Hopefully, I wouldn’t regret this.
I turned off the music in my helmet with a click of a button and pulled it off, shaking out my braids. Then I balanced it on the motorcycle seat. Patiently, I waited as the space between us disappeared with each of the woman’s hurried steps.
She stopped several feet from me, and in the limited lighting—a half-ass glow cast by a streetlight across the highway—I honed in on her details in case I had to give them to the authorities later. Black leggings, combat boots, and a dark hoodie with a faded animal skull on the front. The hood shadowed her face.
I towered over her, which was probably why she left so much distance between us. I was an alpha, after all, which was enough to make any other designation wary. Not to mention, I was decked out in silver-studded leather, looking like a reject motorcycle-gang member.
I couldn't blame her for being cautious.
“Are you alright?” I asked when a beat of silence passed, not missing the way she flinched at my voice.
Her hooded head bobbed. “I’m fine. Just trying to get to Houston.”
“Houston?” We were easily two hours away. “And you plan to hitchhike all the way there?”
“I’m strapped for cash and walking will take days.” Her shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Don't have a lot of options, do I?”
My skin prickled, her tone irritating my alpha instincts.
What a brat.
At least she didn't sound like she was in distress. She sounded calm, decided.
Maybe I wasn't dealing with a frantic runaway after all. Maybe she was used to this kind of thing, slinking around in the dark and asking for favors from strangers.
Or maybe she was putting up a brave front because I was three times her size and could easily snap her in half.
“Where are you coming from?” If I could keep up the small talk, maybe she’d let her guard down a bit. I wouldn’t hurt her, but she didn’t know that. Besides, I was curious. How long had she been traveling?
“It doesn’t matter,” she quipped. “I can’t go back.”
So shewasa runaway. Not that it changed anything.
“What’s in Houston?” I asked, still wanting answers.
I wasn’t in a hurry. The only thing waiting for me back at the caravan was Zero, and I wasn't eager to see his stupid face.
Besides, I still wanted to know what the hell she was doing out here alone.
“Nothing.” Her tone was clipped.
I scowled. Obviously, there was something if she was so desperate to get there.
The situation didn’t sit quite right, and the fact that she’d yet to show her face had me even more on edge.
What is she hiding beneath that hood?
“What’s your name?” I asked.
A beat of hesitation. “Arina.”
“Arina?”She had to be joking. “Like a circus arena?”
She huffed her annoyance, which only made the corner of my mouth lift in a smirk.
“Yes, I’ve heard every joke in the book.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s yours?”
“Revel.”
