Chapter 35

I'd beenon the road for almost three weeks. I was crisscrossing the eastern half of the country. The truth was that I chose my next destination based on how soon I was ready to reboard a bus. Some days, I showered in the station if it had facilities. That was tricky because I'd heard tales of theft and closely guarded what little I had.

My next stop was Cleveland. I knew nothing about the city. However, I hoped to find a walk-in clinic near the bus station. The fever had returned, and the bite was so sore that moving my arm was painful.

The twelve-block walk to the clinic took forever. I felt relief when I was told it was at least an hour's wait to see a doctor. I needed to rest.

When called back by a mature nurse who looked like she had seen it all, I reminded myself to say as little as possible.

In the small exam room, I wasn't asked to undress. I'd lost fifteen pounds, which was surprising, but it was hard to find anything I wanted to eat.

The doctor reviewed the information I had given. "You say that you finished all of the antibiotics?"

"Yes."

He frowned and made a notation on the paper file. "And you were bitten by a dog five weeks ago?"

"It was a wolf/dog hybrid." That was a lie, but the last doctor had commented on the size of the bite.

"I assume it was up to date on its vaccines?" He motioned for me to show him the site.

"Yes. I only know that the bite was deep." I pulled off my tank top and pulled my hair over the other shoulder.

He pressed on the area, and I tried not to jerk in response. "Tender?"

"Very."

He resumed his chair. "It appears that you are one of those slow-healing people. I can give you another round of antibiotics and enough dressing supplies for a few days. You need to keep the wound clean and change the dressings daily."

I nodded. I wasn't sure how to accomplish that, but I'd figure out a way. "Thank you, doctor."

"Sit tight. The nurse will dress the wound and get your pills and supplies."

I was in no hurry to walk back to the bus station.

I had a two-hour wait for the next bus. This time, I was heading south to Nashville. I pulled my hoodie closer. I was chilled and only wanted to shut my eyes and rest.

Suddenly, I felt like I was being watched.

I didn't turn to look around. Instead, I glanced to my left. I knew that was the closest exit. I waited, poised to run.

Nothing happened, and soon, they would call for my bus. I wanted to stop in the bathroom before boarding. I headed in that direction on full alert for trouble.

There was no line. I didn't hang my belongings on the back of the door. It would be too easy for somebody to reach over and snatch them. Instead, I kept them between my feet.

While washing my hands, a woman used the sink two spaces down. Our gazes met in the mirror.

"I don't see you if you don't see me," she told me softly.

I turned to her. "What are you talking about?"

"They're looking for you."

I had to grip the sink when my knees gave way. "Who?" I noted that she was positioned between me and the door.

"I don't want any trouble." She watched me warily.

"I don't either," I told her quickly.

"I shouldn't have said anything." She shook her head.

"Bus 176 is now loading for Nashville," sounded overhead.

The woman said, "I have to go."

"I'm on the same bus." I followed her out. "You can tell me what you know on the ride."

She didn't seem thrilled by that news, but I didn't care.

Jade explained everything.

"I don't understand. Who would put up that kind of money for me." A fifty-thousand-dollar reward. My mind was blown.

"You must have done something terrible for that kind of reward," she stated.

"I haven't." I was mystified.

"Then why are you running?"

"In the beginning, I was scared. I was let go too easily from the Redds." I paused to see if she found that information odd.

"The Re…the Redds?" She studied me closely. "How did you get involved with them?"

So, she knew. "I was hired to do a job and met a man. His family doesn't like that I'm human."

"The male didn't protect you?"

"He was sent away on a job. When it looked like something was going to happen while I was unprotected…I left"

"They aren't giving up." She frowned.

"I didn't want to stay home and cause problems for my friends, so I took off."

"Putting others before yourself is selfless and impressive." She dipped her chin.

"Thanks." I didn't feel like I'd done anything special. "I figure that I'll keep on the move until…I can't continue."

"You are brave." She began to wind a lock of hair around her finger... "My grandmother told me that for some, a moment comes where they must act. It might be out of character or something they had never considered before. A brave soul will have a hand in deciding their destiny. You are afraid, yet keep moving so your friends are safe."

"Hopefully, they are." My eyes filled with tears. It took a few moments before I could continue. "I told them nothing about werewolves. I didn't tell them my plans to get away. I only said goodbye."

"It sounds like you did everything you could."

"I hope it was enough."

"We can only do our best, Sage. You were placed in a situation without any experience to draw from."

Jade made me feel better about what I was doing. "Thank you. I didn't have a plan or a place to go. This seemed like the best choice."

"I understand." Her dark gaze was sincere.

"What about you?" I wondered if she would tell me anything. If she didn't, I wouldn't push.

"My father agreed to a mating with a male from another Pack." She frowned and looked out the window at the darkness. "It will strengthen business ties, he claims."

"You appear to be too young to be mated."

"I am old enough to know I don't want to be Gareth's mate."

"Then you shouldn't be." I didn't like that Jade's family was deciding her future.

"His family has standing, and my father's business needs their support." Her eyes filled with tears.

"Are they selling you to this Gareth?" I was enraged.

"Something like that. My mother says that I will grow to love Gareth in time, and The Goddess will bless us." Her gaze turned hard. "I don't want to have to grow used to my mate. If I must have one, I want it to be a natural mating. I want him to be my true soulmate."

Suddenly, I wanted to cry. I missed Bredon. I tried to shake the memories from my mind. Anton was right. I would only cause Bredon problems and pain.

"I have cousins who don't support my father. They will help me."

I hoped so. "You could call in a tip and collect the reward money," I began slowly. "That way, if it doesn't work out with your cousins, you would have money to find another place to start over. The money would help."

"I couldn't do that. You haven't done anything wrong."

"You found me. You should get some money."

"Are you sure? Because I can forget you." Her gaze was serious, and I believed her.

"You've helped me by telling me about the reward. Now, I'll know to be extra careful. You should get paid for that." I smiled, although my head was pounding. I need to sleep.

"I won't call until you are out of Nashville. I'll give you three days to get as far as you can. I promise."