Page 75 of Wolf

Hours later, I’m lying on the couch. I tried finding something on the television but truthfully, I couldn’t concentrate.

Where is he? With that woman? Did I send him right into her arms?

I never even got the chance to warn him about Mama and Miriam. Now here I sit just as useless as ever.

I feel like a world-class fool, and I’d like to leave but until I have the money, I assume I’m safer here, at least physically. Who knows about my heart.

Wolf is turning out to be far more intense than I thought possible and if I don’t learn how to have a backbone, he’ll walk all over me. I didn’t leave behind Daddy and his rules for that,but how do I stand up for myself without forcing him out the door where I can’t follow?

Something to think about later I suppose.

I’m drifting off, visions of Wolf as he took my virginity dancing over my vision when I hear the door creak behind me. I’m just sullen enough to pretend I’m asleep while he shuffles across the floor and down the hall.

With a frown, I poke my head above the couch, considering what I can possibly say to the jerk who abandoned me in his home but whoever that is, it’s not Wolf.

With my heart in my throat, I slowly slide from the couch and crawl on my hands and knees to the end. Down the hall, the man turns on the light and I hear the faint sound of his curse before I crawl into the kitchen.

What should I do? I’m no match for the man and if he has a gun, I’m toast.

Huddled against the cabinets in the kitchen, I freeze when I hear a second set of footsteps and a low, growly voice says, “Anything?”

“No, where the fuck did the little bitch go?”

Oh no, that’s the sheriff. What is he doing here? Are they looking for me?

Unfortunately, they’re on the other side of the counter and if one of them decides to step around it, there’s no telling what they will do.

Wolf’s home is surrounded by trees. My only option if they don’t leave is to run and hope they don’t follow.

When I hear boots against the tile floor, I crawl to the door and rest my back against the refrigerator. With them right there, it’s going to be obvious if I open the door and I eye the dog door with a grimace.

Does Wolf have a dog? I haven’t seen one.

My hands shake so badly that I’m sure it will be obvious what I’m doing but I have no choice as I push through the little door and ease onto the grass beyond.

Once I’m on the other side, I look back. Nothing stirs but all the hair on my nape stands on end as I push to my feet and run.

The first thirty yards are the hardest because I have no cover and when I look back, I find a man standing at the back door, glaring in my direction.

My heart jumps into my throat as I take in his vest, like Wolf’s before I reach the tree line.

Twigs break under my bare feet, but I have no time to worry about the damage. Behind me, I think I hear him follow, confirmed when a shot rings out and the bark beside my head explodes.

Stifling a squeak, I duck behind a tree and grab my racing heart. Now what?

“Don’t fucking kill her, you idiot,” the sheriff roars and I flinch.

“She knows it’s you,” the man grunts.

Silence follows and I peek around the tree. I can’t see them, but the back door stands open with the light on.

He must be pursuing me but where is he?

“Come out before I break your fucking neck,” the man hollers, and I shrink back, leaning my cheek against the rough bark. He doesn’t honestly think I’m going to just waltz right into my own death, does he?

When I don’t respond, he follows that up with a string of curses. I glance back quickly to see him approaching and I run. I run so fast that I’m not sure how I don’t fall. Without shoes, I should feel every twig and rock under my feet, but I don’t. It seems like hours pass and that I should be halfway to the next town before I slow and slump against the nearest tree.

Is he still out there looking for me? Where can I possibly go?

---