Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
S adie was uneasy with the questions and knew it showed. This was something she had to do for her sister. Kile was right. She didn’t believe what she had said about Colton giving up. He would not. He would come after her if he couldn’t get to Lily, but she would take the risk for her sister. Sadie didn’t want to die, but it was a sacrifice she would make because, as Lily’s dad had promised her own father, Sadie herself had made a promise at the graveside of her stepparents. It was a promise that would not be broken. Lily would have the life that she deserved.
“I also heard what he said about the alpha of this pack,” Kile informed her with a frown. “I don’t think you understand the danger you could be in.”
“I’m not sure what Colton meant by that,” Sadie replied, biting her lip in thought. “I’ve never met the alpha, so I don’t know why he would have a problem with me.” Colton’s threat of the alpha confused her.
"What you did was an offense against the alpha," Eric told her. "A human woman sneaking in to help a shifter escape is seen as a serious insult to his leadership."
“I did what I had to do. And if I insulted someone’s leadership, then maybe they should make sure that their people don’t beat up on women.” Sadie frowned, but realized she really didn’t know much about this world, and it scared her a little. How was she to know going in to help her sister would insult someone other than maybe Colton, the asshole? Perhaps she should have known, but honestly, all she wanted to do was get her sister away from Colton, which she did successfully. If this dude was pissed, then he could get over it.
No one said anything as the quiet of the night surrounded them. A few howls from the wolves broke the silence as her eyes searched the darkness for her sister.
“Shouldn’t they be back by now?” Sadie asked, glancing at Kile, who was still watching her closely—too closely. It was as if he was searching her soul for answers...answers she didn’t have. Since their parents' deaths, both she and Lily had been living minute by minute, trying their best to stay afloat in a sea of grief and trouble. She was so tired of it all.
“They’re back,” Eric confirmed with a nod. “Alex will bring her up as soon as she’s changed.”
Sadie nodded and then glanced at the food she had barely touched. Not wanting to be rude, she picked up her fork as her stomach recoiled at the thought of eating anything. She decided it was time to ask the question she dreaded asking before Lily made an appearance. Putting her fork down again, afraid if she took even one bite, it would come back up in revolt.
“How much will it be for Lily to stay here?” Sadie asked Gemma, hoping they would have enough until Sadie could start working. “We have some put away, but I plan on starting work as soon as possible.” She added just in case it was more than they had.
“The only thing that I will ask of Lily is that she takes responsibility for helping with the wolves and running the Sanctuary,” Gemma informed her. “As you can see with the tents we have grown substantially with our extended family that I’m so grateful for. Soon, we hope to have housing for those who want to stay on the property.”
“And the ones that don’t?” Sadie asked not sure what Lily would decide to do, but wanted to hear the options that would be laid out for Lily before she herself left.
“My neighbor, Lance Cutter, has many contacts in the area. He helps anyone who does not want to stay on the property find a place close,” Gemma replied, then added, “Mostly, that’s the older people who have a hard time with tent living. What do you think Lily would like to do?”
“About what?” Lily’s voice broke into her thoughts. She sat down next to Sadie and gave her a tight hug.
“How was your run, Lily?” Gemma asked, giving Sadie a knowing look. Sadie smiled appreciatively. Now was not the time for her and Lily to talk in front of everyone.
“Wonderful.” Lily sighed with such a happy expression that Sadie knew she was doing the right thing by her sister. “Your property is beautiful. It seemed like we could run forever.”
“There are also dangerous areas, so make sure you don’t take off on your own,” Eric warned her.
“Alex showed me a few areas to be careful of,” Lily replied looking shyly at the man who stood silent.
“The two cliffs off the main trail,” Alex informed Eric. “I told her to always stay on the path.”
“You two get yourself something to eat. There’s plenty.” Gemma ordered, waving toward where the steaks were staying warm on the grill. “I know you have to be hungry. After Eric shifts, he could eat a whole cow.”
Sadie watched as Alex stepped back, allowing Lily to go ahead of him. He glanced her way, giving her a nod before following Lily. Sadie sat quietly, listening to everyone talk. She noticed Lily giving sideways glances toward Alex, who was having conversations with Eric and Kile about plans for the sanctuary.
“Thanks for the food and company,” Alex said as he stood up to take his plate. “I best be heading out to check the pens.”
“Check the pens?” Lily asked what Sadie was also wondering.
“Making sure they are closed and locked tight for the night,” Alex replied with a smile at Lily. “Also, to make sure the wolves and wolf-dogs are tucked in.”
“Can I help?” Lily asked excitedly, standing and handing Alex her plate when he reached for it. Alex glanced at Gemma and Eric before he disappeared inside the trailer.
“I was just telling your sister that for you to stay, you will have to work,” Gemma said, then laughed. “I see that isn’t going to be a problem.”
“No, ma’am.” Lily shook her head, turning serious. “I want to learn everything there is to know about what you do here and how I can help.”
Alex walked back out, looking first at Eric and then Gemma as if waiting for permission to take Lily with him.
“Go on with Alex. He will show you the nightly routine, but you need to rest. We start early at the Sanctuary.” Gemma smiled and then laughed when Lily rushed her, hugging her tightly.
“Thank you,” Lily said, quickly letting go, tripping toward Alex, who reached out and steadied her. Lily laughed at her clumsiness, giving her sister a wave as she disappeared. Sadie smiled, shaking her head, then looked toward Gemma, who watched her closely.
“She’s a hugger.” Sadie shrugged, swallowing the knot in her throat. God, she would miss her, but knew this was it. This is where Lily belonged. In such a short amount of time, what they both prayed for was coming true, and it broke her heart yet lifted the unbearable weight on her shoulders.
Gemma only nodded, her eyes seeing too much, and that made Sadie very uncomfortable. “Can I help you clean up?” Sadie broke the silence as she stood, picking up her plate, not knowing what to do with it.
“I’ll take that,” Kile said as he took the plate from her, his fingers brushing her own. Tingles of heat spread through her hand. Her eyes shot to his, wondering if he felt the same thing, but he quickly walked away, disappearing into the trailer. Sadie used her other hand, trying to rub the odd sensation Kile’s touch left.
“There isn’t much left to do.” Gemma smiled as she stood. “You have to be exhausted.”
“Are you sure?” Sadie asked, not knowing where to go. “I don’t mind.”
“Positive.” Gemma smiled and glanced at Kile as he exited the trailer. “Kile can show you where the tent is. Also, if you’d like to shower in the morning, just come up here. Eric and I are usually out by five-thirty.”
“I don’t want to impose on your already amazing hospitality,” Sadie replied, meaning every word, and yet, a small part of her wondered if this was too good to be true.
“You don’t trust easily, do you?” Gemma asked with a hint of understanding in her tone.
The trailer door opened, pulling her attention from Gemma. How did she answer that question without sounding ungrateful to this woman, this stranger, for taking them in? Pulling her gaze from Kile, she frowned. “Not many people have given me a reason to trust them.”
Gemma moved away from Eric and then stood in front of Sadie. “I promise you that your sister will be well cared for, and you are more than welcome to stay here.” Gemma pulled her into a tight embrace and then whispered. “I don’t trust easily either, but sometimes you must take a chance. I am that chance, Sadie. The Sanctuary is Lily’s chance. Let us help you both.”
Sadie held the woman so tight that she was afraid she would hurt her, but she couldn’t let go. The fear she felt every second of every day seemed to melt away as her tear-filled eyes glanced first at Eric and then Kile, who stood watching them. Closing her eyes, she felt the tears escape and roll down her cheeks. Her body trembled as all her fear and distrust flowed from her body.
“Eric, why don’t you and Kile go help Alex and Lily,” Gemma said as she held Sadie even tighter. “I’ll see Sadie settled.”
Sadie didn’t open her eyes, but she heard the men leave. Slowly, she started to pull away from Gemma to wipe her eyes. “I’m sorry,” Sadie whispered, embarrassed as she used her shirt to wipe her eyes. “For someone who doesn’t cry, I seem to be having breakdowns left and right.”
Gemma reached across the table for a napkin, handing it to Sadie. “We are all due for a breakdown or two,” Gemma said, smiling. “I’ve had more than my share.”
Gemma’s understanding stare had more tears spilling from her eyes, but she fought them back. “Really?” was the only thing Sadie could think of saying. This woman seemed so solid and sure of herself. All Sadie could do was second-guess every decision she made concerning her sister since their parents had died.
“Oh, yeah.” Gemma snorted, leading her away from the trailer. “There wasn’t a night I didn’t crawl into bed exhausted and cry myself to sleep. And then Eric showed up. Now, I’m not saying a man fixed all my problems, but it sure felt good having a partner who understood me and what I was doing. Someone who cared just as much as I did about the Sanctuary and what it represented.”
Reaching a tent, they stopped. Sadie couldn’t help but feel a little jealous, which was silly. But then again, it wasn’t silly at all. What she wouldn’t give to have someone to lean on, just once.
“You brought Lily to the right place, Sadie,” Gemma said, and she believed her. For the first time in a long time, she fully trusted someone. “You did good, so give yourself some grace. Breathe.”
“I don’t know if I remember how,” Sadie said seriously until they both laughed.
Gemma patted her arm. “It will come.” She said, turning to walk away. “Get some rest, Sadie. You deserve it.”
Sadie smiled, watching her go, then looked over the Sanctuary property. Her eyes spotted an enclosure next to their tent. A wolf sat staring at her. The full moon shining down hit the wolf's eyes, making them glow. Slowly, she approached and then kneeled so she was almost at eye level. They stared at each other for a long time.
“Are you happy here?” She whispered, searching its beautiful eyes as if she could get the answer. The wolf tilted its head slightly, not breaking eye contact. Slowly, its head fell back as a soulful howl broke the silence of the night. A wave of homesickness hit her at the sound, which was strange since she didn’t have a home anymore. The wolf quieted as it once again looked at her. “I’m going to take that as a yes.”