Chapter 10 #2
And it wasn’t just anyone; it was Jackson Fallon.
I should have known it like I know the back of my hand. Has being free made me forget all those years? His scent made my nose bleed for the two years I was with them.
On the outside, the Fallon Pack was the dream Pack of small-town Clairview, Ohio. They’re comprised of three red-pill content-swallowing alphas: Jackson, their lead; Derrick, the officer; and Mayfield, the ex-football star.
It’s almost like my brain was blocking them, the memories, and smelling Jackson’s scent was the trigger for all of it to come slamming back.
I haven’t been this scared in a long time.
I inspect the back lock again, looking for any sign it’s broken, and though I see nothing, I can’t trust it. Sighing, I pull the chair I usually keep at the cash counter and prop it under the handle.
Hopefully, this helps.
Making my way to the front of my store, I turn off the lights and head out.
People are still moseying about the sidewalks, so I’m not completely alone.
The fact eases my nerves as I stand outside the front door.
Locking it, unlocking it, and then locking it again.
I pull on the handle to make sure it won’t budge.
Satisfied with it, I turn around, bags loaded on my shoulders.
My phone dings in my pocket; the screen lights up my face as I see the text from an unknown number.
Unknown
Noa, please give us, your parents, a call.
My mood drops as my face drains. When—how did they find my number? I gulp the building spit into my mouth as realization dawns on me.
Jackson must have told my parents where I was, somehow found my number, and given it to them.
There is no other way my parents could have found my number or found me.
They have always been close. My parents were more than happy to hand off their omega daughter.
My hands shake as they grip the bags on my shoulders tighter.
Oh, no. Oh no. Oh no. What should I do? I whip my head around trying to see if I see someone, anyone. But I don’t. Not in this crowd of people.
I can’t be freaking out, not in public and not right now. It could be nothing. It probably is nothing. I shake my head as if I actually believe myself and finish locking up, double-checking the lock again.
My car isn’t very far. I just have to make it home.
Maybe I’ll take the long way, make a few extra turns.
Yeah, that sounds good. Racing to my car, I get in like someone is right behind me.
Slamming my door shut, I hit the lock button; I throw my bags into the passenger seat.
I’m safe in my car. No one can get in. No one can get me.
A knock on my window has me screaming my head off as I whip my head, hurting my neck to see who knocked.
My heart doesn’t stop racing once I see who it is. It’s Havoc. I’m relieved as much as I’m nervous at a hot alpha who let me bite his arm as his Pack mate ate me standing outside my car.
I turn on the car, rolling down my window. His white chocolate scent warms me as he leans down further to rest his arms on the window.
“Hi, Havoc.”
“Hey, Noa, are you heading home?” he asks. His gigantic body blocking the outside view and making me feel safer. All the worries in my mind disappear and all I can think about is him. It’s much easier to be wrapped up in him than my current dilemma of being… hunted?
I nod my head yes as I take a few breaths. My nervous system is coming down from that scare—all that over a text message. Nothing has ever happened.
“What’s got your scent sour?” I look away, embarrassed, completely forgetting that my scent would give me away.
“Nothing, I just got spooked by the dark.”
“What’s in the dark that’s got you spooked?” He asked, his soothing voice hardening. He doesn’t move his head obviously, but his eyes search the area.
I shake my head. “Nothing, it’s really nothing.”
“I can’t protect you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”
“You don’t need to protect me.” Definitely my problem to deal with. Not his to fix. This I’m one hundred percent sure about.
This is a problem I’m dealing with, and once I do, I get my prize: them.
“Indulge me, sweetheart, let me make sure you get home safe.” His gaze holds mine so seriously, I can’t look away. His words hit a part of me that wants to run into his arms and pray he never lets go.
“What, um, what are you-“ I try to ask a question, something to change the subject, but I’m stuck between asking him what he’s doing here and if he’d come home with me.
“The guys’ practice is running late.” His supplies.
“Oh,” I’m truly at a loss for words, but that’s not really unusual for me.
“I have a phone. Silas got me one this morning.” Havoc says, handing me the newest phone model. It still has the factory-standard background with the time and date at the top. I smile.
“What made you finally get a phone?” I chuckle.
“You,” I flush under the pressure of his gaze. “I want you to text me when you get home. After you lock the door and check all the windows.”
“Check all the windows?” I ask.
“Make sure all of them are locked.” I stare at him as if he knows something about me. About… them finding me.
“Okay,” I say.
“Okay, I will what?” He asks, raising one of his eyebrows. My heart stutters at the command, and I know my cheeks are strawberry red under my skin tone.
“I will text you after making sure all the windows and doors are locked.”
“Good girl.” He smiles. “Drive safe. Don’t hesitate to call me. Ever.”
I smile shyly back at him, handing him his phone back, feeling way more at ease than when I locked up shop.
I slowly peel out of the parking lot, my omega heart full at the idea of someone such as Havoc caring for me.