His brow rises. “Masking spray?” he mutters.
“Please believe me when I say that what happened that night between us was completely natural and innocent. Everything we felt was real, and there’s never been a day where I regret my decision to be with you.”
He says nothing and the look on his face is unreadable.
“Believe me, had I known then what I know now, I would’ve never bothered coming here. I was only trying to escape that part of my life, which is why I left Raphael as soon as my debt was repaid. This Boss person, though—he’s the one who’s behind the takeovers. Raphael was just a pawn in whatever game he’s playing.”
“So, who is the Boss?” Milo asks.
“I don’t know, and that’s the truth. Everything I’ve told you places you in danger.” I check the time. “I only have a few more minutes left. Blave was right; I met with Raphael today. I’m not sure how he found me. He came to warn me that the Boss is losing control and forced him to share info about me and my involvement. Raphael is a dead man walking, and so am I if I don’t leave.”
“I wish you had come to us sooner,” Ascher consoles, grabbing my hand.
“I’m sorry for upsetting the balance of your friendship, but I won’t stand by and watch it crumble because of me.” I glance down at my phone again, three minutes left. Granger turns his back to me, and I can’t blame him. It’s what I deserve.
“I never meant to hurt or deceive you. Regardless of whether you agree with Blave’s decision, he’s right. I can’t stay. Please search for me, because I can promise you that no one will find me this time.”
I drop Ascher’s hand and run to the bedroom, grabbing my duffle bag. I toss in as many belongings as I can and dash out the front door. I can’t look at them again; my heart's already crumbling.
The doors to the elevator open on the ground floor, and I barrel through the front doors, not caring if I look like a crazy woman. Outside I stop and gather my bearings, turning in the direction of the bus station. I dig into my bag and pull out my masking spray to hide my trail, then take off at a sprint.
I run until I can’t anymore, but I still don’t stop. Stopping means my brain will try to process what just happened, and I’m not ready for that yet. I make it to the bus station and randomly purchase a ticket out of the destination choices I have. Looks like I’m heading to Montana. It’s as good a place as any, I guess.
With a few minutes to spare before departure, I dart into the bathroom and dump the clothes I’m wearing, opting for a new outfit to lessen my scent. I apply more masking spray, just like old times. I wasn’t lying when I said I’d make sure no one could find me.
I pull the sim card out of my cell and restore the phone to factory settings before tossing it into the garbage. I stick the sim card in my duffle. Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I back toward the buses waiting to depart and locate mine. I hand the bus driver my ticket and find an empty seat in the very back.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please. Thank you for joining us tonight. We will be departing the station in five minutes. Please make any last-minute bathroom or vending trips before we start the journey north. Our next stop will be in three hours. Should you need any special travel arrangements, please speak with the front desk attendant or me before our departure. Thank you and have a wonderful evening.”
I stare out the window, letting the overwhelming feelings of guilt, loneliness, and heartache invade my mind. If you asked me a month ago where I saw myself in the future, I never would’ve dreamed that I’d be running away again. I refuse to let my past win. I need to protect those that I love, and this is the best way I know how.
Love?
Is that why leaving hurts so much—because my feelings for them have evolved? I close my eyes, fighting with the tears that want to fall.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we will now be departing. Please take your seats.”
“Goodbye, and I’m sorry,” I whisper to no one.
Bryce
I stand in the shadows, where the cool air glides over my skin. Irritation festers within, the longer I stand here. This Beta work is bullshit. Not fit for an Alpha. Alas, here I am, because if I want this done right, then I need to do it on my own. I don’t trust anyone else to get the job done.
Ten years I spent searching for the bitch. Ten fucking years and thousands of dollars wasted, only to find out she’s been living here—safe and sound. When I return home, I’m going to rip the heads off each one of my Betas for their incompetence.
My hands itch and my chest rumbles, remembering the way her fear saturated the air. It was undeniably mouthwatering. I wanted to wrap my hand around her throat and squeeze—punish her for what she put me through—but my fantasy died as quickly as I envisioned it. Those males surrounded her, protected her, but I’ve been biding my time, waiting patiently for the perfect opportunity to get my hands on her again.
I almost found my chance today, but that piece of shit Raphael stole the only opening available in days. He snatched her up after I’d been following her all morning. Though my interest was piqued as I watched Blave track them as well. Being the pussy that he is, he let them escape.
All the better for me. Where Blave failed, I succeeded. Raphael has been screwing shit up for a while, and it only took one phone call today for him to meet his death. I did enjoy playing with him, watching him panic. Watching the terror eat him alive as my fingers shredded his throat. It was glorious. The Boss is angry with me for disposing of Raphael, but I don’t give a shit. He won’t be in charge for much longer.
The doors to the condo’s building fly open as Blave bursts through. So angry. A sinister grin spreads across my face, and I chuckle, impressed with how well this turn of events suits me.
“Get the team ready,” Blave growls.
What, pray tell, is he doing?
The minutes tick away, but Blave continues to stare at the entryway to the condo. Glancing at my phone, I notice ten minutes have almost passed. The condo doors burst open again.
“Well, well, seems Blave didn’t kill her after all.”
The Boss will not be happy when he finds out about this. I, on the other hand, am elated. Blave did precisely what I thought he’d do. Now she’s mine once again. I watch her reach into her bag and spray something on her skin.
My blood heats with desire, excited at the challenge she’s presented my wolf and me. He paces in my head, ready to hunt her down.
“Oh, babe, how I’ve missed you.”
She sprints away but when I move to follow her, the vibration of my phone stops me.
Fuck.
“Boss,” I snap.
“Is it done?”
“He failed to kill her. Let her escape instead. Don’t worry, I’ll handle his mess.”
“No. Get to my office, now,” he barks.
I end the call abruptly, not caring what else he has to say. Blave hops in his truck and drives off. I stand there for a few minutes, waiting to see if those friends of his make their way outside. When no one emerges, I get back into my car with one goal in mind—finding her.
“The chase is on again, babe. And this time will be the last.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
My Husband: I can still remember sitting in the pizza shop down the street, nervous as hell, but excited to tell you about my idea. I had been secretly writing out scenes that started to flow and piece together. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would write a book, but when I told you what I had been doing and what I was wanting to do, you were nothing but supportive. You even went as far as helping me pick out names for some of my characters! It is a memory that I will always cherish. I love your face, punchin!
Krystal and Laura: My two besties! Thank you for being supportive and a HUGE help throughout this whole process. You so kindly read the first draft, which, let’s be honest, was very rough. Still, you encouraged me to keep going. I am so grateful for you both! Best Alpha readers ever!
> Beta Readers: Thank you to all my Beta readers for taking the time to read the story and provide me with your feedback! I was so nervous sending it to you, I won’t lie.
Brandy: You are an amazing person and an awesome editor. I am so grateful to have found you. You have become an important part of my life. Thank you for being patient with me as a new author and the huge learning curve you have assisted in helping me with. I have had the best time writing this book because of you. And now we have some great memories: ebook, woody, hoover, and furry!
Readers: Thank you for reading this story and traveling on this adventure with me!
Brooke Warren lives in Florida with her husband and three dogs. When she is not writing, you can find her with her face stuck in a book reading, playing online video games (World of Warcraft and Fallout are her favs), or getting lost for hours on YouTube. Her love for books and over active imagination has inspired her to share the stories stuck in her head.
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PACK EVERHART SERIES
The Chase Is On
Bonded By Fate
Love Eternal
Complicated Love (Hannah's story. Coming Soon)
LEGION’S FALLEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB SERIES
Burn Me
(Second Book Coming Soon!)
The Chase Is On (Pack Everhart Book 1) Page 20
