“Caelia fought back,” Santo says, sipping his beer. “I pulled her off of McCreuger. She was beating the hell out of him, and her stun gun was getting well used. I hope his dick is broken after how many times her boot met with his junk.”
“If not from her, then I definitely mangled it,” Miles says.
Caelia is sleeping so peacefully, we stay outside talking long into the night, and end up falling asleep with her. If we have to sleep out here every night, we’ll get an outdoor bed made.
I don’t fucking care, as long as she’s okay.
CAELIA
Three months later
September
Jogging next to my dad, I breathe hard as I push to get in the last mile. We’ve been living in New Orleans two houses down from Dad in a long term rental. The guys thought that it was important for me to be closer to my dad, and I think they’re right.
I feel strong, there are less nightmares, and I’m taking self defense lessons downtown. I’m in a much better place than when we first got here.
“Damn, baby. Look at you go,” Levon says, whistling as he jogs with us. Miles and Santo smirk as they go along for the ride, as they have for the last four miles.
Do I still hate running? Not as much as when I first started. I think it’s growing on me, and the runner’s high can’t be beaten.
“How do you feel about hockey season starting back up again soon, Dad?” I ask, keeping my feet moving.
I’ve been running for so long, I know the second I stop moving, I’m done for. My legs are beginning to feel like jello.
“I think we have a solid team,” he grunts. His breathing is even, and he told me that the doctor is happy with the changes he’s been making to his life. “I look forward to our games with the Scented Scorpions. Can’t wait to wipe the floor with them.”
Miles snorts in amusement. This is becoming a joke between them lately.
“We’ll see,” Miles says. “You’re coming to Nashville this season. We could win this one.”
“Did Cae tell you everything that’s wrong with your players?” Dad asks knowingly.
I huff out a laugh as Dad nods. Miles has regularly asked me to dissect his team and any weaknesses they may have. Orgasms are usually my favorite kind of reward.
After the attack at the hockey game, everything went downhill, including my sex drive. My hormones are off, and I somehow ended up skipping my last heat. My body is extremely off-kilter, but things are getting better. Throughout it all, my alphas have been there, reminding me that none of this is my fault.
Being in New Orleans with my dad is the best medicine, and I spent a week in New York City earlier this summer with my pack. I don’t think there’s anything that Broadway and art museums can’t fix.
“That’s what I thought,” Dad grunts, already connecting the dots. “Well, since you have Cae helping, you may have a shot.”
I can’t help my giggle as we enter the last loop of our run. I know Dad doesn’t mean anything by his teasing, not like Friedrick when he called me a whore. Santo’s dad called a few days ago to tell me the settlement agreement is finalized and that I should expect the payment soon.
Miles smirks at Dad’s words, completely amused by the solo conversation he managed to have on his own.
“I had our mail forwarded, Caelia. Santo started worrying that we might miss something important that’s not bill related,” Miles says.
Levon elbows Miles in the gut, making him push him off. Dad just moves me out of the way so they can get it out of their system as we continue to run.
I know that they’re working together to get me into art school. I created a portfolio over the summer for my application on a whim, and since it all disappeared recently, I have a feeling that my alphas submitted it.
I kept telling them that I didn’t think art school was viable, yet they still insist that it’s possible. I guess they’re right, because with this settlement from Friedrick, it’ll pay for itself.
Sneaky alphas.
“If your numbskull alphas are quite done,” Dad says, coming to a stop in front of my rental, “I’ll let you clean up. Dinner later?”
“Yes,” I say, sitting on the curb as my legs give out. “How are you four still upright?”
