“Shannon. It’s so lovely to see you. Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll be with you in a minute. I’ll just finish helping Emily do this Macchiato.”
I nodded, trying not to let tears tip from my eyes. Clearly, I was an utter mess if the friend I’d made whilst being in Hope guarding my sister could make me cry just by saying hello.
I let Stone guide me to a comfy tub chair and obediently sank into its soft leather.
“I’ll order you a latte…”
“Erm, no…no don’t.” My stomach rebelled at the thought of all that milk.
His brows rose. It was what I always had, and he knew it.
“I, er, feel a bit queasy. From the portal.” I didn’t want him to think I was just being difficult and hoped he couldn’t smell the lie in my words. It wasn’t the portal. I just needed a drink so bad I felt like I’d crawl out of my skin if I didn’t get one soon. But to get one, I needed him gone…
Self-disgust was a feeling all its own. I hated lying, especially to him. Mother Wolf, how could I let myself get so badly addicted? My life was a shit show of my own making. I blinked, realising Stone was still waiting for an answer, his jaw doing that ticking thing again.
“A black coffee would be great. Not decaf …Thank you.”
He blinked, his eyes widening ever so slightly.
I looked at the sterile table top to hide the shame that the man I spent more time with than anyone else was taken aback by my thanks. Was I really such a horrible person? Yes. I was.
He didn’t walk away. “You need to eat something, too.”
My stomach clenched unhappily at the thought, but I knew he wouldn’t leave until I agreed. “Okay, I, um…” I couldn’t decide what to say. Not when the thought of a pastry or sandwich made me heave. “I’m not sure what I want.”
“Okay, don’t worry. I’ll choose something for you.”
I nodded and sank back in the chair, letting my body sag. For once, I was grateful to Stoney-boy for making the decision. I was so tired, yet my body was wound up and shaking so hard I couldn’t relax. I sat forward again and wound my hands in my lap, hiding them as he returned with a cup of black coffee and a small tub of fresh fruit and yoghurt with honey. My attention fixed on his hands as he placed the food in front of me.
“Eat at least half of it.”
I nodded, knowing I wouldn’t eat any of it. Just the thought of anything in my belly made me want to heave.
A tense silence fell.
“I have to go.”
I nodded, still not looking at him.
“I’ve told Lorna to keep an eye on you. Don’t leave here until she does. You’re to go home with her, and I’ll find you at her place.”
I nodded again. Mother, I was such a fucking liar. Everything in me knew I’d escape at the earliest opportunity.
He squatted down near my knee. My attention flew to his face. It was a mistake. His silver eyes ensnared me, and I was sure he could see every lie I’d just told him. I tried to look away, but he was having none of it. He gripped my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Make sure you’re there, Shan, or there'll be consequences.”
The silent promise in his words sent goosebumps over my skin. If he noticed, he didn’t say anything. It was a pity I wouldn’t be able to stick to his demands, although the darker, more depraved part of my soul wanted to know what those consequences would be. Because we both knew I’d not follow his orders. That I couldn’t even if I wanted to.
Chapter 6
Stone
Cold night air hit my blood spattered face. I was so tired, I wanted to collapse, but I needed to get to Rawson’s. He needed to be with Ava tonight, and I wanted him to know I’d be there for him. My mind had been distracted in the fight to get Ava back. All I’d wanted from the moment I left was to return to Shannon. So did my wolf. Resentment at our enemy for taking him from his potential mate made us fight with bloodthirsty viciousness.
My feet thudded on the wooden steps of Lorna’s home. Nerves swirled in my belly, along with a heavy dose of hunger. Before I ate or even considered sleeping, I needed to make sure Shannon was still in one piece. When I’d left her in the Eazi, I’d smelt her lies, but there’d been no time to call her on them. And I hadn’t had the time to lock her up. Part of me hoped she’d rethink her choices and do as I asked. But I knew her well.
I took a breath and knocked.
“Coming!” Lorna threw open the door, her face dropping into a mask of disappointment. “Oh, it’s you.”
