Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig Read Free Book Online Page A

closed the door to her room. “Coast Guard, right?” She tucked a rogue strand of hair behind her ear, trying to forget that he had carried her almost completely naked body to safety.
    “Yes, ma’am.” He raked a hand through his short black hair. “I … uh … just wanted to check on you. See how you were improving.”
    If she was right, he’d checked on her twice a week, every week. Eight times. “I’m fine.” A sure, tight answer that kept her from having to go into the truth. Or go into anything all. Could she get rid of him? “Look …” She saw the hope in his gaze and lost the gumption. How could she be cruel? He’d rescued her. Kept watch over her.
    Didn’t matter. The last thing she wanted in her life was a man. “You can go back to your superiors, tell them I’m fine. You did your job.” She feigned a smile. “You should get a gold star or something.”
    His expression fell. She could’ve sworn she heard it thunk against the floor. “I’m sorry.” He glanced down. “I’m not here because of my job.”
    Was he blushing? Dani’s nerves jitterbugged over the realization. Being in the narrow hall closed off her throat and brain. She stumbled toward the light at the end of the tunnel … er, hall. The balcony. Chief Petty Officer Metcalfe remained with her, his steps even and steady.
    “Some place your dad has.”
    Her gaze darted to the paintings that had captured his attention. “Yeah. I guess.” It was called overkill. And she hated it.
    Stepping into the brilliance of the sun, Dani was startled at how good it felt. A shudder rippled through her.
    “Are you cold? Should we go back inside?”
    “No,” she snapped, glancing toward the dark hall—and her mindplunged into the prison she’d spent so many months being dragged through. Screams. Banging. Sizzling sounds of electrical torture.
    Her feet felt like bricks. Her heart careened into her stomach. Hearing hollowed.
    A face burst into her vision.
    With a yelp, she shoved the man back.
Fight!
    He grabbed her arms.
    Dani yelled and writhed.
    “Miss Roark, please! It’s okay.”
    Shock rippled through her at the urgency in the voice and her own name. She stilled and stared back at pleading blue eyes. She wasn’t in the prison. She was at home. He wasn’t here to hurt her. Humiliation crowded out her panic. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
    Leave. Get away. You’re an idiot
.
    “If … excuse me.” She stepped around him and skipped a step back into the house.
    “Miss Roark, wait.”
    His words sent her running. She dashed into her room and slammed the door shut. Knowing Alexandra would come after her, Dani locked the door, leapt into the bed, and yanked the covers over her head.
    Buried, she stemmed her tears. Focused on just being … safe. Alone. Quiet. He must think her an imbecile, going nuts at the sight of a lonely, dark hallway. She just wanted to be normal again. Wanted to get back to work, wanted to have a life. Not feel the stinging sensation of being raped with every step she took.
    Minutes later, Alexandra’s frantic voice called from the other side of the door. The handle jiggled. Her sister’s quiet crying eventually faded into the oblivion of sleep that claimed Dani. By the time her eyes fluttered open, the soothing blues of dusk had plowed into the sky. She nudged back the comforter—and stopped short.
    “Good evening, Danielle.” Soft lines creased the eyes under white, short-cropped hair.
    Instant panic bottomed out, embraced by relief. She pushed herself upright. “General Lambert.” She looked to the door. It sat open. She could run. Evade. Her eyes drifted back to his. Kind. Compassionate. Fatherly. “What’re you doing here?”
    A sad smile tweaked the sides of his mouth. “Keeping a promise to an old friend.”
    Mom
. The thought pushed her back against the bed.
    “But I’m afraid I have bad news, Danielle. Out of respect toyour mother and to you, I chose to deliver the news personally.” His