Chapter 12 #3
Tara’s amber eyes—an inheritance from our dad—shine brightly, as if she’d slept well. Her honey-brown skin glows warmly. Her shoulder-length black hair is gathered into a low ponytail. She’s dressed casually in blue jean shorts, a purple tank top, and white sneakers, clearly ready to walk.
I hurry over and wrap her in a hug, still holding my corn dog.
Then I slip an arm around my best friend’s neck.
Evie’s dark hair is twisted into a crinkly high bun.
Her deep brown eyes sparkle with excitement.
The flowing yellow maxi dress with thin spaghetti straps suits the sunny day perfectly and makes her mocha skin radiate. Gold sandals complete her look.
“I’m so glad you’re both here. Let me introduce you to Jenny.”
Once we’ve exchanged introductions, we settle at a table near the concert, where we can listen until we’re ready to join the crowd. But first, more food. Now, I’m munching on fried Oreos.
“Any closer to finding out who made the wire transfer?” Evie asks.
“I am. Sheriff Drake and I questioned several shop owners and uncovered new leads.”
“That’s great—even if you ditched me for the sheriff,” Jenny teases, making a goofy face.
I laugh. “He recently offered his help. I couldn’t say no to police support.”
She smirks, but it feels a bit forced.
Interesting.
A hit song blasts through the speakers, and the girls and I sing along.
“We need drinks,” I blurt out.
“Yes!” Tara exclaims.
“I’m with you,” Evie chimes in. “We’re taking a car service to your camper, right?”
“Absolutely,” I confirm.
A deep voice cuts in, “I’ll get you ladies to Sasha’s.”
“Sheriff.” I smile, feeling my heart flutter. A cheer squad seems to be doing backflips in my stomach. He’s not in uniform—off duty, maybe?
He slides off his aviators and tucks them into the front pocket of his dark green button-down shirt, sleeves rolled just below the elbows. The shirt brings out the color of his striking green eyes. His jeans hug his muscular thighs perfectly.
This man has always been there when I needed him. I’m tired of pushing him away. I deserve someone who will cherish me. Once I find who framed me, I’ll sit down with Gavin and lay it all out.
“My girls aren’t keen on riding in the back of a police SUV,” I say, locking eyes with him.
“Don’t worry, I had Fitch clean out the back seat.”
“Alright then, we’ll take that ride,” I drawl softly, my Southern accent coloring the words.
Tyson and another man come to a stop on either side of Gavin, casual in their attire as well.
“Sheriff Gavin Drake, you’ve met Jenny,” I say.
He nods in greeting. “Hello.”
I gesture across the table. “This is my younger sister, Tara Walker, and right beside her is my best friend, Genevieve Mercer.”
They both wave at the sheriff.
Gavin tilts his thumb to the right. “This is my brother, Tyson Drake.”
Tyson’s short, jet-black hair is neatly styled. He’s just a bit shorter than Gavin. A smile tugs at his lips, and his gray eyes brighten when they catch my sister’s gaze. Judging by the way she looks back, I’d say she finds him attractive.
Then Gavin gestures left. “And my best friend, Jax Milton.”
He stands nearly as tall as Gavin. His medium-length raven hair curls at the ends, giving him that irresistible biker vibe, with a single strand falling over his forehead.
The closely trimmed beard adds to his rugged appeal, and it’s clear he has my best friend captivated.
Looks like she’s trapped in his tranquil blue gaze.
They each shake Jenny’s hand politely, but Tyson and Jax’s eyes linger far longer on my sister and best friend.
“They’re both on scent suppressants, just for this trip — they don’t want a bunch of alphas trying to sleep with them. They just want to enjoy a chill week.
“What are you ladies drinking?” Gavin asks.
Everyone rattles off their drink orders.
I open my mouth to speak. “I’ve got you covered, little omega.”
A smile lifts my lips. “Thank you, Alpha.”
He stares at me a beat longer. I can feel Tara and Evie’s eyes on me.
“We’ll help with those drinks,” Tyson says, pulling Jax up from his place next to Evie.
The second the alphas walk away, the ladies’ eyes fall on me.
“You said he was your boss,” Jenny says.
“He is my boss. My boss, with benefits.” I stick my tongue out and dance in place.
The ladies burst into laughter.
“Hello, ladies,” the pretty boy with icy blue eyes and medium-length blond hair says, stopping in front of our table and smiling.
“Carson, what are you doing here? Better yet, how did you know I was here?” His sandalwood and cherry licorice scent hit my nose. A scent I was once drawn to.
“Well, baby, I wanted to make sure you were okay. You know, after having to close the gallery doors.”
My brows lower as I glare at him. “How did you know I was in Lupton?” I repeat.
“I’m still on the business travel account. You rented a black Mercedes-AMG. That’s got to cost a pretty penny since you’ve been gone for a while.”
He rounds the table and sits beside me, throwing an arm over my shoulder.
I shudder at his touch. A traumatizing memory resurfaces. But I feel stronger and in control around my friends.
“You can’t just show up here like we’re still a couple,” I grit out.
He sniffs my neck. “You smell like another alpha. Tell the fucker to get lost. We’re going to work things out.”
I open my mouth, but my words are cut off.
“Hello, my name’s Carson. And you are?” he asks Jenny.
She politely introduces herself. He turns to his right.
“Good to see you, Tara, Genevieve.”
“Sasha is done with you, Carson,” Evie spits.
“You’re not wanted here,” Gavin snarls.
Oh, shit.