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My throat is tight with unshed tears and I turn so he can’t see my eyes glistening.
“I’ll pack my things and go to Grandmama’s house. Goodbye, Odin.”
Holding my head high, I take the secret staircase to the first floor and go to my room, closing the door behind me. I need to think about what’s best for me now, and Odin is right. That means getting out of the city. But I’m not foolish enough to trust that Grandmama won’t have me killed. She’s going to do whatever it takes to protect Mother. She’s made that clear. So I need to get the hell out of here before it’s too late.
I grab my burner phone, sending Flynn a text.
Flynn
Does that offer still stand to go to Texas?
Sure does.
I need you to get me. Tonight. I’ll be at my Grandmama’s house.
I’ll be there by eleven. Come to the back of your building.
Thank you.
Anything for my favorite girl.
Want me to tell Freja?
Yes.
Will do. Pack light. Bring any cash you have. We’re going to need it.
I don’t reply. Instead, I go into my closet, grabbing anything that will be practical. Clothes that can go with multiple outfits. Plain undergarments. The cash I’ve been storing for a while. A few pieces of jewelry. Sneakers.
Part of me hopes that Odin will see what a fool he’s being and burst through my door, telling me he’s wrong. He doesn’t. When everything is packed, I take my bag to the foyer, leaving it and search for Odin. He’s still in his study and doesn’t look up when I enter.
“I want my cell phone back.”
He opens the top drawer and pulls it out, sliding it across the desk.
“Stay away from my brother, Anna,” he warns, still not looking at me.
“You really think I still have a crush on Hans? God, you’re delusional. Just to spell it out for you, you’re the only Vilulf that I want.”
Spinning, I walk away before he says anything. In the foyer, I turn on my phone, laughing that there aren’t any missed messages. Whatever. I tuck it in my bag just as the elevator doors open. Maybe I can pawn the phone in Texas.
My heart pangs as I leave Odin’s house. It feels like I’m making a huge mistake, but I have to do this. I have to.
No one notices when I return to Grandmama’s, which is for the best. I go to my room and wait to hear from Flynn. While I wait, I try to figure out what I’m going to do. I’m not stupid. I’m running, which means someone will come looking for me. I have eight grand, but that will not last long. I’m going to need to find a job, which is going to be difficult since I’ve never worked a day in my life. More than that, if people know who I am, they won’t want to hire me because it could be a literal death wish for them if they do.
My head throbs. Am I making a mistake in running?
Before I can talk myself out of it, my burner phone buzzes.
Flynn
I’m here and Freja is with me. Elevators are open for you.
On my way down.
Look for the white Ford F-150.
Grabbing my bag, I look around the room before leaving.
