Creed Read online

  “That’s a lot of miles.”

  “Once our bond is strong, I could track you across a few states. See why I consider it short range?”

  “I do.” She reached out to him. “Come here. I’m not done with you.”

  He didn’t come closer. “It’s time, Angel. We don’t have any more of it left.”

  “You said you’d go tonight. We still have today.”

  “That was before I checked my voicemail. It seems the elders were worried when you weren’t returned to your parents by morning, the way I’d indicated you would be. They left messages on my phone that I didn’t hear, since I’d left it outside. The elders must have called my people. I have a message from Lord Aveoth to call him immediately or he’s sending scouts this way. It seems your pack believes I may have accidently killed you.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “Give me your phone.”

  “I left it outside and away from the entrance. I rarely bring it in. Signals can be tracked.”

  “I didn’t see it out there when I was looking for it when I thought you were hurt.”

  “It’s about a hundred yards to the right and a hundred feet up a crevice, near my outdoor shower. You wouldn’t have. I don’t keep it where it will lead someone right to my door.”

  She eyed his jeans. “And those? Where were those hiding?”

  “Under the couch cushions. It works well to store clothing out of sight so I’m not staring at them in a pile on the floor. I don’t have a closet or a lot of drawer space.”

  It hit her then. She wouldn’t see him for a long time. Ten years.

  She scrambled off the bed and threw her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest. He seemed stunned but then he put his arms around her to hold her tight.

  “This is so unfair. I know life isn’t but this really sucks.” She wanted to cry.

  “The time will pass and I will find you. Don’t go where you’ve been. It will be the first place they look. I have something for you.”

  She lifted her chin. “What?”

  “First, you need to get dressed.”

  “Can we shower together?”

  “No. I want them to smell sex on you. It will fool your pack into thinking that’s why they might pick up my scent. The Lycan elders seem to have Lord Aveoth on speed dial,” he grimly stated. “They can’t figure out we’ve mated or they’ll call him right away.”

  He eased his hold and backed away, leaving her no choice but to let him go. He motioned her to follow him into the bathroom, where he reached up to a crevice she hadn’t seen before. He brought down a first-aid kit. He withdrew gauze and a cream, then medical tape. “This will hide your blood scent. They can’t suspect I bit you. Leave immediately, Angel. Lord Aveoth might have already ordered scouts this way. They could arrive as early as tonight. I will refuse to speak until I’m brought before him. That will give you time to get to the airport and take the first flight out. Don’t tell me where. Don’t tell anyone. I’ll be fine as long as I know you’re safe. Know that, my heart.”

  He called her his heart. She fought tears. He was being so sweet. His hands were gentle as he cleaned away all the blood from her skin and lathered on the thick, goopy cream over her bite marks, then bandaged it. She noticed that the marks she’d given him were completely gone. He’d healed.

  She followed him into his bedroom again, and he withdrew a large T-shirt. She took it, putting it on. It fell to her thighs. He was much taller. She knew she’d keep it with her until they met again, just to have something of his. He bent, pulling out a pair of his boxer briefs. They were black with a quality name brand.

  “I don’t need anything with a flap.”

  He smiled. “Wear them anyway. I have to visit the elders and your alpha, so I’m going to drop you off at your home. I won’t allow anyone to see that lovely ass of yours except me.”

  She put them on. They were more comfortable than she’d thought they’d be, and looked like long shorts since the bottoms showed about an inch below where the shirt fell. He took her hand and she followed him into the living room.

  He picked up a small black backpack off the couch. It hadn’t been there before. He released her hand. “Turn.”

  “What is that?”

  “It’s for emergencies. Every guardian keeps one stashed when they’re assigned to protect a Lycan pack, in case we have to leave in a hurry. We’ve been attacked before, and it’s standard to keep a bag if we need to blend with humans.”

  It was heavy. “Don’t you need it?”

  “Not where I’m going. It’s money and some spare clothes. I want you to have them with you. The money will help you survive and my scent is on the clothing, so a part of me will remain with you.”

  She was going to bawl. She fought it. He was being brave but then again, he was a pro at hiding his feelings. The fact that he was being sweet made it worse, as if he were intentionally trying to show her that he had a tender side. She’d fair better if he barked orders at her and was his normally chilly self.

  “Let’s go.”

  “No shirt?”

  “They’ll only destroy it when I take the lashes.”

  She closed her eyes and turned her head, fighting tears.

  “Shush.” He pulled her into his arms. “This is temporary. It’s only ten years. We’ll have a future to look forward to together.”

  She clung to him. “I love you.”

  “You are my only weakness, Angel.”

  That was as good as saying he loved her.

  He pulled away. “We must go. Our time is shorter by the second to make your plan work. I was informed when I checked in last that some of my clan would be not too far from this area for a few days. It won’t take them that long to reach us if they plan to come.”

  She wiped her eyes, then lowered her hands. A sniffle wasn’t bad, considering she was heading toward a full-on breakdown as soon as she crossed the Alaska state line. She stared into his eyes.

  “Okay.”

  “You are my brave Angel.”

  “You’re mine too, so forget all about that fall thing. Swear to me on your honor. No falling.”

  “I swear.” No hesitation. “Let’s go.”

  He didn’t wait, just scooped her into his arms. She clung to him as he strode toward the exit. She glanced one last time at his home. They’d never be back. She fought the anguish that thought caused.

  He spread his wings once they were outside.

  “Our parting must be formal. It’s what they will expect if anyone is watching for us. Tell them the backpack is yours if they ask. They didn’t see me pick you up. I made certain you weren’t followed. That’s why I was already in the woods. I wanted to make sure you got there safely.”

  “I understand.”

  He paused and looked down at her. “I will think of you every second.”

  He does love me. He just didn’t have the words.

  He bent his knees and leapt. The falling sensation made her feel a little queasy, but then they were soaring over the river. She loved the feel of the wind against her body and being held by Creed. She turned her head and quickly placed a kiss on his cheek.

  “I’m going to miss you so much. I love you.”

  He turned his head, the silver in his eyes flaring. “You’re my Angel. Now be my brave one. The elders are gathered.”

  She turned her head, spotting the village. He was right. There was a small group near the shoreline. She swallowed hard.

  “Ice cold. Got it. Did I mention how amazing you are in bed?”

  He actually missed a beat with his wings and they fell a few feet before he recovered. “Now you’re being a naughty Angel.”

  “Wait until we’re together again. I’m going to have ten years to think up everything I plan to do to you. There’s going to be a lot of sex.”

  He growled. “Stop. I can’t arrive with a hard-on.”

  She smiled. “Okay. You’re shit in bed then, and I’ll have to train you. It will be