“I didn’t want you to know just yet because I wasn’t ready to face you. The fault—all of it—lies with me. God, you look so much like her,” he rasps.
I suck in another breath. Tears track down my cheeks, and he reverently brushes them away with his thumb.
“If you’d allow me the chance, I’d very much like to get to know you. To learn about what an incredible woman you’ve become.”
Chewing on my lip, I quickly nod. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
I don’t say it a second time. Because it isn’t a lie—I’d love to get to know him. I’d love to know more about my mother, where I was born, about his life.
It’s not a lie to say okay, because that’s exactly what I want. Only he doesn’t know we’ll never get the opportunity.
I swallow, letting my omega bring me back to a place of calm. Finally, I get the words out. “I would love to get to know you, Kendrick.”
His smile brightens further. “That would be amazing. I can’t wait to share everything with you. My parents, where I came from, your extended family. Some of your mother’s family still lives in my clan. Perhaps you’ll come to visit us there, too, me and Lily. I’ll be here for a while longer, though. In the meantime…”
He releases me and steps away. I quickly wipe the tears from my cheeks and say, “In the meantime, we can take it slow. One day at a time.”
He smirks and tucks his hands into his pockets. So ordinary. He dresses oddly, too. His shirt is gingham plaid—he seems to be very fond of the pattern. I’ve seen him wearing it before, and if this were another day, or hell, another life, I might ask him about it. Tease him for his complete lack of fashion sense, considering his seemingly endless supply of cargo pants. I might ask him why the hell he named me Desdemona, or where I got my wild red hair and constellation of freckles.
But it’s not an ordinary day, or an ordinary life.
“One day at a time. Sounds good. Why don’t Lily and I come by for dinner at the cabin tonight?”
I tense, barely managing a hum in response, and awkwardly lift one shoulder. He misinterprets my answer that I’m not quiteready for that kind of father-daughter bonding, so his smile dims, just a bit, and he nods.
“Alright. Soon, then.”
I step away from the door and open it for him. He steps out, expecting me to follow. I wave toward my red, tear-streaked face. “Just give me a minute.”
He nods in understanding. And, as he has so many times before with all our previous encounters, he hesitates, as if he’s got something more to say. The moment passes. He gently pulls the door shut behind him.
I allow myself one full intake of breath, letting out a shaky exhale.
And then I move.
He isn’t what I expected, Beep says, and I’m grateful for the distraction as I climb onto the desk and click open the window latch.
“Oh yeah? What did you expect?” I whisper as I shimmy the window open and climb out.
I’m not sure. Someone more self-assured.
“You don’t think he was self-assured?” I ask in surprise. I toss the brown bag to the ground before landing on my feet beside it. “Don’t lose my pastries. Seriously, it might be the only food we have for a while.”
I won’t. I know how pathetic a hunter you are from the last time we were on the run.I’m about to sass back, but she continues,Perhaps self-assured was the wrong word. Arrogant, maybe. I expected him to be more arrogant.
Well, it’s a good thing for all the wolves who look to him as their leader, that he isn’t an arrogant asshole. He’s powerful, kind, and surprisingly affectionate. They’re all very lucky to have him in their lives.
As if reading my next thoughts, Beep says encouragingly,Don’t worry. We’ll get to know him someday. It isn’t goodbye forever.
How can you be sure?I ask her, as I creep low to the ground, circling the exterior of the diner.
Just a feeling,she says.
I don’t feel as confident, but I appreciate her words for now. When I get to the truck, I reach one arm over, palming the space until my fingers curl around the nylon fabric and I pull the backpack over the side.
I get it to the ground, open it up and begin stuffing the paper bag full of pastries into it. The fewer things Beep has to carry, the better.
