Free Josie's Miracle (White River Wolves Series, #1) by Dawn Sullivan Page B

stopped just outside Storm’s door.  She did not want to eavesdrop, but Storm was her patient and Josie intended to make sure she was alright.
    “It’s time to leave the pity party behind, Storm,” Angel said sarcastically.  “Get your ass out of bed and fight back.  So, you were hurt.  We have all been hurt.  It happens.  It’s time to buck up and move on.”
    “You don’t know anything,” Storm sneered.  “You stand there acting like a fucking queen, but really you are just as lonely and scared as the rest of us.  If you weren’t you would have let Chase claim you months ago.”
    “What is between Chase and I is none of your business, Storm,” Angel growled.
    “And I am none of your business,” Storm spat back.
    “That’s not true,” Angel argued.  “I like you, Storm.  I respect you.  I am here tonight as your friend, but I am also here because I want to offer you a position with RARE.  I want you to work with us, be a part of our family.”
    In the silence that followed, Josie felt her head begin to pound.  What was going on?  What about Ryker?  If Angel was offering Storm a position with RARE, did that mean she would offer Ryker one as well?  As if reading her mind, Storm asked, “What about Ryker?  I won’t leave him.  He’s my partner.”
    “I have already asked Ryker to join our team,” Angel told her.  “He hasn’t given me a response yet, but said he would after he spoke to the council.” 
    After a moment Storm murmured, “If Ryker agrees, then I’m in.  I need something different in my life, Angel,” she admitted.  “I can’t go on like this.”
    “The first thing you need to do is get your ass out of that bed,” Angel retorted.  “Get up and take a damn shower.  Then go get some cake.”
    Hearing Angel’s voice getting nearer as she moved toward the door, Josie jumped back, guiltily clutching the drink and plate in her hand.  The door opened slightly and then Angel muttered, “I can’t let Chase claim me right now, Storm.  My children need me.  I need to concentrate on them before I can accept a mate in my life.”
    Opening the door fully, Angel said goodbye before walking out.  Striding past Josie, she left the building without speaking to anyone else.  Josie stood there in shock.  If Ryker accepted a position with RARE, what would that mean for them?  Why hadn’t he mentioned it to her? 
    Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, Josie entered Storm’s room and placed the goodies she had brought on the table next to the bed. 
    “Don’t feel bad,” Storm said.  “He didn’t mention it to either of us.  I had to find out just now from Angel.  If he would have told me at least I would have been prepared when she threw out the offer.”
    Eyes wide, Josie asked, “How did you know what I was thinking?  And that isn’t the first time you have done that to me.  Are you telepathic like...”  Josie let the sentence trail off not wanting to give away any secrets.  She was afraid she had said too much, but she had been in shock. 
    Groaning, Storm sat up, carefully swinging her legs over the side of the bed.  Running a hand through her long dark hair that hung limply down her back, she said, “Yeah, Ryker and I both are.  No one else knows, though.  We don’t like to talk about it.”
    Not knowing what she thought about Ryker keeping something like that from her, Josie changed the subject.  “I’m going to go start the shower.  Eat your cake.”  Avoiding Storm’s gaze, Josie went into the bathroom and turned on the water.  After making sure there were towels, she went out to help Storm.
    Storm was struggling to get out of bed, but when she saw Josie, she sat back down.  “Ryker isn’t keeping things from you, Josie.  This is different.  This secret was not just his to share or he would have told you.” 
    When Josie did not respond, Storm tried to stand up again.  Fighting against the pain, sweat beaded up on Storm’s