The Lady in the Mist (The Western Werewolf Legend #1) by Catherine Wolffe Read Free Book Online Page A

and Ty realized how he blundered.  In a voice he could barely understand, she said, “He’s dead. He died at the First Manassas.”  Before Ty could apologize, she rose and headed for the door.  “I have things I have to do.  Call me when you are through.”
    Berating himself for his stupidity, he called out to her.  “Wait, Mrs. Brooks, I’m sorry.”
    Sonja stopped but didn’t turn back around.
    Ty rose, hobbling to her.  Reaching out he traced a golden curl down her cheek.  “I’m sorry.”  The man she’d called husband had gone off to fight the Rebels at the First Manassas.  He was a Rebel from the First Manassas.
    “You aren’t responsible.”
    Two strokes of the clock in the front room sounded before either of them looked away.  Sonja was the first to move.  Without another word, she closed the door behind her leaving him alone once more.
    Ty let her go.  What had he done?  He shouldn’t have touched her, but he couldn’t help the feeling washing over him.  She’d saved his life.  He should be grateful.  But the urge to comfort her came from somewhere deeper.  He wouldn’t be around for long, his conscious reminded him.  Ty found he didn’t care at the moment.  Turning, he followed her to the kitchen.
    She stilled when he came up behind her.  “I should be apologizing for back there.”
    Her back stiffened.
    “But, the truth is I can’t apologize for the way I feel.  You’ve cast some sort of spell over me.”
    She lowered the skillet to the counter top.  Resting her hands atop the blackened iron, she stilled again.  She didn’t turn to him but stared out the window instead.
    “I’m grateful to you for all you’ve done.”
    Sonja released a breath before dropping her gaze to her folded hands.
    “But I shouldn’t be feeling the way I do right now.  My feelings will cause you nothing but pain.”  Ty paused.
    Sonja turned to him, her eyes swimming with tears.  Her mouth trembled.  “No, you’re wrong.  I will cause you pain,” she said.
    Tears trickle unheeded down her cheeks.  “You’re in grave danger, Sonja.  You’re harboring the enemy.”
    “Yes, I am.”  The words were a statement, pure and simple.
    ***
    The day moved like molasses in the winter.  Ty chaffed at having to remain in bed while Sonja, staying distant since their talk, chopped wood outside.  Chickens clucked while a rooster crowed his warning to any trespassers.  At the window, a goat appeared.  When he realized Ty watched him, he bumped the windowpane as if to say, “Where’s my food?”
    Getting up, Ty tried out his leg, managing to limp to the front door with a crust of dried bread in hand.  When the goat spied him, he came running.  Soon they were engaged in a game of tricks for a treat.
    Drawn to the sound of wood being chopped, Ty found her hard at work.  She labored without a break.  Ty could see how hard she pushed herself.  Slowly, he made his way to where she stacked wood.  When she turned, he handed her a cup of water.  “Soon, I’ll be able to do that for you.”
    When she cut her eyes at him coupled with a dubious stare, he understood.  The doubt in her expression didn’t stop him from explaining further.  “Helping is the least I can do after all you’ve done for me.”  Waiting for a reaction with a keen eye, his lips turned up into a crooked smile.  “You saved my life.  I owe you more than I’ll ever be able to repay.”
    Sonja wiped the sweat from her brow before picking up the ax again.  “You don’t owe me anything, Lieutenant.  I tried my best.  Still, by some miracle, you survived.”  Her shrug spoke volumes.  “It’s as simple as that.  Some live, some don’t.”
    Ty understood her meaning.  Reaching for her arm, he turned her and found her eyes.  “That may be the case, but I pay my debts.  I’ll stay for as long as I can.  A man pays his debts.”  Pausing, he recognized the irritation and pain in her face.  “There