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"He left," Lydia says. "Go on. Go home and rest."
I hesitate before looking at Adam. "You go on ahead. I want to talk to Healer Lydia."
He raises his brow but nods. Once he's out of earshot, I let out a shaky breath before looking at the woman, who's shown me more kindness than I've ever experienced in my lifetime.
"Please be careful."
When she blinks at me, I muster up my courage and continue, "I always wanted someone to take a stand for me, but right now, I'm terrified of what could happen to you. So, please be careful, and watch your back."
"Cynthia," Lydia's brows knit into a troubled frown, "what're you talking about?"
I look down at my feet for a heartbeat before sighing and meeting her gaze, "You've pissed off both Jonathon and Norman today. They won't take kindly to that. So, please. Watch your back. And…" It's hard to say the next part, but I try, "…don't bother yourself with someone like me. Thank you for everything, but I won't be coming again. It's better for you if we don't meet again."
"Cynthi––"
"I have to go."
I turn around, hurrying to the other exit I see. I have no plans of letting Adam drive me to my apartment.
I begin walking, my head aching with everything that has happened. It's dark outside now, and I prefer the darkness. Easier to not be recognized. It's cold outside since it's late October, and I wish I hadn't left my jacket in the car.
I can probably grab the train to the station closest to mine, but the subway station is still a good hour's walk from here. It would have been so easy to go along with everything the healer was doing for me, but I can't forget the way Jonathon looked at her. Unlike healers, alphas are more dangerous. Despite her stern nature, Lydia is a gentle soul who probably sees the best in the world. Jonathon can hurt her. And he will if it means he gets to protect his reputation. To the whole pack, he is a generous and kind-hearted benefactor, taking a girl with no prospects for the future into his home to give her a better life. My presence in his home boosted his status in the eyes of others.
I stumble forward, feeling weary. All this time, I kept wishing someone would take a stand for me, that someone would protect me, and when that moment came, it hit me that the protection would come at a cost. My blood debt wouldn't disappear, but my protector would be placed in the crosshairs of the Moore family.And Lydia,desperate tears burn my eyes as my teeth grind together,doesn't deserve that.
I don't know what this means for me. Will I forever be enslaved? I come to a halt as I stare down at the water flowing under the bridge I'm walking on.
What am I going to do?
Is this what my life is always going to be like?
My hands curl on the railing of the bridge as I stare down at the dark water below.
What's the point then?
If I can't be happy, if I can't be free, then what am I doing?
My foot lifts to step on the stone pillar when someone grabs my arm, yanking me back. I come face-to-face with a wide-eyed Adam. For a moment, I think I see fear in his eyes, but then he growls at me, "What the hell were you about to do?"
"W-What?" I stammer, taken aback by his burst of temper.
"I asked what you were planning to do right now?"
I look back at the railing before turning to him. "Nothing. I was just climbing on the pillar to sit on the railing."
He gives me a rough shake. "Do you realize how dangerous that is?"
However, it looks like he doesn't completely believe me as he drags me away from the sidewalk. "Get in the car."
"I want to walk."
"Get in the damn car or I'll throw you in," he snarls.
"You wouldn't." I narrow my eyes at him.
When he starts towards me, I immediately hold up my hands, saying quickly, "I'm getting in!"
He opens the passenger side door for me, and I slide into the soft leather seat.
