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He wouldn’t be getting a second chance. I wasn't the forgiving type. Not to mention, my pseudo-brother Ezra would rip him limb from limb if he even dared to show his face here. Ezra had been there to pick up my broken, jaded pieces.
I came out on the other side, stronger than ever, but thanks to the trauma I’d faced, a lot more cynical. Bullying would do that to a girl.
“I’m going to need an emergency girls’ night,” I said. My voice shook slightly and Ellie couldn’t help but tackle me in a hug. I managed to barely keep us upright. My laughter helped ease the panic growing within me, but not by much.
“Sold. I can actually drink again, too,” Ellie sang out.
“It’s half off margaritas at our usual spot,” Katya said excitedly. “Sign me up.”
We were forced to focus on our jobs as the after-work crowd started filtering in. It was our busiest time of day and I’d never been more grateful for a distraction.
By the time closing time rolled around I was even more paranoid than before. Maybe it was the prospect of going outside that got to me, but I could feel those eyes on me again.
“Hey, it’s going to be alright,” Ellie said softly. “Let me call Ez.”
“No,” I started to protest but she was already on her phone and talking to him before I could say more.
My cousin made it down the block and through the door before she’d even hung up the call.
“What happened?” He demanded. “Who’s following you?”
Ezra and I fought like siblings but I loved how he had my back. Though I’d never admit to that out loud. I wasn’t the type for sappy emotions if I could avoid them.
“It’s fine, just some creep stalking me,” I said, trying to play it off. His eyebrows rose and he crossed his arms. I narrowed my eyes in response, poking him in the chest. “Don’t you use that alpha bullshit on me.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Stubborn as ever. I swear, your future pack better be thick skinned.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Fuck that. I don’t do packs.”
His laughter had me storming out of the door but he didn’t let me get far.
“Stop. You know I was just as stubborn," he protested. "Look at me now."
"Aw, I know, you grew up so fast," I cooed. He didn't respond to my snark and I was glad. It wasn't that I was looking for a fight, I just didn't know what the fuck to do. I lived alone and had a strange man following me.
"Hey, it's okay to not be alright. This is scary shit. We didn't let Ellie out of our sight when the Forrest pack came for her, we won't let whoever this asshole is get to you," he promised. His mate came with a history, that was for sure. She was rejected on live television and moved away. She found her mates here in Lockwood, but the pack that rejected her hated the negative press they earned by being dicks on TV. When they came for her we all made sure she was safe. That was the benefit to living in a small town, we were surrounded by loyal people.
"Maybe I'll stay at mom and dad's," I mumbled. We both knew that wouldn't be easy for me. That and our dad would flip out and tear apart the town on my behalf.
"Good," he offered as he pulled out his phone. "Change of plans." He said the last part to the omegas a few feet behind us. At least my best friends weren't hovering and eavesdropping. It made me feel a lot less vulnerable. An omega had to keep her dignity at least.
"What are we doing?" Kat asked.
Ezra stopped walking and turned, calling someone on the phone.
"Hey, Aunt Val. We've got a situation. You mind if we crash your place for dinner. It's important." He listened to my mom for a moment before ending the call.
"Let's go. My truck will fit the four of us," Ezra said. "Gabe can handle the diner, let me just let him know. Stay with her." The order was for my friends and I bit back my attitude. He was only trying to help. Not everyone was out to hurt me, especially not them. That was a reminder that I had to repeat in my head often.
Maybe there was some merit in therapy. I clearly needed it.
By the time Ezra was back out, we were already waiting in his truck. He didn't press any further as he pulled away from the curb.
My heart stopped when a black car pulled from a side road to follow us. It wouldn't have bothered me if not for the fact it was the same car as earlier.
"There they are."
Ezra's face hardened and he glanced in the rearview mirror, cursing under his breath as he started looping the street. We passed my parents house at least three times before the car gave up and pulled away.
