found out she was here, he would come. He would be killed. There were too many of them. She didn’t need to assume they were armed; they kept their arsenal in plain view. The dark-haired man, Luke, looked like he could rip someone’s head off with his bare hands.
She shuddered at the image and her tummy protested. She ran a soft hand around her midriff, wondering. She hoped Lando would be happy if she were carrying his baby. Although not yet; he might be more distressed knowing he needed to save two lives.
Christy emptied her mug and crawled under the powder-blue silk, sweet-smelling sheets. There was nothing she could do against these men. She would have to trust Wolf and hope he would honor his promise. Vaguely she wondered if she were pregnant, would he charge Lando double? Again grateful she was wealthy, Christy closed her eyes, too tired to stay awake.
Assassin Territory [Assassins Book 1] Page 19