And that was where Willow’s memory of the shooting ended. She must have fallen unconscious and Josiah must have taken Hope, leaving her to die.
~/~/~/~/~
The sound of nearby moaning startled Smokey and his eyes opened, while his ears strained to locate it. But when the sound stopped, he figured it must have come from a gust of wind blowing through the trees surrounding him. Turning his mind back to his problem, he forced his hand back to his chest, gasping quietly from the pain; he needed to check his wounds. Though he was relieved to find the bleeding had stopped, it hadn’t helped him much. He was still weak and getting weaker if the effort it took to move his hand was any indication.
Shifting might help but when Smokey tried to call his animal forward, his bear didn’t respond.Not a good sign at all.He was pretty sure the bullets had done internal damage and without a doctor to repair it…I’m totally and truly fucked.That left himwith only one option and, while his grandfather had taught him how to say it, he’d never actually done it to himself.
~/~/~/~/~
Entering the cave, Norm saw Jake and Jessica’s wolves curled around a sleeping Galen and Eamon, while Danny’s wolf stood guard over them. Smiling at the sight, he put the picnic basket down near Theo, before adding more wood to the fire. Digging out the blanket, Norm threw it around his mate’s shoulders to help ward off the dampness that permeated the air, even with the fire burning.
“I heard more shots,” murmured Theo.
“There were three more,” Norm whispered. “I think…”
“You need…” Theo started but stopped. “What were you going to say?”
Norm paused, then said, “I think I should go help Smokey.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Theo murmured. “We don’t know who’s out there and why they’re on the pack’s land with guns. We need to get the kids home and then you can go back with Jackson, Steel, and a whole shitload of enforcers.”
Remembering the arduous trek to the meadow and then to the cave, Norm shook his head. “You and the kids should stay here while I go get help. For now, you’re safe and, besides, it’ll be faster if I go alone.”
Worrying his bottom lip, Theo didn’t like it but, gazing at the sleeping kids, he had to agree with the logic of his mate’s reasoning. They were exhausted, not only from the picnic outing but also from the fear they’d experienced from all that happened afterward. “Okay…go…and be careful…Smokey needs us.”
Leaning over, Norm kissed Theo’s forehead, then rubbed his mate’s belly. “Be good, little one, for your daddy.” Then rising, he walked over to Danny. “Keep everyone safe, Danny. I’ll be back soon.”
Smiling briefly at Danny’s wolf growl, Norm headed to the cave entrance, looking back at Theo. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Ducking through the hanging vines, he disappeared from sight.
~/~/~/~/~
From what his grandfather had explained to him, Smokey knew he could use his life force ability on himself but he had never needed to do so. If he was successful, his body would heal itself in a matter of seconds and, considering how weak it was, he was eager to get on with it.
Closing his eyes, Smokey purged his mind of all thoughts and worries. After making sure his mind was clear of distractions, he inhaled deeply. His lips barely moving, he recited the timeless words of the Great Spirit. A whisper of air began to caress his body, growing stronger until a tempestuous whirlwind encircled him at a dizzying pace. He forced himself to remain calm amidst the tumult, even though it felt as if his chest was being torn apart. Then, suddenly the wild wind was gone and, once again, he felt only the slightest breeze caress his body. Then, that, too, was gone.
What a fucking wild ride!Slowly opening his eyes, Smokey lifted his arm, which now moved easily. Dropping his hand down to his chest, he felt around, searching for bullet wounds, but there were none, nor was there any pain. And he could feel his bear inside him once again. Rolling over, he rose to his hands and knees, pausing a moment before finally rising to his feet.Looking down, he spied the three bullets that had nearly killed him and picked them up, planning to give them to Ghost.
Now able to make use of his animal senses, Smokey lifted his face, sniffing the air for the scent of the man who’d shot him. Instead, his nose filled with the scent of blood…Willow!His memories surged back.Willow’s scream… the gunshots…my bear’s race to find her…that’s why my bear charged the man with the gun.
Sniffing for the source of the scent, he prayed to the Great Spirit that she was still alive. Tracking the scent, he came upon a small creek with Willow’s body lying near it. Dropping to his knees, Smokey’s hand shook as he felt for a pulse, relieved to find one, though it was very weak.
Removing the makeshift dressing on her chest, he winced at the size of the wound and quickly replaced the dressing when it began to bleed again. Turning Willow on her side, he confirmed what he thought—the bullet had gone through her. Gingerly turning Willow onto her back, he placed his hand lightly on her chest and closed his eyes. Repeating the words he’d said to resurrect himself, Smokey then placed his mouth over Willow’s and exhaled, restoring her life force.
As the pain began to leave Willow’s body, she wondered if it meant she was dying. But before she could completely process that thought, she became enveloped in an ethereal light, which quickly vanished, leaving her feeling better than she had in a long time.
“Willow?” Smokey called softly. “How are you feeling?”
Smokey? Smokey’s here?Unsure, Willow opened her eyes, blinking several times as she fought to focus on the man leaningover her. “Smokey,” she whispered in relief. “What are you doing here?”
“I heard you scream. Who shot you?” Smokey asked, keeping his voice low.
“Josiah…he has Hope…you have to tell Jackson.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes…we were on a walk and he surprised us…he’s not supposed to be here,” Willow replied, her voice growing stronger. Seizing upon her new strength, she sat up, noticing her blood-soaked shirt. Removing the bandage Hope had placed there, she examined her healed chest before looking with surprise at Smokey, asking, “How?”
“Just something my grandfather taught me,” Smokey muttered as he helped Willow to her feet.
