Into the Unknown (Werewolf Wars, #2) Read Free Page B

Admittedly, he did not know much about the Mexican packs. Were there even any packs in Mexico? The more he spoke to her, the more questions he had. But now was not the time to push her.
    “When it is safe, I will see to it that you are returned home.”
    “I have your word?” Natalia asked, her eyes glistening and voice thick with emotion.
    “I promise,” Gene said, offering her his hand.
    Natalia stared at his hand for a long moment, as if waiting for him to grab her. Finally, she slid her slender hand into his. Her warmth invaded him, igniting a fire that engulfed his body. Again, he found himself drawn to her, overwhelmed with the need to protect and soothe her. Suddenly, he wasn’t so sure he wanted her to leave. While Gene Harris was a man of his word, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try to give this fiery she-wolf a reason to stay.
    Clearing his throat, Gene pulled his hand back. “Claire and Emily made chicken and dumplings. You should come down and join us,” he paused, glancing at Adrian, “both of you.”
    “I’ll think about it,” Natalia mumbled, turning away from him and scooping Adrian up into her arms. Cradling the baby to her, she walked to the window.
    Gene observed her for a long moment, unsure of what else to say. At a loss for words, he left, shutting the door behind him. While the conversation had told him what he needed to know about Natalia’s loyalties, he was left with even more unanswered questions. Between Juarez and Emmett McKinley, there was no telling what terrible things she’d had to endure.
    ***
    N atalia finished burping Adrian, and laid him down to change him. The smell of chicken filtering into the bedroom made her taste buds salivate. She glanced at the large alarm clock on the headboard. It was just after 5:30, and she was starved. Her stomach grumbled loudly, as if to remind her. Gene specifically told her that she was free to roam as she pleased, yet she still felt like a prisoner. No doubt, she would be followed or gawked at if she were to actually leave the room.
    Even if these people were nice, she did not trust them. Perhaps Juarez and McKinley had given her a jaded perspective of pack life, but she could not bring herself to join Gene. Not tonight. She needed to think of a way to escape—to leave this place. Protecting Adrian was her first priority. Her son was all that mattered, and she would do anything to protect him.
    Someone tapped lightly on the door. She turned as it was carefully opened, placing a hand on Adrian.
    “Hey,” Lark said as she came in, carrying a plate of steaming food. “I brought you something to eat.”
    “Thank you,” Natalia said, relaxing as she reached into the package of diapers, pulling one out for Adrian.
    “Everything okay?”
    “Yes,” Natalia mumbled. Smiling, she focused on her son, making him coo as she tickled his exposed belly.
    “You know you could come down, if you wanted,” Lark said.
    “There is nowhere for Adrian, and I will not leave him up here by himself.”
    Natalia stood up and placed her son on a blanket on the floor. After cleaning her hands with sanitizer, she graciously took the plate from Lark.
    “Actually, Claire purchased a ton of baby stuff right after you had him,” Lark said, biting her lip.
    “I do not want anything from the fake alpha’s wife!” Claire had allowed her husband to hold Natalia prisoner, and treat Natalia like a possession. Claire had welcomed her grandfather into the McKinley home, and treated him as an honored guest. She wanted nothing from that vile woman.
    “If it helps, I think she used Gene’s money to purchase it.”
    Natalia ignored Lark’s comment and asked, “Do you mind watching Adrian again tonight for a few minutes?”
    “Yeah. You going for another run?”
    “I think I waited too long in between transformations after I had Adrian. It’s like I am playing catch up, or something. It also helps me to clear my head,” Natalia sighed as she sat on the end of the