He tried his cell phone, but there was no signal, which was not surprising. He walked up the road a ways and back in the other direction, trying it several more times, but nothing.
He’d have no problem surviving a storm like this. His lycan blood would keep him warm, and he could hunt for food if it came to it. He could keep Sherry warm as well, but he wasn’t sure any of that would comfort her at the moment. They were getting close to Sanctuary, and he could go there and get them help, assuming he wasn’t killed on sight. Sherry would be okay in the Jeep for a couple hours, and he had no intention of leaving her alone for longer than that.
He took a deep breath, not wanting to tell her of his decision. She wasn’t going to like it, but it was their best option. He wanted to get her to safety.
He opened the driver’s door and slid into the seat.
“Can you get us out?” Her green eyes were wide.
“Even if I get the tire changed, we’re too far in the ditch.”
“But it’s a four-wheel drive, for God’s sake.”
“Yes, but it still has its limitations.” He smiled because he couldn’t help it. She was adorable. “We are leaning quite a bit toward your side. I’m worried if I try to get us out we might slide further down and flip over. And, unfortunately, there is no signal on the cell either.”
“What are we going to do?” Her lip quivered.
55
Lycan Heat
S. K. Yule
“I’m going to go get help from Sanctuary.” He wanted to hug her to him, and comfort her, but he knew if he did, he’d never leave.
“You can’t do that! Yo-you’ll freeze to death or get lost.”
“I’ll be fine.” He smiled. She was worried about him, and that was a good sign. Maybe she cared about him more than he thought. “I will not freeze to death. In case you haven’t noticed, I run several degrees hotter than you, and I can have warm fur in an instant if I need it. I won’t get lost because I’m very familiar with the woods, not to mention I have a sensational sense of smell.”
“I don’t want to stay here by myself.” The tears she’d been holding back spilled down her cheeks.
“I know, but I want to get you out of this storm and some place safe and warm.” He reached for her hands, and took them in his. “It should only take me two hours tops. There is more than enough fuel for you to keep warm for that amount of time. Can you be strong and do this?”
She stared at him for several minutes before finally nodding. “Yes. I’ll try.”
“Stay in the car, Sherry. I promise I will be back. I won’t let anything happen to you. You are safe here.” He leaned in and kissed her gently, refusing the instant roar of desire that came rushing in again, demanding that he take her. “There are still snacks left from last night in the back seat, and a can of soda.”
“Okay.”
Her whispered word went straight to his heart. She was scared, but she was being exceptionally brave. He gave her one last smile and turned to get out of the car, but before he could open the door, she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back to her for a hug. This time, she kissed him.
“Be careful.”
“I will. I’ll be back before you know it.”
* * * *
56
Lycan Heat
S. K. Yule
Something had gone wrong. It had been over three hours since Piers had left to get help, and he still hadn’t returned. The snow hadn’t let up, and Sherry’s anxiety was almost unbearable. She had done everything from breathing exercises, to singing, to trying to sleep, but nothing had worked for long to keep her occupied.
Terror clawed at her. The fuel was getting low in the Jeep, and it was getting dark out. She glanced at the clock on the radio. If he wasn’t back in a half hour, she’d go look for him. She’d found a blanket in the back of the Jeep. If she wrapped it around her, it would keep her warm for awhile outside. She’d just have to make sure not to stray far.
When another half hour went by and he was still not back, she turned the engine off, wrapped the wool blanket around her, and stepped outside. The snow had let up a bit, but visibility was still poor. She wouldn’t be able to go far, but she prayed she wouldn’t have to. She took a deep, calming breath and started in the direction he’d gone in.
“Piers!” The snow acted as a barrier to her voice, and she knew it wouldn’t carry far. “Piers!” All she heard was deafening silence in return.
An hour later, she was in trouble. The storm had picked back up, and she was trying to make it back to the Jeep, but she was having trouble walking through the near knee deep snow. She was freezing cold and shivered uncontrollably. Ice coated her eyelashes, and she had to hold the blanket over her nose and mouth so the frigid air didn’t burn her lungs.
The wind blew so hard against her that she was having trouble standing upright, but she fought against it with all the strength she had. The cold was taking its toll on her, and her brain was turning foggy. All she wanted to do was lay down and sleep, even though she knew it would be the death of her.
No. She had to keep going,
