Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
“Yeah, but you said his nose was broken. When was the next time you met up?”
“The grocery store. I threw up on him.”
“What did he do then?” Audrey asked with a smile.
“He got me out of there, took me home.”
“He caught your scent then. Been protective ever since? Bossy?”
I nodded.
“They’re all that way,” Audrey added.
“Hey!” Boyd said, pretending to take offense.
I whirled on her and frowned. “Yeah, I already had a husband who thought that way. It’s not a selling point, Audrey,” I snapped.
When she blanched, a kick of remorse went through me. But no. She kept this from me, too.
They all did.
“I’m leaving,” I said, even though I had nowhere to go. I didn’t even have my car here.
Boyd jumped up. “Clint would want you to stay here.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Clint has no say,” I snarled.
He held up his hands then pulled out his keys. “Okay. Where can I take you? I’d rather you stay here just for my own protective streak, but with that guy… dead, you’re safe. You want to stay at Audrey’s place in town? Until the police have finished with your house?”
The tight knot in my stomach twisted. None of this felt right.
None of it.
“Yes, please,” I said tightly. What choice did I have? “I’d appreciate that.”
“I’ll come, too,” Audrey offered, but Boyd and I both waved her away.
“You and the baby need to stay here. Get some rest, darlin’,” Boyd said, his expression going soft again, the way it always did when he looked at her. “I’ll get her settled.”
Settled.
Fuck that.
My ex was dead. I was a fucking widow. I wasn’t sure if I had a job after being taken away for questioning by the police from the hospital. I still might be charged in a murder case. I’d almost been murdered myself. I found out the guy I loved was part wolf. And an executioner. Not only with a bullet to the brain but with his teeth. The baby I was carrying was not fully human. My heart had been obliterated for believing in someone. Trusting them.
No, I didn’t think I’d ever feel settled again.
24
CLINT
Boyd called me last night. Told me Becky was physically fine. She hadn’t been hurt when I’d rolled her to the floor. She and the baby were well. He’d told me they’d tried to explain shifter things to Becky, but she’d been more bitter than receptive. He’d driven her into town and settled Becky into Audrey’s house in town. I knew where it was. Knew Boyd had secured that fucker up tight. Audrey rarely stayed there now, only when she was on call, and it was too far to get to the hospital quickly from the ranch. Usually, Boyd stayed with her, but on rare occasions, she crashed alone after a late delivery. I’d even helped him install the top-of-the-line security system.
Becky was safe but alone.
My wolf didn’t stand for that shit. I didn’t either, but I wasn’t going to kick her door in either. Once in her lifetime was enough.
I’d texted her last night that I was sorry I’d kept things from her. That I was sorry I put her in danger. I asked if we could talk, and she’d told me not to call. I had to respect that. I remembered what Rob had said about giving her time and space, but it fucking killed me to be estranged from her. Like I literally felt my body withering away like it would die.
So now I sat across the street in my truck. Watched. It had been quiet all night. Clouds had come in and covered the moon. Snow began to fall. Yeah, I spent the night in my truck. No, I didn’t give a fuck about the cold.
Dawn came, and I’d seen no movement from the house. Boyd pulled up a little after seven. He got out, and I rolled down my window. Snow quickly settled on the brim of his hat. He tucked up the collar on his coat. “Just dropped Audrey at the hospital. Go home. Get some rest. Hell, go up in the hills and run. I’ll watch her.”
My wolf was resistant, not wanting to move, but I’d already pissed in an empty soda bottle, and I needed food. I was tired as fuck, too.
“Thanks,” I replied, knowing I had to leave her.
He nodded and went back to his truck.
I watched him settle into his seat before I pulled away. It was fucking hard, but I knew Boyd would take care of her.
A few hours later, I returned. Rand had taken Boyd’s spot. I got out and hopped into his passenger seat. I handed him the to-go cup of coffee meant for Boyd.
“Haven’t seen a thing,” he said, angling his head toward the house then taking a sip of the hot drink.
I looked the place over and panic settled in. “You sure she’s in there? What if we’re watching a fucking empty—”