My thoughts went to war, and I grimaced while half of my mind argued that I was worth it, that I mattered. It was a nice idea, but the correct part of my head threw out example after example of proof that I didn’t matter at all. Why did Kyler care about apologizing? It was a waste of words, breath and time.
Shaking my head, I growled under my breath and banished those darker thoughts. I mattered, I was important, and I refused to give up. It would devastate Matty if anything happened to me. Not because I no longer provided his tuition, but because he loved me. I believed the pack did too, but as Jaxy said, they were lost. Tears leaked from my eyes while I tried to strengthen my resolve to make it back to town. This would hurt, and I’d hate it, but I would have a home. A permanent one. So what if it was a little suffocating at first? Once they healed, and so did I, we could find a compromise. I needed to stand my ground when it mattered and relent when it didn’t. Perhaps they needed me more than I realized. Admittedly, I needed them more than I wanted to confess. Nothing worth having was ever easy.
“Okay, Jaxy,” I whispered, “I’ll go back.” I sensed his wary happiness wrap around me, chuckling upon realizing the depth of his irritation with his former pack. “As you said, they’re lost, so I suppose we can’t be too furious. I don’t know how often I’ll snap or retreat, but I will try. I worry that the pain I’m holding down will resurface and I might lash out, but I suppose we’ll deal with it when it happens.” Sighing heavily, I stood, spreading out the heavy blanket I used so it could dry.
When I left the treehouse after shouldering my bag, a flash of lightning revealed Ky watching me warily. Frowning, I chewed my bottom lip because his eyes lacked the golden hue I was used to, and I swallowed nervously upon realizing Kyler was in control. “I’m returning,” I whispered, and his amber eyes widened. A crack of thunder made my ears ring, and I stumbled a step. Shaking my head, I looked to where he was only to find no sign of the wolf.
Shrugging, I started towards the deer trail that would take me back to my apartment only to falter when I noticed a man-shaped shadow. Fear filled my soul, and I took an instinctive step back, seeing that the shadow took one towards me. Gulping, I retreated, with the man matching me step for step. However, since he towered over me, each of his steps ate more ground than mine. Soon he was only a yard from me, and I trembled while eyeing his long arms. Any closer, and I’d be within reach. I couldn’t sense Jax’s presence and hoped he was summoning Marcus or something because I didn’t know who this stranger was, but I doubted they were good news for me.
“Hello, Angel,” he greeted in a purring voice that caused goosebumps to erupt across my body. It was velvety with a hint of steel so cold I feared I might freeze if he spoke again. “I wondered how long it would take the dogs to drive you off. I see you aim to return for another dose of punishment.”
Swallowing nervously, I sidestepped, my anxiety rising when he did not do the same. What nasty surprise was in store? Still, I edged around him, keeping my eyes on him. “Pity,” he chuckled when I was past him, although he had not turned his head to watch me. “I suppose it’s only fair to take your state of mind into consideration.” Fear made my mouth go dry because he had something terrible up his sleeve. “After all, how else do you explain that you never noticed the absence of the email informing you they arrived safely.”
I froze in place, my heart sinking while my soul radiated pain. No. No! “Matty will be so disappointed. He keeps telling me how his big sister will kick my ass when she comes for him.” A cold chuckle made me shrink back in fear of the cruelty within the noise. “So, big sister, what will you do? Return to the dogs who hurt you, who you no longer trust? Or take the only opportunity you will receive to be reunited with your precious baby brother?”
Shaking like a leaf, I forced my stiff legs to traverse the distance to the stranger. He either has Matty or had him to know about the emails. A tear rolled down my cheek, lost within the raindrops already there, while I imagined my little brother with this terrifying man. Straightening my spine, I stopped shaking and stood tall for the last couple of steps. I’ll save you, little brother, even if I must become lost to ensure your safety. I didn’t know who this man was, but I didn’t think he was human. Did he hurt Kyler? Was that why the wolf was gone? Regardless, I stopped in front of him and swallowed nervously while fighting my desire to tremble. I might not be strong, but I wouldn’t shake like a leaf before my fate. I’m coming, Matty.
Defiantly, I raised my gaze to stare into the eyes of the man that took my little brother. In the darkness, I couldn’t determine their color, but his cold gaze chilled me to the bone. I didn’t know what he was, but I harbored no doubts he was malevolent. Still, I wouldn’t leave my baby brother at his mercy. At least, I wouldn’t allow him to suffer alone. He didn’t say he would release him if I came along, nor did he promise not to hurt him. But, at the very least, we would be together. Misery loves company
