Page 84 of Wolf

I can tell she’s tired, so we sit in the bed and chat about stupid shit until she falls asleep.

Afterward, I sit up and walk to the window. Outside, some of the guys are tinkering with a motorcycle. In various states ofdress, I admire the tattoos and array of pretty abs before leaning against the pane.

Although I feel safer here, I don’t know how long this can last and my thoughts turn to Wolf. I’ve been fantasizing about the man for over a year and the reality was so much better, but at the end of the day, we’re different people from different worlds.

It’s painfully obvious. The women still shun Miriam and she’s been here a while. Wolf is like a locked vault when it comes to things I don’t know and although I understand this is barely a thing, it's still scary to share the most intimate parts of me with someone who can so easily ice me out.

And what happens when they resolve the issues with the sheriff and Wolf doesn’t need to protect me anymore?

Where do I go? What should I do? I’ve never been on my own. Even if I manage to graduate high school, I don’t have any skills.

Can I find a place on my own?

“Shoot,” I whisper, glancing up when movement catches my eye.

It’s him. The one who came to Wolf’s house and chased me through the woods. He just waltzed up pretty as you please. Does he know I’m here?

I slide to the side and study him through the window. His long dark hair glints in the sun. What color are his eyes? Does he have any distinguishing marks?

He stops next to one of the other guys and lights up a cigarette, tipping his head back to inhale. Gotcha. He has a tattoo on his neck. Strangely it’s a hand, mimicking being choked I suppose.

Unfortunately, as I try to collect details, he happens to glance up and our eyes lock before his narrow and I move away from the window.

What will he do now? I have to get to Wolf but as far as I know, he’s not here and I don’t know any of these other bikers, except Maddox.

Maddox!

With a last glance at Miriam still sleeping peacefully, I step from the room. Except, when I hear footsteps approaching, the hair on my nape stands on end.

Retreating further down the hall, I enter Wolf’s room and close the door before locking it.

I don’t know if this guy knows I’m related to Miriam but I’m hoping he’ll leave her alone if I’m not there.

Leaning against the door, I listen for any sounds of distress but it’s achingly quiet.

After a moment, I back away to the bed and sit down, smoothing my hands down my thighs.

What to do? If I leave, he might find me. If I stay, I’m essentially a sitting duck.

“I know you’re in there.”

“Shoot,” I whisper, clutching my chest. Now what?

There’s one window that faces the opposite side of the property from Miriam’s room. I race over and look down. There’s a ledge but beyond that, it’s still a two-story drop to the ground.

“If you come out, nice and easy, I won’t have to hurt your sister,” he says, and I glance at the door.

I guess that answers that question. Would he do something to her under this roof?

If he did, would his brothers stop him?

“You’ve got five fucking seconds before I blow her fucking brains out,” he growls, and I flinch.

I guess, I have no choice. When I open it, he’s standing on the other side. He glances behind me before grabbing my arm.

“This is how it’s going to go. You walk down those stairs and outside. Don’t go left. Go right and keep walking until you’re in the damn trees. Wait for me by the cabin back there. You run; she dies. You say anything. She dies. Got me?”

“Yeah,” I whisper, and he shoves me forward.

---