“Hmmm,” Gage said. “I guess he considers you Pack now.”
“What?”
“It's nothing,” Gage said. “Just something Cray said. Forget about it. Eli, you drive.”
As Eli climbed into the front, Gage pointed his finger at the grey wolf. “Smoke. In the back.” He thrust his hand toward the back to make his meaning clear, and the wolf nimbly hopped into the back compartment.
He led Bridget around to the other side of the car. “In you go, ma puce,” he said, lifting her inside before she could protest. He went back around the other side and brushed out the glass before getting in himself.
“Let's get out of here.”
“You got it,” Eli said, starting the engine.
Gage glanced behind him at the wolves, but they were all present and accounted for. Cray must have told them very firmly not to leave. He pushed that thought out of his head and pulled Bridget’s seatbelt around her body. Then he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. She rested her head on his shoulder and heaved out a big sigh.
“That was scary there for a minute,” she said quietly.
“You’re telling me.”
Just as they were about to leave the parking lot, Detective Anderson flagged them down. Gage was tempted to tell Eli to drive on, but he held his tongue.
“You three wouldn’t happen to know the whereabouts of a Mr. Mike McCaffrey, would you? I’ve got three men in custody who swear up and down that he was in his hospital room when they left it.”
Gage made a face. “And if we do?”
“You can't take that man from this facility. He's in protective custody."
“Yeah, well your guys didn't do such a great job. I think you might want to trust him to our witness protection program. We’ll give you a call about turning State’s evidence.”
Gage nodded to Eli. Eli press down on the gas. Anderson thumped on the roof and swore, but the car shot away with screech of tires.
There was a moment of silence, then Bridget turned her face to him, her eyes worried. “Mikey’s okay?”
“Yeah. Jesse got there in time.” He pulled out his phone and called Cray.
“You guys okay? You get Mikey?”
Cray’s voice came over the phone. “We got him. We're headed straight back to the territory. Jesse had to shift again. They got him in stomach.”
“Damn,” Gage said.
“Yeah,” Cray said. “But he’ll be all right. Your son’s a little wide-eyed.”
“Keep him safe.”
“Will do.” Cray clicked off and Gage settled back onto the seat.
“I can't turn my back on you for a second,” he said, looking down at her, and he realized he was shaking. Reaction, he thought, but he couldn’t seem to stop it.
“Hey, I'm not the one who went running into the hospital saying, “stay here.” That's on you.”
He sighed and pulled her closer. “I know. I know. Ignore me. I was just so scared.”
“Me too. Do me a favor and try not to jump out any more windows.”
He smiled slightly. “I’ll try.”
“How did you… Are you like Superman or something, able to leap tall buildings?”
Gage chuckled, feeling some of his tension ease. “No. A drop like that is not a problem. You land in a crouch, and you roll.” He shrugged. “There was grass at the bottom.”
“Oh.”
Not that he’d known that. Not that you couldn’t mess up the landing. But he hadn’t been thinking about that.
“So, who were those guys?”
Gage looked at her for a long moment. “If I had to guess—I’d say those were the guys who kidnapped Elizabeth.”
“Oh. That makes sense.”
Gage narrowed his eyes. “Why do you say that?”
“Well, the guys that grabbed me seemed to think I was somebody else. But the guy in the van said that I wasn’t.” She shuddered.
“Are you cold?” He started poking around for his jacket. “The window—”
“No. I’m fine.” She snuggled in a little closer and he tried to relax against her. He didn’t think either one of them would be stepping off pack territory for a long time.
Chapter 23
Gage felt his whole body relax as the Patriot pulled up to the pack house. Maiden’s own, it was good to be home. He slid out of the vehicle and helped Bridget down. Jesse’s truck was there ahead of them, but there was no sign of Jesse.
Eli climbed down from the driver’s seat and glanced into the rear of the SUV. All five wolves sat in a row, their paws eagerly poised on the top of the back seat. “Should we let them out?”
“I don’t think we can,” Gage said. “I think Cray told them to stay put.”
Eli nodded. “I’ll go see where he is.”
Gage put his arm around Bridget and led her over to the truck. The door to the back cab was open and Gage could see a puddle of blood on the seat as he approached. Mikey sat alone on the far side of the back seat, looking pale but alert. Jesse’s bloody clothes lay scattered on the floor.
Gage led Bridget around to the other side and opened the door. “Mikey. You doing okay?”
“Oh, hey, Dad. Yeah.” He gave Gage what was probably intended to be a cocky grin, but he looked exhausted. “Uh, thanks for sending in the cavalry.”
Gage nodded, feeling his mouth tighten. “Sorry I couldn’t get there sooner. You recognized them?”
“One of them.” Mike glanced away, his own mouth tight.
“We’ll talk about that later. Here, let me help you out.” He lifted the boy’s slight frame down from the passenger seat and set him gently on the ground. “Mikey, I want you to meet my mate. Bridget, this is Mikey, the son I was telling you about.”
Mike gave a little wave and blushed. “Hi,” he said.
“Hey, Mikey, welcome to the family,” Bridget said. “I guess you got lucky in the dad department, huh?” She tipped her head toward Gage and grinned. Gage watched some of the tension ease from the kid’s body.
Lucas came out the back door then and pulled Gage into a hug. “I’m proud of you, Gage,” he said in French, his voice husky. “You did it. You brought the wolves back for the pack.”
Gage felt his own throat tighten. “Somebody had to step in and take care of business.”
Lucas gave him a shrewd nod. “Thank you. It means a lot to the pack. And it means a lot to me.” He turned to Bridget then. “And I understand congratulations are in order,” he said, switching to English. “Welcome to the Rabbit River Pack, Bridget.”
There was a brief flash and a burst of power. Mikey’s mouth dropped open and Bridget looked stunned. “Uh… thanks,” she said after a minute.
To Gage’s amazement, Lucas pulled Bridget in for a hug. “And thank you for helping solve the most difficult problem the People have ever faced.”
Bridget grinned up at him. “Is that what I did?” She turned her grin to Gage, and Lucas released her. “I knew I did something good, but I didn’t know it was that good!” She looked delighted, like she’d just won a prize or something. Gage felt his own smile spread. Scientists.
“So what was this big problem?” She was still grinning, but she had Lucas on the spot, and she knew it.
Lucas coughed. “It’s called the Sickness.” He shot Gage a look. “Gage can tell you about it.”
“The Sickness. That does sound serious. Does it have to do with the attack?”
“Gage will tell you,” Lucas said, giving her a level look.
“Oh, all right,” she capitulated, and Gage grinned.
“Listen, Lucas, I need to get Mikey, here, inside. I think he’s about to collapse.”
Lucas nodded, glancing at the boy. “Welcome home, Mikey. I am glad to see you looking so well.”
“Thank you, sir,” Mikey stammered. “It’s good to be back on my feet.” But the kid looked like he was going to fall over.
“I was thinking he could share a room with Jeff,” Gage said.
�
�Good.” Lucas turned then as Elizabeth emerged from the house.
“Gage, Bridget, you’re home. Welcome back. Who’s that with you?” She strode rapidly over to the truck and pulled Bridget into a hug.
“Congratulations,” he heard her murmur. “We’ll talk later.” Elizabeth stepped back and looked expectantly at Gage.
He cleared his throat. This might be a little tricky. “Elizabeth, I want you to meet my son.”
Elizabeth shot him an incredulous look. Her gaze dipped up and down Mikey’s slight form, taking him in.
“I’m adopted,” Mikey said with a much better imitation of a cocky grin.
Elizabeth opened her mouth but shut it again without speaking. Then she opened it again. “But you’re— You’re— You’re one of the men who abducted me.”
Mikey went white and dropped his gaze. “Uh, yeah, sorry, that was me.” He swallowed. “Not my finest hour. I didn't know what I was getting into when I got hooked up with those guys.” He looked up and met her gaze then glanced briefly at Gage. “I'm really glad to be out of that. I never wanted to hurt anybody. I hope you can believe me. I don't expect you to forgive me.”
Gage watched this exchange silently. He wanted to say something, but he was learning. They would have to work this out on their own. Some things you just couldn't do for somebody else.
Elizabeth stood there for a moment, not saying anything. Gage thought that might be a first. Her eyes widened when Gage pulled the walker out from the truck bed.
“Come on, Mikey,” he said. “Let's get you inside before you fall over. You think you can make it, or you want me to carry you? No shame, kid.”
Mikey shook his head and leaned on the walker. “I’ll make it.” His mouth was tight as he took the first hesitant step.
Elizabeth watched with narrowed eyes. “Gage, what have you been feeding him?” She eyed the blue scrubs Mikey was wearing, which hung on his slim frame. “Somebody needs to fatten this kid up.” Then she turned and marched briskly back to the house, muttering under her breath.
Gage felt a grin spread across his face. Looks like things are going to be okay.
“How’s Jesse?” he asked Lucas as Mikey made his painfully slow progress toward the house.
“He’s okay. Cray carried him upstairs. I called Dean. He should be here any minute, but I think Jesse just needs rest. He was shot in the side. Not the chest.”
“Good.” He shot Mikey a glance. The kid’s arms were visibly trembling. “Do me a favor, Lucas. Would you go inside and clear the decks?”
Lucas followed his gaze and nodded. “I’ll see you three later.” And he disappeared inside.
“Good job, Mikey,” Gage said. “You can do more tomorrow. Bridget, bring the walker, would you please?”
He swung Mikey’s slight body up in his arms, cradling him like a baby. Maybe he couldn’t do everything, but he could do this.
“Don’t worry, kid. I got this. A human doctor told me you never throw an injured person over your shoulder.”
Mikey’s mouth opened, but he closed it again without speaking.
Whistling, Gage brought his new family into the pack house. He waited until he had Mikey safely tucked into the spare twin bed in Jeff’s room before going out onto the balcony overlooking the great room just outside the door.
“Jeff,” he called, raising his voice to be heard down in the basement. “Come meet your new roommate.” He didn’t expect to have to wait long. The People had good hearing. He headed back inside, his hand slipping inside his pants pocket.
“Mikey, I have something for you. Something of yours. I kept it for you, but I’ve been meaning to give it back.” He handed him the silver necklace. “It brought me luck. I hope it will do the same for you.”
Mike reached out a trembling hand. “My grandfather gave me that, just before he died.” He looked up at Gage with glistening eyes.
“And now your father has given it back.” Gage felt another piece of rightness slide into place, and he smiled. Then he reached out and ruffled Mikey’s hair like he was a small boy. “Wait until you meet Jeff. He’s almost as reprehensible as you.”
The open surprise on Mikey’s face made Gage laugh. It was good to be home.
Chapter 24
Late that afternoon, Gage sat with Bridget out on the veranda. They’d spent the day resting— well, mostly resting. It was nice to get back into his bed again after well over a month. It had been even nicer to get back there with Bridget. And they definitely made the most of it after a very long hot shower.
Bridget looked up from her café au lait as Mikey came out and joined them on the porch. He looked better after a long afternoon nap. There was color in his cheeks, and he stood without the aid of his walker.
“Mike. Hi honey, come over here,” Bridget said. “I didn't really get chance to meet you properly, what with one thing and another. Let me look at you. Elizabeth's right. You're too thin.”
She stood and pulled Mikey into a sideways, one-armed embrace. “He's cute though.” She winked at Mikey. “I think I'm gonna like having him as a son.”
Gage looked at that the two of them, arm in arm. Mikey was grinning, and Bridget was grinning just as hard. He narrowed his eyes, but before he could say anything, Bridget beat him to it.
“I've always wanted a human son. And you gave me one, Gage. Good job.”
Mikey laughed softly, and Bridget chuckled too. Gage felt his body start to relax. Okay, he could take a little teasing. It was just going to take a little while to get used to seeing Mikey and Bridget so cozy. He had a new understanding of Lucas’s reactions when he joked around with Mari. And Lucas wasn't even mated yet.
But he had to admit his instincts weren't nearly as aroused as they would be if that was another man holding his mate. Somehow, some part of him knew that Mikey was his son. Even though he was, for human, a grown man. Still, it didn't seem to raise his hackles the way it could have. Interesting. He would have to talk to Dean about that. He chuckled. He had a feeling the little Lore Master was going to eat this stuff up.
***
Mike glanced at his new parents out of the corner of his eye. They were much too young to actually be his parents, so it was a little weird. And so was the situation he found himself in.
Watching Jesse change from a man to a wolf right in front of his eyes was something he'd never forget. Cray's terse command that he help the wolf untangle himself from his clothing had been something else entirely. He was supposed to touch it? The thing was huge. Curled on its side, it took up more than two thirds of the backseat. But it lay there panting and eyeing him as if to say— get on with it, so he did.
The jeans were easy to pull off, but the long-sleeve sweater presented a bit more of a problem. The animal—Jesse—this is Jesse, he had to keep reminding himself, grunted in pain as he tugged it off its forelegs and over his head.
Seeing the woman, Elizabeth, had been a shock. And, God, she was a nice woman. Shame flooded him every time he looked her way. But she didn't seem to hold it against him, which made him feel both better and worse.
This was like no group home he'd ever been in. For one thing, all of the people in it seemed to like each other. They seemed to want to be here. And the predominant reaction to his presence had been curiosity, rather than the hostility he'd been expecting.
Except for the dark-haired man. Cray. After Mike had managed to remove all the clothing from the wolf, Cray demanded his attention.
“Mike, you’re Pack now. And out of respect for Gage, I'm willing to let your past mistakes go. Under one condition. If you ever harm or threaten to harm my mate again, I will take you apart, piece by piece. Pack or no pack. Are we clear?”
“Clear.” Mike had to clear his throat before he said more. “That was... I never wanted to be part of that to begin with.” He swallowed. “I can tell you right now, I'll never get involved in anything like that again.”
Cray narrowed his eyes, meeting his gaze in the rearview mirror. “Good en
ough. But see that you remember.”
Mike swallowed again, looking out the truck window. “Don't worry, I will.” He’d done everything he could to try to banish those memories, but they always floated back up. The shame. And the terror. He still had nightmares about what he’d imagined they were doing to her. It would've been a lot worse, he thought, except he kind of felt like he'd been punished. His mouth twisted slightly, glancing back at Gage out of the corner of his eye. A father punishing his son for wrongdoing. It felt almost like he had been reborn. Which was actually kind of true, he figured.
He gazed out at the frozen landscape before him, watching little black birds hop around in the snow. A cardinal flew from bush to bush down by the river. He was going to do everything in his power not to mess things up this time.
The door to the house opened and Jeff, his new roommate, came out onto the porch
“Hey, you any good at pool?”
“Some.” Hustling pool was one of the least offensive things he'd done to make money during his misspent youth.
“You want to play? We’ve got a table downstairs.”
Mike felt his spirits rise. “You do? Sure.” He hesitated. “But not for money.”
Jeff looked at him like he’d lost his mind. “Uh, no. Not for money. Just for fun.”
“For fun.” Mike grinned. “Sounds great. Lead the way. You’ll have to carry my walker down the stairs though.”
Jeff shrugged. “No problem.”
Mike felt his leg muscles stretch as he turned to walk back inside the house. He’d left the walker just inside the door. It was nice to finally feel strong enough to take a few steps without the thing. He turned and flashed a smile over his shoulder. “Catch you later, Mom. Dad.”
Bridget rolled her eyes but smiled at him anyway. Gage nodded, something quiet in his expression that Mike couldn't read. Could that possibly be pride?
Feeling a new sort of happiness bubble up inside him, he followed Jeff inside the house. Life was starting to look pretty good.
***
Cray stood beside Elizabeth gazing out into the meadow, watching the antics of the young wolf pack and feeling the delicate web of nature settling gently around him into harmony. Wolves had been gone from this land for far too long.
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