Wounds to Bear (Heart of The Bear #1)(7)

He started running, the other men right behind him. Lindy kissed Jenna’s cheek. “Take him home, my dear. You won’t be able to keep up with Grey, not when he’s in a rage.”

She jogged after them, her grey braid bouncing against her pack. Jenna watched until they disappeared into the darkness, more than aware that she was alone with Roman. Again.

“I want to go farther.” His deep voice startled her.

“You mother—”

“Doesn’t need to know. I saw another trail, and I want to follow it. I think a couple of the kids may have slipped away before Paul saw them.”

Her heart skipped. “Where?”

He pointed at a narrow, curving trail. “This way.”

She joined him, and they moved quickly, Roman stopping every few minutes to check the ground, or sniff the air. After more than an hour, he halted, his body still, his head lifted. He pulled her in, his lips soft, his breath warm when he whispered against her ear.

“There.” He gestured to the undergrowth, thick in this part of the forest. “One cub, one human kid.” He moved, and she felt more than heard his pain. “Let me approach. Wait here.”


She nodded, watched him ease forward. The bush in front of him shivered, and he crouched, his vice low and calm when he spoke.

“It’s Roman. You’re safe now, so come out.” Two small bodies burst out of the bush and threw themselves at him. He grunted as he caught them, holding tight. “I’ve got you, sweetheart.” He pressed a kiss to the top of a blonde head, then to the dark brown head on his other side. “You were so brave to lead Chrissy away from the bad man, Leo.”

“I thought you were dead, Uncle Roman.” His voice shook, and the little girl’s quiet sobs tore at Jenna’s heart. She moved forward, crouching out of arm’s reach. Leo studied her, his dark brown eyes filled with tears. “Are you the new animal doctor?” His question surprised her.

“Yes, Leo. My name is Jenna, and I’m helping Uncle Roman find all of you.”

Chrissy lifted her head at Jenna’s voice, and let go of Roman to throw herself into Jenna’s arms. Jenna held her, rubbed a soothing hand down her back. She understood the girl’s choice; a woman was the closest thing to her own mother. Jenna stood, cradling the girl against her shoulder.

Roman stood, his hand on Leo’s shoulder. “Let’s get you back to—” With a gasp, he clutched his left arm.

“Uncle Roman!”

Jenna handed Chrissy over to Leo and caught Roman around the waist. “Talk to me.”

“I just need—sleep.” He straightened, and she could tell by how badly he shook just how much it cost him. “Take Chrissy’s hand, Leo. We’re heading back to Doc’s place. She’s got a stew that will put your mama’s to shame.”

“Nuh uh—Mama’s is the best.”

“Let’s go find out.”

Jenna watched Roman work his magic with the frightened boy. Leo smiled up at his uncle, holding tight to Chrissy’s hand. She offered Roman a shy glance, and held her other hand out to Jenna.

“Pretty,” she whispered. “Can I stay with you?”

“Of course, sweetheart.” Jenna took her hand, her own tears threatening as the little girl looked up at her with such trust.

They walked quickly out of the forest. The less time these kids spent in the dark, the better. Lights appeared through the trees, and Jenna breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She glanced over at Roman, and that relief faded.

Sweat streaked his face, and his left arm shook. Blood stained his shoulder, shiny against the dull flannel. They cleared the trees and she laid her hand on his right arm, halting them.

“Leo.” He looked up at her, his face scratched and dirty, exhaustion in his eyes. “Why don’t you take Chrissy and head into the house.” She lowered the little girl to the grass. “There’s plenty of stew inside. I bet you can dish up some for both of you and be eating it before us old people even get in the door.”

A pale version of what she suspected was a mischievous smile crossed his face. “You’re on. Come on, Chrissy.”

He held out his hand, and Chrissy took it, such trust on her face that Jenna knew Leo had earned hero status in her eyes, probably forever.

Jenna waited until they were out of earshot before she turned to Roman.

“I’m going to take you in through the back, straight to bed.”

Amusement eased some of the pain in his amber eyes. “Will you join me?”

Heat flushed her cheeks, and she was glad the dark hid it. “I have company, and you need sleep.”

“When your company is fed and tucked in, will you join me?” All amusement was gone this time. “I need to feel you next to me, Jenna.”

She shivered at the sound of her name in that deep voice.

“Roman—”

“I know. But I can’t fight the way I feel. I don’t want to.” His right hand caressed her cheek. “I’ve wanted you since you smacked me with the storm door.”

She smiled. “I know.”

His mouth dropped open—and then he chuckled, the rumble of it vibrating in his chest. “Don’t stop surprising me, Doc.” He leaned in, his warm breath brushing her lips. “I like it. Hell—”