Chapter 14 - Aubrey #2
“Aubrey, are you sure you’re okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I just need some air. I’m going to take a walk.”
“I can join you.”
“No.” I shook my head. I couldn’t handle him near me right now. “I just need to do this alone. I’ll be back later.”
I hopped out before he could say anything and headed down the sidewalk. I didn’t even know where I was going to go, but anywhere that wasn’t here.
I headed for downtown, figuring it was far enough to get my mind off what happened. But I paused when I noticed the farmers’ market was underway. I could smell the flowers and the fresh bread. Maybe a crowded space was what I needed to get my mind off it.
I crossed the street.
“Aubrey!”
I paused at my name and turned just as Cally and Rachel were parking a car. “Aubrey! Fancy seeing you here.”
“Oh, hey, guys.”
Cally’s face scrunched up. “You don’t look well. Are you okay?”
I quickly nodded and tried to fix my face. “Yeah, it’s just been a long day. How are you holding up, Cally?
She offered a soft smile. “I’m okay. I needed to get out, so Rachel dragged me along.”
“I didn’t know we had a farmers’ market.”
Rachel nodded. “Every week. Sometimes it’s over quicker because the produce goes. They have some amazing stuff.”
“I smell bread.”
“Oh, that’s not the only thing. The bakers make these amazing desserts that are almost as good as an orgasm.”
I chuckled.
“Come.” Cally hooked her arm with mine, and we hurried forward.
The market did not disappoint. There were lines of booths selling various things. There was food and jewelry. Flowers and handmade clothes. I was surrounded by chatter and children running freely.
Cally and Rachel spoke happily, explaining their love for everything. I could feel myself relaxing, finally putting the vision behind me.
Klaus was right. It was a vision, and they didn’t always come to pass. It was just something that could happen. I could have another of a completely different event.
“Look at how beautiful this is,” Cally gasped as she held up a scarf. “This is stunning.”
I turned to look at Cally, but my eyes widened. Across the street stood Mike. His hands were in his pockets as he looked around casually. My heart stopped beating, and my entire body froze up.
He stood there like he’d been there a while. He was leaning against a building, looking around the crowd.
Suddenly, I wasn’t standing in the street. I was walking down a sidewalk, and someone snatched me from the side. I couldn’t scream as a hand covered my mouth. The smell of cigar and booze hit me, and that voice spoke. “I found you.”
“Aubrey?” Rachel stepped into my eye line, and my eyes snapped to her. “You look like you saw a ghost. What’s wrong?”
She looked over her shoulder, but he was gone. I felt panic set in, knowing what he was capable of. If he wasn’t there, he was somewhere else.
“We need to leave.”
Both looked confused. “What, why?”
“Just, please.” I felt my hands shaking as I looked around, trying to spot where he had moved. I knew it wasn’t just my imagination. He was here, and anything was possible.
They agreed to leave, and we headed to their car. Cally looked worried. “Aubrey, are you okay? You’re worrying us.”
I nodded. “I’m fine. I just thought I saw someone.”
“Who?”
“My ex.”
Both of them looked shocked. “Really? Is he here?”
They both looked around, but I couldn’t find him. Either way, it didn’t sit still in my stomach.
“It could just be my imagination,” I offered, not wanting to worry them. But the pit in my stomach didn’t stop.
“Do you want us to take you home?” Rachel offered.
If he were here, I didn’t think I could go home. Klaus wasn’t home. Klaus.
Even his name alone calmed me a little.
I shook my head. “No, Klaus is at city hall, and I’m going to head over to him.”
“Do you want us to come with?”
I shook my head. “No, I’ll be fine. It’s just across the street.”
I turned and headed straight for City Hall. My entire body was shaking as I pushed the door open. I felt I was sweating, and I kept looking over my shoulder.
“Aubrey?” Julia looked at me from her desk. She had a pile of papers she was flipping through, looking busy.
“Is Klaus here?” I asked, my voice shaking.
I expected her to be irritated. We didn’t exactly have the nicest relationship, and I didn’t expect things to be any different now. But her face softened, and she looked even more worried. “He is. He’s in a meeting with the other Alphas.”
“Can you get him? Please.” I urged, feeling the panic growing. I half expected Mike to appear and hit me to the ground. I shook my head, trying to push tears back.
“Aubrey,” Julia slowly got up.
“Please!” I snapped, my voice shaking. “Please! Julia. Just please get him for me.” My voice pitched higher, and I could hear it echoing around the space. A couple of people down the hall turned, and I pulled a hand over my mouth. My lip quivered now.
The door just next to us popped open, and Klaus stepped out. He instantly turned to us, his eyes on me. He crossed the space on three strides before I threw myself into his arms.
“Aubrey?” He spoke with concern dripping in his voice.
“He’s here.” I stammered. “He’s here.”