Chapter 16

16

M om was standing in front of the apartment complex where our home was when the car pulled up. Her face broke into a gorgeous smile and she clapped her gloved hands together, the pom on the top of her knit beanie bouncing as she literally jumped up and down.

I was unbuckled and out of the car before all four tires came to a stop. My feet hit the ground and I was swept up in her arms.

“You’re back!” she cried happily, rocking us back and forth. After a second she pulled back, her gloved hands warm against my cheeks as she studied me.

A soft sigh escaped her. “Have you talked to Remy since you landed?”

Mom and I had endured literal hell together and that made us closer than most teenagers were with their parents. She knew how I felt about Remy, and was even supportive of us being together.

Scratch that.

She was supportive of anything that made me happy after a lifetime of, well, hell .

And Remy definitely made me smile... when he wasn’t hundreds of miles away, potentially unearthing dangerous things that could get him hurt.

My wolf whined inside of me, and I literally had to shake myself out of that thought-spiral before I drove myself crazy.

“He texted me when we were on our way here.”

“Any idea when he’ll be back?” She smoothed my hair away from my face and looked over my shoulder where Gabe had gotten out of the car.

“Soon,” Gabe replied firmly. “I told him to check a few things out and get back here. I want the entire pack home and safe.”

Lips pressed into a thin line, Mom stepped away from me and gave the Alpha her full attention. “Do you know anything yet?”

“Nothing concrete,” Gabe admitted. “We’re working a few angles.”

“But nothing you can share with the pack,” Mom finished with a frown. “People are getting anxious, Gabe. And anxious wolves aren’t a good thing. We had to break up another fight at the cafe today.”

My jaw dropped. “A fight?”

Gabe grimaced. “I’m sorry, Addie. I’ll increase patrols to the downtown area.”

Mom managed a cafe in the heart of Blackwater, something she absolutely loved. But Blackwater was a relatively peaceful pack and town. So much so that we didn’t hesitate to let normals (aka humans) come through and visit the town. Backpackers in particular loved the town nestled into the side of the mountains.

Gabe rubbed the back of his neck. “Since you work with a lot of the tourists, you should know we’re considering closing the borders and keeping the humans out.”

“Can you do that?” I asked, stunned.

Gabe nodded. “We can, and we will.”

“But won’t people talk?”

“We won’t go on a full lockdown unless absolutely necessary. But we can deny wildlife permits and close the trails. That will cut down on the human presence significantly. Luckily it’s winter so not many hikers are around.”

“But spring is a few weeks away,” Mom reminded him with a frown. “A lot of the local businesses have come to rely on the added income from tourists.”

“I know. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, we need to circle the wagons until we know exactly what we’re dealing with.” Gabe gave her a long look. “And the offer stands, Addie. Anytime.”

Mom nodded, forcing a smile. “Thanks, Gabe. I appreciate it.”

Clearly I was missing something.

“What—”

Mom turned and grabbed my hand. “Let’s get you inside and settled, okay?”

“Okay,” I said slowly. I looked back at Gabe. “Thanks again for the ride.”

Gabe gave me a quick hug. “Anytime, sweetheart. Your things should be here within the hour. They finished unloading the plane a little while ago. We’ll see you soon.”

I waved to Katy when he opened the door. The SUV pulled away within seconds of Gabe closing the door.

“What was that about?” I demanded.

“What was what about?” Mom wrinkled her nose. “How do you feel about lasagna for dinner?” She turned and headed into the apartment complex.

“You know I love anything with pasta and cheese,” I admitted, following her. “But what did Gabe mean? What offer?”

Mom pressed the button for the elevator and frowned at me. “Gabe and Mallory offered to let us move in with them. Just until things settle down.”

I was still picking my jaw up off the floor when I followed Mom into the elevator.

“Move in ?”

She finally met my eyes. “Yes. Gabe, and Remy, thought we might be nervous being on our own. They offered to let us stay with them until things calm down.”

“Remy never mentioned it to me,” I replied, a little surprised but at the same time not really. I hesitated, peeking over at her. “Are we safe here?”

Mom gave me a tight lipped smile and nodded. “Yeah, baby. Gabe has really locked down our borders. We’re safe inside Blackwater. A bunny tripped one of the sensors they set up last week and was taken down by three guards.”

I giggled, unable to get that imagery out of my head.

She bit her lower lip. “Honey, I understand if you want to go and stay with the Holts.”

The elevator doors opened, and Mom stepped out before I could reply.

“You don’t want to?” I pressed, joining her in the hallway.

She sighed, her shoulders rising and falling as she started to shake her head. “Gabe and Mallory are wonderful.”

“But?” I arched a brow expectantly.

“But being back in an Alpha house,” she cleared her throat, rubbing the scar on her shoulder absently, “or living in one... It brings up a lot of memories I’m not ready for right now.”

My heart twisted in my chest. “Mom.”

She backed against the wall with a watery smile, waving me off. “It’s my issue, baby. If you want to go stay with them, you absolutely should. Remy’s your mate, and I get it. I would never try to keep you guys apart.”

Remy was my mate, but she was also my mother.

Slowly, I reached out and took her hand in mine. “I’m not leaving you here by yourself.”

She grimaced, but I could see the flicker of hope in her green eyes. “I know you love Remy. I get it if you would rather be with him.”

“I do love him. So much,” I agreed, my heart practically tripling in size just thinking of him. “Remy and I are going to be together for the rest of our lives. For right now, I think I should stay with you.”

“Really?”

I nodded, smiling. “Yeah.”

Mom gave me a fierce grin and threw an arm around my shoulders as she hugged me to her side. “You’re pretty amazing, honey.”

With a laugh, I hooked an arm around her waist. “Tell me something I don’t know.” I knew it was the right call, but part of me was a little bummed that I no longer had Remy right down the hall from me.

I stifled a snort because that was a lie. Most nights we slept in his bed. Sleeping alone was definitely going to be an adjustment.

“Before we go in,” Mom started, covering my hand when I reached for the doorknob, “there’s something else I need to talk to you about.”

“Okay,” I said slowly, unease already starting to settle in my gut as I looked at the door and then at her. “What’s going on?”

“Zara and Bella asked if they could join us for dinner. They’re waiting inside,” Mom explained quietly.

Zara, my mom’s best friend and my uncle’s mate as well as the person who helped us escape. And Bella, my cousin who had been gang raped by Cassian and his friends and was slowly starting to rebuild her life. When I had left from winter break, Bella was just starting to heal.

“Bella’s been asking about you,” Mom finished. She spread her hands wide helplessly. “Bella hasn’t left their place in weeks. If it was going to get her out of the house... I couldn’t say no to Zara.”

Now that was a surprise. My cousin and I had never been close when we lived in Long Mesa. We had maybe had a couple of conversations since she and her mom came to Blackwater seeking sanctuary.

“Why?” The word escaped me before I could censor myself.

Mom’s lips pressed together. “Honestly? I think because she’s seen that you didn’t let what happened to you before define you. She needs to see another survivor living and thriving to give herself something to hope for.”

“What we went through... Mom, it’s not the same thing,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “Cassian and his friends did stuff to me, but things never went that far.”

Fury flashed in her eyes, and then regret. Her jaw clenched. “I know, baby.”

With a heavy sigh, I reached out and opened the door.

Bella was sitting at the barstool on the small counter that bridged the galley kitchen and tiny dining room as Zara set a tray of lasagna on the stovetop.

Bella’s green eyes lifted when she saw me, but that was the only acknowledgement I got before she looked away, focusing on the paperback in front of her.

Zara tossed the oven mitts on the counter and came forward, sweeping me into a giant hug. “Welcome home, Skye.”

“Thanks, Aunt Zara,” I replied, hugging her back.

When Zara pulled back, I could see the shiny, raised scar on her temple. A permanent mark courtesy of my uncle for something she did that pissed him off.

“Dinner’s ready,” she told us, turning as Mom closed the front door to go back into the kitchen.

I took a step towards the hall. “I’m going to put my backpack in my room.”

I didn’t wait for anyone to answer me as I headed for my room at the end of the hallway. The door was already open and I smiled seeing my mom had clearly been in here.

Clean sheets were on the bed, there was a soft fragrance from a candle burning on my desk, and every surface was completely void of dust.

Mom had turned into a bit of a neat freak since we relocated packs.

I dropped my backpack next to my desk as my phone went off in my pocket. As fast as I could, I dug it out of my pocket and unlocked the screen.

REMY: Make it home ok?

A soft smile tugged at my lips, my heart warming.

SKYE: Yeah. Mom invited Zara and Bella over for dinner. We’re about to eat now.

I sighed, hesitating a second before I typed out another text.

SKYE: Mom told me about your dad’s offer to come stay with you guys. We’re going to stay in our place. Is that okay?

REMY: As long as I still get to see you.

I grinned, tucking my chin to my chest.

SKYE: Definitely

REMY: I’ll call you later, k?

SKYE: Sounds perfect

Text bubbles appeared for a brief second before his message joined the text conversation.

REMY: I love you.

My eyes slid shut for a second, my entire being centering around those three words. I took a deep breath and typed my reply.

SKYE: I love you. Be safe.

REMY: Always

“Is that your... mate?”

I nearly dropped the phone as I whirled around. My wide eyes settled on Bella.

“Hey. I didn’t hear you,” I said, putting the phone on the corner of my desk.

Bella looked better than the last time I had seen her, but definitely a lot thinner and more fragile than when she had been the reigning princess of Long Mesa.

She arched a single brow. “I get that a lot.” Her eyes moved to the phone. “That’s him?”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah. That’s Remy.”

Bella frowned, her pretty mouth pressed into a thin line. “Mom said that you’re bonded to him?”

“Yeah.” I took a deep breath.

A bitter look passed briefly over her face. “Good for you.”

“How have you been?” I asked suddenly, trying to shift the topic.

A blank look settled on her face. “Since being raped by a guy obsessed with you and then passed around like a joint to all of his friends? Since having my father turn his back on me? Since losing my pack?”

My mouth went dry. “Bella, I didn’t mean—”

“I know,” she cut me off with a frustrated sigh. “I get it a lot, you know? The looks. The whispers. I just wish someone would come out and say it instead of politely dancing around what happened.” She walked over and sat down on my bed.

“Do people know what happened?” I asked softly.

A dark look passed her face. “A few. I mean, my dad is an Alpha. The fact that Mom and I left caused a lot of speculation. Mostly it’s the rumors that I hear pieces of.”

I tried to pick my words carefully. “My mom told me that you’re being homeschooled the rest of the semester?”

Bella snorted delicately and picked at the hem of her sweater. “Yeah. Which adds another layer of mystery to the new girl. I just... I miss the way things used to be, you know?”

I flinched back.

No, I didn’t know. And I sure as hell didn’t want things to go back.

Bella’s green eyes went wide. “Crap. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just... I mean, we didn’t have the same experiences in Long Mesa.”

Bitterness filled my mouth, the taste acidic and metallic. “No, I guess we didn’t.”

She ducked her head. “I’m sorry. I feel like you’re the only one who kind of gets what happened to me. I mean, I know what happened to me isn’t what happened to you. At least you got out in time.”

“You mean because I wasn’t raped?” I replied coldly, folding my arms over my chest to keep from showing her how much my hands shook. “You mean because I only dealt with seventeen years of being treated like shit, listening to and watching people I loved be forced to do unspeakable things? The whole time knowing there was a literal clock over my head until it was my turn?”

Bella’s face went ashen. She fidgeted, twisting her fingers together. “I didn’t—”

Rage flushed through me, heating my blood. “I’m sorry for what happened to you, Bella. I really am. And maybe I’m luckier than you because things never went that far. But things went a hell of a lot further than they ever should have. I was a kid . I went through hell every single day.”

She got to her feet, her hands up in surrender. “All I’m trying to say is our situations were similar.”

I stayed silent, not trusting myself to say something I would regret. I could feel my wolf pushing against me, expressing her unhappiness.

She rubbed the side of her face absently. “I just miss how it used to be. My old life was... I just miss it.”

My entire body shook, the leash I had my wolf on was dangerously close to slipping through my grasp. The last few days had been a cycle of never ending drama and stress, and now she was separated from her mate. The animal caged inside of me needed an out.

“What you went through was awful,” I ground out through clenched teeth. “But if you think I’m going to reminisce about the days when things were better, I’m not that girl. While you were going to the mall and being treated like a princess, I was listening to my mother be violated every single day. You and your friends were hanging out while I was literally running for my life.”

I watched her visibly swallow.

“And since you want to remember days gone by, don’t think I don’t remember every time you walked in on your boyfriend holding me down, terrorizing me, or threatening me. You saw it, Bella, and you didn’t do a damn thing to stop it. No one did.”

A ragged sob at the door caught my attention, my head swinging towards it. I winced when I saw my mom standing there, tears falling hard and fast down her cheeks. Zara was behind her, just as pale as her daughter.

After a heavy second, Zara cleared her throat. “Bella, I think we should go.”

“No,” I cut her off, realizing I sounded like a colossal bitch, but still having way too many emotions roiling around inside of me. “I need to go for a run.”

“Honey, I don’t think you should go out there like this,” Mom whispered.

I gave her a dark look. “You said it’s safe if I stay in Blackwater.”

“It is,” she said softly, “but you’re upset. I think you should stay here.”

That wasn’t an option. In a few seconds I would lose the battle I was currently in to hold my wolf back.

“I’ll only be a few minutes, and I’ll stay near town, well inside the borders. But I can’t stay in here .” I didn’t wait for their answer, but thankfully they moved out of the way as I headed for the door.

I paused in front of Mom, forcing my lips to smile. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes, tops.”

It took minutes for me to exit the apartment and run down the fire escape. Thankfully no one was behind the building. I had my clothes off and shifted in seconds, the transition one of the fastest I’d ever had.

Once all four feet were on the ground, some of the tension leaked away. I let my wolf take over, running for the trees a few hundred yards away.

There were obvious patrols, both in human and wolf form, as I ran into the forest. Once I disappeared into the treeline, I slowed down and reached out, feeling for Remy, needing our connection to reassure me.

But all I got was empty silence.