(Un)bidden (Judgement of the Six #4)

“He’s not one of ours,” Thomas said.

“Really? He’s not a werewolf but a regular wolf? The fur in your ears is making you deaf.” He grunted in surprise, but I didn’t give him a chance to speak. “Stop thinking so narrowly. You can’t just protect your small pack. Think bigger.”

He kissed my hand once more, then let me go with a nudge toward the door. “Your neck is bleeding again. Let Mary take a look at it. I’ll look at our fallen.”

“Fine. The door stays open, though.”

He grinned at me and crossed his arms, the gesture conveying his patience rather than any stubbornness. I gave him a last, long look then walked toward the wolf that was on the ground. It growled at me as I knelt near it.

I tapped it with my will to silence it at the same time I spoke. “I was bitten in the neck, too. It hurts. If you can stand and come inside, Mary and I will clean you up and get you something to eat. It’s up to you, though.” I gently patted its side then stood and walked in.

Mary had the alcohol ready. With a sigh, I sat in the chair.

“How are the stitches?” I asked after she studied me for a moment.

“It looks like the top stitches might have torn a little.” She dabbed at the wound. “It’s barely bleeding. Your face looks worse.”

My face looked worse? I’d been bitten how many times now? My neck had over a dozen puncture holes and several tears. Since there weren’t mirrors here, I hadn’t seen it; yet I could imagine how it looked. My wrist ached, as did my elbow. I had fading bruises from the last attack and was missing hair from this one.

And my face looked worse?

I giggled; and as soon as I did, I couldn’t stop. Laughter bubbled from me. It wasn’t a pretty, feminine giggle. It was brash and edged with hysteria. My empty stomach ached as I bent over in my ill-hilarity. Tears streamed down my cheeks, and my laughs started to sound more like sobs. Maybe it was the stress of my existence since Penny had tried to expose me, maybe it was being knocked to the ground—yet again—by a werewolf, maybe it was the fear that my scary abilities would cause me problems, even here. Whatever it was, I was falling apart and didn’t know how to pull myself back together.

Arms wrapped around me. My world spun as someone lifted me. I buried my face against a shirtless chest and hoped whatever this was wouldn’t result in another form of abuse. I’d never felt so unwanted in my life, not even when Penny tried to rat me out at school. That thought switched the mad laughter to full out tears.

I cried until I couldn’t, until my already sore throat clogged and snot filled my nose. And whoever had me, held me through it all.

As I calmed, I became aware we moved slightly, a small side-to-side motion. A chin rested on my head and hands smoothed down my back. I reached up and wiped my eyes then turned my head a bit so I could see better.

We were in my room, sitting on my bed. The setting sun painted one of the walls bright orange. I pulled back, and the chin lifted from the top of my head.

In the fading light, I stared at Thomas, his face close to mine. I saw the brown flecks in his deep blue eyes and studied his short, thick dark lashes. I realized everything about him seemed dark despite his pale skin. But, he didn’t feel menacing. His gaze held concern, and it made my eyes water again. I’d manipulated this strong man’s mind, and he didn’t even know it. Guilt ate at me. My breath hitched in a typical post-cry rhythm.

He leaned to the side, grabbed a scrap cloth from the pile in my dresser, and handed it to me. I settled back against his chest and blew my nose.

“I’m sorry.” My words were broken and full of remorse.

“Don’t be,” he said gently. “Take all the time you want. I’ll hold you for as long as you’ll let me.”

His arms didn’t tighten. His hold didn’t change at all. Yet, his words changed it in my mind. My breathing slowed; and leaning against his chest, I listened to the steady beat of his heart. My stomach somersaulted.

I lifted my head again. He was waiting for it. Our gazes met. Slowly, he moved forward, giving me time to pull away. I didn’t. His lips brushed mine, a brief soft touch. Our second kiss. This one scared me just as much because I wanted to wrap my arms around his neck and lean into the kiss.

He withdrew and watched me.

“Tell me what you need,” he said.

My heart skipped a beat as a single thought raced forward. A home. A place to belong. But I didn’t say it.

“Nothing. I’m better now. Thank you.” I straightened away from him and stood. He caught my hand when I would have stepped away.