Chapter Seven

In the morning, I awoke alone. I could hear voices floating down the hall, one that I recognized as Jacob's. They were speaking about my village and the attacks. An angry voice spoke in a harsh tone to Jacob about me. I cracked open the door just enough to hear Jacob address the owner of the angry voice. "She's not going anywhere Paul. She's my imprint. That man won't follow her here. He doesn't want to risk her getting hurt. So long as she isn't out in the woods alone which I will never let happen."

Another voice responded to Jacob. "No one is suggesting you leave your imprint, Jacob. We just don't want any problems because of it."

"I have faith in my son that he will address any should they come. Jacob has done a good job at keeping them away so far."

I retreated back into the room and took a seat on the bed. I hadn't thought about Riley coming after me on his own. But as Jacob's father said, he would protect me. He'd done a good job so far and there was no doubt in my mind that he would continue.

When he came into the room, his face held a not so warm smile. What the others said was really affecting him.

"Come on. There are some people you need to meet." He held out his hand to me. I slid off the bed and followed, his hand squeezing mine as he led me into the living room where three men were waiting.

"Sage, I would like you to me my father, Billy. He is the chief."

He held out his hand to me, his gaze stern but his eyes warm like Jacob's. I stepped away and took Billy's hand. "Know that you are an important part of this tribe and the source of my son's happiness." He smiled and kissed my hand.

Next I was introduced to Sam, the Alpha of the wolf pack and his second in command, Paul. Sam was sweet like Billy while Paul just stared me down.

After the introductions were made, Jacob pulled me back into him as they discussed the upcoming goodwill meeting they were to have with the chief of the Makah tribe. As Billy's health reasons prevented him from taking the journey for health reason, Sam and Paul were asked to on his behalf. But as Jacob was no longer awaiting my arrival, we would go with Paul.

The trip wasn't an easy one, through thickets and heavily wooded areas. But I proved to Jacob that I could handle nature. When we reached the cabin, Jacob quickly lit lanterns while Paul built a fire. I was beginning to learn that he was a strong and silent type that was best left alone.

Jacob prepared a small meal for us once the fire was roaring. The cabin wasn't very large but the only source of heat came from the stove. As soon as he finished his meal, Paul grabbed his pack and headed into the second room of the cabin while Jacob prepared a cot for us by the stove.

We laid down under heavy blankets and added more logs to the fire but I was still freezing. Jacob picked up on my shivering and cuddled even closer to me. It was a gesture I appreciated but it didn't help. Jacob then threw the covers back and started pulling off his top. I gave him an incredulous look but he assured me it was survival technique by saying those two magic words, "Trust me."

I nodded and stripped, instantly feeling his body heat along my back as I laid into him. Jacob scooted closer, rubbing his manhood against my backside. I turned as his hand reach around and cupped my chest.

"Jacob..."

"I need you." He murmured along my neck before he suckled it. Jacob brought his hand down from my breast to my womanhood where he fondled my wet lips.

I bit back my moan and tried to shoo him but my body betrayed me. Jacob rolled me back onto my side and pulled my leg up, allowing him easy access to my ready moist core. As he slid in and out of me, I bit down on my inner cheek in an effort to keep my moans from leaving my mouth.

Jacob let out a low feral growl in my ear that made me quiver. His thrusts became more wanton and powerful. No longer able to hold back my moaning, I let it all out as I released my load. Jacob held my face to his, kissing my lips and snarled "Mine" as he exploded within me.

We walked another day, making camp in a hunting cabin shared by the two tribes. On our trip, Jacob informed me that the Makah tribe shared a lot of their same beliefs but didn't have the ability to become spirit warriors like he and his brothers. Paul walked along with us, a knowing smile on his face.

"You're making this journey with ease. I thought for certain a city girl like you would have stumbled over every little rock."

"My mother and I use to venture into the woods a lot when I was younger."

He nodded but the knowing smile still didn't leave his face.

It'd been four days since Riley last saw Sage. Since she chose to throw her lot in with the wolves, the other hunters decided to let them have her. But Riley made a promise to Sage's parents to bring her back, hopefully alive. When he told the others he was leaving, they tried to talk him out of it.

"Riley, it's been a while since she's been back and the last time you saw her, she was leaving with that beast." And "You need to accept the fact that she is gone."

When they said things like that, he just got angry and threw his fists down on the table. Riley couldn't give up on his love. Nothing would stop him from rescuing her.

He searched through the woods before finally finding a cabin, a lucky break as it was one he was certain she had inhabited. Her scent was still in the air, mingling with the stench of some unfamiliar scent. As he sniffed, he realized with a bit of anger what the scent was. It was clear that his Sage had been taken advantage of by the wolves that held her captive. Now it was more pertain than ever to him that he rescues her.