Page 53 of Midlife Wolf Captured My Heart

Sadie couldn’t help herself. As they emerged from the cave into the cold night air, she stole a glance at their surroundings. What she saw made her breath catch in her throat.

The clearing looked like a battlefield from a war movie. Bodies of hunters lay on the ground, their vacant eyes staring at nothing. The metallic smell of blood polluted the pure mountain air, making Sadie’s stomach churn.

Matthias and Zac stood at the perimeter, surveying the scene. Three dragons circled above, making sure that there weren’t any other hunters in the area. Bears and wolves also scoured the trees outside of the small clearing to make sure they wouldn’t be ambushed – or worse, that there would be hunters to regroup and come back with greater strength. This terrorism needed to end now. Sean, Eric, and Rory walked among the bodies lying on the ground, making sure they were dead.

Eric looked at Dakota and Sadie questioningly.

Dakota answered Eric’s silent question. “She’s alive. We’re going to get them to the clan doctors.”

Her brother nodded and went back to his job.

Guilt washed over Sadie. Her gut had told her not to shift. Matthias’ and Zac’s warnings had been strong. She and Talia decided that they could be safe, anyway, in spite of knowing that there were hunters in the area. Now, people were dead.

The other side of her brain argued that if it hadn’t been them, it would have been other shifters who were caught by the hunters. Now, these evil people couldn’t hurt anyone else ever again.

Her eyes met Dakota’s and she saw a storm of emotions there – relief, worry, anger, and love. She wanted to tell him that she was in love with him but now didn’t seem to be the time or place. That would have to wait until after she saw the doctor and determined whether the baby was okay.

As they started down the mountain, the adrenaline that had surged through her when she and Talia were rescued began to fade. The pain in her side was excruciating. Dakota was being as gentle as he could, but he was trying to navigate the mountain, carrying her, in the dark. It wasn’t the smoothest ride. It was better being carried in his arms than over someone’s shoulder, though.

She moaned in the back of her throat as the darkness closed in on her. The last thing she saw before it completely overcame her was Dakota’s face.

Sebastian took Talia home and Dakota took Sadie to her place.

Beth, a healer witch, was waiting at Sadie’s house when they pulled in. She had used her magic to unlock Sadie’s door.

“Who are you?” Dakota demanded.

“My name is Beth. I am Sadie’s friend. I’m also a healer witch. Take her into her bedroom.”

“How did you know?” Dakota was apparently still suspicious.

“She’s Conner’s wife. Her best friend, Savvy, is Rory’s wife.” Sadie’s voice was very weak and barely above a whisper. “Talia?”

“Savvy and Taryn are with her.”

Sadie knew that Taryn, Beth’s twelve-year-old daughter, was a very powerful witch. She was a healer among other talents. Savvy’s gift was spells, and she enhanced Taryn’s healing magic.

Beth took over immediately. “Find some towels. I need hot water. Now.”

Dakota rushed to obey her. Beth carefully undressed Sadie, trying not to disturb the gash on Sadie’s side. Sadie moaned from the pain. She really wanted to scream but bit her lip.

Sensing her agony, Beth put her hand on Sadie’s forehead and closed her eyes for a second. “You’ll be fine.”

Instantly, the pain lessened. Dakota rushed in with the towels and a bowl of hot water.

Beth handed Dakota a small bag of crushed herbs and an infuser. “Warm some water. Put the herb in the infuser and let it sit for about three minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey.”

Wordlessly, Dakota took the baggie and infuser and disappeared.

Gently, Beth cleaned Sadie’s wound and put her hand on the deep cut. “No vital organs were hit. The baby is fine. The knife missed it by half an inch. It is a little traumatized, but I’m sure there will not be any long-term effects.”

Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn’t surprised that Beth knew she was pregnant. “Dakota doesn’t know. Please don’t say anything to anyone until I can tell him.”

“No worries. My lips are sealed.”

“Thank you.”

Dakota rushed back with the cup of tea and handed it to Beth.

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