Page 38 of Emerald Flame
Chapter Six
Thoughts of Tonya and how much he’d once loved her rushed through the moment like a dream turning suddenly into a nightmare. What had been peace, became turbulent.
Kiara’s voice was suddenly in his head.Dial it down, wolf. Whatever has hold of your thoughts, it’s not helping Susie.
My wife.
The words left his mind before he could stop them. No one knew about her, or where she was, or what she’d done.
Your…wife?Kiara grew very still and why wouldn’t she? He hadn’t been forthcoming, with her or anyone. Tonya was an off-limits topic, yet he’d brought her forward like he couldn’t help himself.
Susie, maybe because she’d sensed something was going on, had stopped weeping and slowly eased away from them both then moved to stand in front of him. Kiara followed her lead.
Warren felt like twelve kinds of fool as he met Kiara’s gaze.
Wife?She reiterated. Her lips parted and moved slightly. She appeared to be forming question after question on her lips, but nothing came from either her voice or her mind.
No one knows. She’s not well, not since heraltertransformation.
When Susie listed on her feet, Warren caught her elbow and steadied her. He then guided her to sit in one of the wicker chairs on the porch. “The others will be here soon.”
He returned to Kiara and once again used his telepathy.We can talk later.
She nodded.
He drew his cell from the pocket of his leathers, but addressed her first. “I’m calling Fergus. Should we bring the others here?”
Kiara dipped her chin in a firm nod. “Absolutely.”
As he talked things over with Fergus, he gestured for Kiara to join him in the air to guide the wolves in. She held him back to keep them hidden behind the security spell she had around her property.
He stayed on the line with Fergus and after a minute saw him flying in his direction. He carried one of the rescued wolves in his arms. His men were not far behind him.
He and Kiara broke through the spell then ushered Fergus, his men and the recovering wolves into the secret refuge. Fergus hung back and stared hard at Warren.Your eye is open, and the scarring is diminished. When did that happen?
Earlier, with Kiara.
Fergus shook his head.Amazing. He glanced at the wolf in his arms, then added,We’ll talk later.He then descended toward the house.
Ralph flew at the back probably making sure all his wolves were safe. His skin was pale as he reached them.
Once safely inside the security spell, Kiara spoke quickly. “We’ve got Susie, Ralph. She’s fine.”
While midair, he gasped and shuddered. “Where is she?” His voice cracked.
Kiara waved an arm in the direction of the house. “There. She’s sitting in the wicker chair on the porch though it’s hard to see through all the warriors and your wolves.”
Ralph immediately launched toward the refuge.
Warren flew beside Kiara, descending to land on the stone path that led to the front of the house. Fergus met them. “So, this is the refuge.” He settled his gaze on Kiara.
Kiara, however, wasn’t paying attention. Instead, her gaze appeared to be fixed on Ralph and Susie.
Warren could just see the couple as well. Ralph gathered Susie into his arms. She clung to him and he saw that Ralph shook, head-to-foot. He kept kissing her face then hugging her harder still.
From his peripheral, he watched Kiara swipe tears from her cheeks. Though he released her hand, it was only to slide his arm around her waist and draw her close.You did good, Kiara.
Back atcha.
