Karen Whiddon: The Lost Wolf's Destiny

“It’s not imposing.” Lucaine’s deep voice carried a hint of authority. “Especially since we insist.”

With a sigh of gratitude, Blythe gave in. “Thank you,” she said.

“Yes, thank you,” Hailey echoed, snuggling into her mother’s side with a big grin. “Mommy, I missed you sooo much.”

“I missed you, too.” Holding her daughter, breathing in the baby-shampoo scent of her hair, Blythe wanted to feel completely content. A few weeks ago, this, holding her healthy child safe in her arms, had been her only dream. But now she wondered for the hundredth time what Lucas was doing and how he was holding up.

While Kane drove him to the hospital, Lucas allowed himself to close his eyes and rest. His physical fatigue could be cured by a good night’s rest.

The exhaustion in his soul went a lot deeper. He had no idea how long something like that took to disappear. Went to show what happened when he actually let someone in, he thought ruefully. A world of hurt.

“Your sister is special,” Kane said, the bemused certainty in his voice making Lucas open his eyes in confusion.

“Yes, she is,” Lucas agreed, wondering where Kane could possibly be going with this. “For fifteen years, I’ve blamed myself for her death, and she’s considered herself responsible for mine.”

Kane shook his head. “She must be a strong woman to survive so long under those conditions.” A thread of anger underscored his tone. “I’d like to personally wring Jacob Gideon’s neck.”

“Me, too.” Gut twisting, Lucas eyed the other man. “If I’d known, I would have rescued her a lot sooner. I hate knowing that he’s kept her locked up and subjected her to his damn experiments and torture.” He cursed, blinking back tears for the second time that day.

Damn. Turning his head to face the window, he pretended to study the passing landscape while trying to get his emotions under control.

He nearly jumped when Kane squeezed his shoulder. “Hey, man,” Kane said. “Don’t blame yourself.”

Tired of pretending, Lucas didn’t even bother to try and summon a smile. “How can I not? She’s been through hell, and all because I ran away without her.”

“Let me get this straight.” Kane’s expression was equally grim. “First you beat yourself up because you think she’s dead and then when you find out she’s not, you still feel responsible.”

“Don’t you understand?” Lucas snarled. “I didn’t save her. I should have saved her.” Fist clenched, Lucas wanted to hit something.

His wolf growled, earning a similar response from Kane’s.

“You were fifteen. A kid.” Kane gave him a fierce look, one without the slightest trace of pity. “So was she. Neither of you can spend the rest of your lives blaming yourself for the actions of a criminally insane man. You need to get your head straight so you can help her.”

Slowly, Lucas nodded. Kane was right. Lilly needed him now more than ever, and he couldn’t—hell, he damn sure wouldn’t—let her down. Never again.

When they arrived at the hospital, Kane escorted him to Lilly’s room. At the door, he clapped Lucas on the back. “I’ll wait out here so you two can have privacy. Just yell if you need anything.”

Grateful, Lucas nodded. Though he couldn’t find the words to express his gratitude, he felt sure Kane understood.

As if he’d read his mind, Kane dipped his chin and jerked his head toward the room.

Lucas took a deep breath and pushed through the door.

Looking tiny and far too battered, in the hospital bed, Lilly appeared to be sleeping. Yet, as Lucas quietly approached, she opened her eyes as if she’d sensed him.

“Hey.” She held out a hand. Gently, Lucas took it.

“Hey, yourself. How are you feeling?”

Lilly’s wan smile broke his heart. “Okay, I guess. You’ll never believe it, but all these doctors are like us. Shape-shifters. Pack, they call it.”

He nodded. “I know. I found out about them recently, myself. Have they told you what they think is wrong?”

As her smile faded, her eyes filled with tears. “It appears my wolf is damaged. All those times they forced me to change, all the painful experiments...” Her voice broke down. She turned her head into her pillow and began to sob in earnest, shoulders shaking.

Dropping into the bedside chair, he leaned over and awkwardly tried to comfort her. All he could do was rub her back and just be there.

Gradually, the intensity of her sobs faded and she drifted off into sleep. Sorrow warred with fury. How could someone, especially a man who proclaimed himself a man of God, do this to another being, human or not?

Exiting the room, he found Kane leaning against the wall, waiting. Kane took one look at him and cursed. “What’s wrong?”

In a few, clipped words, Lucas revealed what his sister had told him. “I’d like to find that son of a bitch and make him pay,” he finished.

“I’m right there with you,” Kane replied, surprising him. “But don’t give up hope. We brought Samantha—the Healer—in to heal Hailey. I’m sure we can bring her up again to help Lilly, if necessary.”

Lucas nodded, drawing comfort from the knowledge. “Have they done a complete analysis of her condition?”

“Not yet. They’ll need a bit more time. How about I buy you a beer and something to eat?”

Glancing back at the hospital room, Lucas grimaced. “I don’t want to leave her.”

“Completely understandable. But I’m pretty sure she’s going to sleep for a while. You’ve got to take care of yourself, too. How long has it been since you’ve eaten?”

Trying to remember, Lucas finally gave up. “All right, let’s go eat. I’m guessing since you mentioned beer, you’re not thinking the hospital cafeteria?”

Kane grinned. “Absolutely not. I’ve got just the place in mind. And tonight, you can bunk with me.”

When Lucas started to protest, Kane waved him away. “I live all by myself in that house. The guest bedroom can use a visitor. Stay as long as you want. Once you know more about your sister’s condition, you can make other plans.”

Stunned at the kindness of a man who was essentially a stranger, Lucas decided to go with the flow. His only regret, as he followed Kane out to the hospital parking lot, was that Blythe wasn’t with him. He already missed her more than he would have imagined possible. Not merely a regret. His longing for her was an ache, a keening howl inside his mind.

With her little girl asleep in the soft bed next to her, Blythe slept better than she had in weeks. Her deepest prayer had been answered: Hailey had been healed. If she had a new empty spot inside her, she and Hailey would now be able to live a life that would fill them both to overflowing. She couldn’t demand all the joy the Fates had to offer. She burned at the memory of Lucas and his “give me a hug.” Time to focus on what she had rather than on what she did not.

Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder what Lucas had done after she left: where he’d slept, and if he and his sister were getting reacquainted with each other and were making plans for the future.

She missed him with a visceral ache that made her feel hollow in the midst of all her joy. His presence, however unlikely, would truly make her happiness complete.

In the kitchen, she and Hailey sat down to breakfast with Samantha and Lucaine. The other couple clearly were in love, as evidenced by their tender looks and constant touches. Thinking of Lucas, Blythe found herself envying them. She could only hope that once everything settled down, Lucas would be willing to take a chance on love. On her. On them.

“You look sad, Mama,” Hailey observed.