Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
S adie sat in the back seat of her car while Kile drove. Lily sat in the front, bombarding him with endless questions. It had been a long time since she had heard excitement in her sister’s voice. As happy and relieved Sadie was for her sister, her stomach clenched painfully for what this moment meant. She was about to lose her sister. No matter what Lily said and what Sadie truly wanted, once Lily was settled with other Shifters, that would be it. Sadie would not be welcomed. It was the way it was, and it broke her heart. She had done her best to come to terms with this because it was what would be best for Lily, and yet, Sadie wanted so badly to be selfish, to keep Lily in her life. But she would never do that to her sister. She loved her way too much to hold Lily back. So yes, after Lily finds her place where she is safe and happy, Sadie will walk away to give Lily a chance to live the life she deserves as a Shifter.
“Is this the place?” Lily’s voice brought Sadie out of her depressing thoughts. Leaning up, she looked out the windshield, her gaze scanning the scene. The car slowed, and her eyes met Kile’s in the rearview mirror. She was the first to look away.
“Yes,” Kile answered with a nod. Lily was out of the car almost before it came to a complete stop. Kile opened the door for Sadie.
“Thank you,” Sadie said as her eyes scanned the place. Tents and what looked like new construction were scattered around the property. Her eyes spotted the large pens. Seeing huge wolves watching their arrival, she frowned. Her heart stopped as fear overtook her. “Lily!” she called out when her sister passed. Sadie was ignored.
She started to rush after her sister, but Kile stopped her. “They aren’t Shifters.” He answered her fears without her even speaking them.
Sadie looked up at him before looking back at the wolves, who were pacing as Lily got closer. Her trust in anyone had died long ago, and it was hard not to jump to conclusions because many of her conclusions had saved their lives.
“Most are wolf-dogs. A cross-breed. A few are pure-blood wolves.” Kile explained in a calm tone without judgment of her mistrust that she still hadn’t spoken. He then pointed, and her gaze went to a large empty pen with the door wide open. “That enclosure is for any Shifter who may need help. There is always fresh water and food placed at night. They are not locked inside unless it is felt they are a danger to themselves or others.”
Swallowing hard, she nodded as her fear for her sister subsided slightly. Clearing her throat, she looked up to see the truth in the man’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” she admitted sincerely. “It’s just after everything that has happened since our parents died—I have a tough time trusting anyone, especially when it comes to my sister.”
“As it should be,” Kile replied with such understanding it shocked her a little. She pretty much acted as if they were going to cage her sister, and he was being uncommonly gracious about the situation. “Even though daily I want to punch one of my brothers, I would take a bullet for either one of them. Someone comes for them; they have to go through me first. I know they feel the same. Cole, however, may not admit to that.” He finished with a half grin.
Sadie surprised herself when she chuckled at his last remark. She was strung tight, but he somehow made her feel comfortable, something she hadn’t felt in a while. Instead of answering, she turned to see Lily talking to a beautiful woman towered over by the man named Eric. “Is that Gemma?” she asked before looking back at Kile.
“Yes,” He replied with a smile and nod. “Your sister is in good hands here. Gemma is a fierce supporter of our kind and, as a human, has done more for Shifters than some of our own. Come on, and I’ll introduce you.”
As they walked toward Gemma and Lily, her eyes didn’t miss much. People were busy rushing around, but most wore smiles. Kids were playing in a field to their right. Everyone seemed at ease and...happy. Some of her trepidation eased, especially hearing the children's laughter. A ball rolled in their path as a young boy gave chase. Sadie smiled as she kicked it back.
“Good kick.” The boy shouted before taking off at a run.
Glancing up at Kile, who was watching her closely, she just shrugged. “I was the kickball queen on our street.” She quickly looked away as a smile spread across his full lips. He was very handsome, especially when he smiled like that. It reached his golden eyes framed by long, thick lashes.
“She’s not lying,” Lily said, hearing her boast. “She was always the first pick for teams.”
“Is that so?” Kile chuckled as they reached the group.
“You must be Sadie.” Gemma smiled, holding out her hand for a handshake. Sadie took her hand and was surprised by the strength in the small woman’s grip. “I’m Gemma Stone.”
“It’s finally nice to meet you.” Sadie smiled, liking the woman instantly. She had a certain vibe about her that Sadie felt immediately. “We’ve been looking for this place for quite some time.”
“So I’ve heard.” She replied, glancing at Lily fondly. That was one thing about her sister. Everyone loved her. She was a kind soul, and people felt that after meeting her for the first time. “Well, I’m glad you found us. For obvious reasons, I don’t advertise, but it seems that Shifters in need always find their way here. I’ve already told Lily that you are welcome for as long as you need.”
“Thank you.” That was all Sadie responded. She knew that as soon as she felt comfortable and Lily was stable, she would be leaving. She needed to find a job and a place to live close enough to visit her sister, but this was Lily’s world, not hers.
Gemma turned her attention back to Lily. “How long has it been since you’ve shifted?”
“Too long,” Lily said with a frown. “I feel so bad, but we couldn’t take a chance. Until we ended up here, we lived out of our car most of the time. I couldn’t chance shifting and someone seeing me.”
“Well, we have plenty of room here.” Gemma smiled, placing a hand on Lily’s arm. She then looked at a young man about Lily’s age who had walked up and leaned against a pole listening. “Alex, why don’t you take Lily and her wolf for a run.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Alex smiled and then looked at Lily. “I’m Alex.”
“Lily.” Her sister replied with a blush. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Well, since I was searching out Gemma for more work, I’m very sure I don’t mind.” He chuckled, giving Gemma a wink. “I’ll pick running the land over working any day.”
“Will you be okay?” Lily turned to Sadie with such excitement in her eyes that even if Sadie weren’t okay with being left alone, she would lie.
“I think I can manage.” Sadie smiled when Lily hugged her tightly, almost knocking her down in excitement. Sadie leaned back, becoming serious. “Keep your eyes open, Lily.”
“Eric already informed us of what is going on,” Alex said, his smile completely gone, making him look older than he probably was. “Nothing and no one will come close to her.”
Oddly, Sadie believed him. She just hoped that her trust wouldn’t backfire. Nodding, she let go of Lily with a forced smile. “Enjoy, but be careful.” She couldn’t help but warn again.
Lily laughed, hugging her once more before walking away with Alex. They all continued to watch as they disappeared toward the woods. Gemma broke the silence.
“You can take her clothes to that tent right over there, so once she shifts back, she will have something to put on,” Gemma said, still watching where the two disappeared.
Hearing the children’s laughter behind them, Sadie frowned. Looking over at Gemma, she sighed. “He will come looking for her.” Sadie didn’t want to jeopardize Lily’s chances here, but in her heart, she knew the truth of the matter needed to be told. It was only fair.
“Eric filled me in.” Gemma glanced her way. “I’m no stranger to trouble. I’ve had more of my fair share here, but now I have Eric, Cole, and Kile, who I trust with our welfare. You and Lily are welcome to stay as long as you need to. And if this man comes, he will be taken care of.”
Sadie took a shuddering breath, feeling as if the world's weight lifted from her shoulders at that very moment. “Thank you,” she managed to say, keeping her tears of relief in check. “But it will only be Lily. As soon as she is settled, I’m leaving. This is her world, not mine. I want her safe and happy.”
“I don’t think losing her sister would make her happy.” Gemma frowned. “And this Colton isn’t only after your sister. Is he?”
Sadie was shocked that Gemma called her out so quickly. “I won’t be far and will still visit. I need to find a job and a place to live,” she replied, not answering her question. There was a reason she was walking away, but only she knew the reason.
Gemma stared at her for a long time, then nodded. “Just know your sister will be safe here, and so would you should you decide to stay. You will always be welcome, Shifter or not. Now, come on and get something to eat. I have a feeling Alex and Lily will be gone for a while.”
Looking back to where her sister disappeared, she glanced at Kile, who was leaning against a fence, arms crossed, staring directly at her with a strange look on his face. Not sure why he was staring at her like that, she turned away, hoping she was doing the right thing for Lily. Her heart hurt, wanting it to be, but her mind was still clouded with worry.