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“Thanks,” he says, his smile growing warmer. “Now, here’s the most important thing I wanted to tell you.”
He clears his throat before continuing in a gentle voice. “Not every new person you meet is going to hurt you. I know it’ll be a while before you can trust anyone. You should definitely give yourself the time you need to heal from the trauma you went through but don’t alienate the people who want to help you. You’re a beautiful, strong woman, Rory. People will always want to be your friend.”
Reaching out, he gently caresses my head. “Take care of yourself, Rory.” The gesture is so tender, I can’t help but close my eyes. His warm scent pervades my sense, making me feel safe in his presence.
But all too soon, Seth withdraws.
I grasp the suitcase’s handle and stare at him. He gives me a firm nod before stepping further away from me. I want to thank him for everything he’s done for me but the choke in my throat keeps me from speaking a single word.
He gives me a small smile before hurrying back to the truck.
Before my eyes, he starts the truck and drives down the street, leaving me standing under the shades of the trees that dot the gateway to my dad’s house. It’s hard for me to believe that he’s truly gone.
Seth never asked anything in return for rescuing me from the hell Jake sent me to. He didn’t even ask me to pay him back for all the expensive stuff he bought me.
I’ll protect you, Rory, Seth’s words echo in my mind.I’ll keep you safe and when this is all over, I’ll take you home.
“You kept your promise,” I whisper as a warm breeze blows, bringing me one last whiff of his rosemary scent.
16
Aurora
A cool breeze passes by, blowing my dark strands into my eyes. It’s already been a while since Seth drove away but I’m still standing in the driveway instead of heading inside the house.
“Hey, Rory! Long time no see!” A male voice calls out to me.
Turning around, I see Mr. McCarley walking toward me. He’s a seventy-year-old veteran who lives in the neighborhood with his wife and two chocolate labs. My dad’s been friends with him for years, so we’ve been close to him and his family.
The dogs let out excited barks and pull at their leashes until Mr. McCarley walks toward me. They trot around me, their tongues hanging out as they excitedly sniff at my knees and heels.
“Hey, that tickles,” I say, leaning down to pat their heads.
“Goodness, Rory,” Mr. McCarley gasps. “What have you been doing to yourself? You’re all skin and bones, kid.”
Straightening up, I force a smile on my lips. “You think, Mr. McCarley? I’ve been on this diet lately but I’m not sure whether it’s working.”
The old veteran shakes his head. “There’s no need for you to be on a stupid diet. You were never fat, to begin with, sweetie. Stop following these goddamn diets that are making perfectly healthy kids sick.”
Mr. McCarley goes on a rant while his dogs enjoy my pats.
I silently breathe out a sigh of relief. Mr. McCarley has watched me grow up on these streets. My clothes and loud makeup have fooled him into thinking I’m still the same old spoiled omega he’s known all his life.
“I should go in now,” I say, interrupting the elderly man’s rage about fad diets. “I’m exhausted from my trip back home.”
“Oh,” he says, noticing the suitcase beside me. “Where’d you go?”
“Cancun,” I blurt without a thought.
He raises a thick eyebrow. “Didn’t you step out on the beach at all? You didn’t even get a lick of tan on you.”
Chuckling awkwardly, I attempt to keep a straight face. The sun’s rays haven’t kissed me for over three months and no amount of makeup is enough to hide the ghastly paleness of my skin.
I can’t lie about having gone to some exotic Mexican destination, I decide, grabbing the handle of my suitcase. “I’ll see you around, Mr. McCarley,” I say, giving the dogs one last pat before turning around and hurrying toward the house.
I look up at the tall four-storied Victorian-era house beyond the tall gates. The familiar sight of the pink-painted double-hung windows sends a rush of warmth through me. My mom was the one who painted them that shade of rich fuchsia. Dad left them like that even though she’s been gone all these years.
Leaving my suitcase by the front door, I venture down the lawn to reach the backyard.
