The Lost Wolf's Destiny

That explained a lot. Still wary, though no longer verging on the edge of panic, Blythe nodded. “Apology accepted. Lead the way.” Following Savannah again, this time she knew better than to speak.

Finally, they reached the end of a long hallway and stopped in front of the last room. Double doors where the others were all single, these were made of some dark wood like mahogany or cherry. No mere knob here, but an elaborate pewter handle, which made for an overall effect of understated luxury. More like a corporate CEO than a preacher, but then what did she know? Most churches, especially the mega ones like Sanctuary, were run like profitable businesses.

“Knock twice and go in when he says to,” Savannah said, her voice once again devoid of inflection. She moved away, heading back up the hall with her head and neck forward, her motions reminiscent of a plow horse struggling against the harness.

Still unsettled, Blythe watched her until she disappeared around a corner. Then, turning and facing the door, she lifted her fist and knocked.

“Come in.”

At his invitation, she turned the handle, wondering at her sudden urge to see him again. He was so kind, so warm and reassuring. Stepping into the room on carpet so plush her feet appeared to sink into quicksand, she moved toward where Jacob waited for her behind a massive cherrywood desk.

“You wanted to see me?” Though she hated the feeling of being summoned before the lord of the manor, she kept her tone and her expression pleasant. After all, this man only wanted to help her precious child.

He stood, indicating two overstuffed chairs near a fireplace. “Please, take a seat.”

Once she had, again feeling suffocated by the eerie feeling of sinking into the upholstery, he went to a coffee machine on a side table, one of those fancy ones that made single servings. “Would you like something to drink?” he asked. “I have decaf and regular, as well as several varieties of tea.”

“Decaf, please.” While he busied himself making their coffees, she studied the room. It was beautifully—and from the looks of it, professionally—decorated, but devoid of personality. Much like a hotel room, the furnishings and artwork gave no hint whatsoever of Jacob’s character.

When he returned with their coffees on a round silver tray, along with various kinds of sweetener packets, he placed them on a table in front of them and took a seat in the other chair. He appeared the benevolent older gentleman, concerned about her well-being.

She accepted her drink, after adding a bit of sugar and stirring. Taking a sip, she glanced up to find him watching her with an intensity that added to her discomfort.

“Jacob, I’m really tired,” she said gently. “And I find Savannah and Ginger a bit odd, to say the least.”

He grimaced, appearing instantly concerned. “Savannah is new to us. Before she came here, she suffered greatly. Please don’t take her behavior personally. She means well.”

Inhaling, Blythe nodded. “She explained that.”

“Now about Ginger?” He leaned forward. “What is your concern with her? I chose her to help you because she genuinely loves children. I thought she’d be a good choice to watch over Hailey when you couldn’t.”

Once again, Jacob was the voice of reason. She relaxed back into the softness of the chair. “I’m guessing there must be something you forgot to tell me in the car?”

One eyebrow winged up. “Not exactly. I wanted to speak with you away from your little girl.”

“Hailey,” she said, wondering why she felt this fierce compulsion to make everyone use her daughter’s name. Humanizing her, possibly. Just in case doing so might make her caregivers try even harder for her. Another bit of paranoid foolishness, she supposed.

“Yes, Hailey.” His mild tone contained a hint of reprimand.

This time, rather than respond, she sipped from her coffee and waited for him to tell her what he wanted.

Instead, he leaned forward and, staring intently at her, asked her if she liked animals. It took every bit of self-control she possessed not to jump up and ask him to please cut to the chase.

“I do,” she nodded, her expression tight, deciding to respond in kind. “Do you have any pets?”

“No. But I wasn’t talking about pets.” Again he drank from his cup. “I’m asking about wild animals.”

Stranger and stranger. “Okay.” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Specifically, wolves,” he drawled. “Are you fond of wolves?”

She stiffened. Instantly on alert, she forced herself to try to appear indifferent. “They’re all right. Why do you ask?”

His smile seemed knowing. “No reason. I find them to be beautiful. Wild and fierce.”

If he thought she would reveal her true nature as a Shape-shifter, he was wrong. And there was no possible way he could know. Not only were there Pack laws about this sort of thing, but no one revealed their true nature to humans without a damn good reason.

“Lovely artwork,” she commented, gesturing toward the wall, hoping to change the subject. “But I don’t see any personal pictures. You know, photographs of your family. Do you have any children?”

He looked nonplussed. “No,” he answered. “I was widowed a long time ago.”

Draining her cup, she set it down on the table with a loud clatter and waited with barely concealed impatience for him to come out with whatever he was trying to say.

Instead he placed his own cup down and pushed to his feet. “You do understand that we will have to do numerous tests on your daughter?”

“Tests? What for? She’s had enough tests. Why would a faith healer need tests?”

He regarded her with a patient smile, as though humoring her. “I understand. But we still must do tests in order to learn where to focus our healing energies.”

Crossing her arms, she shook her head. “I’ll be happy to furnish you with the results of everything she’s already had done. But no new tests.”

For a moment something dark blackened his kind eyes. Then he dipped his chin, as if disappointed. Maybe she’d imagined it. “As you wish, Ms. Daphne. We’ll speak more on this later.”

Once Jacob turned away, Savannah materialized. She might have even been standing in a shadowed corner of the room. “Come with me,” she said.

“Thank you for your time,” Jacob said, clearly dismissing her.

Pushing to her feet, her unease settling like a sour ball in her stomach, Blythe left.

Once they reached her room, Savannah opened the door and stepped aside. As soon as Blythe entered, she came back, pulling the door closed behind her.

“See, I told you it wouldn’t take long,” Ginger said softly, smiling. “Your daughter didn’t even wake up while you were gone.”

“Hailey,” Blythe corrected automatically. “And she’s ill. Can you make sure we’re not disturbed in the morning? I want to make sure she gets her rest.”

At the question, the younger woman’s smile faded. Pointing to what looked like a walkie-talkie sitting on the nightstand, she backed away. “Use that if you need me for anything. There are all the necessary toiletries in the bathroom. Now, have a good night’s rest, okay? I’ll see you in the morning.”

Again without answering Blythe’s request, she’d made her own demands. Then, before Blythe could question or acknowledge, Ginger stepped out into the hall and closed the door.

Pushing away the doubts and fears that threatened to overwhelm her, Blythe gently shook her little girl awake.

“Sweetheart, we need to clean up,” she murmured. “Then we’ll get you into your pajamas.”

Still half asleep, Hailey nodded. Blythe shepherded her into the bathroom and began filling the tub.

As the water rose, Hailey blinked. “I don’t wanna take a bath,” she protested. “I’m hungry and thirsty and I want to eat and then play.”

Her droopy eyes and flushed face told a different story. “You need a bath,” Blythe said, her voice firm. “After we’re both clean, I’ll see what I can find for us to eat, okay?” After all, if there was nothing in the room, she could use the walkie-talkie to call Ginger.