Page 13 of Haven
“And the ones that don’t?” Sadie asked not sure what Lily would decide to do, but wanted to hear the options that would be laid out for Lily before she herself left.
“My neighbor, Lance Cutter, has many contacts in the area. He helps anyone who does not want to stay on the property find a place close,” Gemma replied, then added, “Mostly, that’s the older people who have a hard time with tent living. What do you think Lily would like to do?”
“About what?” Lily’s voice broke into her thoughts. She sat down next to Sadie and gave her a tight hug.
“How was your run, Lily?” Gemma asked, giving Sadie a knowing look. Sadie smiled appreciatively. Now was not the time for her and Lily to talk in front of everyone.
“Wonderful.” Lily sighed with such a happy expression that Sadie knew she was doing the right thing by her sister. “Your property is beautiful. It seemed like we could run forever.”
“There are also dangerous areas, so make sure you don’t take off on your own,” Eric warned her.
“Alex showed me a few areas to be careful of,” Lily replied looking shyly at the man who stood silent.
“The two cliffs off the main trail,” Alex informed Eric. “I told her to always stay on the path.”
“You two get yourself something to eat. There’s plenty.” Gemma ordered, waving toward where the steaks were staying warm on the grill. “I know you have to be hungry. After Eric shifts, he could eat a whole cow.”
Sadie watched as Alex stepped back, allowing Lily to go ahead of him. He glanced her way, giving her a nod before following Lily. Sadie sat quietly, listening to everyone talk. She noticed Lily giving sideways glances toward Alex, who was having conversations with Eric and Kile about plans for the sanctuary.
“Thanks for the food and company,” Alex said as he stood up to take his plate. “I best be heading out to check the pens.”
“Check the pens?” Lily asked what Sadie was also wondering.
“Making sure they are closed and locked tight for the night,” Alex replied with a smile at Lily. “Also, to make sure the wolves and wolf-dogs are tucked in.”
“Can I help?” Lily asked excitedly, standing and handing Alex her plate when he reached for it. Alex glanced at Gemma and Eric before he disappeared inside the trailer.
“I was just telling your sister that for you to stay, you will have to work,” Gemma said, then laughed. “I see that isn’t going to be a problem.”
“No, ma’am.” Lily shook her head, turning serious. “I want to learn everything there is to know about what you do here and how I can help.”
Alex walked back out, looking first at Eric and then Gemma as if waiting for permission to take Lily with him.
“Go on with Alex. He will show you the nightly routine, but you need to rest. We start early at the Sanctuary.” Gemma smiled and then laughed when Lily rushed her, hugging her tightly.
“Thank you,” Lily said, quickly letting go, tripping toward Alex, who reached out and steadied her. Lily laughed at her clumsiness, giving her sister a wave as she disappeared. Sadie smiled, shaking her head, then looked toward Gemma, who watched her closely.
“She’s a hugger.” Sadie shrugged, swallowing the knot in her throat. God, she would miss her, but knew this was it. This is where Lily belonged. In such a short amount of time, what they both prayed for was coming true, and it broke her heart yet lifted the unbearable weight on her shoulders.
Gemma only nodded, her eyes seeing too much, and that made Sadie very uncomfortable. “Can I help you clean up?” Sadie broke the silence as she stood, picking up her plate, not knowing what to do with it.
“I’ll take that,” Kile said as he took the plate from her, his fingers brushing her own. Tingles of heat spread through her hand. Her eyes shot to his, wondering if he felt the same thing, but he quickly walked away, disappearing into the trailer. Sadie used her other hand, trying to rub the odd sensation Kile’s touch left.
“There isn’t much left to do.” Gemma smiled as she stood. “You have to be exhausted.”
“Are you sure?” Sadie asked, not knowing where to go. “I don’t mind.”
“Positive.” Gemma smiled and glanced at Kile as he exited the trailer. “Kile can show you where the tent is. Also, if you’d like to shower in the morning, just come up here. Eric and I are usually out by five-thirty.”
“I don’t want to impose on your already amazing hospitality,” Sadie replied, meaning every word, and yet, a small part of her wondered if this was too good to be true.
“You don’t trust easily, do you?” Gemma asked with a hint of understanding in her tone.
The trailer door opened, pulling her attention from Gemma. How did she answer that question without sounding ungrateful to this woman, this stranger, for taking them in? Pulling her gaze from Kile, she frowned. “Not many people have given me a reason to trust them.”
Gemma moved away from Eric and then stood in front of Sadie. “I promise you that your sister will be well cared for, and you are more than welcome to stay here.” Gemma pulled her into a tight embrace and then whispered. “I don’t trust easily either, but sometimes you must take a chance. I am that chance, Sadie. The Sanctuary is Lily’s chance. Let us help you both.”
Sadie held the woman so tight that she was afraid she would hurt her, but she couldn’t let go. The fear she felt every second of every day seemed to melt away as her tear-filled eyes glanced first at Eric and then Kile, who stood watching them. Closing her eyes, she felt the tears escape and roll down her cheeks. Her body trembled as all her fear and distrust flowed from her body.