Chapter Thirty-One
Willow
W: I’m not sure about this whole scent-match thing. You get stuck between craving them and wishing they would go the hell away
R: Just kill them.
O: What happened?
W: Long story short, they wanted information about our past. They aren’t dumb enough to buy into my alias. When I didn’t want to tell them about it, C barked it out of me.
R: He’s a dead Alpha walking. Ask C or G to get you out of there. NOW.
Rowan’s message makes cold sweat pop up along the back of my neck.
Just the thought of either Alpha winding up dead causes anxiety to pool in my belly.
I’m annoyed at them both, but my stupid instincts are pining for them.
Like a pathetically obsessed omega, I’m still wearing Lincoln’s clothes, trying to catch even a faint whiff of his scent.
Spending an entire night wrapped in his arms and his sweet caramel soothed a primal part of me I never knew existed.
It was the best night of sleep I’ve ever had, except when he left, and the monsters snuck in. Blaming Cujo for that, though.
I’m going to have to teach that barking Alpha a lesson he’ll never forget.
My alarm clock crackling to life startles me out of my musings. Shit. I need to get up, but I haven’t slept yet.
W: I’m not ready for anything drastic. Don’t you dare tell anyone, R. I need to head to the shelter. Talk later, love you lots. Miss you more.
With a heavy sigh, I haul my exhausted body from the tangled mess of blankets crumpled around my nest. Twisting and turning, I scramble to the side panel, slapping my palm against it, though my body protests each movement.
I have no idea how I’m going to make it through a whole day on my feet like this.
The irritating buzz of my phone makes me roll my eyes.
It has to be one of the guys, yet again.
Cujo and Linc have been persistent since last night, but I’m not ready to deal with any of it.
My mind is a battlefield between wanting to stand up for myself and insist on my own autonomy, while the other part craves their protection and care.
And knots. The thought makes me squirm.
I grab my phone before opening the panel. Standing aside, I let Bruce out first to inspect the house. Only when he returns to me, calm and relaxed, do I carefully climb out. The screen in my hand lights up, and my curiosity gets the better of me.
Gy
Are you going to stop by to train Bigfoot today?
Wouldn’t you like to know. I ignore that message, not sure of my reply, then look at the next.
Calloway
You missed check-in.
Crap! Heading straight for the guest room, I pull out a burner phone from underneath the bedside table and dial Calloway’s number.
He answers on the first ring.
“Are you okay? It’s not like you to miss our calls. Your SOS locator was showing you in the house, but I was still concerned. I’m glad you rang; I was about to send in the cavalry.” Instant guilt hits me for making Calloway worry.
“I’m completely fine. I just overslept.” It’s all a lie, but telling Call about my personal problems with two sexy-as-sin bikers seems like an overshare.
“Sleep is good for you, and I’m glad you’re safe. I have a quick update. As expected, the lawyers have decided your deposition is necessary. They are still on the fence about an in-person appearance at Malachi’s trial.” The line goes quiet as I digest the information.
The idea of testifying against my tormentor is both terrifying and gratifying.
Part of me would love to look that monster in the eyes as I tell my story and see him locked up for the rest of his life.
The other part, though, longs to snuggle in my nest with my mates and stay far, far away from the evil Alpha who tried to break me.
“You know I’m okay with both options.” I swallow hard, fortifying myself to the possibility. “Do you think my appearance will bring Pack Mordred out of hiding?”
I want my little sister back. If it takes using me as bait, I’ll do it gladly.
The police have been searching for the better part of a year, but it seems like they’ve just disappeared—taking Aspen with them. And the reason for it all is still a damn mystery.
“Willow… we all want to catch them. But not at the expense of losing any of you. They are smart, and their attack was well planned. It’s unlikely they will fall for such a clear trap.” Disappointment coils deep in my belly. Will this ever be over?
“Okay, but just whatever you need, I’ll do it.” I try to sound brave.
“We’ll let you know for sure as it gets closer, but right now, our timeline is three weeks until we plan to transport you to a safe house for the deposition.
Get a bag together sooner rather than later.
Prepare for several nights away from home.
And yes, you can bring Bruce.” As though he heard his name, my pup cocks his head to the side, then nudges my hand, so I pet his smooth fur with my painful fingers.
“I’ll be ready,” I promise, shifting on my feet, hoping this call will be over soon.
“Great. Anything on your end we need to know about?” There’s a long pause, and I consider telling him about the piano key.
It’s a clear and obvious threat. Though I would love to write it off as a fluke, the symbol is too unique.
Then again, there wasn’t a note with it.
Plus, I didn’t see it delivered and the cameras failed to catch anything unusual.
Regardless, between Bruce, my weapons, and two huge bikers, I’m hardly in danger.
Right?
Linc and Cujo finding out about Malachi is also another issue, but that’s a problem for future Willow. So, although it’s certainly in questionable taste, I keep my mouth closed.
“Nope. Everything is quiet here. Just working, volunteering, and spending all my time with the Hounds.” See, there, I told him. He hums on the other end, and I can hear his fingers clacking on the keyboard, his focus growing less interested as time goes on.
“Well, that’s good, Willow. Make sure to wear your necklace every day.”
“I do.” My fingers find the little button at my throat. “I never take it off.”
Our call finally ends, but the second it does, my other phone begins buzzing again. Realizing I’m already late, I assume it’s going to be Alicia, but when I glance down, the reality is very different…