Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [62]
“I’d say that’s natural. Portland probably felt more natural to you for two reasons. First, time was starting to distance the memories. You were becoming more relaxed. Right?”
She jerked her head once. How could she have been so stupid? Even if things hadn’t turned out this way, what had she thought would happen? A normal life—with normal friends and normal relationships—was something she couldn’t have. And deep down, she’d known it.
“The other reason is that for a city its size, Portland has done a remarkable job preserving the natural surroundings. The mountains as well as several state and national parks, lie just to the east, and there are an abundance of parks throughout the city. People like us, people balancing the wolf and everyday life, are drawn to cities like Portland. It’s not surprising you were, too.”
“Portland provided you a blend of security,” Braden spoke up. “It soothed the instincts that told you to stay in large cities, to blend into the general population. It also satisfied the wolf’s need to be near nature, near areas it would feel comfortable.”
Beth burrowed her fingers through her hair and drew her knees to her chest. She didn’t want to hear this. She didn’t care about the wolf’s needs.
“I’m afraid we owe you an apology, Elizabeth.” Mr. Edwards stood and placed a heavy hand on her shoulder.
Beth allowed it, amazed she found it so easy to accept a friendly gesture from this man. Even as he stood above her, looking weary and wearing a kind smile, he managed to share some of his stillness.
Does he ever lose his temper?
“I hope you’ll accept that we mean you no harm. But we knew Markko was in Portland and our families have a violent history.” He moved toward the door, gently squeezing Braden’s shoulder as he went. “When you began to shift, my boys responded as though you were an enemy. It was necessary, but I apologize all the same.” He smiled a little and pulled the door open. “We’ll do our best to make it up to you.”
Stunned by his easy acceptance of her story, Beth cleared her throat. “I just want to go home.”
The reassuring smile slipped from his face. “I’m afraid that I cannot allow that.”
Beth rose to her feet, her fear surging back, burning hot in her stomach. “I’ve answered all of your questions. You have no right to keep me here.”
“I understand. Truly I do. But I cannot in good conscience allow you to go while Markko remains a threat.” He pulled the door open, as though the conversation was finished. “Braden will get you anything you need. Please make yourself at home. Take a warm shower. When you’re done come upstairs, we’ll have breakfast and I’ll call Mike, our family doctor, to take a look at those hands.”
Before Beth could protest that she didn’t want a doctor, or breakfast, or a shower, or that she just wanted to get the fuck out of here, he closed the door. Frustrated, she turned her anger on Braden. “You can’t keep me here. This is kidnapping!”
Braden rose and carefully took a step back toward the door. He looked her over as if he expected to see her attack him at any moment.
You deserve it, you bastard.
For the first time, Beth really looked at him. Regret showed in every line of his body and the flatness of his expression. A spectacular bruise covered his temple and a neat row of stitches marched into his hair. She couldn’t restrain the grim smile that curled her lips.
He opened his mouth to say something, and then snapped it shut. Finally, he said, “I’m sorry.” The surprise that crossed his features indicated that wasn’t at all what he’d meant to say.
“I don’t care.” Beth’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. “Sorry doesn’t fix anything. I don’t want to be anywhere near you.”
His face pinched, as though the words truly hurt. Resigned, his shoulders dropped. “I won’t let him hurt you.”
“He hasn’t hurt me in years.”
Braden flinched, but didn’t defend himself against the implication. “You’ve got fresh towels, I’ll go see if I can find something of my