Salvaged Souls Page 5

  “She needs a place to live. Do you have an apartment upstairs she could rent?”

  Oh, this is a definite make-my-world-heaven kind of day! “I do. I do. I’ve got the furnished studio apartment available. I live in the one-bedroom down the hall.”

  “Can she afford the rent by working for you?”

  “Rent? I won’t accept anything. We’re off-the-grid here, so the bills are covered by sales. When you’re here for a while and on your feet again, we can talk about a token. If you like the place, you can stay as long as you need.”

  Greyson offered him a hearty handshake. “This is why I love the pack. Quality through and through.”

  “Thank you so much, Parker.” God, her voice! Her sweet, tremulous, sultry voice reduced his innards to mush. “I don’t know how many times I can say it. All of you. You’re incredible individuals. From having less than nothing to having it all. I-I feel so blessed.” The emotion she so clearly tried to contain revealed itself in the waver of her voice, slamming into his heart like a boulder. He coughed just to breathe again.

  Willow hugged her and swiped at her teary eyes. “Let’s go see the place then we’ll go buy you some clothes. I guess you’ll have to wait until tomorrow for Parker to pick up everything else you’ll need to live.”

  “I have some basic items in my apartment upstairs to tide you over until you can shop in the store. Free of charge, of course.”

  She gazed down at her shoes. “You’re too kind.”

  Dang, why is she so shy? “Nah, just like to take care of my own.”

  “Great, someone else who thinks he can possess me,” she mumbled, rolling her eyes at Greyson and Willow. “If it’s all the same, I’ll just stay down here while you two check it out.”

  Oh, boy. A woman with issues. But, then again, what shifter doesn’t? He let her first remark pass without comment as he led his friends upstairs. After Greyson, Willow, and Shiloh checked out the apartment and formalized the agreement with a handshake, they walked out of his place to the clothing store.

  He collapsed against the doorjamb. What just happened here? He pinched himself. “Ow!”

  Yeah, he was awake. The woman with the voice of his dreams just barreled into his life, and he was helpless to do anything but everything she wanted or needed.

  How crazy is this? Unbelievable, really. He wouldn’t be telling a soul about it either. He had no idea who the woman was, but her voice, even with the little bit she spoke, had brought his dream lover to life. He’d had to stop himself from closing his eyes as he listened to her. There was no doubt in his mind or heart. This woman’s voice possessed something supernatural. How else could he explain the likeness? The woman clearly needed him.

  He liked being needed. He needed to be needed. As a dominant in the pack, it was in his DNA to protect and take care of his own. She was very much his, even if she didn’t know it or want it yet.

  So, what had brought her here? Slight of frame, even a bit on the skinny side, as though she didn’t eat much. Was it by choice or by circumstance? He would enjoy showing her the ropes and getting to know all about the woman with his dream lover’s voice.

  For now, though, he’d have to work on controlling the unabashed lust her voice elicited from him. It wasn’t her fault. She had no idea what she’d done to him just by speaking. Adrenaline coursed through his veins like a raging river. He could run a hundred miles in five minutes flat. He was sure of it. He might have to consider using earplugs around her. Roaring with laughter, he checked to see if anyone was nearby to hear him.

  Back in the store, he closed the door. Things were going to work out. The store would be fully stocked again. He’d be open for business with Shiloh to help out.

  Shiloh. Her name meant peace, tranquility. Had she brought it with her, or was she here to find it?

  ***

  I just might find some peace for the first time in my life. He’d given Shiloh the task of making shelf tags for the big haul, and she found pleasure in the menial job. Feeling useful, needed was an important step in her healing process. She may not want to talk about the past with a counselor, but she understood the importance of moving on. Of taking steps to embrace her independence again.

  With help, she had a place to call home and a job to keep her self-sustaining. She’d been on the cusp of doing the same years ago. Having taken music classes all through school, she’d acquired singing gigs around town. She thought she’d enjoy a life of making people happy with her original songs. When her sisters pulled the rug out from under her, they decimated her career. She decided to leave her family and visions of fame behind.

  Now, she could be who she wanted to be, do what she wanted to do, and make a difference in her own small way for this community. Yet, the very idea scared the living shit out of her. A knotted-up ball of jumbled emotions left her a hot mess. One step at a time, little girl. One step at a time.

  What were those steps?

  Get through this next minute. Write your tag, set it aside. Pick up another one. Get through the next minute. If that’s what it takes, do it.

  So the afternoon waxed on to evening without her seeing neither hide nor hair of Parker after he explained what she needed to do. Oh, she scented him all right. He was everywhere and nowhere, but never in plain sight. Greyson and Willow had left for their neck of the woods a few hours ago. But not before a lot of debating if they should stay in town for the night to make sure she was okay. After assuring them she’d be fine, she’d said her farewells.

  A sharp, stabbing pain in her belly reminded her food was essential for a malnourished body. But where to go? Gee’s seemed to be the place, so she packed up the supplies and arched her back in a well-earned stretch. Hopefully, they’d be willing to start a tab for her so she could eat now and pay later. She hadn’t realized how long she’d been sitting there, hunched over the table, but it had been long enough for an ache to develop between her shoulder blades.

  “Hey,” a deep, rumbly voice broke through the silence. “I’m heading out to Gee’s for din—”

  She quickly drew her arms in, bumping against the butcher block table. She’d known he was there in the background. His distinctive scent had grown stronger just a moment before, but she jumped just the same.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “Oh, that’s okay.” She nonchalantly tipped her head a bit forward to cast a curtain of hair over her scarred cheek. “My fault. I guess I’m a little skittish in this new place.”

  He glanced around, his mouth as wide as an open garage door. “Wow! Look at how much you got done! Did…did you finish?”

  Heat crept up her neck to her cheeks, which she deftly concealed with her hands. “Yeah. It’s not hard to write labels or hang them up. Anyone can do it.”

  “Anyone didn’t get the job. You did. You’re amazing.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Okay, you’re not. You’re fantastic. Now, as I was saying, I’m headed to Gee’s for dinner. He’s the only place for burgers and fried pickles, so if you’re hungry, we can walk over together.”

  Panicked by the offer, her defense mechanism responded for her. “No, it’s okay. I’ll go a little later.”

  “Listen, I’m not asking you out on a date or anything. I’m simply saying we can go there together, order our meals separately, and sit separately if you want. Or, we can break bread together. Suit yourself. Not trying to box you in or make you feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, actually.”

  She bit the already-swollen part of her bottom lip, considering his offer. Was she over-analyzing? Freaking out for nothing? Probably. “Okay.”

  “Okay?”

  “I said okay.”

  “Okay, let’s go.” He clapped his hands together. “Day is long gone. Everything’s ready for tomorrow’s haul. Time for lights out and a relaxing evening.”

  As she passed through the doorway, his hand glanced over her shoulder. Insta
nt quakes erupted at the point where it touched. She flinched. Had he noticed? Felt it? If he did, he didn’t show it. Closing the door, he locked it behind them.

  Gee’s was down the main thoroughfare. About a three minute walk. Three interminable minutes of walking beside the voice. Since it was dark out, all she could really do was listen to him, as he seemed to disappear into the darkness. She’d gotten to scrutinize him earlier, immediately noting his skin color a dark chocolate with the slightest tinge of blue. Did he have tattoos peeking out from the collar and his shirt sleeves?

  Besides Greyson’s snow-white skin, she’d never come across anyone with as unique a look as Parker before. She figured it had something to do with his wolf genes. His skin glistened with dew, accentuating the thick, sinewy curves of his muscular arms. With his long braids gathered in a band, beads of sweat highlighted strong cheekbones and a squared jaw. Beads caressed his upper lip, defining its bow shape. And his eyes, oh, his eyes! They shone like the brightest emeralds. Just like….

  She shook her head. He was a beautiful specimen of man any girl would die to have as a mate. She sighed as her new reality, her new beginning, splashed ice water over her heated veins. He’s gotta be a dominant, with the way he instantly took care of me. Although he’d left her alone to work, she’d felt his presence so close she didn’t know whether to be grateful or feel suffocated. She didn’t sense him to be another Josiah, but personal space seemed a precious commodity to her now. He’s definitely unmated. He’ll have no use for broken, damaged goods such as I am anyway.

  She’d admired from afar, taking comfort in his dreamy voice during the day. During the night, however, she prayed her dream wolf lover hadn’t lied and would still be waiting for her despite her newfound freedom.

  “You all right over there? You got awfully quiet.”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Not really. Her legs ached. Going from no exercise for two years to running left her out of shape and breath. “I guess I’m not used to all this walking.”

  “All this walking? Gee’s is like three minutes away,” he laughed.

  She stopped mid-stride. “Let me rephrase. I’m not used to all this human walking.” She blanched at her misstep but trudged on, kicking herself in the ass for not thinking before she spoke.

  “So, you’re gonna throw something like that out there and leave me hanging?” He caught up to her then passed her to walk backward as she continued.

  “Forget I said anything.”

  She shivered, shifted then ran the rest of the way until she reached the bar, disregarding the ache tearing through her muscles. She changed to her human form and ordered two hamburgers with an order of fried pickles. By the time Parker sauntered into the bar, her order was ready. Points for him for giving her space because the walk shouldn’t have taken more than a couple minutes. He sidled up beside her, flashing a knowing grin. She offered him a guilty smirk as she shouted out, “He’s buying. Thank you!”

  With the to-go bag firmly in her mouth, she morphed once more and ran out into the street, down to her new home. She hurried up the stairs, through her tiny apartment to the balcony then sat down to eat the best hamburgers and fried pickles she’d ever tasted.

  Leaving Parker stuck with the bill hadn’t been very nice of her, she knew, but he would’ve offered to buy her meal anyway since she had no money of her own yet.

  He unsettled her. Shook her up something fierce.

  He’d expected her to open up to him, but she was nowhere near ready to do anything of the sort. Free enough to share her nightmare existence? Not likely, ever. The past needed to die in the past and let her live in the present. Next time you open your mouth to say something, don’t!

  Chapter Seven

  Parker was certain he’d entered another dimension. When Shiloh had shifted and run away, he could have sworn she’d turned into the very red wolf he’d dreamed of for so long. To possess his dream lover’s voice and to look like her? Well, those two things were far too coincidental. How could one dream a mate into being? Was it even possible? He’d been so stunned she’d left him to pay her bill, which he would have done anyway, he’d let her get away from him.

  The situation deserved answers. He was primed to get them. He pounded down the few hamburgers he’d ordered then shifted to run to his place to confront her. He slowed his pace as his storefront came into view then trotted the rest of the way. He turned the corner to get a good view of her balcony. There she sat, his red wolf dream lover. It can’t be her! It doesn’t make sense!

  She spotted him, stood abruptly then leapt from her balcony, down to the ground where she took off, running.

  ***

  She had seen the bewilderment in his eyes. He had questions. He’d wanted to talk. Feeling cornered all over again, the only thought in her mind had been to escape. So, she’d taken a risk and leapt from her balcony to charge off into the wilderness. What was happening here? His voice could bring her to near orgasm, his body, too luscious not to ogle. Yet, her mind refused to acknowledge her carnal reactions, so she ran from him.

  He’d been drawn to her, too, but why? What could she possibly have to offer him—or anyone—for that matter? Working and living so close to him could only spell a disastrous mistake. One she’d rectify in the morning. She’d find another job. Let her wolf live in the woods. She hated being inside anyway. They’d see each other around town, when she’d need to buy groceries, but their awkward magnetism would eventually fade. It had to.

  Out of breath, she slowed down by a stream and followed it to a waterfall where she drank, rested then had a good whine and howl session. She should have known things were going too smoothly. As her tears ebbed, a song she’d written years ago, documenting her unfortunate circumstances, came to mind. She’d sung it numerous times in her head while chained up in Josiah’s house. Did she dare sing it aloud? She figured herself far enough out of town that if she sang softly no one would hear. So she started her mournful lament to a life she longed to live but always out of reach. To any critter passing by, it probably sounded like a sorrowful wolf song even though she’d written it as a human. When she finished, she dipped her snout into the stream. As she pulled her head up, a strong scent wafted past her nose into her brain, her heart, and her soul.

  He’s here. My dream lover is here. But where? How is this possible? It must be her senses playing tricks on her. Longing for him, she dove, head and heart, into the delusion, skittering around in the underbrush, tracking his scent. It seemed to be emanating from everywhere. Was he stalking her, corralling her like prey?

  She blinked a few times as she peered into the darkness of a thicket to find a pair of glowing emerald eyes staring intently at her. Startled, she yowled and leapt a few feet off the ground then turned to run.

  Unfortunately, she ran out of land.

  Skidding and scrambling, she used her claws to grab at whatever would keep her from plummeting off the cliff. Thankfully, only about five feet down, her long nails dug deep into the tree roots jutting out of the cliff wall. Howling, she had no idea what to do next.

  “Shiloh!” Parker yelled down to her, leaning over the edge. “Stay put! Stay wolf! I’ll get you!”

  Parker? What? How? Nothing made sense except for her precarious position.

  She whined and nodded. He reached down, but she was too far away for him to hoist her up. “Dammit! I’ll be right back. Don’t move!”

  As if! A lifetime later, it seemed, he returned and tossed a looped vine over the edge. He managed to hook it around her neck. “Put it under your front legs, one at a time. I’ll hoist you up!”

  She did as he bade her. Before she knew it, he had her lying safely upon land once again.

  “Holy shit! Are you all right?” He scrambled over to her as she shifted and rolled onto her back.

  Spurning all of his attempts to examine her, she whipped the rope from around her. “Yeah, I-I’m okay.” She sat up, confused. Pissed. “You’re the reason I near
ly died just now. Thank you very little. What were you doing? Following me?”

  “What? I….” His jaw dropped, his eyes widened, as though affronted. “I’m the reason? So, it’s my fault you’re so skittish? Excuse me, but I got no owner’s manual with directions on how to deal with your sensitive nature when you walked into my store this morning and turned my world upside down.”

  She stood, fired up even more. Oh, this man pushed all the wrong buttons! “Owner’s manual? I am not and will never be owned by you or anyone ever again! Now, wait just a minute. I turned your world upside down? I thought I saved the day. You said I was amazing. So you’re a liar, as well as too damn nosey.”

  “Nosey?” His baritone voice rumbled low beneath the cacophony of forest sounds. So deep, so controlled. He inched closer. She retreated, waiting for a fist or an open palm to kiss her cheek. “How about interested? How about concerned, Shiloh? How about caring and giving a damn? Do those words fit anywhere in your vocabulary, because it’s what drove me to follow you tonight.”

  “Aha! You admit it! You were following me.” Triumphant, Shiloh pointed, branding him with her pointed finger, regaining her full stature.

  His quiet ranting stopped. His voice took on the tenor of boyish yearning, dislodging her from the solid ground she thought she’d stood firmly upon. “Then I heard your wolf song and, well, it hit me like a dagger to my heart. Not to mention your voice. I was helpless to do anything but listen to your seductive, soulful, aching voice.”

  Her human had become unable to navigate around his confusing words any longer. She growled low, letting her wolf take charge. Incredulity washed over his face. He dropped to the ground.

  “So there you are. It explains everything, actually. I can’t believe it, but there you are right in front of me. You really are my dream wolf lover, aren’t you?”

  She chuffed, staggering in retreat. What did he say? He shifted into a wolf with thick, black-as-midnight fur and muscled haunches. His appearance, she knew all too well. Every curve, every angle, every piece of him. He connected to her mind then continued. “Do you recognize me now? You must. I can’t be alone in this extraordinary happening. I can’t be going crazy. Tell me you know who I am now, Shiloh.”