Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Luna
Isqueeze my eyes shut as Knight continues to talk, but all I can do is focus on his name—the villain who put me on the path that became my life.
“No,” I blurt out, cutting him off.
Knight blinks at me, mouth agape. “No?”
I shake my head. “No, I can’t help you with this. I’m sorry. I wish I could, but I can’t.”
“I don’t understand,” he says slowly, glancing at Prescott before his eyes return to me. “Isn’t this the exact type of case you usually take?”
“It is,” Prescott says quietly, a question in his tone, but I refuse to look at him.
Hell, I refuse to look at any of them, my eyes locking on the wall above the door as I attempt to keep my panic at bay.
I take a shuddering breath, hoping they don’t notice in their surprise. “You’re part of an MC. You should have connections.”
“We do,” Ven says gruffly, and in my periphery, I see him move closer to Knight. “They’re the ones who told us to reach out to you.”
Knight shakes his head. “I don’t understand. You seemed as if you wanted to help us. Why change your mind? You’re literally our last hope. My dad has been doing everything he can to cover the not so legal angles, but the Vallejo compound is impenetrable.”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I force myself to ignore the tears I can hear in his voice.
If anyone knows just how impenetrable the compound is, it’s me.
Deep breaths, Luna.
In and out.
He’s not here.
He can’t do anything to you.
He doesn’t know where you are.
He can’t come for you.
In and out.
In and out.
“While I understand the predicament you find yourself in, I can’t take every case that graces my doorstep.
” My voice is crisp as I continue to keep my eyes locked on the wall above their heads.
All I can do is hope that my face remains free of emotion.
“At this time, I can’t help you, but I wish you the best of luck. ”
“This is fucking bullshit.” Ven jumps to his feet, and my eyes want to follow the movement.
An angry alpha is an unknown variable, but I’d rather take the chance with his anger than Fabian’s.
I keep my eyes locked on the wall as I feel Prescott stand behind me.
“Luna?” He lays his hand on my shoulder, and my breath stutters.
I can’t do this with him touching me like that.
I’m this close to breaking down in a room full of strangers—I can’t let that happen.
I shake off his hand and push to my feet. “I’m sorry to make you drive this far when I’m unable to take your case. It’s still early enough in the day that you should be able to make it back to town with no problems. I wouldn’t stick around Widows Peak any longer. We don’t take to strangers well.”
“You’re serious?” Mack’s quiet voice almost makes me flinch. “You’re really not going to help us?”
“I can’t—” I break off as my voice hitches and I straighten my shoulders. “I cannot help you with this case. I’m sorry.”
Knight sniffles. “Maybe I can offer myself up as a trade. I mean, an omega is an omega, right? It doesn’t really matter the gender.”
Everyone in the room stiffens, and my eyes fall to the redheaded man, who’s attempting to brush away his tears that keep falling.
“You’re an omega?” My voice is quiet as my eyes seek his.
He lifts his gaze to meet mine, a half-smile on his lips. “Well, I guess the cat’s out of the bag.”
Well, fuck.
I drop into my chair, burying my face in my hands.
That changes things.
It shouldn’t, but it does.
Maybe.
If I send them away, then I won’t just be letting down one omega but two.
I’ve let so many omegas down with my inaction before, can I really let two more down now?
Can I send them away, knowing this?
Can I take the case knowing there’s a good chance Fabian will find out that not only am I alive, but I’m still in the States?
Can I face the man who took everything from me?
Who took Christian from me?
Fear and uncertainty have me frozen in indecision.
I don’t want to admit it, but I don’t know what to do.
“Does that change things?” Knight asks, and I sigh.
“Yes. No. Maybe,” I mumble from behind my hands.
A throat clears before Mack speaks up again. “Is it because of who has her?”
I stiffen without meaning to, and I know I’ve answered his question without speaking a word.
“Yes.” I hold up my hand when Knight goes to speak. “I don’t owe you anything, but I’m hesitant to take the case because of the Vallejo connection. I won’t tell you why because it’s none of your damn business.”
Knight nods. “I understand.”
“Wait,” I call out when he starts to stand. “Look, I’m not saying I’ll take your case, but I’m not saying I won’t. I need some time to think about it.”
“What does that even mean?” Ven asks, a scowl on his handsome face.
I scoff. “I’m fairly certain you’re not stupid, so you must understand what I need time to think about it means. If you want an answer right now, it’ll be no.”
“No, we can wait.” Knight is on his feet, desperation clear in his voice and on his face.
I nod slowly. “Good. I’ll let Syrus know you’ll be in town for a few days. There’s a bed-and-breakfast that Prescott can take you to. There should be rooms there, but be warned, they will boot alphas if an omega shows up and needs the room.”
“We only need one room anyway,” Knight assures me. “They’re my alphas.”
Well, isn’t that interesting?
A flash of heat hits me low in my belly, overriding my panic for just a moment.
Yeah, I don’t think I’d mind watching the three of them together.
Fucking hell, Luna. This is not the time.
“Then you should be fine,” I continue, gesturing to Prescott. “Will you show them the way, please? I’m going to close up the office and head home. I can feel a migraine coming on.”
“Let me drive you home, Luna. I can give them directions. They don’t need me to show them there.”
I shake my head. “No. I’m fine. I need you to escort them while I call Syrus, so no one freaks out.”
He sighs, and I finally glance at him to find him watching me carefully. “I can do that, but why don’t I meet you at your house?”
“Don’t.” I jerk my head away from his gaze. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine. Gentlemen, I’m sorry this meeting didn’t go as planned. Make sure Prescott has your contact information, and once I make my decision, I’ll reach out.”
“Thank you, Luna.” Knight’s voice is soft, and I hate the hope in his eyes. “For taking the time to consider it.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as Prescott leads the three of them from my office.
You’ve got this. You just have to hold it together for a little bit longer.
I pick up my phone and call Syrus.
“Luna? Done already? Are they on their way out of town?”
I clear my throat. “About that.”
“What did you do?”
“They’re staying in town for a few days. I sent them to the B&B. One of them is an omega, Syrus. I don’t know if I can take this case, but I can’t send them away while I figure it out.”
“Damn it. Fine.” He hesitates. “Are you okay?”
I bite back a laugh. “No, Syrus, I’m not, but I will be. I’m closing up the office for the day and heading home. I promise I’ll let the girls know. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“That’s not really how this whole thing works, Luna, and you know it.”
“I know, but I promise I’ll text or call the girls.”
“Do you need a ride home?”
I shake my head before remembering he can’t see me. “No. I’m just going to walk home like every other day. The fresh air will be good for me.”
He still hesitates. “If you’re sure.”
“I am, Syrus. Thank you.” Because I know he won’t, I end the call.
Surrounded by the silence of my office, I can feel panic clawing at me once more.
Not bothering to shut down my computer, I grab my phone and throw it into my purse. I hurry out and lock the door behind me.
Prescott has a set of keys, so he’ll be able to get back inside to get his things. I just need to get the hell out of here and to my house.
I need my nest.