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I've never laughed so much or relaxed so much. We spend three lazy days, idling with books in our hands in between meals and playing with Lexie in the backyard. I barely think about Brad and Nicole, worry about what they're up to distant when we’re ensconced safely behind Ryder's walls.
It's the first real time off I've had since I moved to this town months ago and I hadn't realized how much I need it.
Getting to be as happy as this feels almost like a trap. Like I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It can't be this easy, can it?
The other shoe drops sooner than I expected.
I’d forgotten a special event I’d had scheduled for Monday evening, so I left Lexie there with the guys to run it.
In the middle of a workshop with a group of omegas enjoying acrylic pours, an unfamiliar beta walks into my studio.
"Hi there, can I help you?" I ask.
He nods. “I’m looking for Moira Baker.”
"That's me."
He holds out a large envelope. "You've been served."
I accept the packet, smearing bright colors onto it. "What?"
"Have a good day." He spins on his heel and strides out, leaving me staring after him with dread thickening in my chest.
One of the omegas clears her throat, reminding me I'm in the middle of a workshop and don't have the luxury of breaking down at the moment.
I shove the envelope into my apron pocket for now and turn to them with a fake smile and humiliation burning in my cheeks. "Sorry about that. Now, where were we?"
Thankfully, the group of omegas don't poke me with their clear curiosity, focusing instead on the art they're making.
The workshop drags on for what seems like forever, the envelope burning in my pocket. There's only one thing it could be, but I'm trying to convince myself it's something else.
Anything else.
Even though I've been waiting for it, expecting it, my stomach churns and my throat burns. I knew things were going too well. As soon as I get the slightest taste of happiness, the universe seems determined to snatch it away.
Once the omegas finally finish and my studio is quiet and empty again, I pull the envelope out with shaking hands, stomach dropping as I see the court date scheduled for just a few days from now.
How the hell did they manage that?
They're suing for full custody and charging me with kidnapping.
What the hell?
My lungs squeeze and black spots appear before my eyes as panic takes over. I can't breathe. I'm going to lose my daughter. They're going to take her and ruin her, just like they ruined me.
"Moira? Moira, you need to breathe. Come on. Breathe for me. Shit."
The words sound far away, the voice familiar, but not quite enough to fully pierce through the fog.
"Sorry for this."
Pain flares in my cheek, making me gasp, oxygen returning to my lungs.
"Sorry! So sorry. I know that's not the best thing to do for a panic attack, but you literally stopped breathing and I panicked."
The haze finally clears and Aurora's worried face is the first thing I see.
"Fuck." I croak the word.
