Page 10 of Haven
“She’s not lying,” Lily said, hearing her boast. “She was always the first pick for teams.”
“Is that so?” Kile chuckled as they reached the group.
“You must be Sadie.” Gemma smiled, holding out her hand for a handshake. Sadie took her hand and was surprised by the strength in the small woman’s grip. “I’m Gemma Stone.”
“It’s finally nice to meet you.” Sadie smiled, liking the woman instantly. She had a certain vibe about her that Sadie felt immediately. “We’ve been looking for this place for quite some time.”
“So I’ve heard.” She replied, glancing at Lily fondly. That was one thing about her sister. Everyone loved her. She was a kind soul, and people felt that after meeting her for the first time. “Well, I’m glad you found us. For obvious reasons, I don’t advertise, but it seems that Shifters in need always find their way here. I’ve already told Lily that you are welcome for as long as you need.”
“Thank you.” That was all Sadie responded. She knew that as soon as she felt comfortable and Lily was stable, she would be leaving. She needed to find a job and a place to live close enough to visit her sister, but this was Lily’s world, not hers.
Gemma turned her attention back to Lily. “How long has it been since you’ve shifted?”
“Too long,” Lily said with a frown. “I feel so bad, but we couldn’t take a chance. Until we ended up here, we lived out of our car most of the time. I couldn’t chance shifting and someone seeing me.”
“Well, we have plenty of room here.” Gemma smiled, placing a hand on Lily’s arm. She then looked at a young man about Lily’s age who had walked up and leaned against a pole listening. “Alex, why don’t you take Lily and her wolf for a run.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Alex smiled and then looked at Lily. “I’m Alex.”
“Lily.” Her sister replied with a blush. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Well, since I was searching out Gemma for more work, I’m very sure I don’t mind.” He chuckled, giving Gemma a wink. “I’ll pick running the land over working any day.”
“Will you be okay?” Lily turned to Sadie with such excitement in her eyes that even if Sadie weren’t okay with being left alone, she would lie.
“I think I can manage.” Sadie smiled when Lily hugged her tightly, almost knocking her down in excitement. Sadie leaned back, becoming serious. “Keep your eyes open, Lily.”
“Eric already informed us of what is going on,” Alex said, his smile completely gone, making him look older than he probably was. “Nothing and no one will come close to her.”
Oddly, Sadie believed him. She just hoped that her trust wouldn’t backfire. Nodding, she let go of Lily with a forced smile. “Enjoy, but be careful.” She couldn’t help but warn again.
Lily laughed, hugging her once more before walking away with Alex. They all continued to watch as they disappeared toward the woods. Gemma broke the silence.
“You can take her clothes to that tent right over there, so once she shifts back, she will have something to put on,” Gemma said, still watching where the two disappeared.
Hearing the children’s laughter behind them, Sadie frowned. Looking over at Gemma, she sighed. “He will come looking for her.” Sadie didn’t want to jeopardize Lily’s chances here, but in her heart, she knew the truth of the matter needed to be told. It was only fair.
“Eric filled me in.” Gemma glanced her way. “I’m no stranger to trouble. I’ve had more of my fair share here, but now I have Eric, Cole, and Kile, who I trust with our welfare. You and Lily are welcome to stay as long as you need to. And if this man comes, he will be taken care of.”
Sadie took a shuddering breath, feeling as if the world's weight lifted from her shoulders at that very moment. “Thank you,” she managed to say, keeping her tears of relief in check. “But it will only be Lily. As soon as she is settled, I’m leaving. This is her world, not mine. I want her safe and happy.”
“I don’t think losing her sister would make her happy.” Gemma frowned. “And this Colton isn’t only after your sister. Is he?”
Sadie was shocked that Gemma called her out so quickly. “I won’t be far and will still visit. I need to find a job and a place to live,” she replied, not answering her question. There was a reason she was walking away, but only she knew the reason.
Gemma stared at her for a long time, then nodded. “Just know your sister will be safe here, and so would you should you decide to stay. You will always be welcome, Shifter or not. Now, come on and get something to eat. I have a feeling Alex and Lily will be gone for a while.”
Looking back to where her sister disappeared, she glanced at Kile, who was leaning against a fence, arms crossed, staring directly at her with a strange look on his face. Not sure why hewas staring at her like that, she turned away, hoping she was doing the right thing for Lily. Her heart hurt, wanting it to be, but her mind was still clouded with worry.
CHAPTER 7
Kile watched them leave, his eyes staying on Sadie. He didn’t like the idea of her leaving, and his wolf stirred restlessly in agreement. He felt Cole step up next to him, but his eyes remained on her.
“What do you think?” Cole asked, also watching Sadie follow Gemma and Eric toward the trailer.
“About what?” Kile didn’t look at his brother, still watching her walk away.
“You’re giving her the Kile eyes, so I was just wondering what you were thinking.” Cole had a way to get under Kile’s skin.