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Jace
Ikeep my eyes on Danika. She pours a drink for someone across the bar with a smile, but I can tell she feels uncomfortable with my stare heavy on her for the past fifteen minutes. Well, too fucking bad. She’s been ignoring me, and I’m not one to let that kind of disrespect slide. Knowing Danika, she’ll argue that I deserved to be treated like a kid who stole dessert before dinner. I know that too. After my conversation with Nanna, a lot of things have come into light and not in a nice way.
At the beginning, I went crazy trying to find a solution fast. I tried contacting Carli, then calling everyone I knew she was close to—Danika being one of them. When I didn't get a good enough lead, I started to clean my house in an attempt to distract myself. Then I started pacing my newly cleaned floors. Last night, I stopped by Devon’s place to ask him if he figured out where Carli is, but Devon wasn't there and according to the neighbor, he hasn’t been home in a couple of days. That isn't my concern though. I don’t give a shit about his shady business.
When I first started taking an active role in Silver Moon as a young shifter, with the help of the other senior pack members, I learnt how to track people or things using my senses. As an Alpha, I have senses far stronger than anyone else's. I’ve never had to use them.
Until now.
I went to find a scent of Carli, and though it was difficult, it wasn't impossible. She spent a lot of time at the beach house, it was basically her second home. And when she ran away, Carli forgot most of her belongings there. Like her cardigan, her back up diary, lip balm, a claw clip. I took them to my apartment for safekeeping. Now I have a foolproof way of finding her.
I’ll admit, it hurt like hell when her scent seeped through my pores and reminded me of what an idiot I was for letting her go so easily. I was blinded by anger and confusion. Too much happened in too little time, but it wasn’t an excuse. If Nana’s right… I’m not sure how I'll forgive myself for forcing Carli to run away and fend for herself. I’m going to make things right. Even if it takes months or years, I will get her back.
With that intent, I decided to drive to her today. I just needed to ask Danika one last time if she had spoken to Carli recently. It would make things easier.
“I’ll call security on your ass, Jace,” Danika sneers.
Apparently, Danika doesn't like to make things easy for me. Quite the opposite.
“Do I need to remind you security gets their paychecks from me?”
“Fine, I’ll throw you out myself if you don’t stop looking at me like a creep. This is borderline harassment.”
I roll my eyes and exhale with frustration. “I want to ask you once again if you’ve heard from Carli. I was hoping at least this time you’ll give an honest reply.”
Danika flings her washcloth over her shoulder, leans her elbows on the bar and gives me a pointed glare. “I haven’t. I don’t have her number, and I have no idea how she is or where she is. Do you want me to repeat myself until you believe me?”
“She’s alone. And pregnant. And there’s no one she knows by her side.”
Right then, something flickers in Danika’s eyes. Her expression drops, and she shrugs, looking away from me. It only proves she knows something, but doesn't want to tell me. I hope to god she’s in touch with Carli. The thought of her with no friends or family, struggling by herself makes me sick. Especially when remembering it’s my fault.
“Alright.” I push my stool back and stand. “Don’t tell me, but I’ll tell you that I’m going to find her. I won’t be home until I do. If there's a serious business matter, call me. Otherwise, don’t bother contacting me.”
I pick up my things and walk out the door before Danika can reply. When I’m safe inside my car, I press my forehead against the steering wheel and let out a deep sigh. Love has made me such an idiot. I can’t believe it. I take Carli’s cardigan which is crumpled on the passenger seat, and bring it to my nose. After inhaling it, swallowing down my feelings and concentrating on my senses instead, I roll down my windows and turn up the radio.
“I’m coming for you Carli,” I whisper to the whipping winds and take off.
* * *
I can hear her. She’s softly singing a lullaby. I can smell her. Baby powder, and rosemary oil.
I can’t see her yet. From outside her building, I stand under the streetlights, looking through what I assume is her bedroom window. My heart is thudding erratically in my chest. It feels like for the first time in weeks, I’m truly alive. Only Carli’s closeness could make me feel this grounded.
I’m nervous. And tired.
But I’m here.
It took me two days and fourteen hours to get here. Carli, thank god, hid her tracks well. And I did too, to make sure no one followed me so Devon wouldn’t find us here. My clothes smell, my hair is a mess and my muscles ache from not getting proper rest. I camped out inside the car, eating gas station snacks and drinking cold coffee. I look and feel like death, but I have a smile on my face. I haven't realized how much I’ve missed her until now.
It’s well into the night, but there are a few loiterers around me smoking and laughing drunkenly. The environment clearly isn't a safe one. Especially for a pregnant woman to be living alone. I quickly start my way into the building, wanting to make sure Carli’s not hurt in any way. As soon as we resolve our misunderstanding—because I’m sure as hell not leaving her until we do—I’ll get her out of here.
I pause when my hand touches the railing of the staircase.
Okay, so if Carli is carrying Devon’s child, I still wouldn’t leave her alone. I love her no matter what. Maybe the best thing for us both would be time to understand the situation and our feelings. I tip my chin up to the sky and silently pray my grandmother is right about the whole thing. I came here with so much hope and determination, I refuse to break down again with the hurt of being betrayed.
Sniffing, I focus on where Carli is and follow her presence until I’m standing in front of her door. The locks are corroded and the wood looks brittle. I bet if I give one good kick at it, it will fall right down. Shaking my head with irritation, I knock hard. Couldn’t she have gotten a better place to stay at least? What was her plan? I knock again.
“Tiff, I told you I feel fine now,” Carli calls out from the other side. “Passing out is pretty common when you’re pregnant, you know.”
