The Touch of Her Hands [The Wind River Pack 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) (14 page)

Maddie patted his cheek. “You, too, Zack. Congratulations on finding your mate.” She moved closer to Aurelia and held out her hand. “I’m Maddie Wind River, the Alpha Femm of the Wind River Pack. Welcome to our family, Aurelia.” Before Aurelia could say anything, she was pulled into a crushing embrace. Maddie leaned back and drew in a deep, swift breath, her nostrils flaring. “You haven’t claimed her yet.”

Zack chuckled. “We’ve been running for our lives for the past three days, Aunt Maddie. There hasn’t actually been time.”

Maddie sighed and took Aurelia’s hand. “I’m happy you’re here, girl. Please, make yourself at home.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Wind River. I’m hopeful I can be of some use to your family.”

“Please, call me Aunt Maddie, or Maddie. And you don’t have to prove your worth to this family. You’re already an important part of it. We’re gonna have to have a party to introduce you to the pack.”

Zack grinned and slipped his arm around Aurelia’s waist. “See, I told you.”

“There will be time for chatting later,” said Maddie. “Remus is waiting in his study. Zack, you and Aurelia go on back.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Zack took Aurelia’s hand and led her down the hall, stopping in front of a large, double door. He knocked once and waited for a response. It wasn’t long in coming.

A gruff voice from inside called out. “Come in.”

The large book-lined room had a single lamp burning. It spread light over the gleaming mahogany desk. The faint scent of lemon oil hung in the air. She caught movement in the corner of her eye and turned to see the most powerful man she’d ever seen. He was well over six feet tall, and his long brown hair hung loose around his shoulders. His dark chocolate eyes narrowed beneath his bushy brows giving him a formidable expression. He held out his hand. “Welcome to my pack, Aurelia Salazar. I’m Remus Wind River, alpha of the Wind River Pack.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, sir.”

He motioned for her to sit down which she did. Zack stood behind her chair, his hands softly massaging her shoulders.

“I know the two of you must be exhausted, but I have no choice but to ask if you could see the children tonight. Their fevers have worsened, and Tehran is becoming quite concerned.”

“Who’s Tehran?” asked Aurelia.

Remus smiled. “He’s the pack doctor. He went to medical school and has been treating our family for more years than you’ve been alive.”

“Is he okay with my taking a look at the children? I’ve run into problems with doctors before.”

Remus growled softly. “We’re all in favor of anything that could possibly help the pups. Just tell me what you need.”

Aurelia smiled. “I just need to see the children. It would be better if the fewer the people as possible stay in the room. I need full concentration.”

“What about the parents?” asked Remus.

“Can we keep it to just the mother? Her presence will probably have a calming influence on them.”

“No problem,” said Remus. “We’ve had them staying here since they were found in the cave. They’re down the hall in the guest room. If you’re ready, I’ll take you there now.”

Aurelia stood. “Okay, let’s get this show on the road.” She followed Remus down the hall with Zack close on her heels. She became conscious of the frightful thud of her heart and worked hard to steady her breath and calm her nerves. When Remus reached for the doorknob, her heart beat in the high hollow of her throat as she held her breath. It rushed out in a powerful puff as she walked into the room.

The guestroom held a four-poster bed in oak, with huge ball legs and a headboard and footboard complete with carved floral motifs. A crystal light on the bedside table was the only light in the room. A man and a woman hovered nervously around the bed where three little girls moved restlessly.

Remus cleared his throat. “Guys, this is Aurelia Salazar, and she’s gonna see if she can help the girls. Jeremy, I want you to wait outside with me and Zack.”

“No,” said Aurelia. “I want Zack to stay, please.”

Remus studied her for a moment and then nodded. “Marianne, do whatever she needs to help out. We’ll be in the kitchen if anyone needs anything.” He turned and quickly left the room.

Marianne turned to Aurelia. “What can I do?”

“Which of your children is the sickest?” asked Aurelia.

Marianne glanced at the bed. “They all have fevers, but it seems to be hitting Celia the hardest.”

“Then please bring Celia to the foot of the bed and make a cocoon with pillows and blankets. I need her chest bare, but the rest of her should be covered so we can keep her warm.”

Zack stepped forward. “You get the blankets, Marianne, and I’ll move Celia.” He picked up the little girl and kissed her softly on her tangled hair. Aurelia helped Marianne place the pillows where the child would be lying right next to the edge of the mattress within easy reach for her touch. Once they had the child in place, she pulled over the chair from the corner and sat down next to the bed.

“Marianne, I want you to stay on my left. When Celia wakes, it should be your face she sees first.”

“Okay,” said Marianne. “Can I ask a question?”

Aurelia turned to smile at the distraught woman. “Sure! What do you wanna know?”

“Will this hurt her?”

Zack smiled. “I can answer that. We had an accident on the way home, and I was hurt. Aurelia used her abilities to heal me, and I didn’t feel any pain at all. There was a warm, comfortable, safe feeling that seemed to flow all through me.”

Aurelia shook her head. “I’ve never had anyone complain of pain from my healings before.”

Marianne’s shoulders relaxed, and she smiled. “Thank you. And I wanted you to know that my husband and I are both grateful, no matter what the outcome. Alpha Remus told us it might not work, and we want you to know we appreciate your efforts no matter what happens.”

Aurelia blinked back tears and turned to the small child. Light-blonde hair tangled around a face that sprouted a series of freckles across a pale nose. Her small chest heaved in and out with each difficult breath. Closing her eyes, she placed her hands on the child’s dry, hot chest and focused on the heat snaking up her fingers.

* * * *

Zack watched his mate take a deep breath and then sink into an almost trance-like state. After a moment, the orange glow worked its way around her fingers where they spread out over Celia’s chest. Marianne gasped, her hand rising to her mouth. Zack smiled, trying to give comfort and remain silent at the same time. They should have told the poor woman what to expect.

He watched Aurelia closely for any signs of stress or fatigue. After ten long minutes, the smudges under her eyes became defined, dark circles. Her breathing became erratic, the color from her cheeks fading. He reached for her and then drew back his hands when she began swaying precariously in her chair. Through everything, the child’s condition seemed unchanged.

Suddenly, Aurelia’s head rolled upright and her eyes opened. For a few seconds, her gaze appeared unfocused, and then her eyes rolled back into her head. Zack caught her as she slid silently to the floor. The very tip of her tongue showed between her teeth as her head lolled against his chest.

Marianne rushed to Celia’s side and pressed her hand against the child’s head. “Fever feels the same. Is the poor girl okay?”

Zack scooped Aurelia into his arms and walked toward the door. “I think she’s exhausted, Marianne. We were attacked several times on the journey here, and she hasn’t had any time to wind down.”

Marianne touched Aurelia’s arm. “She shouldn’t have tried this until she was rested.”

“She knew how serious things were and wanted to try as soon as she could.”

Marianne smiled sadly. “Take her home, Zack. We appreciate her trying her best, but I don’t want my children saved at someone else’s expense. You take care of your mate, and I’ll take care of my pups.” She opened the door. “Please, be sure and thank her for us.”

Zack nodded and hurried down the hall. He stopped when Remus and Jeremy stepped out of the office.

“Did it work?” asked Jeremy.

Zack shook his head. “No, not this time.”

Remus frowned. “What’s wrong with her? Is this normal?”

“I’ve only seen her work once, and she was weak afterward but nothing like this. I think she tried too soon. The trip back was really stressful. Hell, I don’t think she’d ever fired a gun before, and she had to shoot at the guys trying to run us off the road after we wrecked the truck. I don’t think she’s had more than a few hours of sleep a day since we met. I’m gonna take her back to my place and let her get a good night’s sleep. We’ll be back tomorrow if she thinks it’ll help.”

Remus laid his hand on Aurelia’s cheek and studied her for a moment. “She’s very special. You take good care of her.” He started to turn away and then stopped. “I’m supposed to tell you that Macon moved out of your apartment.”

“What?”

“He thought you’d want privacy bringing home a mate, so he packed up some of his things and moved to the pack’s guest cottage. He said he’s thinking about building himself a house.”

“I never meant to take his home away from him.”

“He knows, son. This is his gift to you. Be thankful that you have such a loving and understanding brother. Now, get your lady home and both of you get some rest. You can take my car. It’s parked out back. We’ll expect to see you here tomorrow.”

Zack nodded and walked toward the kitchen. His coyote was demanding they take their mate to a safe place and care for her.

* * * *

Aurelia’s eyelids lifted and her tongue glanced across her dry lips.

“Shhh, love,” whispered Zack. “Everything’s okay. We’re home now.” His hand slid down her back, lingered at her waist, and then departed as he reached for the fastening of her seatbelt.

Startled, she met his eyes, shocked at the burning heat in his gaze. “Did it work?” Her voice was hoarse, her throat scratchy.

“No, love. I’m sorry. You tried, but I think you were too tired. Remus suggested we get a good night’s sleep and come back tomorrow, well rested.”

She carefully kept the pain from showing in her face, but her throat worked convulsively. Her biggest fear had come true. She’d disappointed everyone in Zack’s family.

“You’ve been pretty out of it. Stay here while I come around and get you.”

“I can walk.”

“Then you can walk with me by your side.” He kissed her forehead. “Please, for me?”

She nodded and he got out of the car. In just a few seconds he was helping her balance on the gravel drive. Keeping an arm firmly around her waist, he led her up the steps of a small porch and unlocked the door. Instead of a house, it was a series of small units with separate entrances all bundled together. It was too dark to see much, so she followed him through the door and waited while he turned on the lights.

“This is my apartment. I used to share it with Macon, but he moved out when he found out I had a mate. For now, it’ll just be you and me.”

She glanced around. The apartment was small and furnished in browns, creams, and oranges. There were paintings on the wall, mostly of landscapes, and the furniture had a definite country look to it. It was heavy, old, and well-polished.

“I’ve got just the thing to make you feel better.” He pulled her toward a darkened room and continued on to a closed door. He opened it, flipped on the light, and stood back, motioning for her to enter. A moment later she found herself in a large bathroom. The vanity had one rounded sink and a collection of shaving creams, razors, and toothpaste on the scarred top. A glass set next to the faucet, holding a lone toothbrush.

“Over here,” Zack said.

Aurelia turned and sighed in delight at the large, sunken tub. A fluffy rug adorned the floor in front of the whirlpool haven.

“How would you like a nice, long soak in the Jacuzzi? It’s just what you need to take the kinks out.”

She nodded. “It would feel wonderful.”

Zack waggled his brows. “Want some company?”

Aurelia bit her lip and tried to think of the right words to keep from hurting his feelings. “Not this time. I need some time alone right now. Can you understand that?”

Zack smiled and kissed her softly on her cheek. “I understand. I don’t like it, but I’ll respect it.” He shrugged. “Maybe next time.”

He pointed to a towel rack where two, perfectly folded oversized towels hung. “Those are clean so help yourself.” He flipped a switch on the wall and a ceiling fan rattled to life, settling down quickly to a muted whirring sound. Bending, he turned on the water and adjusted the temperature before pressing a rubber stopper into the drain. “The switches for the Jacuzzi are over there.” He pointed to a small dial on the wall behind the tub. “There’s a thirty minute timer on it, but you can keep turning it to soak as long as you want. My robe is on the back of the door. Feel free to use it, and I’ll unpack our clean stuff and lay it out in my bedroom. Tomorrow we’ll drive down to Casper and see about getting you some clothes. There’s a clean toothbrush in the drawer and some disposable razors if you need them.”

Zack pulled her close and enfolded her in his arms. “Don’t worry, love. Everything will work out. You just need to recoup your strength.”