It was a ten-minute walk to Becca’s home, which we spent in tense silence. I had plenty to think about, and Shannon looked too exhausted to do more than put one foot in front of the other. I wanted to stay with her, but my needs, and hers, would have to take a back seat for the night. I had a job to do. I’d promised Rawson. The weariness in my bones would have to wait until much later, if not the following day before I could sleep and ease it.
It was quiet on the street, and we didn’t pass another soul before reaching the neat path leading to Becca’s home. I allowedShannon to step ahead of me before leaning down to growl in her ear.
“I meant what I said, Shan. Do not push me. You need to eat and sleep…”
Her head snapped around so she could look at me, her features tight. “Don’t pretend you care, Stoney-boy. We both know I’m just a pain in your arse.”
“No, Shannon, you aren’t, but I’ll become a pain in yours if you disobey me.”
Her eyes widened, and I couldn’t help the smirk that curled my mouth. Before she could respond, Becca answered the door.
“Hey, girl.”
“H-Hi.”
Shannon’s flustered response made me want to smile again, but I’d had years of practice keeping my emotions hidden. I nodded at Becca, wishing I had more time to explore Shan’s interesting reaction to my threat. “Thank you for letting Shannon stay. Jed will be by in the morning to pick her up.”
“Sure.” Becca turned to Shannon, and though she hid it, I could see the shock in her expression at Shannon’s appearance. “Shan, honey, you look done in. Why don’t you go lay down on the sofa, and I’ll bring you a coffee.”
Her frown deepened when Shan only nodded and meekly shuffled into the front room.
I stepped back outside, not surprised when Becca followed.
“Shit, she looks rough. She needs medical care, Stone.”
“I’m aware, but she also needs to get away from this place. And the treatments are more long term and effective in Faery.”
Her brows drew down. “But you’ll be here for at least another twelve hours, probably longer. That’s a long time for someone with the DTs.”
I tried not to snarl at the pack councillor. She was right, but I didn’t want anyone else to treat Shannon. I wanted to gether away from the town, which had been built only miles from where the prison that had almost killed us had been. It didn’t escape my notice that her drinking had become worse since we’d arrived in Hope. “I know. Just keep her hydrated and off the booze.”
Chapter 7
Shannon
I lay in the dark in Becca’s spare room, listening to the house settle as the heat bled from it. Becca had checked on me a little while ago. I’d heard her approach, so I’d willed my body to stop trembling and had done my best impression of sleep while she hovered in the doorway.
I didn’t want to get Becca in trouble, but I needed to get out of this damned house. The walls were closing in on me, and even though I hated myself for it, the craving for a drink clawed at my insides. It would rip me open if I didn’t get one and soon.
Forcing thoughts of Stone’s threats from my pounding head, I slid out from under the covers and pulled on my jeans, followed by my boots and jacket. Despite the low temperature in the room, a drop of sweat ran down my forehead. I dove for the ensuite as my stomach expelled the three mouthfuls of tomato soup I’d managed to eat a few hours ago. I tried to fill the glass by the sink with water, but it fell from my fingers.
“Shit.”
I couldn’t even pick the damned thing up again. Giving up, I cupped my hand under the tap and scooped cool water into my mouth. Grateful for the mouthwash by the sink, I swilled out the bitter after-vomit taste. Though I'd washed it a few hours ago, my hair felt lank and thick with dirt and sweat. Glancing at my reflection didn’t do anything for my self-respect. I was a mess.
Breathing hard, my heart slamming against my ribs, I crept out of the bathroom and across the floor, missing the squeaky board I’d noticed earlier. Becca was a shifter, too, so I’d have to be stealthy to get out of here undetected. I moved to the top of the stairs just as a deep voice chuckled, followed by Becca’s light giggle. Shit. Lionel. I knew they had chemistry but had no idea they'd gotten as far as visiting each other’s houses. There was no way I’d get past the lion shifter undetected.
I glanced back at the window. “Fuck it.” I carefully unlatched it and swung it open. I’d get through. Just. But the drop would be a bitch. Shifters were heavy but not easily hurt. Normally. But I wasn’t fit or even strong. I was sick, and I knew it. Just like Stone had said.
I looked back at the bed, wishing I didn’t need to leave. But I did. I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth. He’d be so pissed off at me. But even the threat of his ‘punishment’ didn’t stop my craving. Besides, if he tried slapping my backside like I was an errant child, I’d kick his arse, and he knew it. The fact that I was so weak and had no chance of kicking anyone’s arse wasn’t something I wanted to dwell on.
I climbed onto the window sill and, grabbing the frame in my shaking fingers, turned to face the room before shimmying my legs out. Frightened I’d made too much noise, I stilled, my belly on the frame and my feet dangling towards the ground. Another deep laugh rumbled, but it was quieter, as if they’d moved into the kitchen. Good. It made getting out of the house undetected easier. I pushed through and let myself slide further down, butmy trembling hands and arms couldn’t take my weight, and my grip gave way. I fell towards the ground. Pain rippled through my ankle and lower leg as I landed hard in a crumpled heap, banging my head on the ground. My brain rattled, and a small cry escaped into the night.
Adrenaline coursed through my body, making me shake harder, and my already thrumming heart raced faster still. Breathing hard, I lay still, listening for the stomping approach of an angry Alpha. Another giggle came from the distant kitchen. I loosed a shaky breath and squeezed my eyes shut. I’d be able to get to the bar. Now, all I had to do was move. A drink would dull the pain and my shakes. It always did.
As I rolled onto my back and stared at the clear, starry sky, all I could see was Stone’s stern face. The disappointment in his eyes when he realised I’d run. My lungs felt like they were full of water, and I was drowning in shame.Shit! What the fuck am I doing?The stars blurred, and I blinked before rubbing the dampness from my eyes. I wished my life was different. No, I wished ithadbeen different. That my father hadn’t been a cruel fucker. That I was different. Stronger. Enough to say fuck you to my dad and actually mean it. I wished Ava hadn’t left me alone with him when I was so young. But most of all, I wished I was good enough for Stone, that I wasn’t broken, that I didn’t have the blood and genes of the man who’d killed his mate running in my veins. The very thought disgusted me to the point that I only wanted to replace it. With alcohol if necessary.
Crawling on my hands and knees, I made it to Becca’s car and hoisted myself upright, biting my lip to keep from crying out as I tried to put weight on my ankle. I tried the car door. Locked.
