25. Connor
Connor
I drive to the Café alone since Seth and Bax are still asleep.
Later in the day, I'll check on our other locations as part of my weekly routine.
As I pass the Library I see something that makes my heart drop.
I quickly pull over, get out of the car, and rush over to Cali, who is finishing speaking with a police officer.
Across the brick wall that makes up the front of the building are spray-painted, vile words and sayings that I've seen on some of the social media trends and news outlets with no scruples.
They're used by groups that believe certain books should be banned from libraries and schools because they don't align with their beliefs—beliefs about designations and a person's role in society based on them.
I rush to Cali, her arms open wide, and I pull her into a tight embrace. The softness of her hair brushes against my cheek as I scent mark the top of her head. Tear tracks glisten on her face.
In the background, I can see Henry, the alpha deputy, standing a little apart.
I've known him since high school, though our paths drifted in different directions.
He the jock, and me the one who preferred the thrill of spectating to playing.
We lock eyes, and Henry takes a small step back.
Not because of any dominance on my part, but out of respect for an alpha courting an omega they haven't bonded yet.
Other alphas will go out of their way so they're not perceived as a threat.
"What happened?" I ask Cali.
"I don't know," she sniffles. "It was like this when I got here."
She'd told us about what had happened with the vandalized books.
Clearly, someone is targeting the Library.
It isn't shocking. Lately, there's been a lot of push back in the media about specific types of materials being freely available in schools and public spaces.
It's another part of the current counsel's push for more traditional roles in packs, and two-partner relationships.
It's ridiculous. Packs and roles were entirely dependent on the needs of the individuals, and could not be determined or dictated by the government.
As a more diverse and inclusive town, I thought Lakeside Point wouldn't have these issues, but here we are.
I wrap Cali in my arms and rub my cheek along hers. Then she pulls back, and I see a sad resignation in her eyes. It cracks me open.
"Cali," I begin, but she steps back from me.
I can see a wall go up between us. She's used to dealing with everything on her own.
We were making progress on breaking down those defenses to let us in.
Seth said his date had gone really well and she'd started to open up to him but, in the face of distress, I see all those defenses going up again in real time. Cali steps back from me.
"I need to make a few calls and get some things. I can call you later," she says, unlocking the Library doors. I make my way over to Officer Henry.
"What do you think?" I ask.
He glances at the Library and then back to me. "I think it started with books, and then went to the building. That's a classic escalation if I've ever seen one."
My blood runs cold. "Do you think Cali's in danger?" I can't keep the growl from my voice.
He considers it. "I can't say, but there is a big difference between vandalism and assault. It's a concern, but there's no evidence the perp will commit violence."
"What if she was your omega?" I ask.
"Look," he says, "I can send a squad car during the day to the Library, and we can send one to her house in the evenings."
Her house. I hadn't even considered that this psycho might escalate to where she lives. The thought sends a wave of panic crashing into me like I've never experienced before. I want to beg her to move into our omega suite. But I know Cali by now. If we do that, she'll pull away completely.
After thinking for a few minutes, I start making some phone calls.