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Ellie told me about my mom after things with Morgan had quieted down. I wasn’t surprised, and now that the family was broken up, I had no reason to go back home.
Not that my father didn’t try. Everyone was always trying to get a hold of me, and I was avoiding them all like the plague—everyone except the people here in this town.
Lockwood had been a sanctuary for Micah and then for Ellie, and now for me. I just wished it truly felt like I’d escaped, that I had started over fresh. All I’d managed to do so far was fail at every turn.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Ellie soothed, gently wiping at the tears that had started falling from my eyes. I didn’t even realize I was crying. I started blinking them away and swiped angrily at my face.
“It’s not,” I said. “And I don’t want to get just an entry-level job. I want to make something of myself. I want to do more, be more, and I don’t want anyone’s help doing it.”
“I get it,” Ellie said, “but I think you’re approaching this wrong. Go finish your degree, do what you want to do, Tori. There’s nothing holding you back now, nothing but you.”
The conversation ended as Kat and Shaye pulled up.
Shaye was still new to the group and pretty shy around us still, but I liked having her around. She was good for Micah, and now that she’d been here and worked through some of her own demons, she fit right in.
“Don’t worry, I grabbed some sparkling juice for you,” I teased Shaye. Her hand went to her belly, and she smiled up at me. “Thanks, Tori. That was sweet.”
“How goes the campground life?” I asked. We’d all stayed out at Camp Willow, the old campground that they'd redone for not only themselves but family gatherings. It was nice out there, even though I wasn’t really into the rustic life. Then again the home they built was anything but rustic. It was gorgeous and had one hell of a view.
“Exhausting,” she admitted. “They don’t let me help with anything now, and I’ve been pouring myself into this new game venture.”
“Details,” Ellie demanded, and they were off discussing the intricacies of designing video games and the new levels they were adding to Locked Inn, the one her mate created for her before he died.
Kat narrowed her eyes at me, clearly detecting my mood without me having to say anything. I just gave a quick shake of my head and grabbed the wine before heading inside.
Bear was walking down the stairs with the baby monitor in his hand, smiling down at it.
“Is she out?” I asked, my smile falling. He nodded, setting it on the counter.
“Sprawled out like a starfish,” he chuckled, turning the monitor my way. My chest warmed at the sight of my sweet niece sprawled out just like he said. She was perfect.
“Then I’d say you earned this wine, Papa Bear,” I teased as I went to the cabinet and grabbed out a collection of wine glasses.
Though, I grabbed one without a stem for Shaye so we didn’t risk her getting it mixed up with the others.
Everyone filed in and we started sipping our wine while Ellie and Bear handled the pizza order.
The moment the conversation stalled, Kat was looking back at me.
“So, Tori, any more stalker problems?”
“I deleted another message today,” I admitted, taking a long pull of my wine. “He’s relentless.”
“He’s your scent match,” Ellie countered. “He isn’t just going to let you go like that.”
“Does he know where you live?” Bear asked. I could see the concern already etching along his face, and I shook my head, reassuring him quickly. “No, he doesn’t, thank god. Right now, it’s just social media and the crashing of my dates, but I stopped using that app, so I’m safe for now.”
“You haven’t blocked him?” Ellie asked.
“Oh, I did on at least ten profiles now. This number is new as well but it doesn’t matter.”
“Have you ever told him that you’re just not interested? Can he just not take a hint?” Shaye questioned.
“No,” I admitted. I left the ‘I’m a coward’ unsaid. They didn’t need to know that I’d barely said a few words to my scent match after those first few dates, that I said I’d give it a shot before I simply tucked tail and ran.
It was even harder to admit that I was simply terrified, not just of commitment but of trusting another alpha in my life.
Chapter
