“Show me which one you like.” Jeremy takes my hand, tugging me forward. Thankfully, Tristan moves with us.
We look at the whole display of blades, finally settling on a practical, sturdy model. It’s not as fancy as some of the other pocket knives, but sometimes the best blade is the simplest.
“We have one more stop,” Tristan says after he pays with a piece of rectangular plastic. I just stare at it, not wanting the employee to know that I don't understand what it is or how it works.
We walk down the road, Tristan on one side and Jeremy on the other. I hold the beta’s hand, enjoying the cool afternoon air against my skin. I’m weirdly flushed, too hot. It must be all the new sights and sounds. I’m not used to so many people.
Tristan stops in front of a glass door, pulling it open for me and Jeremy. Looking around I can’t figure out what this place sells. There’s nothing here. No racks or shelves. No clothes or wares. There’s just a single counter with a gray-haired beta behind it. I look all around, realizing the walls are lined with little metal doors that all have keyholes in them.
“Tristan!” the beta greets him with a smile, shaking his hand. “How are things?” He slips his thumbs under his suspenders, pulling them out, then up. “Is everyone healthy?”
“We’re all doing great, Mr. Pornus,” Jeremy answers. “How’s Mrs. Pornus?”
“Ellie is fantastic.” The beta smiles even wider and deep wrinkles etch around his eyes. “What can I do ya for?” he asks Tristan.
“I need to send these out.” The sexy alpha pulls a few letters from his back pocket, sliding them across the counter.
The older beta happily takes them, placing them into a large metal basket on the floor behind him. “Anything else, gentlemen?” He looks from Jeremy to Tristan.
“I’m also wondering if you can help me find an address.” Tristan leans against the counter. I stare at his ass. It’s hugged just right in those jeans. A fresh wave of heat flashes and I clear my throat roughly.
“Of course.” The beta nods firmly. “I know everyone in these parts.”
“My omega wants to write to her mother, but doesn't know her parent’s address.”
I blink repeatedly, trying to process what he just said. “What?” I turn to Jeremy. “I can write to my mom?” I’m sure he thinks it's a stupid question, but I to make sure I heard him correctly.
“Yup,” Jeremy chirps.
“I’m glad to help, young lady,” Mr. Pronus squints at me, leaning in. “What’s your pack’s name?” He pulls a pair of glasses out of his breast pocket, pushing them up onto his very round nose.
“Burke Rasier.” I inch a little closer to the counter, resting my hands on top of it. “His mates are Tony Finish, Scott Doner, and their omega is Deanna.”
“I’m sorry, dear. I don’t know the Raiser pack.” But Mr. Pronus is still staring at my face. There’s a hint of recognition there. Like he’s trying to place me. “What’s your name?”
“Beth,” I say, wondering how that might help. No one knows who I am.
“Beth?” His magnified eyes study every inch of my face. “Oh.” The beta’s eyes suddenly go wide, and he snaps his head to Tristan.
“What is it?” the burly alpha asks.
Mr. Pronus presses his thin lips into a line, before pushing out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Tristan.” He walks to one end of his little counter, reaching for something on a board. He pulls a piece of paper off a tack, ripping the top. “I think someone is looking for your girl.” He slides the piece of paper across the counter.
Tristan stares at it for half a second, but apparently that’s all he needs. “Shit.” His eyes snap to Jeremy.
“What is it?” Our beta asks.
But Tristan doesn’t say, he just hands over the paper. I stand on my tiptoes, leaning into Jeremy’s side as he reads it. And my heart drops.
Then there’s a picture of me. The only one I remember ever taking. I had just turned sixteen. I still pretty much look thesame. My cheeks were fuller and my hair was shorter, but this picture is undeniably me.
“Who gave you this flier?” Tristan snatches the paper away from Jeremy, holding it up to Mr. Pronus. He sounds pissed, making me take a step back.
“An older alpha,” Mr. Pronus sounds sad as he looks down at me. “He said he was her father.”
Fear slams into me like a punch to the gut, and my hands begin to shake. If Burke finds me, he’ll kill Killian and his pack. I don’t care if he hurts me, but not them. They’re too good. Too kind. I would never forgive myself.
“When was he here last?” Tristan asks.
