Chapter 10 - Callie

This past week has been surprisingly peaceful. I've been able to go about my business without any run-ins or unwanted attention. I haven't so much as bumped into Justin since our little encounter outside my cabin, and while I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, I've been enjoying the simple pleasure of anonymity in a town where nobody knows my past. I've even started thinking that things might work out for me here.

But peace, it seems, is a fleeting luxury.

As I walk down the street, lost in my own thoughts, a familiar voice shatters the tranquility I've been enjoying.

"Hey, bitch, just the person I wanted to see!"

I freeze mid-step, and my blood runs cold. The voice is unmistakable. I spin around, and there he is. Guy. And right beside him is his ever-loyal companion, Shawna. What the hell are they doing back here?

When I try to ignore them and turn back around to keep walking, Guy comes around and steps in front of me, blocking my way.

"Oh, no, you don't," he growls, grabbing me by the arm and spinning me around. "You and I need to have a little chat. We were in a bit of a rush last time, but now that we've got a chance to catch up, I'd like to get reacquainted."

"Let go of me," I say, trying to pull my arm free, but he grips me tighter.

"Guy," Shawna pleads, running her eyes over me with the most pitiful look on her face, "please, don't make a scene."

"I'll do whatever the fuck I want, Shawna. Especially after the shit she pulled with Dante."

I wriggle against his grasp, trying to break free, but it's no use. Guy is big, and he's not planning on letting me go. "Guys, come on," I beg. "I don't know what the hell you think you're doing, but this is a stupid way to get my attention. There are people all over the place."

Guy grins, revealing a row of pearly white teeth. "Running away like a scared little rabbit without a word. Pathetic."

My jaw clenches at his taunts. I hate how he can still get under my skin after all this time. Just the mention of Dante is enough to bring a wave of anxiety over me, and it's all too easy for Guy to pick up on.

"I didn't owe you anything," I retort.

Guy chuckles, and it's a dark and menacing sound. "Oh, but you should regret it, sweetheart. You left behind your pack, your family. That's not something you can just walk away from."

My hands ball into fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. I hate how they try to guilt-trip me, to manipulate me into feeling guilty for doing what was best for my own sanity.

"I don't owe you an explanation," I shoot back.

Guy's grip tightens on my arm, and I can feel the bruises already forming under his fingers. "You don't owe me anything, huh? That's rich, coming from you. You owe our entire pack for the damage you did."

Panic starts to claw its way up my throat. I don't want a scene, especially not in the middle of the town where everyone can see. The last thing I need is for people to start asking questions and digging into my past.

Before I can say anything, a voice cuts through the tension like a knife. "Is there a problem here?"

I glance over Guy's shoulder, and my heart sinks. Justin. Of all the times for him to show up, it had to be now.

Guy's eyes narrow as he turns to face Justin, releasing his grip on my arm. "Mind your own business, mutt. This doesn't concern you."

Oh, shit. That was the wrong thing to say to someone like Justin.

Justin steps forward, takes my hand, and pulls me away from Guy, who lets me go. The calmness in Justin's demeanor is unsettling. I can see the rage boiling beneath the surface, threatening to spill out. He towers over my former pack mate, his posture stiff.

"Actually, it does," he says to Guy. "Callie's a member of this town, and I won't stand by while you harass her."

Guy snorts. "Oh, she's a member of your pack now, is she?” He sneers at me. “Last time I checked, you were running solo, lone wolf."

Justin squares his shoulders, unflinching. "She's a member of this community, and I consider her a close, personal friend. I don't take kindly to people threatening my friends, stranger."

Guy sneers, his upper lip curling as he glares at Justin, but Shawna steps between them. "Guy, let's just go. This isn't worth it."

But Guy ignores her, his attention fixed on Justin. "You think you can take me, boy? You're nothing but a pup compared to me."

My heart pounds in my chest as I watch the standoff unfold. Justin may be strong, but Guy is unpredictable, and I don't know if Justin can handle him alone.

"Justin, don't," I plead, but Justin doesn't move.

"I'm not backing down, Callie. Not when you're involved."

I swallow hard against the lump forming in my throat. I don't want to see anyone get hurt, especially not Justin. But Guy looks so pissed, and if he wants to go toe-to-toe with Justin, there won't be much anyone can do to stop him.

"You're in Stardust Hollow Pack's territory," Justin reminds him. "And you seem to have forgotten that the rest of my pack is all over this town. Do you really want to start something you can't finish?"

Shawna tugs at Guy's arm. "Guy, let's just go."

His lips twist into a scowl as he looks around, his nostrils flaring as he sniffs, no doubt checking for other shifters. His gaze meets Justin's, and he lets out a grunt before turning back to me. "This isn't over, Callie. Your little bodyguard can't protect you from everything. It's a dangerous world out there for a lone wolf. You'll learn that soon enough."

With one final sneer, he turns and walks away, Shawna scurrying after him.

I sag against the wall, letting out a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you, Justin. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't shown up."

"Still not going to tell me who those guys are? Or what's going on?"

I hesitate. The last thing I want is to bring even more drama into his life, and yet I can't tell him to mind his own business. "I... there's some bad history there, that's all."

Justin raises an eyebrow. "Bad history? Like what? A love triangle gone wrong?"

I can't help but laugh. "A love triangle, no. It's more like... never mind. Anyway, where have you been lately? I don't think I've seen you all week. I was worried that after..."

He clears his throat. "I've been helping out a friend in the next town over."

"What, a girlfriend?"

He chuckles. "No, not a girlfriend. A dog. She's been causing trouble, getting into fights with other strays, and the townspeople were ready to just catch her and put her down. I couldn't just stand by and let that happen."

I shake my head and chuckle. "Of course you couldn't. You and your dogs."

"What can I say? I've seen too many animals written off as hopeless in the military. If they're deemed too difficult to train, too unruly, they're pretty much just discarded."

My heart aches at the thought. "That must have been hard to witness."

"It was," he admits. "But it taught me something important. When I see a 'lost cause,' I feel this urge to intervene. To give them a chance they might not otherwise get."

"A second chance," I murmur. How ironic, considering I came to Stardust Hollow looking for just that. "That's incredibly noble of you."

He gives a small, sad smile. "Maybe. But for me, it's more of a personal mission. To make sure no creature is left behind, no matter how difficult they may seem."

I'm moved by his dedication, by the empathy he holds for creatures that society often overlooks. "Thank you for sharing that with me, Justin. I think it says a lot about who you are."

His smile widens, and it makes my heart race. "I'm glad you think so."

"And thank you for helping me out earlier. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime," he replies, his expression softening. "Where are you headed?"

"Work," I grumble, holding up my apron.

"Sounds like a blast," he comments with a laugh. "I'll pick you up at the end of your shift and walk you home. Just in case those two come back."

I roll my eyes playfully. "You're such a gentleman, aren't you?"

He flashes me a grin, his green eyes twinkling. "What can I say? I'm a big believer in manners. Especially when a lady is concerned."

I laugh, shaking my head. "You're too much."

"And yet, you like me."

"Whatever," I retort. "I get out at seven today. See you then?

He grins. "Looking forward to it."

"See you later, Justin."

"Later, Callie."

As he walks away, I can't help but smile to myself. Justin has been an absolute lifesaver. It feels like he's always around when I need him, and even though the thought of his face has kept me up at night, I've been happier knowing he's around.

Later that evening, as I wipe down the counters, my phone buzzes with a message from Justin. It reads: "Hey, sorry, emergency came up and I'm going to be a little late. Can you wait for me at the diner? I'll explain everything when I get there."

I sigh, feeling torn. On one hand, I want to go home early and check on Champ. He's been home alone for most of the day, and I want to make sure he's okay. The poor guy has to go outside and eat dinner. But on the other hand, who knows if Guy is out there waiting for me, lurking in the shadows? What if he follows me home?

But then I remember that I've made it this far on my own. I've managed to keep Guy and the rest of the pack away from me for this long. I don't want to start altering my routine or behavior just because of a few threats. I'm not the kind of woman who needs a man to protect her. I'm tired and ready for bed, and who knows how long Justin will be with whatever no doubt animal-related emergency came up?

"Screw it," I mumble, sending a quick response. "I'm heading home."

As soon as the text is sent, I head for the door. It's only a short walk to the cabin, and I know I'll be fine.

As I walk, my mind drifts, replaying the events of the day like scenes from a nightmare. Guy's menacing presence, his taunts, and the suffocating feeling of being trapped—it's all still fresh in my memory, and I hate it. But with each step, I push the fear aside, determined not to let it control me anymore.

Lost in thought, I finally reach the familiar path that leads to my cabin. As I walk up the gravel driveway and climb the front porch steps, I hear Champ inside barking. He must hear me approaching.

But as I reach out for the handle, the hair on the back of my neck stands up. Someone is here. I can feel them watching me.

"Welcome home, sweetheart," a voice says.

My heart stops. I know that voice—Guy's taunting tone—all too well.

Dread clenches my stomach as I slowly turn to face him.

There he stands, a dark figure looming in the shadows, with Shawna by his side and several others from my old pack lurking behind him like vultures waiting to descend upon their prey.

"Don't even try to run," he says, his voice low and menacing. "We've been tailing you for days, Callie. We've got all night to play."

I swallow hard, trying to muster the courage to speak, but my throat feels dry and constricted. It's like I've swallowed a block of ice. "You need to leave," I finally manage to get out.

"Leave?" he laughs. "Where's your new boyfriend, Callie? Does he know what you did to Dante? Does he know the kind of girl you are? Do you think he'd want you if he knew?"

My pulse quickens, adrenaline surging through my veins as I instinctively take a step back until my back collides with the side of my house. I'm cornered, with nowhere to run and no one to turn to for help. As they close in around me, a cold knot of dread tightens in my chest. I'm completely defenseless. And in that moment, all I can do is pray that someone, anyone, will come to my rescue before it's too late.

Why the hell didn't I wait for Justin?