He pulled her into his arms and away from the other wolf as Bertram released his grip on her. Jake propelled her further into the woods, towards the horses, away from the scene.
“Where are we going?” She could barely keep up with his long, angry strides.
“Trust me, you don’t want to see what happens next.”
She covered her ears, but still couldn’t keep out the sounds of the howling and biting and ravaging. She shuddered when she heard the agonizing cries and the ripping of muscles and tendons and the snarling of what could only be described as feeding.
Where was Bertram? She would never forgive herself if he had been harmed because of her foolishness. She couldn’t breathe, and her stomach churned in dread. Jake held her tightly until all fell suddenly silent.
Redd joined them, a skip in her step, a bright gleam in her eyes. “That was awesome!”
That seemed to be the final straw for her poor stomach. She turned and heaved into the bushes, expelling everything, feeling dizzy and warm and really regretting having such a full stomach.
“Ugh, that’s so nasty.” She overheard Redd’s high pitched comment.
Jake patted her back and chuckled, “Seriously, Redd. After all that. You get squeamish over a little puke?”
She rubbed her mouth and looked up as the two large silver wolves trudged toward them. Exhausted, covered in blood and God knows what else, she shuddered and heaved again, thankful her stomach was finally empty.
She watched as the larger of the two, her wolf, came up to Redd and nudged her in the leg.
“He wants us to head back to the lodge ASAP,” Redd explained. “They’re going to follow behind us so they don’t scare the horses.” She leaned in and whispered, “He loves you, ya know?”
Jillian finally took notice of the swirling winds and the snow that fell heavily around them.
“Come on, Jillybean, you can ride with me.” Jake helped her walk on her shaky legs over to his horse.
“What. Are. You?” She turned her tired eyes back onto the larger wolf behind them.
He cocked his head and nodded.
That was the last thing she saw before the world went white, then black.
CHAPTER 17
BERTRAM
Bertram paced back and forth outside the infirmary as each of his team of warriors was doctored and released. He had already self-healed most of his injuries and only had a faint ache in his upper back.
She had scared the shit out of him. It was a good thing she passed out, giving him a while to think. He didn’t want to spank her while he was heated. He checked on the rest of the lodge and was pleased Coral had kept it safe from greedy looters this time. Of course, it had also helped that Stepmother had made an early appearance to make sure things ran smoothly while they had been gone.
Jake came out and took his hand into his. “Thank you.” His eyes held Bertram’s for a long moment, telling him more than words ever could. “If she’ll have you, I give you my blessing.” He handed him a small bag of coins and nodded at him solemnly.
“I don’t need your money, Jake.” He tried to press it back into the younger man’s palm, but he shook his head.
“It’s tradition.” He shrugged. “Unless you prefer a pig?”
He felt the laugh bubble from him, the first moment of levity he’d had all day. “All right, all right. Thank you for this.” He looked at the medical office’s closed door, where Jillian rested. “All of this.”
“Take care of her, Wolfe,” Jake said and walked down the hall.
Bertram leaned his head against the door of the infirmary, breathing her scent, filling himself with love. What if he hadn’t found her in time? He shuddered at the thought. And what had truly driven her away? It couldn’t have just been Redd’s words. No, damn it, it was his fault. His attempts at protecting her had only hurt her. And the truth was he loved her.
He thought about the first time he saw her, defiantly trying to fend off attacking wolves. He thought about the way her round, ass wiggled and glowed the perfect shade of red when he took her over his knee. He thought about the intensity of her emotions and her desire and the way she flushed with pleasure when he stroked and spanked her. All of these made up the parts of one truly amazing woman. The woman he loved and who would become his mate. If she agreed. Would she turn from him in repulsion and fear? He let out a deep sigh and knocked on the door. It was time to find out.
When he entered the small medical room, he saw Jillian half lying, half sitting, while his little lovingly brushed Jillian’s long brown hair. They stopped talking and focused their wide eyes on him.
“Ladies.” He kept his expression neutral. “Are you both all right?”
