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Just like that, my eyes fly open and I shift upwards to face him. “No.”
Jace cocks an eyebrow. “Alright, I mean I know you haven't known them for long so that’s under—”
“No, I mean. I’m not going back to Rockport.”
“Ever?” he asks as if he’s afraid of my answer.
I look down at my lap and think. I wish I could say yes to that because I really don’t want to go back. I love it here. It might be small and tight knitted, but it makes me feel safe. Rockport always will make me feel on edge, like I’m being hunted down at every turn. When I glance up at Jace, his gaze has softened, patiently waiting for me to elaborate.
“Jace, I thought I’d never see you again. Or step foot in Rockport. It took a lot of time for me to leave the past behind me and make a future for myself here. I don’t want to go back. The thought scares me.”
“But I’m there for you, Carli. You won’t be alone.” Jace takes my hand in his.
“I know. If I’m here, I don’t need to worry if you’re there with me or not. I’m safe either way. And Devon….” I let the subject hang.
Jace's throat bobs in understanding. It’s difficult for both of us, I know. We just got each other back and now I want distance between us because I don’t want to face certain people or situations. Jace only recently found out I’m carrying his child and I know it must be hard to think of leaving me behind.
“Devon,” he nods. “He’s no longer part of Silver Moon, but I can’t make him leave Rockport.”
The long distance would be worth it if Devon doesn’t find me here. And maybe Beth needs some time to heal before watching Jace and I together.
“I don’t want to see him. He promised he’ll hurt me and I want to stay undercover until I give birth at least. There are too many risks.”
“Okay,” Jace cups my cheek. “I’ll take being apart from you a few days a week than Devon going anywhere close to you. You stay here, and I’ll visit as much as I can without raising any suspicions.”
“Are you sure you can do that? I mean, from what I know of Devon he has some messed up ways of getting information. It wouldn’t be new if he tracked your every movement. Or is threatening someone else to do it.”
With a huff, Jace rubs the bridge of his nose. “He’s been doing shit like that,” he says. “Danika called me this afternoon and said Devon was found interacting with other pack members. Not just one pack, but many like he wants the inside scoop of all of them. You’re right, he has a way of getting things done and winning undeserved trust.”
“Funny how everyone thinks you’re a dick but then they get friendly with Devon.” I roll my eyes, and Jace smiles at that.
“I’m the Alpha, even my own pack members might think I’m a dick cause I have to make the tough decisions. Devon is slimy, putting on a fake good guy mask until he sucks people dry and leaves them to ruin.”
“He almost got me,” I smile sadly back, thinking of how close I came to ruins when I was with him. After all, Devon did tear Jace and I apart so effortlessly by just making us misunderstand each other. How many other lives has he destroyed like that? I can’t even imagine.
“But he didn’t, and I won’t let it happen again.” Jace leans in to kiss me. “We should make a plan so we know what we’re doing and are a step ahead of him. Like phone calls. I’ll get us a burner cell, and try to get an undetected number for you just in case. If Devon ever finds you, you should be prepared for that too, okay?” Jace tips my chin up to meet my eyes clearly. “I won’t let anything happen to you or our child, Carli, but just for the sake of my sanity, to know you’re okay, you’ll need a weapon.”
“I’ll tell Jonah,” I say, waving it off because I want this topic to end now. The bile in my stomach rises when I think of my child in danger and Jace being so far away.
“I’ll speak to Jonah before I go, but if he’s not there as well, something needs to be kept here at all times. Something you can use.” Jace’s eyes dart away as he thinks. “I’m sure Danika can get something done. I had a list of hidden weapons somewhere in my office. If I can get a hold of that and get Tax to set up a good security system here…”
“Can we stop talking about the risks, please?” I slump back, moving Jace’s arm and tucking myself under it. “I know I could be in danger, but let’s focus on the possibility that Devon doesn't find me, okay? Everything has been alright so far.”
I can tell Jace wants to discuss this further, but he pinches his lips into a tight line. “It’s just…” He sighs before continuing. “I know you’re safe here, but you would be safer at the beach house in Rockport too, right? It’s not under Beth’s name anymore and I could add yours under ownership and you could stay there. Nan could stay with you if you like, and so would Danika. You could redecorate the nursery?”
“Jace,” I turn to him with pleading eyes. “Please don’t push me on this.”
He studies me. “I’m sorry.”
“You miss home, do you?”
“I missed you more, Carli,” Jace whispers, and my heart clenches.
He’s telling the truth but avoiding saying more. Like he really does miss Rockport. His routine and his office and his pack. It’s just been a day with me here, but how much can he do from this small place called Nowhere? Jace has always been a busy, doing something rather than sitting still. Although from what I heard from Danika, there had been a few days where Jace barely moved to even eat.
He’s lived in Rockport his whole life, and I’m not asking him to leave it behind for me. But maybe to leave me behind for a while until I figure out what I want and what I should do for myself and my kid. Right now, I’m confused and it tires me to think more of it.
“Why don’t you go back in the morning?” I say, trying to keep the emotions at bay.
