Page 64 of Wild Wolf
The only woman he’d ever loved ran away, just like she had six years ago. This time it was all hisfault.
Nolan swore beneath his breath, and vaulted over the railing to hunt herdown.
Bring her back at allcosts.
I can’t lose you, Jordan. You’re everything tome.
He shifted into his wolf to track her, flushing out her scent. She’d cut through the forest where the Fae danced now, their fairy lights shining through the trees, visible only to Others, Lupines likehimself.
Other pack members whispered the forest was haunted at night and they feared these woods, feared invading the Fae’sprivacy.
Nolan didn’t care about the Fae’s privacy. He wanted his mateback.
The scent trail ended by the pond. His wolf growled low infrustration.
Now was not the time to go animal on Jordan. Shifting back, he paced, trying to think. If Jordan wanted to reach the road and hitch a ride, she’d head west, toward thestables.
He took that pathway. A few minutes later, his nose twitched as he picked up the fragrance that was uniquely hismate.
Nolan stopped, his breath hitching. Like a ghost in the moonlight, Jordan stood motionless on the path leading to thestables.
Body tensing, he took a deep breath. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
Now or never. He wasn’t one to gush sentiments or be real romantic, but Nolan had to say what hemust.
“Jordan, I sure hope you’re coming back, not because you forgot something, but because you want to come back. And if you don’t… then I’m not going to make the same damn mistake I made six yearsago.”
He paused, watching her. “This time, I’m coming after you and nothing will stop me. You’re mine, pixie. You became mine the day we were married and what I claim, I never let go. I vowed to honor and protect you to the last drop of my blood and I stand firm onthat.”
Silvery moonlight showed her expression ease, the tension flee her taut body. Jordan still did notmove.
He took another deep breath. “You’re mine. I will fight for you and protect you to my last dyingday.”
Nolan held out a hand. “Comehere.”
Putting just enough authority into his voice, he locked gazes with her. “Now.”
Jordan took a step forward, filling him with relief. Another step and then her hand soughthis.
Nolan pulled her into his arms, holding her tight, stroking her hair as she trembled. “I came back because I made a promise the day we got mated. And I’m tired of running. So tired of not having anywhere to go,” she toldhim.
She looked so broken and lost, his heartached.
“Will you believe me, Nolan? Or the pack and Sam and everyone who thinks I’m anarsonist?”
Nolan gentled his voice. “Pixie, I’m sorry I doubted you. I’m listening now. But forget the fire. I need to know exactly happened that night, and what my father toldyou.”
Taking her hand, he walked with her until they reached the barn. Inside, he found a bale of hay and sat, pulling her onto his lap. Jordan needed touch, neededcomfort.
So he sat for a moment, stroking her hair, letting her rest againsthim.
Finally, he spoke into the quietness of the night. “Tellme.”
She hung her head. Tipping up her face with a hand beneath her chin, Nolan winced at her blankexpression.
All the life had drained out ofher.
