Page 27 of Haven
“Yes,” Was her whispered reply.
“Gemma,” Kile called out and wasn’t surprised that Gemma was there in a second flat.
“You’re safe,” Gemma told her, then gasped. Kile glanced at Gemma, who stared up at him. “She’s been shot with an arrow. It’s broken off.”
“Dammit.” Kile cursed, glancing at Eric, who ran into the enclosure. They shared a look before he knelt next to Gemma.
“I called Lance,” Eric informed her. “He’s on his way with Phil.”
Phil was Lance Cutter’s vet and was always on hand for emergencies. Lance and Gemma’s relationship had beenturbulent before Eric showed up, but since then, things had changed, and Lance has since supported the Sanctuary.
Gemma nodded but continued to study the young girl. “What’s your name, honey?”
Her gaze searched each of them before looking to the ground without saying a word.
“Char?” Sadie’s voice sounded behind them.
Turning, he watched as Sadie walked toward them, her face pale as she stared at the young girl. Glancing back at the girl, he saw her looking around Gemma to Sadie, then began to cry as she reached out. His eyes met Eric’s, knowing that this girl was connected to what was happening with Lily and Sadie.
Sadie couldn’t seemuch of what was happening in the enclosure, but she felt the tension. Worried her eyes didn’t leave Kile, but knew he could take care of himself. Even Larry was silent. She noticed people coming around but didn’t look away. Her eyes dropped to the wolf, who began to shake.
An older couple stepped up next to them. The older woman's voice caught her attention. "Oh, my."
Her eyes started to go to the woman but stopped on Kile’s shirtless body, and "Oh, my" didn’t even begin to cover it. It's more like holy hell. Her eyes traced the contours of his back, watching the muscles ripple with each movement. The sight sparked an overwhelming urge to touch his smooth, tanned skin. She had been so close to doing just that. She felt the heat in her cheeks at what transpired between them in the woods. Her bodystill tingled with the desire to touch him—along with other parts of her body.
This man was more than just attractive—he had a commanding presence that made her feel feminine. It was a good feeling that surprised her, given everything she’d been through with Lily and her situation.
“If I were younger, I’d give these Jackson boys a run for their money.” The older woman said with a smile pulling her attention away from Kile’s ass, perfectly framed in a pair of faded blue jeans.
“I’m standing right here, Margaret.” A man’s voice grumbled.
“I know, honey.” Margaret smiled and then winked at the man. “Just keeping you on your toes.”
Sadie smiled as she watched the older couple hold hands, but the warmth quickly faded as an ache formed in her chest. Would she ever experience that kind of love? Her eyes drifted from their hands to where Kile stood beside Gemma, kneeling next to the wolf. Could she have that with Kile?
Looking away from the woman, her gaze landed on the small wolf, who had shifted into a young woman. A woman she knew. Without thought, she rushed into the enclosure.
“Char?” Sadie said just as they made eye contact. The relief on the girl's face caused Sadie to fall to her knees next to her, taking her outstretched hand.
“Careful,” Kile said from above her. “She’s hurt.”
“Did Colton do this to you?” Sadie whispered, searching Char’s eyes, looking for the truth but terrified that she already knew the answer.
CHAPTER 16
Kile frowned at hearing Sadie’s question. He also looked at the young girl, waiting for the answer. His body was tense, ready for battle because if that son of a bitch did this to her, Kile would go to the ends of the earth to find the bastard.
“Watch out,” Phil said, rushing toward the girl and nudging Sadie out of the way.
Reaching down to help Sadie to her feet, he was surprised when she pushed back at Phil, putting herself in front of the girl, her eyes narrowed in mistrust.
“I’m here to help,” Phil replied, sounding somewhat annoyed. “And I can’t do that with you in the way.”
“Sadie, it’s okay,” Gemma said, her voice understanding and calm. “Phil will help her.”
Kile watched as Sadie looked at the girl, who stared up at him. He gave her a nod before she looked away back to Sadie. “It’s okay, Sadie. Just don’t leave me.”
“I won’t,” Sadie promised before slowly backing out of the way. Kile felt her body shake, and his anger at her fear overwhelmed him. What exactly had she and Lily been subjected to?