Wolf on the Run: Salvation Pack, Book 3 (9 page)

“They about done?” Gator asked.

Cherise shook herself out of her reverie and nodded. “Yes.” The last thing she wanted to do was burn their breakfast.

“Pile it in there.” He indicated two bowls that sat on the counter. Cherise transferred the contents of the pans while Gator piled the steaks on two large platters. He grabbed both and took them to the table, placing one on each end. She grabbed the bowls and did the same. Cherise slid into the empty seat next to Cole.

Gator went back to the kitchen and pulled two pans of yeasty rolls out of the oven and transferred them to a large basket before joining them at the table. “Y’all can thank Anny for the rolls,” Gator drawled. “She already had them on by the time I got home.”

Anny blew him a kiss and Gator grinned.

Jacque pushed back his chair and stood and the group went quiet. A low hum of power seemed to surround him as he spoke. “Don’t run from us again, Cherise. The world is a lonely place for a wolf alone. You have a home here. With us.” He sat again and reached for the platter of steaks. He didn’t take one for himself, but forked one on to his mate’s plate first before doing the same for himself. “Let’s eat,” he prompted.

Cherise sat there reeling. It was one thing to offer her a meal and a place to stay for a few days. It was another thing entirely to offer her a permanent place in the pack. She wanted it. Oh, how she wanted a place to belong.

She cleared her throat and Jacque lifted one dark eyebrow in question.

“You understand that my former pack is hunting me, that they want to kill me? And I can’t shapeshift. Have never been able to.” She wanted to make sure that was very clear.

Jacque continued to stare at her with his golden gaze until she was forced to look away. There was pure power shining from his eyes, and understanding. He saw too much, more than she was comfortable with. Everyone around her served up food while she sat there totally dumbfounded.

“Eat.” Cole placed a large steak on her plate and smothered it in mushrooms and onions. After a moment’s deliberation, he placed two rolls on her plate as well. Looking satisfied, he began to fill his own.

At a total loss for words, Cherise ate. Everything tasted delicious. The onions melted in her mouth and the steak was tender and juicy. She buttered her rolls, letting the sweet buttery flavor melt into the bread. Once she started eating, her body demanded fuel. She’d really allowed herself to get rundown, which wasn’t smart, all things considered. By the time she’d cleared her plate, she was feeling stronger than she had in days. She was still tired, but her brain was firing on all cylinders and she felt sharper.

She set her fork down and wiped her mouth with her napkin. Gator was watching her and she sent him a small smile. “That was delicious. I can’t remember ever tasting a steak cooked so perfectly.”

Gator smiled and she was momentarily stunned by how handsome he was. “See, I knew she knew her way around the kitchen.”

The others laughed and Cherise felt her cheeks heating. She wasn’t used to anyone teasing her, no one had in a long, long time. Her father had used to joke and banter with her when she was a child. The memory was bittersweet and she reached for the glass of water by her plate and drank half of it in one swallow, hoping no one would see her expression and ask what was wrong.

“So do you know your way around the kitchen?” It was Anny who asked. Cherise was afraid the other woman might be annoyed with her, but she was smiling and it seemed genuine.

Cherise shrugged. “I’ve worked as both a waitress and short-order cook over the years. I didn’t finish high school, and there was no money to continue my education even if I’d wanted to. But there’s always a job for someone who can cook and wait tables.” She watched the other woman carefully but didn’t see any pity there.

“I’m not the best cook, but I’ve discovered I really enjoy baking. Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, bread and rolls. I’m having a lot of fun learning.” Anny shot Gator a look. “That is when
he
lets me in
his
kitchen.”

Gator laughed and blew Anny a kiss. Cherise nervously looked at Armand. When a male made an advance like that at another male’s mate, a fight usually ensued. But Armand simply smiled at Gator, and then leaned down to kiss Anny on the cheek.

“I’ll build you your own kitchen if you want,” Armand told his mate. “You know that.”

Anny shook her head. “No, I’d much rather drive Gator crazy working in his. And if he gets too crazy, I can always go over and cook at the other house. Gwen doesn’t mind.”

“Any time you want to come over. My kitchen is your kitchen.” Gwen raised her coffee cup in salute.

Cherise noted the tiny smile playing around Gator’s mouth and realized that this was a long-running argument. They were teasing one another and actually showing affection.

All through the meal, even though he hadn’t added to the conversation, she was very aware of Cole sitting beside her. There was no way to miss his massive presence. She could feel him watching her but wasn’t ready to face him, to talk to him. Not yet.

Her stomach growled. She shouldn’t still be hungry, but she was. She was making up for many missed meals. She might not need as much fuel as a full-shifting werewolf, but her metabolism was still much faster than a human’s. She was stronger, faster and needed more calories to survive.

She knew just how close an eye Cole was keeping on her when he deposited another piece of steak on her plate before adding another roll. She nodded her thanks and went back to eating, instinctively knowing that as soon as the meal was done, her reprieve was over. Cole would want to talk. Cherise wasn’t sure she was ready to face him yet. She was confused about her feelings for him. And no matter what Jacque said about her being welcome here, she wasn’t certain she should take them up on their offer.

She liked them all even though she didn’t know them well. Liked the way they interacted with one another, the way they treated her with kindness and respect. But these were no tame wolves. She’d seen Cole dispatch the three men who’d hunted her.

No, these wolves were as territorial as any she’d ever grown up with, but somehow they’d learned to temper that instinct with one another. They were more openly caring, and there wasn’t the same jockeying for position in the pack. Other than Jacque, the rest of them acted as equals. Unheard of in her former pack or any pack she knew of.

She finished eating, set her utensils down and simply sat back and watched the group talking and interacting. It was an education. The longer she watched, the more she ached to be a part of it.

Chapter Nine

Cole couldn’t wait for everyone to leave so he and Cherise could talk. He could practically see the wheels turning in her brain and knew she hadn’t quite settled herself to the idea of staying with the Salvation Pack, with him.

She might be stubborn, but she’d met her match in him. His mama used to say he could out stubborn a mule and that he took after his daddy. Cole couldn’t argue the fact with her.

He relaxed slightly now that Cherise had eaten. It had amazed him when Gator had taken her up on her offer of help. The only other people he let into his kitchen with any kind of regularity were Anny and Cole. This was Gator’s way of letting everyone know he supported Cole’s claim on her and to welcome her to the pack.

He glanced at his friend, but Gator was in conversation with Anny over kitchen rights. A smile played upon Cole’s lips. The two of them loved to argue about whose kitchen it was, but when no one was looking, the two of them worked easily side-by-side.

Jacque stood and that was the sign that breakfast was over. “Louis, you and Armand take the early patrols. The rest of us need to get some rest.”

Louis nodded. “Will do.” Louis brushed a hand over Gwen’s head and bumped shoulders with his brother before heading out the door.

Armand kissed Anny goodbye, but it wasn’t a peck on the cheek. It was a kiss filled with passion and promise. Anny’s cheeks were a bright red by the time he let her go. “Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.”

“You wish,” Anny taunted back. She touched her fingers to his cheek and Armand closed his eyes, absorbing her care.

Armand nodded to Jacque and then followed Louis.

Gator jumped up and began gathering dishes. Cherise started ferrying empty platters into the kitchen. “I can take care of those,” Gator told her.

“I don’t mind helping,” Cherise told him.

That summed her up as far as Cole was concerned. Cherise always seemed surprised when anyone wanted to do anything for her. She was obviously used to working hard for everything she had. She expected to have to do everything on her own.

That was going to change. She was pack now.

Jacque slung his arm around his mate’s shoulders. “I’m taking Gwen home. Howl if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” Cole leaned down until his forehead touched Jacque’s. The bonds between the men, between all of them ran deep.

Gwen patted his arm before turning her attention to Cherise. “If you want to talk later, about anything, please just come on over to the house.”

“Thank you.” Cherise’s answer was polite enough, but Cole wondered if she’d actually take Gwen up on her offer. Only time would tell. It would be good for her to make friends with the other women.

It suddenly struck Cole that that was exactly what she was afraid of—making friends, getting close to them. She’d already lost everyone dear to her. The last thing she’d want to do was open herself up to the possibility of more heartache.

Well, she’d just have to get over it.

There was no way he was letting her go. Not without a fight. And if she left, she’d find him right on her sweet tail.

Cole paused and took a deep breath. Yes, for Cherise, he’d leave the pack if he had to.

He watched as Gwen and Jacque waved goodbye to the rest of them, but it was Cherise who kept his attention. She worked quietly and competently, filling the dishwasher and cleaning down the countertops.

Anny stood and stretched. “I think I’m going to head over with Gwen and Jacque. I’m in the mood to bake pies.” She shot Gator a saucy look. “In peace.”

“You know you love me, Anny,” Gator shot back.

Anny snorted and waved as she and Gwen walked out the door with Jacque right behind them. Cole appreciated what Anny was doing, knew she was leaving to give him and Cherise space in which to talk.

Being a werewolf meant living in close quarters. It was essential they respected one another’s privacy. For the first time ever, Cole contemplated the idea of building his own place. Nothing large, just a place he could be alone with Cherise.

It was something they’d have to discuss. But not until they were formally mated. He’d rushed her enough as it was. If he talked about houses and settling down, she’d bolt for sure.

She and Gator worked together easily as they cleaned the kitchen. He freely admitted he liked seeing her in his home, in his kitchen. Call him a throwback, but he couldn’t help it. The only thing that would make the scene perfect was if she wore his mark and carried his child.

A huge lump formed in his throat. His child. Their child. He’d never seriously contemplated having one before. He didn’t care that Cherise couldn’t shift and that whatever offspring they had might inherit the problem. He’d love their child no matter what. And he honestly didn’t believe the problem was genetic in nature. Cherise had mentioned being very ill as a child, which was extremely rare among werewolves. Their basic genetic makeup meant they healed much faster than humans and simply weren’t as susceptible to any illnesses.

A werewolf was more likely to die in a fight than of any disease.

“Done.” Gator hung the dishcloth over the faucet. “I think I’m going to wander outside for a short walk before I turn in.” He slapped Cole on the arm as he passed by him. Then Cole and Cherise were alone in the house.

She fidgeted with a kitchen towel, drying her hands over and over. Cole stood and went to her, captured her hands with his. “We need to talk.”

She sighed and pulled her hands away and hung up the towel. “I don’t see that there’s much to talk about.” She brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes and faced him. “While I’m extremely grateful for everything you’ve done for me, there’s no reason for me to stay here.”

Cole didn’t know whether to kiss her or shake her. Damn, the woman was stubborn. “We slept together.” It came out more as an accusation than a statement of fact.

“Yes, we did.” She started to walk away, but he moved into her path. She wasn’t getting away from him this time. Cherise peered up at him, studying him intently. “Look, I get that you feel the need to protect me. You saved my life.” She swallowed hard. “Killed three men because of me.” Fatigue surrounded her and she seemed to slump a little before squaring her shoulders. “And yes, we had sex. And it was great sex. But that’s all it was. And it was only that one time.”

“Like hell.” Cole crowded her and she moved back until she hit the counter and had nowhere to go. He placed both hands on the cool stone countertops, blocking her in. “It will happen again and again and again.”

He leaned down until their noses were almost touching. “You belong with me, Cherise. The quicker you come to accept that, the better off we’ll both be.”

Cherise wanted to laugh and cry at the same time and knew she was verging on hysteria. But really, what else could she do when faced with a man as relentless, as stubborn as Cole. He seemed determined to keep her with him.

A part of her yearned to be with him, to let herself believe they could truly have many years together. She’d always wanted a family of her own and he was ready to hand one to her on a silver platter.

She still couldn’t quite fathom the fact that Jacque had offered her a place in the pack. He knew everything. They all did. They understood the risk they were taking and still they opened their pack to her.

It was everything she’d ever wanted.

And she couldn’t take it.

These were the best people she’d ever known. Granted, she hadn’t known them long and didn’t know them very well, but they’d shown her such kindness and compassion. She couldn’t bring killers to their door.

If she stopped running, her former pack would find her. It was only a matter of time.

She wished she’d gotten away from here when she’d run, because now that she was back, she wasn’t sure she could find the courage to do it again. Wolves weren’t meant to be alone and she’d been truly alone since her mama’s death.

It would be hard, but she’d do it. She was quickly coming to realize she’d do anything to protect Cole, just as he’d done what it took to protect her.

It was what mates did.

Oh, God. Cole was truly her mate. She’d never expected that to happen to her, never expected to find that soul-deep connection that other wolves seemed to experience. Her wolf was either dead or dormant. The prolonged, high fever she’d had as a child had seemed to kill her wolf. Before that, she’d felt the creature from time to time, even though the wolf hadn’t fully revealed itself to her. That didn’t usually happen until a shifter was in their teens.

She hadn’t felt her wolf in years. Didn’t feel her now. But she knew deep in her heart Cole was her mate. Maybe there was a piece of her wolf left somewhere inside her. After all, she’d had a dream that had brought her here, and there was no way to explain that. It was as though some instinct had led her here to him.

He loomed over her, his big body large and powerful. She really should be afraid of him, but she wasn’t. She knew he’d use every inch of his strength to protect her and cherish her.

It was everything she’d ever wanted, and she couldn’t stay.

But she was here right now, and so was he. Cherise ran her hands up his broad forearms, over his massive biceps to his impossibly wide shoulders.

He narrowed his gaze. “What are you up to, Cherise? We’re not done talking.”

He might not be done, but she was. There was nothing to talk about, not while there was a death hunt on for her. If only there was some way she could get the death sentence lifted. Maybe then she could return here to the pack and to Cole.

And if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Werewolves weren’t known for easily changing their minds. And killing the weak and the different was as deeply ingrained in them as protecting the pack and keeping all knowledge of their existence from humans. It was how their species had survived since the dawn of time. Life was not as brutal now as it had been in days gone by, but many packs still thought of a werewolf who couldn’t shift as an abomination, more human than pack.

A part of her understood their reasons and their fear. But wasn’t banishment enough? She was no threat to them. She was a woman alone in the world. Why couldn’t they just let her be?

“Cherise.” Cole caught her chin with his thumb and forefinger and raised it until she was looking at him. “What are you thinking?”

She didn’t want to worry about tomorrow or the next day. She didn’t want to imagine what her life would be like when she left here. Living on the run wasn’t easy. Doing it completely on her own would be pure torture.

But she was here now with Cole. Who knew how much time she’d get with him. She had to be smart. She’d tried to run this time before she was one hundred percent. She’d take a day or two, eat and rest and regain her strength. When she was ready, she’d leave.

Until then, she had to cram a lifetime of loving into the hours she had with Cole. Once she left, she’d probably never see him again. She might as well rip out her own heart. But it was what she needed to do in order to protect him and his pack.

His green eyes darkened with worry. She didn’t want his concern. Not now. She knew that when she finally crashed, she’d probably sleep for an entire day. Her body had worked hard to heal the scratches on her face and arms, and she didn’t have the natural resilience that all werewolves had. Fatigue was making her thought process slower and her body heavy. But it was pushed back by something even more primal, more powerful—the need to make love to Cole.

She wanted to feel his big body covering hers once more, to have his thick cock powering in and out of her body, claiming her, owning her. If she had to leave him, she wanted as many memories of him as she could get, ones she could take out when she was alone and replay over and over.

It wasn’t much, but it was all she could have.

Fury welled up inside her, at all she’d been denied in her lifetime, but she shoved it aside. Plenty of time to be angry when she was alone. Her anger would help sustain her in the long, cold days ahead. Right now, Cole was with her and he was so very warm. She wanted to touch and taste him everywhere, commit him totally to memory.

She feathered her fingers over his taut pectoral muscles. They flexed beneath her touch.

“We really should talk.”

Cherise shook her head. “You really should kiss me,” she countered.

“Putting off our discussion won’t change things.”

“I know.” That was the problem. She did know nothing would change, knew his perspective differed from hers. He’d have her stay and face whatever danger came their way. But Cherise knew she couldn’t live with herself if she was the cause of any more deaths. The two people who’d loved her best—her mama and daddy—had both died protecting her. She couldn’t bear it if the same happened to Cole. She’d rather be alone than to risk him.

She went up on her tiptoes and kissed his chin and his cheeks. She stroked her hands down his rock-hard stomach, and he sucked in a breath. The waistband of his jeans pulled slightly away from his body. Cherise took advantage of it and shoved one hand inside. She encountered his hard, hot shaft.

She smiled. He wanted her. There was no hiding the evidence. She ran her thumb over the tip, spreading the moisture she found there over the entire head.

He tilted his head back and groaned. “Fuck, that feels good.”

She removed her hand and popped the button before easing down the zipper. “This will feel even better.”

His cock fell into her waiting hand and she wrapped her fingers around his hard length. He was so hot against her palm, so alive. He smelled good too, a combination of sweat and musk and male tinged with the soap he’d showered with earlier today. She wanted to eat him up, to bring him pleasure for all that he’d given her.

Cherise wanted to forget all her troubles. They weren’t going away, but they had no place between her and Cole. Not here. Not now. This was their time.

She stroked from the base to the tip and back down again. Cole groaned and shoved his cock deeper into her hand. Cherise pushed and he moved back. She reversed their positions so he was the one leaning against the countertop.