With a glass of bourbon on the rocks in my hand, I step out onto my deck, feeling the cool wood beneath my feet. The cold outside is unbearable, but I still crave the icy breath of the fresh air. The air has a sharp edge to it, and I can feel my skin tingle. That fluttering sensation fills my chest again, and I look around. Could Salena be here? I walk through the house and out onto the front porch, but no one’s there. Confused, I make my way back outside and take a seat on a deck chair. My eyes adjust to the dark, and I see a flash of white in the forest over the back fence. I can feel the white wolf's presence close by, and I find myself hoping it will come and greet me.
I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and take it out to read the incoming message. Sander’s checking in with me and updating me on his progress. He’s still in Denver, chasing leads from Jenna. I tip back my drink and decide to get an early night. I double-check the locks on the house and slowly head up the stairs.
I don’t remember falling asleep, but I know this is a dream. I’m enveloped in darkness, but the chill of the night air is palpable, and I can see my breath in a faint white cloud. I turn in a slow circle, but see nothing.
The air is filled with a beautiful, feminine voice. Her voice drifts softly through the air, but I can’t make out the lyrics. Suddenly, I’m airborne, a wicked laugh taking over the sweet singing. I’m thrown backward and land hard on the ground, the wind knocked from my lungs. I let out a long groan as I roll onto my hands and knees. I feel a hand wrap around my throat, lifting me from the ground. I struggle against its grasp, my vision still blocked from the darkness.
A whisper of air caresses my ear. “You're all mine, remember?”
The grip around my throat releases, and I feel my heart pounding in my chest as I keep falling, never touching the ground. I suddenly jolt awake on the floor next to my bed, sweat coating my entire body as I lie there panting.
Chapter Thirty Eight
Salena
Iknocktwiceonthe door in front of me and take a deep breath as I step back. Logan swings the front door open, a deep frown on his face making his scar more prominent. But damn, he’s shirtless and wearing only a pair of loose gray sweatpants. His defined chest and abdomen are on full display, the scars in no way, shape or form taking away the beauty of his body, only adding to it.
“Salena?” he steps onto the porch and looks around. “Are you okay? It’s snowing. Why are you out in this weather without a jacket?”
Shit, why am I here? Soft snow falls on my face, the wind whipping around my bare shoulders. When I left the bar and went straight to the woods, I was still dressed in my bustier and jeans. I needed a run and have just been playing in the snow, not really paying attention to where I was going until I got here.
I know why. I missed him. It has only been a couple of days since I tried to see him at the police station, but I needed to hear his voice.
When I don’t answer, he takes a step outside and looks around. “Did you walk?”
“I shouldn’t be here,” I blurt, then turn and jog down the stairs. I make it two steps down the path before Logan has my arm grasped in his hand and spinning me.
“Wait.” His voice is desperate, a plea.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m here,” I whisper.
My heart thumps loudly as I let Logan draw me into his chest. Every nerve in my body is firing in rapid succession at being this close to him. At the feel of his warm hand on my skin, I want nothing more than to dive into his powerful arms.
“How is it you calm me? Just one look into your eyes and I’m instantly home. One touch and I’m more alive than I’ve ever been. You make me feel things I’ve never felt in my life,” he whispers against my skin as his lips move over my bare shoulder to nuzzle my neck.
I try to step away to put some space between us, but his glacier blue eyes lock on mine, freezing me to the spot. His hands thread in my hair as his lips descend on mine. I don’t stop him. I’ve missed him so damn much. The kiss is soft, his lips moving over mine with purpose. He pulls back a fraction and stares into my eyes. I’m speechless for a moment, then I remember he’s half naked in the snow.
“Shit, you must be cold,” I blurt, looking down at his bare feet.
“Not with you here. I don’t feel anything but you.”
My pulse picks up and anxiety fills me with what I need to tell him. “Logan, we need to talk.”
His eyes close, and his forehead drops to mine. “I know.”
I grab hold of both his wrists and pull his hands from my face. He doesn’t resist, just lets go and grabs my hand, and starts pulling me toward his house.
“Logan–”
I’m cut off by the sound of a gunshot and spin around just as Logan’s body takes me to the ground. Another shot rings out in the night, and I can just make out the sound of someone running away through the brush. I try pushing Logan off me. I know I can catch the guy. He isn't being quiet, and he must be leaving an easy enough trail. But then, that could be the point. Maybe it’s an ambush. But who would know I was coming here when I didn’t even know? Maybe they were here for Logan. That thought has my inner beast snarling and snapping.
I hear Logan grunt in pain as he lifts off me, and I snap out of my haze. I sit up and reach for him. “You’re hurt.”
“It’s just a graze,” he says as he looks around the yard.
“Let me see.”
“Salena, I’m fine.”
