I felt the bile rise up in my throat. Someone had hurt this little woman and unless I was mistaken, she was trying to escape from whoever did this. There was no other explanation as to why she would be out in this hellish storm. She had to be running. The anger I had been feeling at the unwelcome intrusion melted away as I stood looking at her bruised and battered body. Unpleasant memories of waking up in the hospital, beaten beyond recognition, swam through my mind. It had happened years ago, but I could still remember the pain I had been in.
Cursing under my breath, I cleaned her up as best I could, before dressing her in a set of my own shorts and shirt to cover her body. Not only was she a great deal shorter than I was, she was thin, and my clothes were huge on her but would at least warm her up. I added a couple of blankets and watched as Bear climbed back up on the bed and settled back down beside her. This time I didn’t protest.
The lights began to flicker and I knew I need to start up the generators and close up the barn. It had been impossible to do so with the unconscious woman in my arms. Leaving Bear with the woman, I grabbed the flashlight and I made my way outside, slower than ever. The efforts I had put forth had added a huge strain on my leg, and I was now limping worse than usual.
Just as I got to the barn, I was plunged into darkness as the power finally gave out. I turned on the flashlight and powered up the generators that would keep the house going for a while. Then, struggling against the fierce wind, I closed the barn doors and made my way back to the safety of the house. Inside, I stripped out of my wet clothes and changed into dry ones from the laundry room. I lit some candles and lanterns, and then made my way back to the bedroom to check on the woman.
Bear was still beside her and chuffed happily at me when I entered. I stroked his massive head as I looked down at her unconscious form. What if she didn’t wake up? What if she had internal injuries? I shook my head sadly. No one could get here even if I could call for help.
And I couldn’t leave to get help.
It had only been the last few years, after I got Bear, that I was able to leave the house. Still, at times, I felt the surge of overwhelming panic when I did.
I hadn’t left the property for five years.
We were stuck here.
I could only hope she woke up soon. As soon as the storm was over, I could plow the driveway and take her to the gate. Someone could come get her and take her away.
She could be their problem. Not mine.
I already had enough problems of my own. I had no idea how I could help anyone else when I couldn’t even help myself.
Chapter Two
Joshua
The wind howled ferociously and the heavy snow beat against the sides of the house all night. I sat in the chair beside the bed, occasionally checking on the woman to be sure she was still breathing, as well as adding logs to the fireplaces to keep the house warm.
Bear stayed beside her all night, seemingly guarding her. Aside from the occasional groan or whimper that escaped her lips, she remained still. Once, her hands fluttered upward and what sounded like scared little gasps came out of her mouth. Unsure what to do, I made some hushing noises like my mother used to make to soothe me as a child, and I gently clasped her hands in mine and tried to tuck them back under the covers. Both of her small hands grabbed onto one of mine and gripped it fiercely. I could see bruises forming on the back of both her hands, more evidence of the cruel beating she must have endured. Her gasps stopped and she became silent again, but her grip on my hand didn’t lessen. I leaned back in the chair, allowing her hands to stay resting on top of mine. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the normal anxiety or panic I would at being touched by a stranger. I only felt the need to allow her this small comfort, and in turn, felt like I was being offered the same.
I studied her face in the dim light. The paleness of her skin was emphasized by the darkness of her hair that was spread across the pillow. I glanced down the bed and back up guessing she was at least a foot shorter than me. Her hands were small and well-manicured, so I doubted she did any sort of manual labor. Her face wasn’t classically beautiful, but rather attractive in a soft, lovely way. I imagined she was infinitely appealing when she smiled.
I shook my head. Why was I wondering what she looked like when she smiled?
I closed my eyes wearily, listening to the storm continue its destruction of the world outside the windows. Briefly, I wondered how long it would last. Last year we had one that went on for three solid days. It had taken two weeks before I was able to get my driveway plowed. A sudden sense of foreboding filled me and I opened my eyes again, staring at the woman lying in my bed.
What if I was stuck here with her for two weeks?
A strange gasping noise woke me with a start. I had fallen asleep in the chair, my hand still being held by the woman and the storm raging around us. Three things struck me as my eyes snapped open.
The storm was still blowing, the wind and snow beating against the house in their fury.
My hand was no longer being held in a death grip.