"If she chooses not to be with her Marine anymore," his conscience threw in the condition, but his heart lashed out in bitter anger. "To Hell with her man! She was mine first!"
9
Swallowed by her black coat and hat, Angela came out as he came up the steps, sweet vanilla filling his nose as they passed. Marc shoved his hands into his pockets to keep from reaching out for her. They'd been apart so long and he had missed her so much!
Angela heard him as if he'd spoken, and she forced herself to stop and look at him as the stiff wind blew her stray curls around wildly. He was doing her a great service, and she didn't want him to be upset. "It just wasn't meant to be, Brady, but we'll be friends again, in time. That's something, right?"
He wanted to tell her that she was wrong, they had been soul mates. "It'll be enough. You'll be safe with me," came unexpectedly. He hadn't planned to reassure her, but was glad he had when she flashed him the first honest smile he'd seen since they were reunited.
"I know it deep down, but..." Angela shrugged, not wanting to expect more than he was willing to give.
His eyes were full of understanding. "But, it helps you to hear it, and you'll probably need me to do it again."
She flushed, brows drawing together as she looked away. He had seen her needs so quickly. Why couldn't Kenny have been half the man Brady was? She moved to the Blazer, very aware of his gaze burning holes into her back.
When she stepped out of the Blazer, she wasn't surprised to see the wolf sitting on the porch, watching.
"Hi, Dog. I'm Angie."
The big animal immediately held out a paw, and Marc grinned as her pleased laughter rang out, watching her bend down to shake without hesitation. Most people were too scared. He watched from the impenetrable darkness of the doorway, heart thumping when she pulled her shirt to the side to adjust a lacy, white bra strap. The desire instantly changed as his eye went to the jagged knife scar on her shoulder, instantly knowing that's what it was.
It was rough, ugly and out of place on her pale, white skin. A hard knot of rage formed in his gut as his mind saw her being held down, struggling and screaming, while someone carved what looked to be a grotesque letter K into her flesh. Wasn't her man named Kenny?