Common sense urged Blythe to be the one to turn her back.

But reckless curiosity, the kind that came from too many sleepless nights spent allowing self-doubt to cripple her, had her doing the opposite instead.

Stretching, she stood and crossed to him. With her heart beating in her chest like a trapped hummingbird, she moved closer to him, with their gazes still locked.

In unison, they moved backward, around the corner and out of view of the sofa. No words were spoken as he took her hand and pulled her close, up against him.

She kissed him first, standing up on her toes and arching her body into his. He deepened the kiss, letting her feel the heat of his own desire. She was glad to learn it burned as hot as her own.

KAREN WHIDDON started weaving fanciful tales for her younger brothers at the age of eleven. Amid the Catskill Mountains of New York, then the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she fueled her imagination with the natural beauty that surrounded her. Karen now lives in north Texas, where she shares her life with her very own hero of a husband and three doting dogs. Also an entrepreneur, she divides her time between the business she started and writing. You can email Karen at KWhiddon1@aol.com or write to her at PO Box 820807, Fort Worth, TX 76182, USA. Fans of her writing can also check out her website, www.karenwhiddon.com.

The Lost Wolf’s Destiny

Karen Whiddon

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To all the broken people out there. You know who you are. I’m hoping you healed, rose above your past and learned from others’ mistakes. Special thanks to my bestie and critique partner Anna Adams, for going above and beyond helping me make this book the best it could possibly be. Your help and amazingly sharp eye are appreciated more than you know.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 1

The instant Lucas Kenyon heard the man’s cultured, sanctimonious voice on the six o’clock evening news, his blood froze. Despite not having seen the speaker for fifteen years, he shuddered. He knew that voice, knew it too damn well. Even after fifteen years, it still haunted his nightmares.

Up until this past January, he’d assiduously avoided anything to do with The Church of Sanctuary and its leader. If something came on the news, he’d changed the channel. Newspaper or magazine articles were tossed, unread. He’d wanted no reminders of his painful past.

But the time had come to face his demons. Lucas had never in his life made a New Year’s resolution. This year, he had. No more would he bury himself in work and avoidance.

“What the hell?” he muttered, grabbing the remote and turning up the volume.

The man, Jacob Gideon—Lucas refused to think of him as his father—smiled benevolently. “We can heal young Hailey, I promise you that.” His tone reverberated with the sincerity of his conviction. “Faith works through my hands.”

Faith? Try murder. Un-freaking-believable. Briefly, Lucas closed his eyes, allowing the long-ago grief and pain and shame to wash over him. On some inner level he’d known. After all, Jacob had killed once in the name of his faith. Lucas had no doubt the man would do it again.

If he hadn’t already. Lucas cursed. No wonder the voice of his conscience had gotten so loud he’d been unable to drown it out.

As the man spoke again, Lucas snapped out of it. What Jacob was suggesting—no, stating—was more than wrong, more than an outright lie.

Of course, Jacob spoke as if he really meant his own nonsense. Lucas made a sound of pure disgust. Jacob had always believed he was an angel appointed from up high who had somehow misplaced his wings.

As if angels killed. Though thinking about how Lucifer actually had been a fallen angel, Lucas supposed it was possible. Jacob always had styled himself as if he sat on the other side of God.

His father looked sincere and kind, but Lucas knew better. Jacob was pure evil. Studying the man, he shook his head. Jacob looked eerily the same, as if selling his soul to the devil had granted him eternal youth. He was more than dangerous. He was deadly. No one knew that better than Lucas. After all, Jacob had been hunting him for the past fifteen years.

With narrowed eyes, Lucas watched the rest of the news segment, wincing as a fragile little girl with a heart-shaped face smiled painfully at the reporter. Something about her delicate vulnerability reminded Lucas of the child he’d once been, and the other. The twin he’d lost. The sister Jacob had killed.

As the camera narrowed in on a woman—her mother?—Lucas moved closer to the television. The sight of this unknown woman—as defenseless as her daughter—hit him like a sucker punch to the gut. Her brownish-blond hair as fine as spun silk, creamy porcelain skin and long-lashed green eyes, made her a beautiful mystery that interested him far more than his father’s manipulative faux spiritual healings. She was, Lucas thought, both lovely and otherworldly, in a way neither he nor Jacob Gideon would be able to resist—for reasons as different as they were themselves.

This was partly what interested him, or at least that was what he told himself. True, she was gorgeous, but around her he could see the faint hint of an aura. An aura that meant she was like him. He’d learned there were others, of course, and how to recognize them, even though he stayed away from them like he stayed away from Jacob.

Until now, as far as he knew, no others of his kind had fallen into Jacob Gideon’s clutches. Of course, if they had, he wouldn’t have noticed. A shudder racked him, of guilt and grief and sorrow at the knowledge that his years of avoidance might have enabled Jacob to snare another Shifter. Lucas had personal experience with what would happen to any soul so unlucky.

He closed his eyes. Though it had been fifteen years, he still fought the lasting effect of those inner wounds. This woman, whoever she was, was making a terrible mistake. Jacob would torment her the same way he’d tortured his own son, under the guise of doing his idea of the Lord’s work. That was awful enough.

Ah, but it didn’t stop there. Worse, far worse, was the fact that her little girl would be in even greater danger, despite Jacob’s claims of being able to heal her. Neither she nor her mother would ever be heard from again, once Jacob had them locked away in the compound known as Sanctuary, an enclave of his faithful on thirty acres in the West Texas desert. Both of them would probably end up dead.

Jacob had killed once before, many years ago. No doubt he’d have no qualms about doing so again.

The woman came on again, her clear, melodic tone professing what sounded like sincere hope that Jacob Gideon and his Sanctuary church would be able to help her daughter. Standing frozen, Lucas couldn’t evade or avoid the pain and the longing and the need in her voice for her daughter to be healed. The emotion touched him deep inside.

While he wrangled with the unexpected rush of emotion, his inner wolf came awake, paying attention to the woman’s words. This, too, was odd, as the beast had never before shown interest in any female. Concentrating on listening, he pushed his wolf back down, trying to figure out what drove the woman to ask for Jacob’s help.

She was desperate, he understood. She had to be to agree to something as far-fetched as Jacob’s outrageous claims. His stomach heaved and he swallowed back bile. He hadn’t expected this when he’d decided to avoid having anything to do with Jacob and his Sanctuary.

The question was, what was he going to do about it?

Dragging his hand through his hair, Lucas stood transfixed in front of his TV, even as the footage moved away from the woman and child and back to the news reporter. Finally, a commercial came on. The report had ended. As he clicked the remote and turned the television off, reality sank in.

Jacob Gideon had finally gotten his claws into another Shape-shifter. As far as Lucas knew, there hadn’t been any other victims since him and Lilly, which had led to his own escape so long ago. Since that fateful day, the image of his beloved sister’s lifeless body had haunted his every waking moment, as well as his dreams.

And this? He couldn’t hide from the truth. Unless he did something right now, he’d have to live with another innocent’s death on his conscience.

Which would be, of course, completely unacceptable.

Furious, he snarled an unintelligible curse, stopping himself just short of hurling the remote at the flat screen.

He could no longer remain hidden; the revenge he’d spent half his life dreaming about would finally be a possibility. After all, he was no longer a frightened teenager. He had to return to Sanctuary and save the Shape-shifter woman and her daughter.

Because he knew in his heart of hearts if he didn’t, he’d be just as bad—just as horrible, foul and evil—as the man he’d once called Father.

* * *

Blythe Daphne smiled wanly at the television camera, loathing that she had to beg for sympathy and invite ridicule. She’d do anything—absolutely anything—to help her daughter, Hailey. This was her last resort.

Proof positive stood a few feet away, flanking Hailey’s tiny body. Jacob Gideon, leader of a religious group called Sanctuary and renowned faith healer. Despite the fact that he was human and she and Hailey were not, she wanted to believe him. Though she’d be careful he never learned the truth about her daughter’s nature, Blythe supposed faith was faith and healing was healing. Her daughter could use healthy doses of both.

Hailey had been born with a defective heart. She hadn’t been expected to live a week, never mind five years. Surgery couldn’t repair it and since Hailey was a Halfling, the wait for a compatible heart transplant was unfathomable. Halflings, the Pack doctors said, didn’t have these sorts of problems. None of them were able to explain Hailey’s condition. And, since Blythe knew very little beyond the basic dry medical information she’d been given about the sperm donor who was technically Hailey’s father, she couldn’t explain it, either. But she loved her baby girl more than life itself.

Despite her grim prognosis, Hailey fought and lived and grew. Her caramel-colored eyes sparkled with joy and love. Together, they celebrated each birthday almost defiantly, Hailey still standing, as though her little spirit refused to give up. And if her daughter wouldn’t admit defeat, then how could her mother?

Blythe had started an all-out campaign to find a way to save her daughter. When conventional medicine, both human and Pack, had failed, she’d turned to the internet, trying everything except what seemed dangerous. Each obscure cure grew stranger and more expensive than the last. None of them made the slightest difference.

Finally, having read about him extensively, she’d arrived at one of Jacob Gideon’s Power of Faith seminars. Jacob Gideon was confident. Taking hold of Blythe’s hand, he’d gazed into her eyes and promised he could heal Hailey, as long as the two of them were willing to stay at his West Texas compound, Sanctuary.

That’s when Blythe had balked. Something about Jacob Gideon agitated her inner wolf. Hailey, however, acted as sweet toward him as she did everyone else.

Torn, Blythe hadn’t been able to make up her mind. Sensing this, perhaps, Jacob had contacted the press, no doubt using them as a means to sway her as well as gain publicity for his church. So far, she’d been interviewed for two national news stories. They’d run on consecutive days, and she suspected they’d be presented as if she’d already agreed to travel to Sanctuary while in reality she still struggled to make up her mind.

Every instinct she possessed urged her to run away as fast as she could. Only the tiniest bit of hope kept her considering it. How could she not try something that might—no matter how remote the chance—save her daughter’s life?

While the media was around, Jacob seemed sincere. He gave grand speeches, making Blythe believe all over again. After all, the Pack had a Healer. She’d long ago placed Hailey’s name on the waiting list.

If the Pack had a person who could heal, why would things be any different for humans? The more Jacob promised to help them, the more desperately she clung to the flicker of hope that he could.

Hailey shouldn’t be sick, but she was. An ordinary man shouldn’t be able to heal, but maybe he’d been graced with the same kind of gift that the Pack Healer, Samantha, had been given.

Taking a deep breath, Blythe made her decision. “I’m honored to accept your kind offer to help my little girl. I’m willing to go with you to Sanctuary so you can heal her.”

The media greeted the news with applause.

Jacob Gideon simply inclined his head and smiled. “Wonderful.” Beaming at her, he crouched down and took Hailey’s small hand. “Your mother loves you very much, doesn’t she?”

Smiling, Hailey nodded vigorously, even as she clung to Blythe’s pant leg.

Apparently satisfied, Jacob pushed to his feet. “Blythe, I want you to be certain this is what you want. You do understand that you must forsake the rest of the world for a minimum of thirty days?”

She nodded, keeping a smile on her face despite the fact that his insistence on this was the only thing that truly bothered her. Why so long and why only there? Healers healed. Right then, right now. Under normal circumstances, she would have told him no, thank you, and taken her leave. She’d seen the pitying glances from the reporters and their camera crews. This, she could live with. None of them understood her determination to save her little girl and prove all the doctors wrong. They’d given Hailey less than a year to live. Blythe planned to ensure she had a lifetime.

No matter what it took.

“Are you certain you comprehend this?” Jacob pressed.

“I understand,” she said smoothly, her smile wearing a bit thin. “I just need to go home and pack a few things—”

“No need,” Jacob interrupted, the sincerity in his voice making her feel a bit better. “You can spend tomorrow shopping, since I have a few more services scheduled before we return. But really, there’s no need to buy much. Everything you require will be provided to you at Sanctuary.”

She nodded, clinging to hope. This was it then—her last possible chance to back out. But why would she, when this man might be her only chance to help Hailey? She’d done her research. Just because she was desperate didn’t mean she was a fool. Though a lot of people—for example, most of the general public—likened the close-knit community of Sanctuary to a cult, no one had reported anything negative. Jacob Gideon had broken no laws and was not on the government’s radar for any he might potentially break in the future.

Once Blythe had established that, she’d turned away from the negative and began looking for the positive. Exactly forty-two people, all alive and breathing, claimed Jacob Gideon and his principals had cured them from a terminal illness. Blythe had managed to speak to several of them personally, and had been granted permission to review their medical records, as well. Contrary to their various doctors’ dire expectations, each and every one of these people had finally been given a clean bill of health, which they all attributed to Jacob Gideon.

Maybe—just maybe—Jacob’s Sanctuary and the power of faith could heal Hailey. The sheer magnitude of having actual hope made Blythe catch her breath.

A normal heart. Pink-tinged skin and tons of energy. This was what she wanted for Hailey. She’d sell her soul in order to get that.

Glancing again at the man she’d heard described as everything from the right hand of God to an angel on earth, she smiled. You never knew from where help might come.

The next day, while Jacob preached, she and Hailey had a girls’ day out. They ate breakfast out, shopped, caught the newest animated movie and had a lovely early dinner at a pizza place. By the time they got back to the hotel, both of them were exhausted.

They’d barely made it to their room when someone knocked on the door. Blythe opened it to find Jacob Gideon standing in the hall, flanked by his entourage.

“Are you ready to go now?” he asked, one silver brow lifted, his expression kind and concerned.

Slowly, she nodded, her heart skipping a beat.

Giving her a half bow, he stepped aside, waving her on. “This way, please.”

She and Hailey gathered up their bags and followed one of his people outside.

He’d come in a limo—long, black and mysterious. When his driver opened the door, Jacob indicated she and Hailey should climb inside.

Clutching her daughter’s hand, Blythe only hesitated briefly before doing as he’d asked. Jacob got in after and took the seat directly opposite her, his expression calm, as though he was inwardly reflecting. His impeccably groomed silver hair matched the winter frost of his eyes.

Inside the darkly luxurious vehicle, Blythe felt uncomfortable, out of place. Jacob looked larger than life, at ease in his surroundings. Catching her eye, he flashed a reassuring smile. Rather than feeling at ease, she pressed her hand to her stomach, trying to smother her sudden doubt. Was she doing the right thing?

Inhaling deeply, she inwardly chanted her new mantra. Anything to give Hailey a chance. Anything.

The drive to the compound/ranch/whatever seemed to take forever. She’d known it would be a long ride. Afraid that she and Hailey would be subjected to hours of Jacob’s glib patter, she was pleasantly surprised when he got out a laptop computer and began working, ignoring them.

Hailey, whose only signs of her illness so far had been the bruising and a bit of breathlessness and fatigue, curled up at Blythe’s side and promptly fell asleep. Evidently she didn’t share her mother’s misgivings. This, too, gave Blythe hope. Hailey might be young, but she was a pretty good judge of character.

After three hours had passed, Blythe began to regret drinking that diet cola earlier. Determined not to draw attention to herself, she crossed her legs and tried not to squirm. Surely sooner or later Jacob would have to stop, right?

Finally, when she thought her bladder might explode, she reached over and touched his arm. She must have surprised him, because he recoiled and his lips curled in a snarl. Then, so quickly that she might have imagined it, the almost feral look vanished and the pleasant, benign fatherly figure was back.

“Yes, child?” His voice boomed, filling the small space.

Hailey stirred, whimpering.

“I need...” Blythe licked her lips, her mouth suddenly dry. “That is, could we please stop so I can use the restroom?”

“Of course, of course.” Still sounding too hearty, Jacob rapped on the glass partition and ordered the driver to find a gas station or fast food place so that their guest could take care of her bodily functions.

The odd phrasing sent a prickle of alarm up Blythe’s spine. Why did he make it sound as if normal human needs were somehow beneath him?

Misgivings swamped her. Maybe, just maybe, this had been a bad idea. She shouldn’t have let herself be bulldozed. She should have insisted she take her own car and meet him there at a future date. That way, she’d have had a method of escape.

Escape. She grimaced at her own foolishness. As if she’d need that. She was going with Jacob Gideon because he’d graciously agreed to help her daughter. Without asking anything of Blythe but her time. He was a good man, a healer. If he acted a bit odd, she’d have to put that down to his lofty calling. She really needed to put her strange misgivings aside and have the necessary faith to let him do his thing.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Once they parked, she helped her little girl out of the car and stretched. Hand in hand, they hurried toward the restroom. Inside the little convenience store, Blythe bought Hailey a juice and some animal crackers. She got herself a bottle of water and, as a last minute afterthought, picked up one for Jacob and the driver, too.

Back in the car, Jacob accepted the drink and thanked her, then put the bottle aside and never even looked at it again. Blythe caught herself wondering if he had some kind of superhuman ability to withstand thirst and then giggled softly at the notion. She must be more exhausted than she’d thought.

“Do you find something about me amusing, Ms. Daphne?” He sounded deeply concerned. As she raised her head to look at him, he gave her a self-deprecating, worried smile.

“Of course not.” Guilt stabbed her. “I’m just overly tired.

He nodded. He didn’t ask her to explain and she didn’t offer. As a matter of fact, for the rest of the trip, when Jacob did raise his head from his work, he barely glanced at Blythe. Instead, he studied Hailey, his patrician features soft with compassion. Blythe appreciated his concern, and took his kindness to heart. Even while Hailey slept, Jacob continually watched her. Which Blythe supposed was only natural, since she was the one he would be healing.

Faith. Shiny and bright. She clung to that, holding her little girl close.

After sleeping for several hours, Hailey stirred and woke, one pale cheek red where she’d been sleeping on it. “Mama, are we there yet?” she asked, shifting her tiny body restlessly, trying to kick at nothing.

“Not yet, honey.” Blythe did her best to soothe her daughter. From past experience, unless she could divert Hailey with food, something to drink and entertainment—whether a toy or television—Hailey would begin to act out.

Since Blythe had only juice, she knew it would be rough going. Once or twice, she looked up from her efforts to keep Hailey occupied to find Jacob watching, a sympathetic expression on his face.

The last few hours of the drive began to feel like torture. Bored and whiny, Hailey appeared to be trying her best to ruffle the older man’s feathers while Blythe caught herself holding her breath. Blythe wondered if a man like Jacob would have patience for an exhausted, cranky five-year-old.

To her surprise, he did. To Blythe’s relief, Jacob appeared indulgent, long-suffering and patient. As he answered her daughter’s nonstop, rapid-fire questions, she began to relax the tiniest bit, allowing herself to feel a warm, fuzzy glow. Maybe, just maybe, all her worries had been for nothing.

“Don’t worry,” Jacob said, directing the comment at Blythe as he handed Hailey a pad of paper and a pen so she could draw. “There are many small children in my congregation.”

Then Jacob smiled at her. Blythe found herself smiling right back. That was one thing. Ever since she’d purposely wandered into one of his mega services, she’d liked him. Even though he wasn’t Pack—a Shape-shifter like her and Hailey—she hoped and prayed and believed he’d be able to help her Halfling daughter with the faulty heart.

Finally, Hailey dozed off, giving both Blythe and Jacob a rest.

After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at Jacob’s compound—Sanctuary, she reminded herself—well after dark. Huge gates, which must have been modeled after someone’s idea of the biblical gates to heaven, blocked their way. They were lit up by floodlights and when the driver punched a code into a box, the gates swung open slowly.

“We’re here,” Jacob boomed, once again waking Hailey, who began to sniffle.

“Shh, sweetheart. We’re at the ranch,” Blythe soothed.

At the word ranch, the five-year-old’s eyes opened wide. “With horses and cows and cowboys?” she asked. “Will I get to see them?”

Jacob made a sound low in his throat. Both Blythe and Hailey looked at him, waiting for an answer.

“You’re in the West Texas desert, child,” he finally said, his voice calm although a bit condescending. “It’s summer, you know. So hot that we can barely go outside.”

Hailey squinted up at him. “No horses or cows?”

“No. You won’t be seeing any livestock here.”

His door opened, the driver standing woodenly at attention. Jacob glanced at Blythe. The icy flatness of his gaze surprised her, especially after all the warmth he’d shown during the ride. “My people will tend to you and your child. I will see you again tomorrow morning.”

Without waiting for her answer, he climbed from the car and back stiff, head up, he strode away. He didn’t look back. Then he was gone. Just like that.

* * *

Lucas didn’t sleep well. That night for the first time in a decade or more, the old nightmares returned with hurricane force, as if they’d never left. He woke aching, hurting as though he’d just been beaten. Though his body still bore numerous scars from that time, he’d trained himself not to see them at all. He didn’t allow himself to relive the beatings and the torture.

Thus far, his method of self-hypnosis had worked. Avoidance enabled him to try and forget, to move forward with his life, even if doing so meant he had to steer clear of facing up to his past.

Until today. Hearing that man’s voice again—Jacob Gideon’s—had brought the past rushing right back at him. And realizing the woman and her daughter were in danger had awakened some primal instinct he’d long since forgotten he’d ever possessed.

Apparently, facing up to his past meant making retribution. He hadn’t been able to save his sister. But maybe, just maybe, saving Jacob’s newest victims might help patch that jagged scar in his soul.

So he found himself awake at first dawn. Shaky from lack of sleep and still seething with a peculiar sort of fury, he pushed himself out of bed and began to plan his trip. A journey back to his own personal hell.

He had a choice, he knew. He could turn his back, as he once had for the sake of his own sanity. He could remain here in Seattle or retreat to his mountain cabin up high in the Colorado woods, and pretend he wasn’t worried about the beautiful Shifter woman and her little girl’s fate.

That would be both a lie and cowardly. Whatever else he might be, he was not that. After suffering tremendous guilt from failing to save Lilly, fifteen-year-old Lucas had managed to escape Jacob’s long arm. He’d run away, far, far away from the monster who’d raised him. Now the time had finally come to go back and confront the beast.

No longer a child, he had to stand up, not only for himself, but for the helpless child or—God help him—the woman Jacob might at this moment be setting up for torture.

Confronting his past. He gave a bitter laugh, though there was no one to hear him. This wasn’t what he’d imagined when he’d stood on his mountain gazing at the moon and made his promise.

Part of him refused to believe he was actually going back. Once, he’d sworn he would never return. He’d moved as far away as he could—in both climate and attitude. As a teen on the run, he’d learned how to live among Seattle’s active underground. With a change of hair and name, no one had connected him.

In the years since, he’d grown up, moved on and made a life of his own. After going to work for a custom-home builder as a teen, he’d discovered he had a knack for installing tile, and parlayed that into a successful flooring business.

It would run just fine if he took a few weeks off. His employees all knew he was due for a vacation anyway. Ever since buying his mountain cabin, he’d managed periodic escapes, reveling in the solitude.

Though the thought of entering the state of Texas made his stomach clench, Lucas mapped out the route in his head, since he knew the directions by heart.

Now he just needed a plan. After all, he couldn’t simply show up at Sanctuary and demand that the woman and her daughter leave with him. First off, Jacob would want to capture him, too. Even if Lucas managed to avoid Jacob and bluff his way in, he’d never get within ten feet of Jacob’s newest prizes.

Grimly, he considered his options. He’d come up with something. After all, he was facing a long drive. Either he’d figure out some kind of plan, or he’d have to wing it.

He blinked, once again assaulted by the image of his sister’s beaten, lifeless body. Not having a plan didn’t end up well where Jacob was concerned. Lucas had failed once. He would not fail again. This time, if anyone was going to die, it would be Jacob.

Chapter 2

Though it was dark, the main house of Jacob Gideon’s ranch was well lit, lined with soft, flattering floodlights that looked less like a prison’s than tastefully done architectural highlights. The building, a series of interesting curves and angles, appeared to be made of a soft golden-colored stucco that blended with the desert landscape. Blythe hadn’t expected to find it so warm and welcoming. She’d thought it might be more austere, like a convent or a monastery.

Groggy and out of sorts, Hailey refused to walk, so Blythe carried her. She could do this since her daughter had such a slight body. Hailey wasn’t anywhere near the size of a normal five-year-old girl, a fact that pained Blythe. Once Jacob healed her, then surely Hailey would bloom and grow.

The woman who led Blythe and Hailey to their room was soft-spoken and seemed kind. She appeared fairly young and, to Blythe’s curious eye, normal. No long, prairie-type skirt or pale, downtrodden expression. Instead, she spoke in a quiet, East Coast accented voice as she explained a little about life at Sanctuary.

“You both are honored visitors here,” she said, smiling as Hailey tried to disappear by hiding her face behind Blythe’s neck. “And though your room might seem small and plain, I promise you it will be comfortable. We don’t go much for luxuries at Sanctuary.”

Trying not to show her exhaustion, Blythe nodded. “We just need showers and a good night’s rest.”

“No problem,” the woman said. “I’m Ginger, by the way. Is it all right if I call you Blythe?”

“Of course.” From somewhere, Blythe dredged up a smile.

They traveled down a long, dimly lit hall. Keeping with the building’s exterior, the glazed terra-cotta flooring and Spanish-style decorations brought to mind an upscale hotel rather than a ranch house or, as some had claimed, a cult headquarters where women were kept prisoner.

Maybe it was the exhaustion, but Blythe relaxed somewhat as they took an elevator to the second floor.

“Here we are.” Stopping in front of a door marked with a large number seven, Ginger unlocked it and pushed it open.

Wearily, Blythe trudged past her, still carrying her exhausted daughter. The room was small, but looked clean. There was a double bed, a nightstand, one chair and a dresser. She placed Hailey, who had nearly drifted back to sleep, on the bed and turned to inspect the rest of it. There wasn’t much more. A doorway led to an equally spartan bathroom.

“There you go,” Ginger said brightly. “You’ll find a supply of clothing and undergarments in the dresser, as well as pajamas.”

Blythe frowned. While Jacob had said they didn’t need to bring anything, she’d anticipated making a stop along the way to purchase a few clothing items.

Taking a step forward, she opened the top drawer. Inside, she found several neatly folded T-shirts and pairs of jeans, all in her size. In the drawer below were similar things for Hailey, again in the right size.

“Everything you need,” Ginger said.

“How’d you know the size?” Blythe blurted out, not sure whether to be amazed or creeped out.

Ginger shrugged. “Mr. Gideon is a good guesser.”

“But—”

Stifling a yawn, Ginger ratcheted her smile up a notch. “If you don’t mind, Jacob would like to meet with you before you rest for the night.” She glanced at Hailey, who, with her sagging eyelids and drowsy expression, was clearly exhausted. “I’d be happy to stay here with your daughter if you’d like.”

Blythe frowned. This was odd, considering she’d just spent several hours with Jacob in the limo. After a moment of hesitation, Blythe tried to stall. “Do you think it can wait until the morning?”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Her smile was sweet. “We generally don’t refuse Jacob when he asks for something. But don’t worry. He won’t meet with you for long. I promise I’ll take good care of your little one while you’re gone.”

Though no doubt the woman meant well, a shiver of warning skittered across Blythe’s spine. They generally didn’t refuse Jacob when he asked for something? What the heck did that mean?

“No.” Reaching a decision, Blythe spoke in a sweet voice, though firmly. “I’d rather take her with me.”

“Really?” Ginger cocked her head. “That’s hardly fair to her, is it? Look how sleepy that poor baby is.”

“Hailey,” Blythe said, pushing back mild panic and hating the way she felt out of control. “Her name is Hailey.”

Ginger acknowledged the introduction with a shy dip of her chin. “Of course. And I do think it’d be best if we let her rest. Just one moment. I’ll have someone else come and take you to Jacob.”

She removed a walkie-talkie from her belt and spoke a few words into it. “There we are. Savannah will be here shortly.”

Struggling not to let exhaustion claim her, which was no doubt why she’d overreacted, Blythe nodded. “Have you been here long?” she asked.

Immediately, Ginger’s friendly smile vanished. “Excuse me a second,” she said, ducking out into the hallway without answering.

Surprised, Blythe didn’t move. Was there some rule about asking personal questions? That would not only be weird, but more cultlike than she cared for. When this Savannah person arrived, she’d ask her the same thing and see if she got a similar reaction.

A moment later Ginger returned, accompanied by a short, older woman with long, frizzy hair that looked as if she hadn’t combed it in days. She wore no makeup on her lined face and no jewelry. With her stooped shoulders and listless movements, she looked every bit as weary as Blythe felt.

Her faded blue gaze skittered over Blythe as she entered the room. “Come with me, please.”

For a split second, Blythe considered refusing to go. Instead, she swallowed back her questions. She’d committed to this. She trusted Jacob Gideon and, by default, his people. She’d need to learn to deal with her misgivings.

After a final glance at Hailey, she turned to follow the older woman. Ginger stopped her. “Wait just a second.”

She held out some papers on a clipboard. “I need you to sign here, please. This simply states that I’ve delivered you to your room.”

Enough was enough. Who needed to have a room delivery signed? “I don’t make a habit of signing papers without reading them,” Blythe said. “Leave them and I’ll sign them later, after I’ve had time to go over them.”

Ginger’s crestfallen expression didn’t change Blythe’s mind.

“I’m sorry.” Squinting tiredly at her, Blythe accepted the clipboard and tossed it on the bed. “I promise I’ll look at it when I get back.”

“Very well.” Ginger smiled softly. “I’ll wait here and watch over your child. We can go over the paperwork together when you return. I do need to have it signed before I go back to my regular duties.”

Again Blythe found this weird. But then again, what did she know? She’d never been inside a religious compound before.

Once she was out in the hall, Savannah grunted. “Follow me, please,” she said. Trudging along a few steps ahead, she picked up her pace each time Blythe hurried to catch up.

Exhaustion forgotten, Blythe grabbed her arm. “Wait up.”

The other woman rounded on her, her expression panicked. “Don’t touch me,” she yelped, jerking her arm away. Then, shaking her head and muttering under her breath, she took off again.

Stopping short, heart pounding in her chest, Blythe stared at Savannah’s retreating back. Enough was enough. These people were definitely strange, bordering on scary. No way was she going anywhere without Hailey.

She turned, intending to head back to her room.

She’d barely taken a few steps when Savannah came rushing back. “I’m sorry. Please accept my apology,” she said, the words running together without any real trace of contrition. “I’m new here and I’ve had a rough time before all this. I really don’t want to blow it.”

That explained a lot. Still wary, though no longer verging on the edge of panic, Blythe nodded. “Apology accepted. Lead the way.” Following Savannah again, this time she knew better than to speak.

Finally, they reached the end of a long hallway and stopped in front of the last room. Double doors where the others were all single, these were made of some dark wood like mahogany or cherry. No mere knob here, but an elaborate pewter handle, which made for an overall effect of understated luxury. More like a corporate CEO than a preacher, but then what did she know? Most churches, especially the mega ones like Sanctuary, were run like profitable businesses.

“Knock twice and go in when he says to,” Savannah said, her voice once again devoid of inflection. She moved away, heading back up the hall with her head and neck forward, her motions reminiscent of a plow horse struggling against the harness.

Still unsettled, Blythe watched her until she disappeared around a corner. Then, turning and facing the door, she lifted her fist and knocked.

“Come in.”

At his invitation, she turned the handle, wondering at her sudden urge to see him again. He was so kind, so warm and reassuring. Stepping into the room on carpet so plush her feet appeared to sink into quicksand, she moved toward where Jacob waited for her behind a massive cherrywood desk.

“You wanted to see me?” Though she hated the feeling of being summoned before the lord of the manor, she kept her tone and her expression pleasant. After all, this man only wanted to help her precious child.

He stood, indicating two overstuffed chairs near a fireplace. “Please, take a seat.”

Once she had, again feeling suffocated by the eerie feeling of sinking into the upholstery, he went to a coffee machine on a side table, one of those fancy ones that made single servings. “Would you like something to drink?” he asked. “I have decaf and regular, as well as several varieties of tea.”

“Decaf, please.” While he busied himself making their coffees, she studied the room. It was beautifully—and from the looks of it, professionally—decorated, but devoid of personality. Much like a hotel room, the furnishings and artwork gave no hint whatsoever of Jacob’s character.

When he returned with their coffees on a round silver tray, along with various kinds of sweetener packets, he placed them on a table in front of them and took a seat in the other chair. He appeared the benevolent older gentleman, concerned about her well-being.

She accepted her drink, after adding a bit of sugar and stirring. Taking a sip, she glanced up to find him watching her with an intensity that added to her discomfort.

“Jacob, I’m really tired,” she said gently. “And I find Savannah and Ginger a bit odd, to say the least.”

He grimaced, appearing instantly concerned. “Savannah is new to us. Before she came here, she suffered greatly. Please don’t take her behavior personally. She means well.”

Inhaling, Blythe nodded. “She explained that.”

“Now about Ginger?” He leaned forward. “What is your concern with her? I chose her to help you because she genuinely loves children. I thought she’d be a good choice to watch over Hailey when you couldn’t.”

Once again, Jacob was the voice of reason. She relaxed back into the softness of the chair. “I’m guessing there must be something you forgot to tell me in the car?”

One eyebrow winged up. “Not exactly. I wanted to speak with you away from your little girl.”

“Hailey,” she said, wondering why she felt this fierce compulsion to make everyone use her daughter’s name. Humanizing her, possibly. Just in case doing so might make her caregivers try even harder for her. Another bit of paranoid foolishness, she supposed.

“Yes, Hailey.” His mild tone contained a hint of reprimand.

This time, rather than respond, she sipped from her coffee and waited for him to tell her what he wanted.

Instead, he leaned forward and, staring intently at her, asked her if she liked animals. It took every bit of self-control she possessed not to jump up and ask him to please cut to the chase.

“I do,” she nodded, her expression tight, deciding to respond in kind. “Do you have any pets?”

“No. But I wasn’t talking about pets.” Again he drank from his cup. “I’m asking about wild animals.”

Stranger and stranger. “Okay.” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Specifically, wolves,” he drawled. “Are you fond of wolves?”

She stiffened. Instantly on alert, she forced herself to try to appear indifferent. “They’re all right. Why do you ask?”

His smile seemed knowing. “No reason. I find them to be beautiful. Wild and fierce.”

If he thought she would reveal her true nature as a Shape-shifter, he was wrong. And there was no possible way he could know. Not only were there Pack laws about this sort of thing, but no one revealed their true nature to humans without a damn good reason.

“Lovely artwork,” she commented, gesturing toward the wall, hoping to change the subject. “But I don’t see any personal pictures. You know, photographs of your family. Do you have any children?”

He looked nonplussed. “No,” he answered. “I was widowed a long time ago.”

Draining her cup, she set it down on the table with a loud clatter and waited with barely concealed impatience for him to come out with whatever he was trying to say.

Instead he placed his own cup down and pushed to his feet. “You do understand that we will have to do numerous tests on your daughter?”

“Tests? What for? She’s had enough tests. Why would a faith healer need tests?”

He regarded her with a patient smile, as though humoring her. “I understand. But we still must do tests in order to learn where to focus our healing energies.”

Crossing her arms, she shook her head. “I’ll be happy to furnish you with the results of everything she’s already had done. But no new tests.”

For a moment something dark blackened his kind eyes. Then he dipped his chin, as if disappointed. Maybe she’d imagined it. “As you wish, Ms. Daphne. We’ll speak more on this later.”

Once Jacob turned away, Savannah materialized. She might have even been standing in a shadowed corner of the room. “Come with me,” she said.

“Thank you for your time,” Jacob said, clearly dismissing her.

Pushing to her feet, her unease settling like a sour ball in her stomach, Blythe left.

Once they reached her room, Savannah opened the door and stepped aside. As soon as Blythe entered, she came back, pulling the door closed behind her.

“See, I told you it wouldn’t take long,” Ginger said softly, smiling. “Your daughter didn’t even wake up while you were gone.”

“Hailey,” Blythe corrected automatically. “And she’s ill. Can you make sure we’re not disturbed in the morning? I want to make sure she gets her rest.”

At the question, the younger woman’s smile faded. Pointing to what looked like a walkie-talkie sitting on the nightstand, she backed away. “Use that if you need me for anything. There are all the necessary toiletries in the bathroom. Now, have a good night’s rest, okay? I’ll see you in the morning.”

Again without answering Blythe’s request, she’d made her own demands. Then, before Blythe could question or acknowledge, Ginger stepped out into the hall and closed the door.

Pushing away the doubts and fears that threatened to overwhelm her, Blythe gently shook her little girl awake.

“Sweetheart, we need to clean up,” she murmured. “Then we’ll get you into your pajamas.”

Still half asleep, Hailey nodded. Blythe shepherded her into the bathroom and began filling the tub.

As the water rose, Hailey blinked. “I don’t wanna take a bath,” she protested. “I’m hungry and thirsty and I want to eat and then play.”

Her droopy eyes and flushed face told a different story. “You need a bath,” Blythe said, her voice firm. “After we’re both clean, I’ll see what I can find for us to eat, okay?” After all, if there was nothing in the room, she could use the walkie-talkie to call Ginger.

Only partially mollified, Hailey nodded.

Later, after they were both clean and dressed in brand-new, soft cotton pajamas in exactly the right sizes, Blythe located a small refrigerator, partially hidden underneath the desk with a curiously lightweight chair. Inside she found juice, water and diet cola, as well as various healthy snacks. She grabbed a roll of string cheese and a bottle of water and carried it to Hailey.

While her daughter ate her snack, Blythe turned down the bed. The sheets appeared to be of a good quality and looked as though they’d been pressed.

Impressed, she shook her head. This place could pass for a hotel or resort, if not for the weird attitudes.

“Is it dark outside, Mommy?” Hailey asked, stifling a yawn.

“Yes, baby.” Blythe answered automatically, turning back the comforter and patting the bed. “Let’s try to get some sleep so we’re rested in the morning. We’ve got to be wide-awake so the nice man can try and help you.”

Hailey’s eyelids were already drooping. “Okay,” she murmured, crawling up and laying her head on the pillow. “Cover me up, please,” she ordered.

Climbing in beside her daughter, Blythe smiled. “I’ll cover us both.” She leaned over and kissed Hailey’s baby-soft cheek. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you, too, Mama.”

Heart full, vowing to dream of hope, Blythe clicked off the light.

* * *

Damn. Guilt and shock and yes, the ever-present simmering flame of anger filled Lucas. The place still looked the same, he thought, coasting slowly past the immense wrought iron gates as though he was merely a curious biker, riding the back roads on his Harley. Pushing away the instinctive dread that coalesced in his gut, he studied the deceptively peaceful house through the black iron fence.

And he forced himself to remember the exact layout of Sanctuary. As if he could ever forget. That particular image was burned in his brain.

The urge struck him, hard and fast and furious, to give his bike the gas, spinning the wheels, and roar off into the sunset. Of course, he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. It was time he paid back the debt he’d incurred fifteen years ago by failing his sister.

Continuing on, his powerful motorcycle rumbling beneath him, he circled the western edge of the property. Either Jacob had gotten careless, or he truly wasn’t worried about intruders, because here the fence was gone. From the looks of the deteriorating rubble, it had come down years ago.

Once, there had been perimeter cameras, and barbed wire, and patrolling guards. Despite all that, Lucas had managed to escape, his desperation and sorrow fueling him.

Then, the place had been a veritable fortress. Now, fifteen years later, apparently Jacob had no such worries, whether about people escaping or breaking in. Which meant either he had all of his followers completely brainwashed or he hadn’t managed to snag another abomination, as he’d called Lucas.

Until now. Until the little girl and her beautiful mother. They were like him, which was why they were in such grave danger.

He sighed. Somehow, Jacob had convinced them to come willingly, unaware of what kind of a monster the publicly pious man truly was. Lucas could well imagine the spiel, the honeyed lies flowing freely as Jacob promised healing and hope for the clearly exhausted mother and her seriously ill child.

Again, Lucas saw the woman’s face, as clear in his mind as if he knew her. Once more, his wolf came alert, the strong tug of something—attraction?—apparently affecting not only the man, but the beast, as well. Not good. And not only irrelevant to his mission, but a distraction he didn’t need or want. He had revenge on his mind, not lust.

Shaking his head, he forced his thoughts back to Jacob Gideon, the devil incarnate. Who knew what Jacob really meant to do, what experiments and torture he planned to inflict on the helpless small child, all in the guise of healing? If they were anything like what he’d done to Lucas, his own son, and to Lilly, his own daughter, they would be brutal. Truth be told, after seeing how delicate and weak the little girl appeared to be, Lucas doubted she’d be able to survive. His sister certainly hadn’t.

Pushing away the still-raw wound, he wondered what Jacob planned to do with the mother once he killed her child? A grieving mother would not only understand the depths of his betrayal, but would crave vengeance, no matter what the cost. Grimacing, he didn’t want to imagine the special something Jacob had planned for her, as well. No matter what she was, Jacob couldn’t help but notice her startling beauty.

Growling low in his throat, Lucas again pushed back his wolf. He had a job to do, and perhaps his wolf self would be helpful in that. Either way, no matter what, Lucas knew he had to get them out. As quickly as possible.

He made one more slow circle around the ranch, just to make sure. Sanctuary was unguarded. Good for him, bad for Jacob. But then again, he reminded himself, who the hell would really want to break in to Sanctuary? Especially if they’d never been given a reason?

Again Lucas pictured the small girl’s wan face and her mother’s tired, hopeful beauty. His fists clenched. He had to save them. He would save them, no matter what the personal cost.

It had taken him three days to make the drive. But then, he didn’t know exactly when the woman and her child had arrived here. If it had been directly after the newscast, that would mean they’d been under Jacob’s roof for seventy-two hours. Who knew what had already happened to them? He’d seen the look of desperation in the mother’s eyes. She’d obviously tried everything and was now reduced to grasping at straws. Jacob Gideon’s blatant brand of faith healing drew only the truly hopeless or the truly lost.

He wondered if she’d yet begun to figure out how things went. They’d probably had enough time to realize they weren’t exactly guests, but prisoners. And that Jacob might not be the benevolent prophet of God that he claimed to be.

He had one plan. Break in. Find the woman and her child. Get them out. And annihilate anyone who stood in his way.

Savagely, he realized he actually hoped that Jacob decided to stand in his way.

The woman might not believe him, but he’d have to take that chance.

His motorcycle, which had long been his primary form of transportation, wouldn’t work for getting them out. He’d need something larger, a car or truck or van.

He’d deal with that later. Right now, he’d gotten the lay of the land.

Driving past the gate for the last time, he gunned the motor and headed into town and the motel room he’d reserved by phone. He’d come back tonight under cover of darkness, go in and take a closer look.

Briefly, it occurred to Lucas that Jacob might have set a trap for him, using the woman and child as a lure to bring in his prodigal son. But as soon as he had this thought, he dismissed it. Too many years had passed and for all Jacob knew, Lucas was dead. Not once in all that time had Lucas attempted to make contact with the man who’d raised him. Despite the evidence of his bruised and battered young body, he hadn’t even gone to the authorities and reported Jacob for child abuse. He’d suspected they wouldn’t believe him or, if they did, Jacob’s silver tongue and powerful influence would convince them otherwise.

Full of guilt and sorrow, all Lucas had cared about was putting as much distance as possible between himself and Sanctuary and the man who had killed his twin sister.

After parking in front of his rustic motel room, he checked in and received his key. Next to the motel, a flashing neon sign advertised a café. His stomach growled. He needed meat, lots of it, red beef, hamburger or steaks, something with lots of protein to feed the animal inside him.

Using his key, he unlocked his room door and went inside. The musty odor of stale cigarette smoke mingled with the lingering smell of bleach. The scents, no matter how offensive, barely registered.

Because he suddenly realized he did have an amendment to his plan. Pretty much foolproof. Because no matter what Jacob might or might not expect from Lucas, he wouldn’t expect him to return as a wolf, the very thing that made him a demon in Jacob’s eyes.

Inside, Lucas’s wolf growled with approval. Decision made, he turned around and left the room to head toward the café. Now he would eat to make sure he was strong enough for the change. After, he might try to catch a few hours of shut-eye before nightfall.

Tonight, he’d return to the place that haunted his nightmares. Tonight, he would change and let his inner beast free. And this time, he would succeed.

He nearly laughed out loud. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on him. It was fitting he go there as wolf. With his amplified senses—especially scent and night vision—he’d have the advantage. Jacob might have put the woman and her daughter out there as bait, using them to lure his son back. Or he might not. Either way, Lucas would find them and set them free. And in the process, he’d find a way to expose Jacob Gideon for what he truly was.

Once Lucas was done, once he got the woman and her daughter out, he’d make sure Jacob never hurt anyone else ever again.

Chapter 3

The next morning, after a fitful night trying to sleep, Blythe rose before dawn, craving coffee. The nightstand clock showed it was a little after five. A search of the room revealed no small coffeepot, like the ones in some hotels, so she reluctantly gave up on that idea.

Since Hailey was still sleeping, she moved quietly, aware her daughter needed all the rest she could get. The bad heart made Hailey tire quickly and suddenly. She’d collapsed a few times, unable to catch her breath. Each time that had happened, Blythe felt her own chest constrict, the horrible aching fear for Hailey, her frustration that she could do nothing to help her baby girl.

Crossing to the dresser, she took a T-shirt and undergarments, plus a pair of jeans. The idea that the clothing—all exactly the right size—had been purchased with her in mind, made her wonder. What if Jacob didn’t want guests to have their own things because he was trying to break the guests’ connections to the outside world?

As soon as she had the thought, she shied away from it. Her only concern had to be for any chance to heal Hailey.

Ah, well. She supposed this was their way of attempting to make her feel welcome.

Once inside the bathroom, she quietly closed the door and located a fluffy white towel. One thing she was learning about Jacob Gideon’s Sanctuary was that he didn’t skimp on luxuries.

Turning on the shower, she stepped under the hot spray with a sigh. The water felt good and she let herself relax.

Once she was clean, she dried herself off and brushed her teeth. She towel dried her hair as best she could, not wanting to use the blow-dryer that had been so thoughtfully provided, in case the noise woke Hailey.

She had a bit of her own makeup that she’d brought with her in her purse, so she applied that. Finally, she considered herself ready to face the day. Opening the door, she went to wake her daughter.

But the bed was empty. Hailey was gone.

Stunned, Blythe stood for a moment in shock. How could this be? She’d heard nothing, and surely Hailey would have screamed if some stranger had entered the room and taken her. Wouldn’t she?

Why? Why would anyone take her baby? What the hell had she done? She should never have come here.

Cursing under her breath, Blythe rushed to the door and tried the knob. Locked.

Damn them.

“Help!” she shouted, pounding on the door with her fists. “Help!”

But no one came. She hit the door until her fists were bruised. She kicked, pummeled and body slammed it, but the thick wood held.

Then she remembered the walkie-talkie. That girl—what was her name?—Ginger, had said to use it if she needed anything.

Scooping it up off the nightstand, Blythe flicked it on. “Ginger?” Her voice vibrated with barely contained fury. “Ginger, come in.”

Nothing but static answered her. Desperate now, she tried every channel, and when she received the same lack of response, she tried again. Her inner wolf snarled in fury.

She barely restrained herself from slamming the useless piece of equipment into the wall. Finally, she tossed it on the bed, crossed to the window and drew back the curtains. To her relief, there were no metal bars on the window. At least she wasn’t in that much of a cage.

But a closer examination revealed that the windows did not open. Effectively, she was trapped inside the room.

That was what they thought. Seething, she searched the room for a heavy object she could use to smash the glass. They’d taken her daughter. For what reason, she didn’t know, nor did it matter. The abduction, the locked room, the stupid walkie-talkie that didn’t work—none of it made sense.

But Hailey, Hailey. Even if they needed to take her somewhere alone to heal her, why would they steal her away like this, without consulting her mother?

Hefting the weight of the chair, which was too lightweight, she roamed the room, her blood humming with an adrenaline-fueled combination of fury and fear.

The lamp was also useless. She couldn’t lift the desk. No doubt her captors had thought of all this, planning the furnishing of the little cell carefully.

Then she spotted the mini refrigerator. Lifting it a few inches off the ground, she realized she might have to struggle to lift it, but since it was the heaviest thing she’d found, it would have to do.

Sliding it out from under the desk, she unplugged it, then hefted it in her arms and carried it over toward the window.

She braced herself and heaved the fridge at the window.

It hit, bounced back toward her and dropped to the floor, the door flying open and bottles of juice and water going everywhere. Blythe stepped over the mess. The window looked the same.

With maybe a tiny crack, a chip, where the edge of the mini fridge had hit.

Wondering if the noise would alert someone that she was trying to escape, she took the cheap, lightweight desk chair and wedged it under the door handle. It might not be good for breaking glass, but at least it would deter entry into the room for a little while. Because there was no way in hell she would let anyone stop her.

She had to save Hailey. No matter what.

Resolute, determined, she bent over, scooped the fridge up, and heaved it again, aiming roughly for the same spot.

Success! This time the window shattered.

But not neatly, not the way windows broke in movies. Instead, there was a ragged hole in the middle, with jagged shards of glass sticking out everywhere.

Carefully, she knocked them out until the window opening appeared both safe and large enough for her to climb through.

Heart still hammering in her chest, she peered out. And remembered that she was on the second floor. She’d have to climb out and let herself hang from the ledge and drop to the ground, hoping she didn’t break a leg or any other body part.

Climbing up, she scanned the outside area, trying to see in the predawn darkness beyond the glow cast from the outside landscaping lights.

As far as she could tell, no one was out there. But then, even if someone was, she would still do it. No way was she staying locked in the room while they had her baby.

Once she was free, she planned to change to wolf form and go hunting.

Knocking away the last remaining shards of glass, she gripped the windowsill, feeling slivers cut into her palm.

Slowly she swung her legs up and over, scrabbling for purchase on the stucco, until she hung all the way out, unsure exactly how far up she was from the ground.

Then she let go and fell.

* * *

In his wolf form, Lucas had spent hours cautiously roaming Sanctuary, keeping low to the ground and staying in the shadows. He saw no guards, no hint of heightened security. Letting his nose guide him, he followed the scents, almost netting a plump rabbit for his dinner, but he’d already eaten in the café.

Oddly enough, the only scents he detected were those of wildlife. Almost as if the people who lived within the luxurious stucco house never set foot outside.

This would not have surprised him. In fact, he wouldn’t be shocked at all to learn Jacob kept them all prisoners, or so brainwashed they didn’t take a single step anywhere without his approval.

The night had edged its way toward morning and the sky had begun to lighten. Lucas drew closer to the sprawling house. Sanctuary’s inhabitants still slept, and all remained quiet.

As he debated leaving so he could shift back to his human form, a light came on in a room on the second floor.

He froze, half expecting someone with a high-powered rifle to appear and start taking potshots at him.

Belly low to the ground, he backed up, keeping to the edge of the landscape lights, until he felt confident he couldn’t be seen.

The drapes remained drawn and nothing else happened. He’d just about started to lose interest when the curtains flew open and she stood there in plain view.

His heart skipped a beat. Her. The woman he’d come to rescue, the mother of the little girl. The one who was like him.

While he’d watched, she disappeared from view. Pulse racing, he waited, hoping she’d reappear. Instead, a few minutes later, she threw something at the glass, something large and heavy, obviously attempting to break it.

Lucas bared his teeth. Jacob must have locked her in. But she was getting out, using whatever means necessary to make an exit. Lucas approved.

The ever-present desert wind had ruffled his fur as he’d watched and waited, heart pounding in expectation. Again, she’d heaved something at the window. This time, the glass shattered. He’d held his breath while she picked the shards clean, climbed up on the windowsill and let herself hang. She let go a second later.

Watching closely, he’d felt relief when she climbed to her feet, apparently unhurt. He saw no sign of her child. What had happened to the little girl? Surely she wouldn’t just leave her there, would she?

She took a few steps toward him, obviously unable to see very well in the darkness. When she moved outside of the perimeter of landscape lights, she stopped and began shedding her clothes. What the...his heart stuttered. Had she already gone mad, after such a short time with Jacob?

Then she dropped to all fours, completely naked. Watching, he cocked his lupine head, puzzled. And then...and then...the air around her changed. A thousand tiny pinpricks of lights danced in the atmosphere, circling her, surrounding her. The hair on his back rose as he realized what he was witnessing.

He was watching her change.

The intimacy of the act was not lost on him. Thirty years old and he’d never seen another being go from human to wolf. This was by choice.

Others hunted in packs. Lucas hunted alone. Despite numerous invitations to join the huge, global Pack of Shape-shifters, he trusted no one. He’d declined and mostly they’d left him alone.

Exactly the way he preferred.

Now this. Was this how he’d appear to others? He’d never seen anything so amazing.

A moment later, the sparkling lights faded away and she stood in the darkness, muzzle raised to the sky, a wolf with a shining pelt of pure white. He sucked in his breath. Unusual, even he knew.

As his human self had reacted to her face, even on the television, his wolf self responded even more strongly to her in lupine form. He fought back the urge to bound over to her and begin the elaborate play that would mark the beginning of the mating ritual. Mating?

He’d have to let her know he was there, at least. If he was going to help this woman, he’d have to make her aware of his presence.

Moving quietly, carefully, he circled around, making sure he stood upwind of her, letting the breeze carry him to her sensitive nose. He could tell the instant she scented him—her entire body went still, ears pricked forward. And then she swung her head around and, with her superior lupine night vision, spotted him.

She growled, low in her throat, a warning.

To show her he was no threat, he did not move. Though he refused to adopt a submissive posture—he submitted to no one—he was careful not to make direct eye contact and he kept his head low.

Slowly, she circled around him, taking in his scent. He knew she’d be able to detect his human aspect, and would discern that he was not fully wolf, not a wild animal that had happened upon her by accident. No, she’d realize he was a Shape-shifter and had come here on purpose.

After she’d taken his measure at a distance of a few feet, she came closer. Her hackles were raised, though his had settled.

He let her get close, keeping his stance relaxed, neither threatening nor subservient, just friendly.

When she ran, at first he did not follow. But, when he realized she was heading for the front of Sanctuary, he knew he had to stop her.

Though she couldn’t open the door, there were windows. If she got inside as a wolf, they’d slaughter her. He understood she wanted to get to her daughter, but this was not the way. Unfortunately, he couldn’t speak and explain. Instead, he ran full out, slamming into her hard enough to send her flying.

Snarling, she leaped to her feet, going on the offensive. But rather than attacking him, she tried to dodge him in order to get past.

The sky continued to lighten. Soon, the sun would rise over the horizon, making them easy to pick off with a high-powered rifle. He knew this. Unfortunately, she did not.

They battled again and again. He, careful not to draw blood. She, not caring in her desperation. She came at him again and again. But he blocked her every time.

After a few moments of this, she spun away and ran in the opposite direction.

Stunned, at first he didn’t follow. Belatedly he realized she was running away from him, when he’d come all this way to save her.

He barely caught up with her. They crossed the boundary of the land, reached the road and she swerved. Running parallel to the street, she headed toward town. Soon she’d find where he’d parked his bike, hidden away from any headlights under some tumbleweeds and brush.

Had she thought this out, her escape? She had no clothes and when she changed back to human, she’d need something with which to cover herself. As a stark-naked female out in the wee hours of the morning, she would be placing herself in grave danger.

Any moment now, she’d be at the mound that hid his bike. He barked at her, once, a warning. To his surprise, she slowed her pace, first from an all-out run down to a lope, then a trot. And finally, she stopped and faced him.

When he caught up to her, he sat, keeping a few feet between them, not wanting to encroach on her space.

Shaking herself all over, as though removing water from her fur, she made a sound between a growl and a whine, and initiated the change back to human. Pausing for a second, aware he always changed back to a man fully aroused, Lucas did the same.

As soon as he was human again, he turned his back to her and crossed to his bike to retrieve his clothing. But before he could put it on, he heard her behind him and turned, shielding himself with his clothes.

“Who are you? I don’t have time for this.” Standing tall with her hands on her well-shaped hips, she vibrated with rage and seemed completely unashamed of her nakedness. Worse, she either didn’t see or didn’t care that when he’d shifted back to human, he was completely aroused. It was always this way with him. He didn’t know if this was normal among his kind, or if he was some sort of aberration. He’d never cared enough to find out.

Having the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen face him unclothed only made things worse. Holding his clothing in front of his arousal, he literally had to clench his hands into fists to keep from reaching out and yanking her to him.

“Are you with them?” she snarled. “Working for that damn Sanctuary? My daughter might be in danger. I’ve got to get her back.”

“I don’t work for them. I came to help you. I’m on your side,” he said, wincing at the cliché and wishing his voice sounded less husky and more authoritative.

“Are you? Then you’d better talk,” she ordered. “And quickly. I need help. Jacob Gideon has taken my daughter.”

“I thought he would.”

Scowling at him, she shook her head and began backing away. “You work for him, don’t you?”

“No.” He snarled the word. “But I’m well aware of what he’s like.”

“Do you have a phone?” she asked, holding out her hand. “I need to call the authorities and get them out here. I want my daughter and I want her now.”

“It’s not going to do any good,” he told her, realizing she wouldn’t believe him. “Here.” He tossed her his T-shirt. “Put this on and let me get dressed and then we’ll talk.”

Though she caught it easily, she made no move to pull it over her head. Instead, she stood glaring at him with suspicion.

Hell. With a shrug, he turned his back to her and yanked on his shorts and then his jeans, wincing as he tried to tug the zipper up over his swollen body. When he turned back, she still clutched his T-shirt, quietly watching him dress.

With a shrug, he uncovered the motorcycle.

When he’d finished, he looked up to find she finally wore his shirt. On her, it was as long as a minidress, covering her, though the thin cotton did little to hide her lush shape or her engorged nipples.

Damn. What the hell was wrong with him? What was it about this woman that made him want her so intensely?

He indicated his bike. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather have our discussion as far from here as possible. Pretty soon his goons are going to realize you’ve escaped and come looking. I’m thinking you don’t want to be found. At least, not yet.”

What he’d thought was calm rationality clearly enraged her. “Are you crazy? Since you were on the property, you must be one of Jacob’s men. What’d he do, tell you to persuade me to leave my daughter? I won’t.”

“You can’t get her back alone. Jacob has hundreds of loyal followers. They will stop you. In fact, they might hurt you. We need to go get reinforcements.”

“There’s no way I’m walking away and leaving Hailey in danger. Look, I just escaped. Jacob has no guards—at least none that I could see.”

The sun rose, bathing them with bright yellow light. Lucas winced. “Jacob is no fool. If he went through so much trouble to get your little girl, he’s not going to let you take her back without a battle. Look, I promise you I know what I’m talking about. I escaped from there once myself. If you go back on your own, they might kill you. And that would leave your kid with no one to fight for her. Is that what you want?”

She wavered, clearly not understanding. “I’d like to call the police. They’ll help me.”

“No, they won’t. Jacob has the entire town in his pocket. And I didn’t bring my cell with me.”

“What are you saying?” she cried, her narrowed gaze telling him she didn’t believe him. “You honestly expect me to just take your word and believe that there’s no hope?”

“Oh, there’s hope.” Once again, he indicated his motorcycle. “But you’re going to have to come with me. Evading capture is the only way you’re going to get your daughter back.”

Though she still appeared unconvinced, she finally dipped her chin in answer. “I don’t trust you,” she said. “But I’m going to go with you. At least until I can get reinforcements, like the sheriff’s department. Let’s go.”

He liked the way she made decisions quickly, without wasting precious time agonizing over the pros and cons.

Climbing on his bike, he motioned for her to get on behind him. Once she had, he tried like hell not to think about how she was naked underneath his T-shirt, and that the heat of her body pressing against him was only separated by cloth.

He turned the ignition and the Harley roared to life. The vibration against his already-aroused body made him clench his teeth.

“Hold on,” he told her, the wind carrying his words away. Once she’d wrapped her arms around his middle, he took off, heading for his motel and hoping like hell no one had seen them.

* * *

While they rode, Blythe tried to calm her rising panic. Not for herself, but for Hailey. She still didn’t understand why Jacob Gideon’s people had locked her in a room to begin with. And then stolen her daughter. Why take Hailey like that? He’d promised to heal her, not hurt her. And he’d done so publicly, which also made no sense.

On top of that, with her arms wrapped around the muscular chest of a large and dangerously handsome man, she had to wonder. Where had he come from? She had to consider the possibility that he worked for Jacob and had been sent to keep her away from her daughter.

Her companion drove the big motorcycle competently, but then he had the look of a man who knew how to do most everything well. Tall and well built, he moved with a grace that told her he was at home in his own body.

Still, for him to appear out of nowhere, just when she was making her escape... She had to wonder. Could he be trusted? Since she’d already made one huge error in judgment by trusting Jacob Gideon, she wasn’t sure she hadn’t just made another.

Reminding herself that he was Pack, like her, and therefore most likely on her side, helped slightly. With all the craziness that was going on, she might need the help of more of her own kind. The Pack had a group of people called the Pack Protectors. She might have to call on them to help save Hailey. After all, who knew what the faith healer had planned? She was certain whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

Her panic began to build. Hailey needed certain medications. Would Jacob’s people remember to give them to her? She knew if she kept thinking along those lines, she’d be reduced to an ineffectual, panicked mess. She needed to try and remain as calm and clearheaded as possible if she wanted to succeed in rescuing her baby.

Finally, they coasted to a stop in front of an L-shaped, wooden motel that had seen better days. She took a deep breath. Hopping down from the bike, she pulled the large cotton T-shirt down and eyed him. “I asked you to take me to the sheriff’s office and you bring me to a motel. You’d better give me a damn good reason not to start screaming for help.”

Her passionate speech didn’t seem to faze him.

“I’m Lucas Kenyon,” he told her, the rumble of his deep voice oddly reassuring and dangerous at the same time. “Formerly Luke Gideon. And I promise I’ll explain everything.”

Stunned, she gaped at him. “But he said he had no children.”

“He would.” He grimaced.

“You’re his...son?”

“Not anymore.” Crossing to a room, he used his key and opened the door. “Come inside, please. I’ll tell you everything.”

She hesitated. She no longer trusted anyone with any connection whatsoever to Jacob Gideon, Pack or human. Especially his son.

“There’s a phone inside that you can use. I promise I won’t hurt you,” Lucas said, clearly misinterpreting the reason she wavered.

“I didn’t think you would,” she told him, pushing past him. “But I’m calling the sheriff before I listen to anything you have to say. I want my daughter back.”

Once she was inside, he closed the door behind her. “Go ahead and call,” he said. When she reached for the telephone on the nightstand, he grabbed a cell phone off the dresser. “Use this instead. He can’t trace you that way,” he told her, by way of explanation. “It’s disposable. I’ve got several others just like it.”

Accepting his phone, she eyed him and then she punched in 911. When a woman answered, Blythe tried to speak calmly, so she’d be clearly understood. “I need help. Jacob Gideon over at Sanctuary has taken my daughter. She’s only five. He took her without my permission.”

To her shock and disbelief, the operator chuckled. “You know, he just called in. He said you’d say something like that.”

Confused, Blythe looked at her companion. Although he couldn’t hear the other end of the conversation, his expression appeared resigned. “I’m saying it because it’s true.”

“Oh, I know Jacob. He’d never do something like that. He told us there’d been a little misunderstanding.”

“This is not a misunderstanding,” Blythe interrupted. “He took my daughter. I need you people to help me get her back.”

The woman continued on as though Blythe hadn’t spoken.

“I know who you are. You’re the lady we saw on TV the other day. You brought your little girl here so Jacob could heal her. You just need to calm down and let him do his work.”

“Calm down?” Blythe could hear her voice rising as it began to dawn on her that she really was on her own. This Lucas was right. No one else was going to help her save Hailey. Still, she had to try. “Let me talk to your supervisor.”

She swore she could almost hear the woman shaking her head. “He won’t be in until later this morning. Around nine. You’ll have to call back then. Why don’t you just phone Jacob and give him a chance to explain? He told me to tell you it’s a big misunderstanding and that you should come back right away.”

“He told you?”

“Of course.” The woman sounded smug. “Everyone around these parts is on very good terms with Jacob Gideon. Go back. Talk to him.”

Go back? Give Jacob a call... This was surreal. Blythe looked up and saw from Lucas’s glum expression that this was exactly as he’d expected. Which meant...what? That he was in on it? Or that he was a really good judge of what Jacob Gideon would do.

Gripping the cell phone, her hand sweaty, she said the only thing she could think of. “I don’t have his phone number.”

“Let me give it to you.” Suddenly solicitous, the dispatcher rattled it off, which Blythe repeated out loud so Lucas could write it down on a small pad of paper beside the hotel phone.

Once she was certain he’d gotten it, stunned and feeling as if she’d been run over by a semitruck, Blythe ended the call.

She stared at the cell phone, suppressing the urge to fling it against the wall. “Hailey is dangerously ill.” Biting down on her fury, she spun to face him.

“I’m not sure what just happened,” she began, seething.

“I told you he has them all in his pocket,” Lucas said, his voice sounding both resigned and angry. “You’ll have to get help from far away from this area to find someone he hasn’t corrupted.”

As she continued to eye him, she couldn’t find even the slightest resemblance between this man and the preacher. Where Jacob was slender and average height, Lucas stood well over six feet with a muscular build. Even their facial structures were different. Jacob had meaty features, with a bulbous nose. Lucas’s were patrician, as if they’d been carved from marble.

“You say you’re his son,” she said, in a tone that was not quite believing. “Yet not only do you not resemble him in the slightest, but you sound like you don’t like him, either.”

He shook his head, his ruggedly handsome features impassive. “As I said, I’m not his son any longer. As far as I’m concerned, that part of me died fifteen years ago, when I escaped Sanctuary roughly the same way you did.”

Crud. Suddenly dizzy, Blythe sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t give a damn about you or your father, but you’d better tell me anything that will help me find a way to rescue my daughter.”

Chapter 4

Lucas began to talk. He told her an abbreviated version of the truth, though he said nothing about Lilly and how Jacob had killed her right in front of him. That part of his past was his own private shame, which he would always bear alone. As he spoke, choosing his words with care, he watched her closely. While he didn’t want to send her into shock, she needed to know what she faced.

“My mother must have been a Shifter, because Jacob is human. I don’t actually know what happened to her, because I remember absolutely nothing about her. Long story short, Jacob caught me changing into a wolf. He viewed this as a sign from his God that I was a demon, and he set about trying to purge my body and—as he said—make me holy again.”

Swallowing, he pushed away the image of his vibrant sister, beaten and lifeless. “His methods were horrific. I believe he would eventually have killed me. I managed to escape, and I ran. I haven’t seen him since. It’s been fifteen years now.”

Watching him, her eyes, a shocking shade of green, went soft with sympathy. “You must have been very young.”

“Fifteen.” While he tried to factually relay his horrific past without growing emotional, his wolf reacted with hers on another, more primal level. Though he knew she had to be aware of this, externally she showed no reaction.

Was this how it was normally between Shifters, he wondered? At the thought, a wild sense of longing possessed him, something unwanted and unwarranted, and which he promptly pushed away.

“That’s it. When I saw you and your little girl on the news, with him promising he could heal her, I knew I had to come and stop him. I drove from Seattle.”

She nodded.

Watching the emotions trace across her beautiful face—shock and horror and revulsion—he stopped talking. There were no more words he could say without revealing the most important part of all. His sister’s death.

Silence. He waited, almost defiantly, for her reaction. Half of him expected condemnation, as if all of what had happened had been his fault, as if he’d somehow deserved the actions of the so-called pious man of God.

He also feared she would panic, because in revealing his past, he’d also revealed what Jacob had in mind for her little girl.

* * *

As Lucas talked, Blythe found herself listening in a sort of horrified fugue state. Disbelief, shock and terror for Hailey mingled with revulsion that a so-called man of God could do such things to his own son.

And what about her daughter? If Lucas was right, she’d delivered her baby girl into the clutches of a madman.

When he finally finished, the silence rang with a thousand questions, none of which she expected him to be able to answer.

“Why?” she finally asked. “Even if you being able to shift was—is—out of the ordinary, you’re his son. Throughout history, other parents have learned to deal with that. What would drive him to...recoil from you like that? Why would any father do such a thing to his own child?”

“I’ve asked myself that very same question a hundred times. I don’t know that I can explain the unexplainable. But as far as I can tell, it’s because of his belief system. In his narrow-minded view, such a thing as a Shape-shifter cannot exist. I’m a werewolf, he said. He honestly believed—believes—that I have a demon inside me.”

“That you come from hell,” she said, still unable to entirely wrap her mind around the idea.

He nodded. “Yes.”

“But since he’s human, that means your mother...”

“She must have been a full-blood. But she died when I was born and he destroyed everything of hers. I’ve never even seen a picture.”

“Seriously?” Again, such a thing was beyond her comprehension.

He shrugged once more, as if it didn’t matter. “Yes. I know nothing about her.”

“Then you had no one to teach you to...”

A shadow crossed his face. She got a sense that there was more, that he hadn’t told her everything. But she didn’t press him, not now. Hellhounds, he’d already revealed so much horror, the thought that there might be more was staggering.

“The first time I felt the urge to shift, I freaked out.” He sounded rueful, speaking of something that broke every Pack law she could think of regarding children. The first change should be a special thing, guided with a loving hand. Like Hailey’s would be, if she lived that long.

Blythe clenched her fists. Though she felt sorry for this man, listening to him talk about the past wasn’t going to help save Hailey.

He cocked his head. “You must be wondering how all this relates to your daughter,” he said, as if he’d read her mind.

Masking her inner turmoil with what she hoped passed for calmness, she nodded. “Yes. Yes, I am. Tell me. What do you think your father—”

“Jacob.”

She acknowledged the difference with a dip of her chin. “What does Jacob want with my daughter?”

Instead of answering, he asked another question. “Does he know you’re a Shape-shifter?”

“No, of course not.” Puzzled, she frowned. “Why would I tell him something like that? He’s human. You know the law.”

“Since I’m not actually part of your Pack, no, I don’t. But no matter. I think Jacob has somehow learned that you and your child are like me—Shape-shifters. Since he believes these powers came from a demon, he’s on a holy mission to wipe out the evil. He intends to cure your daughter—not of her physical ailment, but her spiritual one. Even if it kills her.”

For a split second, she couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think, couldn’t move, couldn’t even swallow. “Then we’ve got to go help her,” she finally managed. “Now.”

Expression grim, he shook his head. “You heard what happened when you tried to call the police. He’s got the entire area in his pocket.”

“Then we’ll go out farther.” Desperate now, she began to pace. “The FBI will help.”

“Not if they talk to the local police and are told you’re a crackpot.”

Stunned, she stared at him. “Are you serious?” she asked. “You really think that’s what will happen?”

He nodded.

This was like something out of a nightmare.

“These people really are crazy,” she said, trying to keep her hands from trembling. “How is that possible? An entire town...”

“He’s a very hypnotic speaker.”

She stared at him, letting him see her disbelief. “Are you saying he hypnotizes people?” Then, before he could even answer, she inhaled sharply. “Hellhounds. Are you saying he hypnotized me?” That explanation would certainly clear up a lot of things.

Lucas grimaced. “To be honest with you, I don’t know. It’s entirely possible.”

She took a deep breath and released it. “It sounds like you think no one is going to help me.”

The wry grimace he made didn’t make her feel any better. “At least no humans will. What about your Pack?”

“I don’t know. I’ll call them.” She grabbed the cell phone and then stared at it in frustration. “I’m not sure I know the number. It’s stored in my cell, which he took from me.”

“So it appears you’re on your own,” he said, without inflection.

His lack of emotion was beginning to get to her. She glared at him, determination and ferocity coursing through her. “Then I’ll do it by myself. I have to get my daughter out. I don’t care if I need to rip out some throats to do it.”

As another Shifter, no matter what his upbringing, she believed Lucas would understand. When in their wolf form, they all retained their human intellect. This made them deadly fighters when they needed to be.

His face a stony mask, he shook his head. “You’re not alone,” he said. “I’ll help you.”

“Look,” she said. “I’m grateful, but you have to understand I don’t trust anyone involved in any way with Jacob Gideon and his Sanctuary.”

“I’m not involved with them.” He glared at her. “I told you, I drove all the way here from Seattle to help you.”

“Assuming I believe you, I have to ask you why. We’re total strangers. Why do you care what happens to us?”

“It’s more than just you. What that man did to me and mine should never be done to anyone else.”

She opened her mouth to respond, and then closed it. The cold fury shimmering in his dark blue eyes made her shiver.

“And to answer your question as to why, it’s time he was stopped. For good. No matter what the cost, I will help you save your daughter. And then, I’ll make sure Jacob Gideon doesn’t hurt any other Shifters. Ever again.”

Oddly enough, this fierce resolve decided her. “All right. Thank you. I accept your offer of help.”

“Good.” Something in his grim tone told her he hadn’t actually given her a choice. “They won’t be expecting two of us. You need to get ready.”

“Get ready?” Incredulous, she could only stare. “I’m chomping at the bit. The sooner I can get Hailey away from that monster, the better.”

“Good. Because we’re going to go in and get her out. No matter what.”

She nodded. “When?”

He glanced at her, his jaw set. “Tonight.”

* * *

As a slow, fierce smile broke out over Blythe’s expressive face, something intense flared inside Lucas. What the hell? Pushing it away, he dragged his gaze away from the hope shining in her emerald-green eyes and forced himself to focus. He wondered if she understood the risks she’d be taking. If caught, and especially if Jacob learned she was also a Shape-shifter, she’d be subjecting not only her daughter, but herself to unspeakable acts of torture.

By the end, she’d be longing for death.

He considered telling her more than the bare bones, but in the end, decided not to. The knowledge would change nothing. Like him, she had no choice.

“What time?” she asked, raising her chin in a way that told him she was a woman of courage, a mother willing to fight tooth and nail for her child.

“We’ll use the darkness to provide cover. Until then, you’re going to have to stay hidden. If I know Jacob, he will have told the locals some preposterous story about you, and they’ll be on the lookout to have you arrested and brought in.”

Her eyes widened in fresh shock, making him inwardly wince. Every truth he had to throw out to her was like feeding a wolf a poisoned bone. But she needed to understand just how much of a monster they were dealing with.

“Arrest me for what?”

Grimly, he ticked the possibilities off on his fingers. “Child abuse, child molestation, attempting to sell your daughter, trying to prostitute her to pedophiles—he’ll come up with the worst possible story and make them believe it.”

She swallowed hard. “But none of that is true. He’d have no proof.”

“It doesn’t make any difference. What does matter is that he will have convinced everyone that he took your daughter away for her own good. That you are a danger to her. I promise you, they will believe him.”

Crossing her arms, her expression radiating darkness, she dropped into the dingy motel chair. “I’ll kill him.”

“No, you won’t.” Though if the truth were to be told, he’d been aching to take the man out himself ever since the news story had aired. But the repercussions would be tremendous. “Making him pay will have to wait. First, we’re going to rescue your kid and get away. After that, I’ll figure out a way to expose him, so he can’t do this to anyone else.”

“Hailey,” she said. “Her name is Hailey.” There was both strength and delicacy in her face. “Inside there, in Sanctuary, they kept trying to depersonalize her and I instinctively kept insisting on giving them her name. At the time, I didn’t understand why. Unfortunately, I do now.”

Eyeing her, he felt it again: the rush of attraction that was not only inappropriate, but dangerous. He wondered if Blythe even realized how beautiful she was. On the heels of that thought came another, one he’d considered earlier and had forgotten.

For as long as Lucas had known him, Jacob had always had a weakness for the ladies. If worst came to worst, there was the possibility that they could use that against him. Lucas decided not to mention it to Blythe yet. Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that.

Her stomach growled, making him smile, even as she gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry,” she said. “I should have gone hunting earlier.”

“When was the last time you ate?”

She thought for a moment. “On the drive down here yesterday.”

“Yesterday? I saw the story on the news a few days ago. I would have thought you’d have been here longer.”

“Nope. Jacob had a few more appearances scheduled, so Hailey and I spent the day shopping, eating out, and we saw a movie,” she said. “I had a few misgivings, and apparently for good reason. I so badly wanted to have hope. Instead, I should have trusted my instincts.” Sighing, she glanced away. “Look what happened. I haven’t even been here twenty-four hours and already my baby is in danger.”

“Don’t worry,” he spoke with more confidence than he felt. “We’ll get her out. In the meantime, I’ll go fetch us something to eat.”

She nodded listlessly, so he left her there.

Later, he returned with a couple of breakfast burritos and coffees, as well as a change of clothes for her that he grabbed at the local big box store. She ate with a mechanical precision that told him she was already working on a rudimentary plan.

“Maybe you should tell me,” she said, blotting her mouth with a napkin. She’d missed a crumb, and he found himself aching to lick it off her lips, which shocked him.

What the hell was wrong with him? With difficulty, he tried to focus on her words. “Tell you what?”

“What I should expect to find when we get into Sanctuary.” Mouth a thin line, she leaned forward. “I need to be prepared.”

“No,” he said, as gently as he could. “You don’t. Let’s leave it at that.”

Her gaze locked with his, the determination in her expression twisting his gut. But finally she nodded. “You’re right. I need to concentrate on getting Hailey out.”

“Yes.”

“But after...”

“One day at a time,” he told her. “That’s how we’re going to get through this. One day at a time.”

Though she nodded, she got up and began to pace the confines of the small hotel room, her lithe grace reminding him more of a trapped panther than a wolf. Even in the artificial light, her hair gleamed like strands of luxurious silk.

Watching her, he tried to throttle the dizzying current of desire racing through him. This both infuriated and intrigued him, because despite his instinctive reaction to her when he’d seen her on the television, he hadn’t expected to want her. More than that, actually. He hadn’t thought he’d crave her the way he did.

He needed to get a grip. For someone who always prided himself on being in control, he felt perilously close to completely losing it.

“I wonder, have you always known?” he asked her, more to distract them both than anything else.

She stopped pacing, swiveling her head around to look at him, sending her long hair whipping around her shoulders. “Have I always known what?”

Feeling foolish, now he regretted asking. Almost. “What you were. A Shape-shifter. When was the first time you changed into a wolf? How old were you?”

As distractions went, it worked. Head cocked, she stared at him, the expression in her vivid green eyes making it clear she was trying to decide if he was messing with her or telling the truth.

“I really want to know,” he added, his voice a bit huskier than he’d have preferred, but sincere all the same.

“I was ten,” she said. “Most of us are ten or eleven when we shift for the first time. Once in a while it happens to someone much younger, but that’s the general age.”

“I see.” Truthfully, he hadn’t known.

“You had no one to guide you at all, did you?” she finally asked. “Because your mother died and you were all alone, except for that crazy man who raised you.”

He doubted his careless shrug fooled her. “I had no idea. The first few times I had the urge to shift, I panicked. I was eleven and I didn’t know what was wrong with me.” He and Lilly had shared that sense of fear. But of course, he didn’t mention that to Blythe.

“Did you go to your father?’

He winced, this time unable to hide it. “No. I couldn’t. Even though I was still relatively normal, I couldn’t fail to notice how rigid the lines were for him. I think I instinctively knew he would recoil from me in disgust and horror.”

The sympathy on her beautiful face completely pissed him off. He didn’t want her pity, or anyone else’s, for that matter. That was part of the reason he’d avoided his own kind all these years. He was what he was and damned if he’d make apologies for it.

With difficulty, he managed to rein in his emotions. None of this was her fault. In truth, he didn’t understand the way she made him feel, the things she made him want. Desire was both the least and the greatest of these.

What he was about to tell her was private—he’d never shared it with another human being, with the exception of the one person he’d let Jacob destroy.

But Jacob had her daughter. If anyone deserved to know, it was Blythe. He’d have to be careful in how he told it, because Lilly had been with him then. Lilly had always been with him. He and his twin had been exceptionally close.

“I was out in the desert near Sanctuary,” he began, hoping like hell he didn’t slip up. He had to tell the story as if he’d been alone. “I liked to go on long hikes in those days. It was a way for me to think. The urge to change had been coming more and more frequently, which terrified me. But so far I’d been successful in fighting it off. Not this time.”

He took a long pull on his coffee, considering his next words.

To her credit, she simply waited, her eyes vivid-green as she watched him through her long lashes. She was quiet, rather than peppering him with questions. This, he appreciated.

After a moment, he continued. “This time, when the urge to change hit me, the need was like never before. Fierce and compelling. I fell to my knees and tried to fight, but something else took over my body and I couldn’t. Before I knew what happened, my clothes were torn and tattered and I shape-shifted into a wolf.”

“You should have had someone there to help guide you,” she said softly. “It’s always like that, the first time.”

He shrugged, careful to keep his face expressionless. His memories of that day were still vivid, though they mostly consisted of watching what had happened to his sister as she went through her first change. They’d been frightened and exhilarated, amazed and shocked.

When they’d changed back, they’d each managed to do so far enough away from the other that they were able to hide their nakedness until they got dressed.

It was all new and strange and a continuous learning process. But they’d had each other and so they’d learned to cope.

“It was a long time ago. But I was in an animal frenzy after that. As wolf, I ran and hunted, when I was human again, I got dressed in my shredded and tattered clothes and returned home. I vowed that one time would be it and I’d never let it happen again.”

“And of course it did,” she said, her expression soft and understanding.

He nearly told her then, nearly revealed the truth of the horror that had happened to his twin so many years ago. But at the last moment, he reined himself in. They were strangers, after all. He would do his best to help her and her daughter, after which he doubted he’d ever see her again. He wasn’t the kind of guy women depended on.

Still, he had to tell her part of the truth, just so she really understood what kind of monster she was up against.

“I went as long as I could before changing again. Each time, I came away convinced something was wrong with me.” He shrugged, to show her it no longer mattered. “I started being more diligent about attending Jacob’s services. I tried to be kinder, more studious. In short, I thought if I somehow atoned for whatever sin made me this way, I could be normal again.”

He didn’t tell her this had been Lilly’s idea. She’d been convinced that their shape-shifting abilities were some form of punishment, doled out from an angry God. Jacob’s God. Lucas had gone along with her, because when she was happy, he was, too.

Lost in his memories, he became aware Blythe was speaking. “You only wanted to be normal. When in fact, all along, you were perfectly ordinary, at least for our kind.”

He said the first thing that came to mind. “You sound sad.”

“Of course I do.” Frowning, she shook her head. “Jacob had to have known this would happen. When he married your mother, she would have told him. We’re always allowed to tell our mates. He should have taken steps to ensure you were educated in the ways of the Pack.”

“I’m not sure he knew.” Aware of the bitter twist to his mouth, he looked away, unable to bear the pity he was sure to see in her eyes. “Or if he once had known, he made himself forget. That would be the only explanation for how he reacted once he learned the truth about us.”

“Us?”

Damn. Swallowing hard, he gestured at nothing. “You know what I mean. Our kind. Us.”

After a moment, she nodded, seeming to accept this explanation. He’d slipped. He needed to be careful.

Because in addition to what had happened to his sister, there was more, much more, that he didn’t tell her. How he’d tried to run away, to stay wolf forever. He’d thought that would make his life easier. And it might have, though he never got a chance to find out. No matter how hard he’d tried to stay in his wolf form, eventually he’d always changed back to man.

She shifted restlessly. “If you don’t mind telling me, how exactly did your fath—I mean Jacob—find out what you were? I assume you didn’t tell him.”

“He became curious and I was careless. He followed me one day. He was careful to stay hidden so I didn’t see him. He watched while I changed.” He shook his head, the images as fresh as though they had occurred yesterday. He’d stick to the details whenever possible...more or less. “Full of self-righteous rage, he ran at me when I was still wolf.”

Narrowing her eyes, she continued to watch him. “He’s lucky you didn’t attack him.”

“Maybe.”

Because of Lucas’s paralyzing fear, Jacob had caught them both. After ordering his twin children to be led away in chains, he’d locked them in one of the unfinished basement rooms, eerily reminiscent to Lucas’s young mind of a dungeon. “Jacob screamed, called me a worthless dog, demon-spawn and evil.”

“What did he do after that?” she asked.

He took a deep breath, well aware that what he was about to say would barely skirt the edges of what had happened. It wasn’t even the worst of it. “He beat me to within an inch of my life.”

“While you were still wolf?”

He nodded. “While I was still a wolf.”

“And of course you changed back.” It wasn’t a question. She knew, as he had not, that all Shifters changed back to their original form when they were hurt or wounded. He was aware of that now, of course.

“I changed back. My father was convinced a demon had possessed me. He was determined to rid me of it, no matter what the cost. Even if it killed me.”

She made a sound. He could see in her face that she was tempted to offer comfort. Appalled, he made a gesture, warding her off.

“I’m fine,” he said. “That’s all in the past anyway. The only reason I’m even telling you all this is so you can understand what he wants to do to Hailey.”

Her eyes widened. Glancing at her watch, she cursed. “He’s had all day.”

Sensing her panic, he acted instinctively, reaching out and gently squeezing her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m relatively sure he’s still studying her to make sure she is what he thinks.”

“Relatively isn’t good enough,” she snarled. “If he lays one hand on her, I’ll—” Visibly collected herself, she inhaled sharply. “I’m not going to give him a chance to hurt her.”

“We’re not,” he said. “Remember, you aren’t alone in this.”

She gave him such an odd look he realized that, despite everything, she hadn’t actually considered them a team.

Chapter 5

Blythe tried to nap in preparation for the late night ahead, but with her hyperawareness of Lucas in the bed next to her, she couldn’t sleep. Instead, she lay there wide-awake, her heart pounding as she continually replayed the events leading up to Jacob’s abduction of her daughter.

All because she’d foolishly allowed herself to hope.

She thought she’d been so careful, especially when the media got involved. She hadn’t even considered that Jacob would be able to use that same media against her, making all sorts of outrageous claims to prevent her from getting Hailey back.

Finally, she fell into a sort of restless slumber, devoid of dreams. When she woke an hour later, she found Lucas sitting in the chair by the desk watching her.

The instant her gaze connected with his, she felt a jolt of heat, low in her belly. Even as she blinked, trying to acclimate herself, he pushed to his feet and moved away, clearly ill at ease. With his back to her, he peered out the window, silent, his entire demeanor stiff. If he had felt the same thing she had, evidently it made him no happier than it did her.

Bad timing.

Still, she could not look away. Eyeing him, again she was struck by his rugged masculinity. She couldn’t help but wonder again how someone like Jacob could have fathered a son who looked like Lucas.

“We should eat something,” he told her, his voice husky with sleep. “I’ll go get us a couple of burgers and bring them back. I still don’t want to take a chance that you might be seen, just in case Jacob has started spreading any lies.”

Though she hated having to stay hidden, it only made sense. “Sounds good.” She pushed up off the bed and headed for the bathroom. “I’m going to take a quick shower while you’re gone.”

Jerking his head in a nod, he headed toward the door, moving so fast she had to blink. It wasn’t as if she was going to start stripping off her clothes on the way.

And even if she had, what did it matter? They were Shifters. Though he wasn’t Pack, Lucas had to get used to acting like one sooner or later.

Once in the shower, she turned the spray to hot and, using the shampoo and conditioner the motel provided, she got herself clean. Glad of the change of clothes, she dressed.

When she emerged from the bathroom about fifteen minutes later, Lucas had returned. The tantalizing smell of hamburgers and French fries made her mouth water.

He glanced up, took in her freshly scrubbed face and wet hair, and nodded, his bland expression revealing nothing. “Dig in.”

She dropped into the chair opposite him and did as ordered. The first bite of the thick hamburger almost made her hum with pleasure. “This couldn’t have been fast food,” she said, once she’d swallowed. After her shower, change of clothes and now an excellent meal, she felt better than she should. She felt she ought to be suffering until she had Hailey back. “It tastes too good.”

“It’s a local place, right around the corner,” he told her. “Called Stripers. I used to eat there as a boy. They’re known in these parts for their burgers.”

This, she could believe. Giving up all attempts at eating with decorum, she tucked into her meal with gusto.

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