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I swallow a lump in my throat as I recall Jake’s warning when he hung up on my mother, but there’s no way she could have traced me here. Not that quickly.
Or does my stepfather have other resources?
“I need to leave,” I say.
Nobody knows the real reason I came to this small town. Nobody knows of my history or that I’m running away from my stepfather because I don’t want to be sold.
“Can I make a private call in your kitchen?” I ask Grace. Glancing at the man in the car outside as he looms like a predator, waiting to strike.
Her eyes flicker around my face before she says, “Is everything okay?”
I take a deep breath, schooling my features into an expression of calm indifference. “Just some personal stuff,” I reply, hoping it’ll suffice.
Grace nods, her face softening with concern. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
I thank her with a small smile and make my way to the kitchen.
My heart pounds in my chest as I think of my past and the terrible things I’ve kept hidden. But I can’t help but wonder if it’s safe to be here anymore.
Picking up the phone, I call Jake, he answers within seconds and I describe the situation.
“Can you meet me here?” I ask, praying he can get out of his studies. “My car is out the front. Can you drive to the back of the cafe?”
“I’m not far. It’ll be a few minutes.” The concern in his voice is unmistakable.
He disconnects the call. I sit down at the small wooden table. My eyes stay locked on the door to the kitchen while I silently pray that my past isn’t sitting outside and very much in my present.
“You know, you’re never really alone here.” Sienna’s tone is soft as she places a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve got me and Grace, and we’d do anything for you.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I swallow hard, trying to hold them back. “I don’t want to put you in danger.” Giving her some idea of the danger I brought to this small town.
She nods. “We’re your family now,” she reminds me. “And we’ll protect you no matter what.”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. This town had become my haven, and I couldn’t bear the thought of losing it. I want to trust Sienna and Grace, but it isn’t only about that, especially since finding out that Grace is an omega, and I don’t want her coming to any harm because of me.
“I can’t help but feel it’s me being watched.” My voice cracks with emotion.
Grace looks at me, her eyes full of concern. “You could stay at my house if you’re really scared.”
I force a smile. I’m already staying in the safest house that I’ve ever lived in.
A rattle on the back door makes me jump. I spin and see Jake at the window.
My body trembles, and I fear I’m stuck to the spot.
Sienna rushes to the door and opens it. “We’ll go back into the shop and make sure they stay outside. I’ll call you if the car moves.”
“Thanks,” I say as Grace and Sienna slip into the shop as Jake steps inside the kitchen.
His face etched with worry as he waits for me. “I got here as fast as I could. What’s going on?”
I stand up, trying to gather my nerves, and I can feel the anxiety coursing through my veins. “We need to go back to the house. I need to speak to Walker.” I glance past his shoulder, not wanting to look at his face, but I catch it anyway.
I hate seeing a disapproving look on his face, but that’s exactly what I see.
“I’m sorry, Jake, but he knows what to do. And I’m sorry, you’re right, I shouldn’t have called my mom.”
“I doubt this is to do with her or your stepfather. You’re right, it’s too early. But you need to feel safe.” He concedes.
