Wolf on a Mission: Salvation Pack, Book 6 (13 page)

“And that is why you’re still here. Come on.” Jacque shifted and trotted back toward the trees.

Elias shifted and followed, aware of the others surrounding him. He and the boys might be here, but they were still a long way from making the place their home.

Jacque picked up the pace, seemingly as eager as Elias to get back. Elias was glad. It felt like there was a rock in the pit of his stomach. One that wouldn’t go away until he set his eyes on the twins.

Who was he kidding? The knot in his gut would never go away. Not knowing that Sue was so close but he could never have her. He might as well be on the other side of the world.

The memory of their one time together would haunt him into eternity. To walk away from a mate was unheard of. But nature had screwed up big time. Sue wasn’t a werewolf or even a half-breed. If she were, they might be able to work things out. But she was fully human.

He could almost smell her arousal, feel her soft skin under his hands and hear her cries of pleasure. Both heaven and hell existed in that memory.

But he’d never let it go. There would never be another woman for him. To take another would feel like he was cheating on Sue, dishonoring her. Not that she’d have the same feelings for him.

The thought of her marrying another man, a human male, made Elias feel more than a little violent. And living so close, he’d surely hear if she was to remarry.

If such a time ever happened, Elias hoped the boys were established and happy here, enough so that he’d be able to leave them. If Sue ever decided to remarry, Elias wouldn’t be able to stay. He couldn’t trust himself anywhere near the man.

He shook his head. It made no sense to torture himself over something that hadn’t even happened, something that might never happen.

Elias brought his attention back to his surroundings. It wasn’t smart to relax his guard just because the pack seemed to be welcoming, even if it was with conditions. They weren’t heading back to the house where he’d left Sage and Reece.

He picked up his pace until he was alongside Jacque. The alpha wolf ignored him and kept going. Elias noted the five smaller houses they passed. He’d seen them from a distance but not up close. They were identical in size but their owners had put their stamp on them. Flowers grew outside one, while a small garden had been created behind another. One had two fancy wooden chairs that looked handcrafted, while another had Adirondack chairs painted in bright primary colors.

The house they were heading toward was larger, much the same size as the alpha’s home. Elias sniffed and his stomach growled. Someone was baking. He smelled apples and maybe lemon.

Jacque shifted and reached for one of the pairs of jeans slung over the back railing. Elias was pleased that someone had brought his clothing along. He yanked on his jeans and tank top and followed the alpha inside with the other men bringing up the rear.

The hard knot in his belly loosened somewhat when he saw Sage and Reece, both seated on the stools by the large countertop. Six pies were set out to cool. He’d been right. There were two apple and two lemon pies. He sniffed again. Cherry as well.

The rest of the pack was spread throughout the living and dining area. Anny was laughing at something Sage had said, while her mate stood at her side, smiling indulgently at the boys.

“Are you sure they’re not cooled enough?” Reece asked. “I think Sage is right. We need to taste one for quality control.” Then his nephew swung his head around. Their gazes met and Elias saw the boy relax. Sage smiled and waved, seeming more at home than his brother.

Anny beamed at both boys. “I’m sure everyone would like to try a piece now that your uncle and the others are back.”

“We should have lunch,” Gator pointed out as he strode into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator door and started pulling out containers. “We’ve got ham and turkey for sandwiches. It will be quick and easy. Then we can have pie.”

His mate went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. The scar on her face didn’t detract from her good looks. Gator didn’t seem to notice it at all. He dropped a kiss on her lips.

“Maybe we could have pie and then sandwiches,” she countered.

Elias glanced at Jacque and found him smiling. In any other pack, the alpha would have made the decision and that would have been the end of it.

“As long as we eat, I don’t care what it is,” Jacque told them. Gwen went to his side and patted his stomach.

“You’re always hungry.”

Jacque nuzzled her neck. “You never complain.”

Gwen laughed and the rest of the pack joined in, helping to set out food, plates and utensils. Both boys seemed enthralled.

Yes, no matter what it cost him, Elias knew he’d made the right decision in bringing the boys here.

Chapter Fourteen

Sue tacked the new order onto the rack and spun it around. “Burger special, Stan.”

“On it,” he answered. The grill was sizzling. The smell of onions and fried meat filled the air. Her stomach growled, a reminder that she hadn’t eaten breakfast this morning.

She was tired, hungry and cranky. Her body was sore in some unusual places. She was paying for her night of sexual adventure with Elias.

A regular customer waved at her from the corner booth. Sue grabbed the fresh pot of coffee and made her way over. Mabel Thorpe and her best friend, Irene Bishop, were both in their seventies but were still very active in the community. They also came out for lunch at least once a week and had for as long as Sue could remember.

“Can I get you ladies anything else?” she asked. She topped up their coffee cups without their having to ask. They always had more coffee.

“Do you have any pie today, dear?” Mabel asked.

“We have pecan and apple.”

“And how is your little boy?” Irene looked over the rim of her wire glasses as she spoke. She’d been a schoolteacher for almost forty years before she’d finally retired a few years back. She always asked after Billy.

“He’s doing well. Looking forward to starting school in a few weeks.”

“I’ll have the pecan pie,” Mabel decided.

“Apple for me,” the other woman said.

Sue nodded and put in their order before she detoured to a few more tables, refilling coffee cups and taking a few more requests for pie. The work was physically demanding but not particularly hard. She had a good memory for details and that helped a lot. What she didn’t like was being on her feet for hours on end.

It was worth it, she reminded herself as she swung by the ladies’ table and dropped off their pie. It kept a roof over her and Billy’s head. When she’d distributed the last of her pie, she began loading a tray with empty plates, glasses and mugs.

There wasn’t much time to think as she ferried food from the kitchen and dirty dishes back the other way. The pace didn’t let up for another hour, when the lunch crowd started to thin.

Sue finally leaned against the counter and took a deep breath, the first she’d taken in a couple of hours. A quick glance at the yellowed clock on the wall told her she had another hour until quitting time. She was glad to be working the early shift this week. She couldn’t wait to pick up Billy from Mrs. Beecham’s house.

“More coffee.” Sue’s short break was over when a gruff man hollered from the corner. She wasn’t a fan of Fergus McLennan. The man was tighter than pair of jeans straight out of the clothes dryer. He never left a tip.

As always, he was with his brother, Sean, and his cousins, Angus and Connor. Sue took a fresh pot of coffee and headed their way. She didn’t even try to make pleasant conversation. They would only glare at her if she did.

She silently refilled Angus’s mug. He nodded his thanks.

“I tell you, I seen a wolf out in the woods,” Connor said to Fergus.

“How many times do I have to tell you there are no wolves around?” Fergus seemed angry with his cousin. “Probably just a dog, like that artist lady had with her last year. You know she married one of them fellows from down south who own that parcel of land a few miles north. Could be her dog you saw.”

Sue filled Connor’s mug and reached for Fergus’s. She remembered that story. It had made the rounds in the diner. An artist had rented Anny’s cottage, Sue’s home now. And she’d had a huge dog that had been part wolf and part dog. One of the local deputies had recounted the story several times over coffee and pie. Then she’d stayed and married one of the reclusive men who’d settled outside of town. Gossip was, they’d built a few more homes over the years and had other people living there now.

She didn’t know what to believe. They stayed to themselves and didn’t make any trouble. It was rare for them to come into town. She’d seen several of them, of course. It was impossible not to see them in a town this small, but not often. They were a handsome bunch, but there was something wild and untamed about them. Secretive. They were always watchful.

Come to think of it. They reminded her of Elias.

“I’m telling you, it was a wolf.” Connor shot Sue a warning glare, distracting her from her musings. “May even be the one that attacked your friend. You see any wolves?”

Sue tensed, as she always did when anyone talked about the attack on Anny. Even now, almost two years later, she could still see Anny lying on the ground in a pool of blood. But that was in the past. The only strangers around were Elias and Sage, and she didn’t want to mention them. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to put the men’s minds at ease. Otherwise, no telling what they might do. Fergus and his kin weren’t always known for hunting in season.

“No wolf. I saw a family camping just outside of town. They had a big dog with them.”

Fergus slammed his fist down on the table. The cutlery rattled and the dishes jumped. Coffee sloshed over the sides of the mugs. Sue grabbed some paper napkins and started to wipe up the spill.

“Leave it, woman,” Fergus told her. She took a step back when he turned his angry glare her way. “Just who are those people?” he demanded.

“I don’t know,” she snapped back. “They were out hiking, said hello and left.” That wasn’t the truth, but some instinct was warning her not to say anything more about Elias and his nephew. Sue was beginning to wish she’d kept her mouth shut. “They’ve probably moved on by now.”

“We should check it out,” Connor insisted. When Fergus scowled at him, his cousin shut his mouth and picked up his coffee cup.

“Do you want anything else?” she asked, knowing full well they didn’t. They never ordered dessert.

“Just the bills.”

She felt Fergus’s eyes on her as she went back to the counter. She dumped the wet napkins in the garbage, set the coffeepot back on the warming burner and began to tally their bills. When she was done, she took them back to the table.

Sue kept one eye on them as she dealt with her other customers. Finally, the men came to the counter to pay. She kept her mouth shut and her head down and gave a sigh of relief when they finally left.

It didn’t take her long to clear their table. As expected, Fergus hadn’t left a tip. Neither had Sean or Connor. Surprisingly, Angus had. It was only a dollar, but every cent was appreciated. Most folks around here didn’t make a lot of money, herself included.

She tucked the dollar into her pocket, along with the rest of her tips. By her calculation, she’d made about ten extra dollars today. All her tip money went into her emergency money jar she had tucked away at home. Really, it was what she called her “Billy jar”. It was money to buy those extra things she wanted her son to have. At the moment, she was saving for Christmas. It might be months away but she wanted to be able to give him a good holiday.

Only two tables had anyone at them. Doc Jones was finishing his coffee at one and Mark Harrison was at the other talking on his phone and making notes on his computer. As the local realtor, Mark kept odd work hours and often worked in the diner.

“That it?” Stan pushed open the door from the kitchen and peered out into the room.

“For now.” The diner opened at seven in the morning and closed at seven at night. They did most of their business at breakfast and lunchtime, but they did have a decent late afternoon crowd.

“You might as well take off. Emily is due any minute.”

“You sure?” she asked Stan, even as she was removing her apron.

“I’ve got it.” He waved her off. “Say hi to Billy for me.”

“I will.” She hurried out back and dumped her apron into the laundry basket and grabbed her purse out of Stan’s office.

It was hot outside, but that was no surprise. They’d been in a real hot spell the past week. Probably why business was up at the diner. Folks didn’t want to cook and they enjoyed eating in the air-conditioned environment. Not many locals had air-conditioning at home. Around here, cooling systems ran more to open windows and electric fans.

Sweat ran down her back by the time she got to her car. She couldn’t wait to get home to change out of the sleeveless white blouse and dark capri pants she’d worn to work.

She started the car and turned up the air-conditioning before pulling out of the parking lot. The cool air on her damp skin made her shiver. Her nipples pebbled and she groaned at the sensual awareness of her own body.

She blamed Elias. How was it possible she was getting turned on by the air conditioning in her car wafting over her hot body? She turned off the cool air and opened the window instead, letting the heat inside.

That wasn’t much better. Now she was just hot.

She stopped the car at a stop sign and briefly closed her eyes. Immediately, she became even more aware of her body and her eyes popped open again.

“This isn’t fair,” she groaned. She checked both ways before turning left. The unfamiliar aches were making her ultra-aware of her body. Her breasts were tender from Elias’s attention the night before. Her skin tingled and her breasts felt heavy.

This was unacceptable. She had to stop mooning over a man who was in all likelihood already gone. Yes, they’d shared phenomenal sex, but that was all. Her reality was her son and her job. Billy was her priority.

She turned onto Aspen Grove Road, the street where she’d grown up. It hurt her to look at her family home and know it no longer belonged to her. She consoled herself with the knowledge she couldn’t have afforded to keep it for just her and Billy. Heating bills were high, not to mention property taxes. And she’d sold it to good people.

She frowned when she noticed the unfamiliar car parked in front of Mrs. Beecham’s. Maybe someone was visiting her. As she pulled her car to a stop in front of the house, she saw Billy on the front porch. Then she saw the man standing beside him.

Her blood ran cold and the last vestiges of arousal fled as she jumped out of the car and hurried up the walkway to confront her ex.

* * * * *

Elias knew he’d made the right decision in bringing his nephews here. Even if they didn’t stay, it was good for the boys to see how a pack could be. Not that this pack was anything near typical.

A black cat perched on the back of the sofa and peered suspiciously at him. “Seymour,” Anny told the cat, an exasperated note in her voice. “He won’t hurt you.”

Elias almost laughed at the withering look of disbelief the cat sent her. Anny had invited him and the boys over to her place after lunch to meet her cats. Tigger, the calico, peeked out from beneath the sofa. That one wasn’t taking any chances.

The house was smaller than the other two—a kitchen and living room area, a bedroom and a bathroom. Just enough space to give a couple their privacy. It was well made and the finishes were top notch. The kitchen especially looked high end, with stainless steel appliances and stone countertops. It was cozy, a home. Elias could see Anny’s touch in the pillows, candles and plants. His sister-in-law had done the same for the home they’d all shared.

Gray and Louis had joined them at Anny’s place, making it seem even smaller. Gray had brought along her enormous dog. Shadow was part German shepherd and part wolf and was currently sprawled on the hardwood floor with both Reece and Sage.

Elias held his hand out to Seymour. The cat hissed, jumped off the back of the couch and stalked off toward the bedroom.

“Sorry about that,” Anny told him. She reached under the sofa and tugged the reluctant Tigger into her arms. “He’ll warm up given time. They both will.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He shook his head. “I still can’t believe you have cats.”

Anny smiled when Armand sat beside her. “I had them before I met Armand.” She hesitated. “Before I became a werewolf.”

“What do you mean?” he asked. Both Sage and Reece had stopped roughhousing with the dog and were listening intently.

“You know I was attacked by a wolf, don’t you?” Anny hugged the cat so tightly it gave a plaintive meow. She loosened her grip and kissed Tigger’s furry head.

Elias nodded. “Yes. Sue mentioned it.”

“I was fully human.”

It felt like the bottom dropped out of his stomach. “I just assumed you were a half-breed who’d been attacked. Human?”

Anny nodded. “I was left for dead, but I survived.” She glanced at her mate, who instantly enveloped her in his arms. “And I was changed.”

“That’s impossible.”

“So is a half-breed and a full-blooded werewolf giving birth to twins, one of whom can shift,” Armand shot back.

Elias dragged his fingers through his hair and nodded. “You’re right.” He’d understood why Anny had stayed away from Sue once she’d mated with Armand. He’d figured it was to protect the pack and Anny against another attack. And that was true, but not for the reason he’d assumed.

“Can you shift?” Elias asked. He sensed Sage’s interest and wanted to howl. The boy was already part werewolf. Nothing anyone could do would change what he was now. He would never be able to shift.

Anny nodded. “Yes, I can.”

He glanced at Gray and she shook her head. “Don’t look at me. I’ve always been a half-breed, even if I didn’t know it. I’m like Sage. I can’t shift.”

Elias appreciated what Gray was trying to do. She was letting Sage know that even though she couldn’t shift, she was a valued member of the pack.

“You’re perfect,” Louis informed her.

As if sensing his mistress’s turmoil, Shadow stood, padded over to her side and leaned against her. She petted the large animal and smiled. “I have all my wolf instincts, as I assume Sage does.”

When Sage nodded, she continued. “I rely on them. I have a keener eye than most because I can’t shift. I think it’s where I get my artist eye for details.”

“I’m the same,” Sage blurted out. “I see things—” He stopped abruptly when he realized everyone was looking at him.

Gray nodded. “You’ll find some of your senses will become more developed because you can’t shift.” Her matter-of-fact tone had Sage leaning forward to hear more. “I’ve done a lot of thinking about it since I joined the pack.” She smiled at him. “We’re all different here.”

“Can we go outside?” Elias wasn’t surprised it was Reece who asked. The boy never liked being inside any more than he had to.