Read Abbey's Protectors [Beckett's Wolf Pack, Triad Mates 4] (Siren Publishing Menage & More) for Free Online Page A

could. Grabbing her boots, she wrapped them in two small, plastic bags and pushed them into the duffle.
    She pulled the three blankets out of the bag and set two of them on the ground against a stack of fallen logs. She would only rest for a little while before resuming her path to freedom. Placing her bags under her head and shoulders, she leaned back into nature’s arms and covered herself with the third blanket, saying a final prayer that she would get away safely as exhaustion claimed her.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Charlie 5, assistance is needed at 266 Marin Drive,” the police dispatcher’s voice interrupted their musings. “Body found in wooded area behind home. Ambulance has been dispatched to meet you.”
    Clay reached up and grabbed the speaker attached to the loop on his shoulder, depressed the side button, and spoke with confidence. “Charlie 5, responding. On our way.”
    “See the woman Talia Sherman. Home owner called in the sighting. The body location has been noted but the condition has not been ascertained.”
    “Roger that,” Clay answered.
    Hunter flipped on the siren and lights, speeding up and taking the back roads that led to the isolated street. He remembered running in the woods behind that area with pack members just last month. It was a pretty good distance from Beckett pack land, but the excitement of the pack since Jace and Jackson had found their triad mate had pushed the male members of the pack to run almost in a frenzy to burn off the energy that had been building within them.
    “Hunter,” Clay spoke softly.
    Hunter turned to face him just briefly before returning his attention to the road ahead of him. “What?”
    “I hope that person isn’t dead.”
    Hunter nodded briefly. He could sense the anguish in his partner. He knew exactly what he was feeling. He didn’t think he could take another death right then either. His heart was already heavy from the horror of the previous day’s car accident.
    “I think we’ll find him or her alive,” he said finally, praying that he was right.
    They rode in silence toward their destination, each man filled with hope that they would find a person to rescue, not bury. Hunter turned the patrol car into the paved driveway of the small home that sat far back from the road. The woman that came out of the elegant home to greet them smiled as he parked the cruiser and shut off the engine. He turned toward Clay and took in a deep breath to calm himself.
    “I hope the Fates will be kind to this lost soul,” he said softly.
    Clay nodded. “Let’s go. The quicker we get there, the quicker we can help.”
    Both men exited the patrol car and walked toward the woman, straightening their vests and gun belts as they approached. The woman’s smile was immediate as they drew closer.
    “Hello, officers,” she greeted them warmly.
    “Ma’am,” Hunter answered, nodding his head slightly.
    “Ms. Sherman, if you would please show us to the place where you saw the body we would be much obliged,” Clay interjected, not wanting to waste any time. They had an injured person to aid and each precious moment that delayed their time finding them could be the difference between their chance of living and dying. Neither he nor Hunter was going to take a chance on losing another person on their watch.
    “Sure,” Talia Sherman answered with more enthusiasm than was natural for the situation. “I spotted the body from my kitchen window about a half an hour ago. I think it’s a woman. It could be a young boy or a young girl though.”
    “You didn’t check it out to be sure?” Hunter asked her, his voice a low growl at the obvious unconcern for the injured person.
    “It’s cold out,” Talia Sherman protested. “And it’s early. I was having my morning cup of coffee when I saw the body, and I called the police. I knew you would be able to figure it out. It’s so nice to have such strong, handsome police officers to come to my aid when I call.”
    “Please