River's Revenge (Sanctuary Series Book 3)

By Charlotte Abel

Book 1: River's Recruit
Book 2: River's Remorse
Book 3: River's Revenge

Jonathan and River are reunited but must hide the true nature of their relationship until all the carefully woven lies supporting the revolution start to unravel. Nothing but the truth can save them. Not only must they convince the citizens of New Eden that the prophecy is real, they must also prove Jonathan is the true son of Ephraim or face certain execution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charlotte Abel
• Release date: Nov 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310057526

Charlotte Abel

Charlotte Abel is a full time writer that lives near Boulder, Colorado with her husband Pete. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys hiking, bicycling, archery and dog sitting. Previous careers include: dance instructor, jewelry designer and glass artist. "Enchantment," a paranormal coming of age romance, is her debut novel. She plans to publish "Shattered," a romantic thriller set in the remote Sawatch Mountain wilderness of Colorado, in the early spring of 2012.

Book preview

Book Three of The Sanctuary Series

Charlotte Abel

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite online book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2014 Charlotte Abel

All rights reserved.

When I look in your eyes and see so much love shining back at me, how can I doubt anything? When I’m with you, everything is possible. —Jonathan

What people are saying about The Sanctuary Series by Charlotte Abel

I was on pins and needles throughout this whole book. I felt like someone was holding my heart in a vice.—Christina Harris

Charlotte Abel's books always pack an emotional punch; there are quite a few laugh out loud moments, a few shed a tear moments, and plenty of gasp out loud moments.—Megan Barton

chapter one

LIVING A LIE

River

River clung to Jonathan. They’d had five days together alone in the cave but now it was time to leave. Gabriel and Eli were waiting for them at the bottom of the cliff.

Gabriel would take Jonathan home to Reuben’s ranch. She’d go to Sanctuary Mountain with Eli.

Jonathan pressed his forehead against hers. I don’t want to let you go.

I know. She couldn’t let him see how hard this was for her or he wouldn’t let her go. It’s only for a few weeks.

But you’ll be with him. Jonathan growled the word.

River knew he was worried about the blood bond she shared with Eli. I’ll be fine.

I can’t stand the thought of him touching you.

She cupped his cheeks with her palms as she leaned back. I won’t let him touch me when we’re alone, but Eli and I have to convince everyone that we’re a mated pair. So we’re going to have to at least hold hands in public.

That stupid blood bond should help sell the deception.

It will.

Jonathan groaned. Is that supposed to make me feel better?

No, but hopefully this will. River pressed her lips to his.

Jonathan tangled his fingers in her hair and took control of the kiss. He hooked his forearm around the small of her back then jerked her body against his.

River’s eyes fluttered shut.

Hey! What’s taking so long? Eli’s shout intruded.

River pulled back then gave Jonathan a quick peck on the mouth. We need to leave before he decides to climb up here and get us.

Let him. Jonathan’s eyes still glowed with his wolf’s light. It’ll take him at least an hour with that bum knee of his.

Jonathan. River smiled and shook her head. That’s not very nice.

I can think of all sorts of nice things to do while we wait.

Gabriel’s form suddenly filled the opening of the cave, blocking the light. He shouted, Jonathan! then ran inside. He wrapped his long, muscular arms around Jonathan and River then squeezed the air out of both of them.

Jonathan grunted then laughed. Hey, Gabe. It’s good to see you, too.

Gabriel squeezed them even tighter. I’m so glad you aren’t dead.

Jonathan laughed again. Me too.

River squirmed so she could suck in a much needed breath.

Gabe took the hint and let go then gave her a sheepish grin.

She punched him in the shoulder, but did it with a smile. You obviously don’t know your own strength. I think you bruised my ribs.

His eyes widened. He gently pressed his fingertips against her side. Does it hurt?

She batted his hand away. I was joking.

Jonathan grabbed Gabriel and pounded his back the way men often do when they hug each other. I swear you’ve grown at least six inches since the last time I saw you.

Gabriel grinned at him. Pa’s increasing my rations this winter. I’m almost as tall as he is.

You’re almost as broad, too. What have you been doing? Lifting weights?

Why would I do that?

To bulk up and get stronger.

Pounding hot iron in the smithy puts on muscle. And it’s useful.

Are you training to be a blacksmith?

Gabriel pressed his lips together. Pa wants me to be his apprentice. But I want to be an enforcer.

Can’t you do both? Reuben’s an enforcer, isn’t he?

I can’t train for both at the same time. Pa was an enforcer for several decades before he became a blacksmith. He just wants to keep me close so he can control everything I do.

Maybe he wants to keep you close because he loves you and wants to spend time with you. Jonathan’s voice sounded scratchy. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

River wondered if he was thinking about his own father. He hadn’t shared his grief with her during their short reunion but his sorrow from losing him so recently had to be profound.

Hey! Eli’s shout sounded closer. He must have started climbing. Let’s go.

River leaned her head out the opening of the cave to check on him. He was halfway up the avalanche field. What are you doing? You’re going to hurt your knee.

We need to leave. People are already hitting the trails to Sanctuary. We can’t risk someone getting a whiff of you before you scrub Jonathan’s scent off your body.

River hated the idea of losing Jonathan’s scent, but that wasn’t the worst of it. She needed to replace it with Eli’s. And to do that, she’d have to get very close to him. Jonathan wasn’t going to like that one bit. River didn’t like it either. The thought of rubbing her body against Eli’s sickened her. But it would probably appeal to her as soon as she and Jonathan were separated and his presence was no longer blocking the blood bond.

Guilt swept over her like a raging forest fire as she remembered how attracted she’d been to Eli before Jonathan’s return.

Eli took two steps up the slope then slipped on the loose gravel. He screamed as he grabbed his knee then slid and rolled down the avalanche field all the way to the bottom.

Eli! Jonathan flew past her then scampered down the slope like a mountain goat, showering Eli with dust and gravel.

River and Gabriel followed, but moved off to the side to avoid adding their own cloud of debris to Jonathan’s. By the time they got there, Jonathan had already helped Eli to his feet.

He kept his arm wrapped around Eli’s waist. Can you walk?

Give me a minute. Eli bared his teeth as he put weight on his damaged leg.

I thought a brace would help with that.

River noticed the hinged contraption strapped to Eli’s leg.

It helps, but it’s not perfect. Reuben’s still working on the design. Eli sucked in a quick breath then growled at River. Move downwind, woman.

Sorry. I’ll go get the horses. She headed toward the corral she’d built while waiting for Jonathan’s arrival. But a low, threatening growl froze her in her tracks. She turned around and found Jonathan glaring at Eli. Both of them were on the verge of shifting—eyes glowing, teeth bared. Gabriel jumped between them, one hand on Eli’s chest, the other on Jonathan’s. Calm down. Both of you.

Jonathan leaned around Gabriel and glared at Eli. Quit looking at her ass.

Eli’s canine teeth elongated, slurring his speech. I promised I wouldn’t mate with her. I never said I wouldn’t look at her.

Gabriel tightened his fist, bunching the fabric of Jonathan’s tunic.

Jonathan continued to circle, forcing Gabe to turn with him.

River strengthened the connection to her wolf so she’d be ready to shift if things got out of control then wrapped her arms around Jonathan from behind. Stop it. You can’t act like this in front of people.

No one’s here but us.

Eli raised both hands, palms out. His teeth receded. But his eyes continued to glow. River’s right. We have to control our emotions or we’re all dead.

River moved to face Jonathan then slid her fingers through his hair. Are you going to be able to handle this?

I don’t know. The alpha growl in his voice didn’t reassure her.

You can’t glare at Eli as if you’re plotting his murder.

Eli pointed at River. And you can’t stare at him with that dopey expression of utter adoration on your face.

River glared at Eli. I won’t look at him at all when we’re in public.

You may not be able to avoid it. Eli’s eyes finally dimmed to his normal shade of dark brown. It will look just as suspicious if you purposely avoid him.

I can’t stand the thought of you spending so much time alone with Eli while that blood bond is in effect. Jonathan swept River’s hair off her shoulder, running his fingers through it. I’ve seen what it does to him. How will you resist him when I’m not there to provide a buffer for you?

River clasped her hands behind his lower back and gave him a gentle shake. I resisted the blood bond even when I thought you were bound to another woman and I had nothing to lose. There was no reason for me not to mate with Eli, but I didn’t. I didn’t even allow him to kiss me.

Jonathan spoke through gritted teeth. Did he try?

No. River shook her head. Of course not.

Eli glared at Jonathan. I’ve already given you my promise. I’ll add my solemn vow that I will not touch your mate unless necessary.

What do you consider necessary?

River took Jonathan’s face in her hands and forced his attention back to her. Do you trust me?

He nodded.

Then stop growling at Eli.

Jonathan sighed and closed his eyes. When he opened them, all traces of his wolf’s light were gone. Alright. But I still don’t like it.

You don’t have to like it. You just have to deal with it. She slid a hand behind his neck and pulled him closer to whisper in his ear. Or take your rightful place as the promised son of Ephraim.

Jonathan’s body tensed. They’d argued about it, but in the end, River accepted Jonathan’s decision to let Eli continue as the leader of the revolution.

He pressed his forehead against hers. I’ll deal with it.

Jonathan

Gabriel and Jonathan rode all day and all night to get to the ranch in time to prepare for the journey to Sanctuary. Jonathan was so tired he could barely keep himself in the saddle. Gabriel had to be just as tired as he was, if not more so. He’d made the trip from the ranch to the cave then turned around for the return trip without resting. But he never complained.

When they arrived at the ranch, no one was there. They took care of the horses then headed for the cleansing pool, where they found Reuben and Paul.

Reuben was submerged up to his neck in the steaming water. Paul was paddling around like a puppy with his neck stretched out and head tilted back.

Jonathan stepped on a twig, snapping it.

Reuben sat up and jerked his head around. He smiled and waved.

Paul scrambled out of the water and tackled Jonathan. He repeated Gabriel’s greeting. I’m so glad you ain’t dead.

Gabriel and Reuben both said, Aren’t dead, correcting his grammar.

Jonathan tousled Paul’s hair. Hey kid, it looks like Gabriel wasn’t the only one to have a growth spurt while I was gone.

Paul grinned up at him. I got my own bow now and my own horse, too, but I gots to, I mean I have to wait until Stormy’s strong enough to carry my weight before I can ride her but I already got her halter broke.

That’s Sugar’s filly, right?

Yep. And she’s gonna be just as fast as her dam, maybe even her sire. She’ll for sure outrun Gabe’s horse.

Gabriel rolled his eyes. That filly’s never going to beat Lightning.

Gabe’s horse is a gelding so he won’t never sire a foal.

Jonathan tried to keep from showing his surprise that Paul knew so much about reproduction.

Pa cut his balls off.

Um… Jonathan didn’t know what to say to that. Other than ouch.

Fillies don’t have balls so Stormy can’t get hers cut off.

Okaaay. Jonathan looked to Reuben for a little help, but he just shook his head and chuckled.

Gabriel grabbed Paul under the arms then tossed him back into the hot spring.

Paul surfaced, red faced and spluttering. You’re gonna get it now.

Gabriel ignored him and peeled out of his clothes. He lifted the lid of a wooden bench and placed his clothes inside then descended the carved stone stairs into the pool. Jonathan stripped then folded his clothes into a neat bundle, but when he moved towards the storage bench, Reuben shouted, No!

Jonathan froze. What’s wrong?

We’ll need to smoke your clothes for at least a week to get River’s scent out. If you put them in the box with the rest of the clothes, it will contaminate them.

Jonathan didn’t like Reuben’s remark that River’s scent was a contaminant, but he had a point.

River’s scent is on Gabriel’s clothes.

Not like yours.

Jonathan sniffed the bundle. He ignored the smell of his own and his horse’s sweat, the smoky aroma of several campfires and dust from the trail. River’s scent, sweet and slightly spicy like snow covered pine, rushed from his nose straight to his brain. It brought the recent memory of sleeping with her on their bed of pine boughs to the front of his mind. He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. He could almost feel her naked body pressed against his, their arms and legs tangled together. Her hair fanned out on the buffalo hide. Her breath warm on his neck—

Jonathan? Reuben’s voice snapped him back to the present.

He jerked the bundle of clothes away from his suddenly hot face. What do you want me to do with them?

Put them inside the steam cave. Reuben chuckled then coughed, obviously trying to cover it up. He cleared his throat. That’ll start the cleansing process. I’ll take your clothes to the smoke shed when we leave. You can’t touch them again until after they’ve been completely cleansed.

Jonathan’s chest ached when he realized he wouldn’t smell River until he saw her again. And by then, her scent would be mixed with Eli’s. Jonathan struggled with the urge to growl at the thought. He really needed to get a handle on his knee-jerk reactions. He waded into the hot spring and sat on the submerged stone bench next to Reuben. He lowered his voice so Paul wouldn’t hear him. I think I better skip the feast and just stay here.

Why?

I’m afraid of how I’ll react when I see, and smell, River and Eli together.

We’ll discuss it later. Reuben gave Jonathan a pointed look then inclined his head in Paul’s direction. He ignores me ninety percent of the time but has an uncanny talent for hearing and repeating things he shouldn’t.

Jonathan nodded once then ducked below the surface. When he came up, he noticed that River’s scent had diminished. He continued to immerse himself, scrubbing his hair with his fingers until he could no longer smell her. He hadn’t realized just how much comfort her scent provided until it was gone.

Paul climbed all over Jonathan which made him more than a little uncomfortable since they were all naked. Have you ever played Marco Polo?

Paul cocked his head to the side. What’s that?

A game, sort of like hide and seek only everyone has to stay in the water and the person that’s it has to keep his eyes closed.

Paul frowned. How do you catch anyone with your eyes closed?

The person that’s it, calls out ‘Marco,’ and everyone else has to answer ‘Polo.’ You find people by listening.

Paul grinned at him. Can I be it?

Sure.

Jonathan wasn’t surprised when Paul cheated by squinting instead of fully closing his eyes. But he was shocked when Reuben joined in the game.

He and Gabe refused to let Paul catch them. Jonathan could tell the boy was getting frustrated so he slowed down just enough to get tagged. Paul squealed with delight. Gotcha!

Jonathan had to pretend he didn’t know exactly where everyone was. Closing his eyes didn’t hinder him. His wolf-enhanced sense of smell more than compensated for the lack of vision. It didn’t matter since Paul kept shouting, Get me, get me. It was obvious he wanted to be the hunter instead of the hunted.

This time, Reuben let Paul catch him, which delighted the boy.

Reuben closed his eyes and counted to ten while the rest of them moved around the small pool. But instead of calling out, ‘Marco,’ to begin the chase, he inhaled deeply through his nose then lunged at Gabriel.

Gabe dodged him, missing Reuben’s outstretched hand by mere inches, then ducked under water.

Reuben sniffed as he turned his head, obviously searching for Gabriel’s scent. He spun around and lunged at Gabe again when he came up for a quick gulp of air. But once again, narrowly missed him.

When Gabe broke the surface the fifth time, he was too close to Reuben.

Gotcha. Reuben laughed then tousled Gabe’s hair.

About time. Gabe pushed his dripping hair off his forehead. I thought was I going to drown before you caught me.

Gabriel didn’t mess around. He nailed Paul the second after he counted to ten.

You didn’t say Marco.

Gabriel smirked at him. Didn’t need to.

Paul snorted. Don’t pretend you can smell us like Pa can. You ain’t merged yet.

I don’t need to smell you. You make more noise in the water than a drowning chicken.

Paul stuck his tongue out at him. Do not.

Gabriel rolled his eyes.

Reuben frowned at Jonathan. Come here.

What’s wrong? Jonathan swam across the pool.

Reuben pressed a fingertip against Jonathan’s shoulder.

He flinched away from the stinging sensation. The white powder Gabriel had scraped off the bark of an aspen tree was a good sunscreen but it wasn’t waterproof.

Reuben winced. We need to get you out of the sun.

Jonathan sat in the shade while Reuben applied a mudpack to his scorched skin. Paul and Gabriel stayed in the water, playing Marco Polo.

Reuben was gentle, but each swipe of his muddy fingers stung like hell. I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize for Shula’s mistake.

That was no mistake. She tried to kill me.

She claims it was an accident.

She apologized to me as I was dying. She said, and this is a direct quote, ‘I won’t let another woman’s son steal Eli’s place in history.’

Reuben shook his head. She said she was only trying to knock you out so Eli could take you home. I don’t doubt that she was motivated by her desire to promote Eli, but that’s a far cry from attempted murder.

Jonathan knew he wasn’t going to change Reuben’s mind. The only person that could do that was Eli. And he’d never confess his mother’s crimes to Reuben, or anyone else with the authority to punish her.

How important is it that I go to the feast?

It’s crucial.

Why?

It will be the last chance I have to formally claim you as my recruit before Sanctuary closes.

Why not wait until it reopens next summer?

I don’t want to leave you vulnerable for the entire winter.

What do you mean?

Until someone claims you, you’re nothing but a trespasser, an outsider. How long do you think you’ll survive before some civic-minded citizen puts an arrow through your heart?

You mean Shula?

I mean anyone. Jesse has three novices eager to earn their enforcer’s marks. Exterminating an outsider would do that and more.

I can dodge enforcers. I lived with you as River’s recruit for months and never saw a soul.

"Shula quarantined my family to make that happen. I doubt she’d do it again. Besides, the ranch is the secret headquarters for the revolution. People come and go