“Hello, Rhayven.”
It’s the voice my nightmares are made of.
A voice I’ve spent years hiding from.
He found me.
The cacophony of barking and growling in my head forces my eyes to close in pain. I fight the nausea and bile that's burning in the back of my throat.
I can’t breathe.
I can’t move.
“Nothing to say to me after all these years?” Bryce says.
“I think you have the wrong person.” I flip my lids up in time to see Granger narrowing his eyes at Bryce.
“No, there’s no mistake. I’d recognize my mate's scent anywhere, even after she ran off, what . . . ten years ago?”
“Claudia, do you know this person?” Granger asks, closing the gap between us. He tips my chin up, forcing me to look at him. His eyes never waver, even though the emotion on his face cycles from worry to confusion to irritation. I assume the latter is directed more at the person behind me, but that still doesn’t stop me from breaking contact.
How do I even begin to answer his question?
“Claudia? That explains a lot,” Bryce scoffs. “Guess leaving your pack behind wasn’t enough. You had to take it one step further. That’s low, even for you.” Malice drips from every word.
A spark of rage ignites inside me, melting away a smidge of the fear that’s weighing me down. I whip around and take in the man who singlehandedly ruined the last eleven years of my life. He looks older, though his eyes still show the true depth of his depravity. They run down my body like he’s calculating all the ways he wants to torture me. It sets off a bomb within me.
“Fuck. You,” I seethe. “I don’t know why you’re here or how you found me, and I really don’t care. Rhayven is dead because of you.”
I part my lips when I feel a sharp prick as my canines elongate and my teeth sharpen. I barely register the bite of pain when I flex my fists to accommodate my lengthening nails.
Bryce tsks. “Rhayven—oh, I’m sorry . . . Claudia.” His condescending tone enrages me even more. “Why don’t we go catch up somewhere private? See if we can clear up any misunderstandings. You have no idea how worried I’ve been, separated from you, never knowing if you were dead.” When he holds out his hand, I snarl. “Come on, don’t you think you at least owe your best friend, your mate, an explanation of where you’ve been all these years?”
That’s the second time he’s referred to himself as my mate. Red fills my vision while a hard shove rattles my barriers. I know my wolf wants out—she’s trying to force the shift, but this isn’t the right place.
“I am not your mate. I never will be, you sick bastard.” My composure is slipping. I’m barely hanging on to the last shred of my control. “I don’t owe you shit.”
The corners of Bryce’s mouth lift into a sinister grin. “Someone got feisty. I think I like this new side of you.” His eyes rake down my body and then back up, but this time, they’re hungry. A shiver rolls down my spine. I’m ready to launch myself at him and gouge his eyeballs out when an arm slings across my shoulder.
Granger tucks me protectively into his side. His essence wraps around me, easing some of the anger coursing through me. I pull from his strength and let it ground me. Too bad I can’t enjoy how incredible it feels to be close to him again or how perfectly I fit at his side. What a reunion this has turned out to be.
“This is the only warning I’m giving you: leave, now. Invited guest or not, I can have you removed from the premises. Hopefully, that clears up any misunderstandings you may have.” Granger isn’t fazed at all by Bryce; assertiveness punctuates his every word.
Milo steps up beside me, his arm brushing mine. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Ascher moving into position on Granger’s other side. Their protective nature has me relaxing slightly. They don’t know Bryce or me, yet they’re willing to step up and support me without question.
“Interesting,” Bryce muses. “You’re not claimed, yet these men are hovering over you like you’re theirs. Hmm, never thought you were that type.” His lip quirks, holding back what he undoubtedly wants to say.
Vibration down both sides of my body has me glancing left and right. Granger is snarling and while Milo’s face is blank, there’s no mistaking the growl emanating from deep within his chest.
“We told you to get the fuck up outta here. Nicely, in fact. Take the offer while you’re still able to walk,” Ascher threatens, which has no effect on Bryce.
“Whatever. I’ll leave. But babe, I do plan on catching up with you—soon.” Bryce nods, his evil grin still in place. He tucks his hands into his pockets and strolls off with his head held high like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
The minute he’s out of sight, my legs buckle, no longer able to hold me up. Once again, my fall is broken by strong arms. I’m cradled against someone’s chest, and I bury my face into its warmth, unsure who it belongs to because my brain is spinning out of control.
My warring emotions have escalated to full battle mode, splitting me in half. The only thing I can do is shut my brain down and let them go at it because I have no fight left in me to regain a semblance of control.
Every fear I locked away for the past ten years suddenly shreds me open like it couldn’t wait for the chance to escape. A flood of memories comes crashing down, tearing a sob from my lungs and burning my throat. I tried so hard to forget him, to move on, to not let him win. All my hard work has been blown to pieces in a matter of seconds.
A soothing touch travels up and down my back. Calming words are whispered in my ear. I can’t stop my body from shaking uncontrollably, can’t hem the tears that fall for a man who doesn't deserve them.
Slowly, the sobs fade into quiet breaths. I have no idea how long I’ve been crying. The trembling in my body recedes as I become aware that I’m still wrapped in someone's arms. I pull back and sit up, only to see the mess I’ve made of Granger’s dress shirt. There’s a huge wet spot left by my tears and it looks like I rubbed my makeup all over him.
“Don’t worry about it,” he says.
Easier said than done.
He’s literally wearing the evidence of my breakdown.
“Here you go.” I turn my head to see Milo offering a bottle of water and tissues.
“Thank you.” I grab the tissues and blow my nose, then take a few more to clean my face the best I can. I pause reaching for the bottle of water, confused for a moment at the fact that we are now outside but also grateful for the privacy. I grab the bottle and take a few sips, avoiding all eye contact. “Look, I . . . uh . . . I’m sorry.”
“Look at me.” A finger under my chin lifts my gaze until I’m staring at Granger. “You have nothing to be sorry for. But I need to know if you’re in danger.”
He brushes some of my hair out of my eyes, tucking it behind my ear. It’s endearing and comforting and speaks volumes to his character. How many men would sit with a tear, snot, and makeup-stained shirt, focused solely on consoling me and worrying about me? I don't deserve his kindness, yet I find myself craving his sweet words.
The problem, however, is that I won’t let my past cause him trouble. I can’t justify dragging anyone else into the dark hole that is my life.
Bryce is my issue.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’ll deal with him. Won’t be the first time.” I mumble the last part, knowing what Bryce’s presence means; I’ll have to find a new place to live. That really sucks. I was building a life in Utah—a good life—but staying is too risky. I move to get up, but Granger’s grip on my thighs tightens.
“Listen. I cannot, in good sense, let you go home tonight. I don’t trust him, and I won’t leave you unprotected. Please, let me make arrangements for you to stay someplace safe, just for tonight, and I’ll take you home tomorrow.”
At any other time, the fierceness is in his eyes would be a turn-on, but tonight it’s what sways my decision to agree. The hard edge in his voice tells me I don’t have a choice in this matter. I
hang my head, knowing he’s right; I shouldn’t be alone tonight. It just sucks relying on someone.
Especially him.
“Fine,” I concede.
“Perfect. Ascher, Milo, can one of you let Blave know to meet me at the condo? I’m going to go ahead and get her settled in.”
Granger stands, gently placing me on my feet. He grabs my hand, leading me back into the house.
Claudia
“Do you need to grab your stuff before we go?”
I nod, the only movement I can manage to do. Now would be the perfect time to crawl into a corner and hide. Nothing like having your deepest vulnerabilities laid out in front of strangers. Granger tugs me through the house until he stops in front of the dressing room.
“Go on in. I’m going to let Hannah know I’m taking you home with me, so she doesn’t worry.”
Again, I only manage to nod before proceeding into the bedroom.
I feel removed from my own senses, like I can see myself shuffling around the room all zombie-like with drooping features. The out-of-body experience is unnerving—or it should be, but I’m too mentally and physically drained to react. A shiver slides down my spine, cold settling into my bones.
How did this happen?
How did he find me?
What’s his plan?
How far do I have to run now?
Question after question pounds away at my skull. I want answers, but I also don’t. They can’t change the fact that I’m still forced to leave.
Ten years.
Ten long years.
In the snap of a finger, everything I’ve done to protect myself has been for nothing. I knew settling down in one place was a gamble; I knew better and I did it anyway.
Fuck my life.
I wince at the pain shooting from the crown of my head to temples. Tears prick the corners of my eyes, threatening to fall again. I have no willpower left to stop them.
“Claudia,” Granger calls, joining me in the room. “I told Hannah only what she needed to know and that you’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
What if Bryce goes after Hannah?
Have I put her in danger too?
Granger wraps his arms around me. “Shhhh. You’re safe now. I won't let anything happen to you.”
It’s like he knew before I did that I would fall apart in another breakdown. Tears stream down my face again, and the harder I cry, the more comfort he whispers in my ear. The harder I shake, the tighter he holds. The guilt and pain and worry I wallow in are slowly soothed away by the light caresses he runs over my back.
Time ticks away, drying up my tears as it passes. I find myself listening to his soft, even breaths, and the strong beat of his heart. This man is too good for me. He’s under no obligation to help me and yet he does.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” I blurt out. “You don’t even know me. The last time I was with you, I ran out without saying goodbye.”
There it is.
Out in the open.
No take-backs.
Silence hangs in the air between us while his hand continues to rub up and down my back. I mentally kick myself for saying anything. When I go to pull away, though, he stops me.
“Don’t feel guilty for what happened that night. I’m the one who should be apologizing to you. Regardless of what went down two years ago, I want to help. So please, let me.”
His words sink in, tugging at my heartstrings. Why does he feel he’s the one that needs to say sorry? Has he been living with guilt from that night for all this time, just like me? Does he regret being with me?
“Are you ready to go?” he asks.
“Yes.”
If I were in a better headspace, I would have pressed for more information. Even then, I’m not sure I’d have had the guts.
He kisses the top of my head and steps away. The sudden loss of his embrace has me rubbing my chest. I want to pull him back to me—I need more of his strength—but keeping my distance helps clear my head. I need to be in full control so I can formulate my next escape plan.
I pick my bag up off the floor.
“Come with me.”
He leads me out of the house. I glance back, guilt at leaving Hannah pricking me. I should’ve been the one to tell her, but I’m kind of glad Granger did it for me. She would’ve pestered me with questions, and I can’t deal with that right now.
He opens the door to an expensive white sports car. “You drive this? What is it?” This doesn’t seem like his style.
“Yes, this is me,” he chuckles. “It's an Audi R8. Why?”
“I don’t know. I pictured you in a classic muscle car or maybe a truck. This looks like something Ascher would drive.”
His laugh begins melting away the ice in my bones. “I have a truck as well, but I like driving the sports car. Better on gas and easier to find parking.”
Makes sense.
Sliding into the seat, the first thing I do is close my eyes and breathe in the new car smell.
“I know how you feel. New car smell is the best.” He settles into his seat.
“Yes, it is.”
Not as good as yours, though.
Granger’s essence floods the car, and I fight not to take a deep breath.
Mine.
My wolf lies down, content in Granger’s car. At least she’s stopped demanding I pounce on him. Hopefully, my earlier cryfest keeps her quiet for a while.
Granger starts the engine and heads out of the neighborhood. “Do you want some music on? We have about thirty minutes until we get to the condo.”
“You can play whatever. I like most genres.” I shift in my seat to get more comfortable.
“If you’re cold, there’s a button on the side of the cushion for seat warmers. I think it’s the middle one.”
I feel around and locate the button, sliding it to the left. The seatback heats immediately, diffusing the last bit of cold that was clinging to my body. I lay my head back, trying to enjoy the melody, but my brain’s apparent taste for masochism has Bryce popping into my head again. Just the thought ramps up another destructive mixture of emotions.
It’s crazy to think that he still wants me after all these years—and for what? There’s nothing to gain from being my mate. I lost my status when I ran away.
“I can smell your distress. I promise you’re safe. Why don’t you close your eyes and relax? We have a bit of a drive still.”
Mustering all my willpower, I close my eyes and focus on Granger’s scent, letting it pull me under.
Granger
She’s finally asleep. Exhaustion won.
I, on the other hand, can’t shake the gnawing in my chest or get my primal side to shut the hell up. Unclenching my fingers from the steering wheel, I turn onto the highway. I shake out one hand and then the other, trying to return some blood to my fingertips. I’m surprised the steering wheel is still in one piece.
I have no idea how I stopped myself from ripping Bryce’s throat out. He called her his mate. Why? It was painfully obvious that she wanted to be anywhere he wasn’t. For a moment, I thought I saw my sister all over again. The terror on her face has haunted my dreams for a long time.
If Ascher hadn’t stepped in when he did, I would’ve gladly given my primal side the reins; consequences be damned. My wolf demanded Bryce’s blood. Even now, my mouth is watering at the idea.
I want to know everything about Bryce, including what made Claudia feel the need to run from her pack. However, pressing her for answers right now is not the wisest move. I want her to trust me, so I must give her a reason to. I’ll talk to the guys, see if we can dig up information on him and his association with the pack.
I peek over at Claudia. She’s just as stunningly beautiful as she was two years ago. I still can’t believe that she’s been living near me this whole time, that she’s here in my car. I forced myself to forget about her, but she never stopped visiting me in my dreams.
Watching her, peacefully doze, reminds me of what a complete d
ick I was to her. I don’t blame her for running out on me. I wouldn’t have stuck around if she locked herself in the bathroom for an hour after a one-night stand. I freaked out—now I have to live with the consequences.
I slow as the driveway to my building comes into view. I pull into the parking garage and park in one of the four designated spots. That’s one thing we like about this place: designated parking. As quietly as I can, I slide out of the car and walk around to the passenger side. She hasn’t stirred, which makes me happy. I hope she won’t wake when I move her.
I open the door and gently scoop her into my arms, hip bumping the door shut. Another perk of this building is the security and privacy it offers. Like us, the wealthy people who live here want their business hidden from prying eyes.
“Good evening, Mr. Kendall,” Fred greets, holding the door open.
“Evening.”
Fred has worked night security here for the last ten years. Nice guy. He’s an exemplary citizen who used to work in law enforcement.
“I’ll unlock the elevator for you.”
“Thanks.”
Perk number three: penthouses have a private elevator. He unlocks the elevator, and I step inside when the doors open.
“Have a good evening, sir.”
“You as well.”
The doors close and we begin our ascent. Claudia’s still dead asleep when I enter the condo.
“She okay?” Ascher whispers.
He and Milo are standing in the living room, eyeing the female I’m holding like she’s made of glass and might break any second. Obviously, they’re concerned about her, but what has my brain stalling is how worried they look. They just met her, yet both were very protective of her back at the house. Even now, Ascher shifts on his feet like he’s ready to throw down at the hint of a threat.
“Yeah, she’s good. I’m taking her to my room.”
I make my way down the hall and into my room, laying her on the bed. I take off her shoes then grab a spare blanket from the closet and cover her up. Once I’m satisfied she’s tucked in, I shut the door and return to the kitchen where my housemates are waiting.
The Chase Is On (Pack Everhart Book 1) Page 12
