Emily, however, isn’t amused. “No, you’re an idiot because you think no one would hurt if something happened to you! How the hell do you think we all felt when you went missing?! We didn’t just sit around and wait for you to come back. We worried. We cried. We searched. We banded together. We fucking lost sleep. Your mother was devastated. Your father was ready tostart a war! Anders prepared to kill anyone who hurt you. My father, my brothers, Charlie, Uncle Chris, all the guards would have been right there with him, too. You have no idea how it affected all of us, especially me!” She grabs Jessica by the arm and pulls her into a ferocious hug. “You are our fucking family, too!”
Jessica buries her face into Emily’s shoulder and wraps her arms around her. Emotions and tears on everyone’s faces say a lot about this woman, who appeared one stormy night and tornadoed her way into our hearts.
I shake my head. My sister and my girl—so different and yet so similar. She will always bemygirl, will always bemyfamily.
Ean bumps my shoulder. “We got this. Xavier is ready when you are. No rush. All of your belongings are packed in the car.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m not one for sentiment, but should you change your mind, you will always be welcomed back home. You’re our family, too.”
I crack a thin smile and hold out my hand to him.
He looks down at it and frowns. Gripping my forearm, he pulls me into a hug. “Brother, safe travels, and keep in touch. Don’t forget family always has each other’s back.”
I slap him on the back and nod. Pulling back, I guess it’s my time to go. I turn for one last look at my girl, who cries in Emily’s arms. She lifts her head as if she can sense my stare. I mouth the words, “I love you.”
Then, I quickly turn away, not waiting for her response, for her rejection, for her tears. Because I fear I will tear her from Emily and kiss her senseless until I convince myself I shouldn’t leave.
I still need to find Luke. I walk down the hall leading to the private quarters and offices when I hear loud voices.
“Luke, calm down!” Nathan booms in his commanding tone.
“Calm down?! They threatened her. We can’t just let this go!”
“We aren’t. However, we must proceed cautiously with the Alpha from Territory Six. Now, he has Territory Three involved. Our hands are tied.”
“This is bullshit. We can’t let them get away with this kind of crap, not just because of Jessica, but for everyone else they hurt. We have to stop them!”
“I completely agree, but as the Alpha King, I can’t simply execute every asshole who exists. What they do in their own territory is out of my hands.”
“This was done on our territory! You’re going to stand behind political bullshit?!”
Good for Luke. I give him credit for his stance. I’m not sure what I would do if in his shoes. I know what Iwantto do.
I turn to leave, knowing Luke won’t exit that room until he reaches a satisfactory outcome. He will do what’s right by Jessica—well, I hope so. My mind wanders back to when she ran out of the mansion, scared and frantic and still reassuring me it was fine. I still want to discuss it with Luke, but for now, I’ll leave it alone.
Maybe I should talk to Sodie before I go. He wasn’t on the balcony when I left, so I search for him. I find him outside on the phone.
“No! You fucked up, twice! You were supposed to keep her there. How the hell did you let her escape?!”
What the hell? Is he referring to Jessica?
“All I know is that when you get into the recruit program, you do your job. There’s been a change in plans. I won’t be here like I planned, which is why you were supposed to take her?—”
Take her? Was he part of Jessica’s kidnapping? We never really figured who was responsible. Hell, so much shit remains unfinished. How can I leave her now? How can I keep her safe if I am not here to protect her?
“She won’t remember you. She doesn’t even remember me.”
Remember him? From her past, before she came here?
“Stop sniveling. I can’t help you. I’m already in enough shit! Well, figure it out. You’re on your own. I’m done talking.” He disconnects the call and pockets his phone.
I retreat deeper into the shadows and watch him leave. I debate whether to follow and confront him. A hand on my shoulder stops me before take a step. Adopting a defensive stance, I whip around.
“Whoa! I didn’t mean to startle you,” Shadow says. His hands raise in front of him in a nonthreatening manner.
I loosen my posture, slightly, not completely lowering my guard.
