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In my mind, I’d built images of strict, cruel men who ruled over their pack with iron fists. Aldrich is a polar opposite of what I’d imagined of him. He’s amazingly kind, relaxed, and cheerful.
“Thanks,” I say, smiling brightly. “I’ll come and visit you more often.”
Everyone stares at me with varying degrees of surprise in their eyes.
I grin shyly and take a sip of my coffee.
It feels good to be around my mates’ pack. They’re so welcoming, that I forget about the reasons I’d been hiding away from them in our little cottage.
After the incident with Jake and Senator Vaughn, I’m determined to relish my hard-earned freedom. I won’t let my trauma hold me back from the happiness I’ve been given. I’m going to cherish these wonderful people who’ve come into my life and make new memories with them.
18
Seth
It’s late evening as I cross the front atrium of the military headquarters in Jersey City. Since I’ve been able to wrap up all my meetings for the day, I’m heading home.
“Seth, hold on a moment,” a familiar voice calls out from behind me.
Turning around, I find my eldest dad walking toward me. He’s holding a large bouquet of roses in one hand and a basket of muffins in another.
“Hey, Dad,” I greet him. “What’s up?”
“Are you heading home now?”
“Yeah, I’m done for the day.”
“Give this to your mom for me,” he says, handing me the bouquet. “And, give the muffins to Rory.”
Surprise flickers through me. “You got something for Rory too?”
“I want to make the kid feel safe among us,” he says with a concerned look on his aging face. “She’s suffered horrendously in the Black Widow’s hands. I’m not surprised she feels scared and threatened among strangers.”
“You’re not a stranger, Dad,” I say, wishing he wouldn’t misunderstand Rory’s feelings. “Rory’s just built up an image of you where she thinks you’re harsh and strict. As time goes by, she’ll see that it’s not true. She’ll see how much we care for everyone in our pack.”
He nods. “We must make the effort to prove that to her. That’s why I bought the muffins for her. On my way, I found a shop selling these red roses. So, I got them for Val.”
“Mom would love them,” I say, staring at the huge crimson blooms. “By the way, why don’t you give them to her when you get home? She’d be happier to receive them from you.”
“I’m going to be staying here for a couple more hours,” he says, looking suddenly exhausted. “The flowers will wilt if I leave them lying around in my office. Since you’re going home, just take them.”
“All right, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I nod respectfully toward him before turning away.
A cool breeze blows by, wafting the heady fragrance of roses into my nostrils. I inhale deeply before making my way toward the parking lot.
Reaching my truck, I open the door and place the basket and bouquet on the passenger seat. From the corner of my eye, I spot a man in the far distance, talking on the phone. It’s not unusual for people to be taking calls outside the office but something about him alerts me.
My gaze roves around the nearly deserted parking area before falling on the stranger. His eyes meet mine as he continues to furtively talk on his phone.
I climb inside my truck and close the door behind me. Even through the distance between us, I find the man continuing to stare at me.
Stepping on the gas, I drive the truck and head toward the exit gates of the military campus. Anger simmers in my veins as I realize we still have traitors amongst us. Someone is using people with access to our headquarters to spy on me.
As my truck moves through the city’s traffic, I notice two cars following me. Their hard, muted metal bodies and tinted windows are in contrast to the other SUVs on the road. My suspicion grows but before I take my next step, I decide to test them.
I slow down my car but they don’t bother overtaking me. As we move through the streets, I shift my truck to the side, giving them plenty of opportunities to pass by me, but they continue to stay behind me.
Grabbing my Bluetooth earpiece, I push it into my ear before calling Oliver’s phone.
