R-Hey! This isn’t as secure as I would want it to be, but as soon as you open the message, it’s timed to delete. Your friend was caught in the forest…by me. If you can come save her, that would be great. I don’t want her to die. Please Amy, answer me. I need to tell you the full truth.
As I finished the message, there was a timer at the bottom of the message, and just like he said it would, it disappeared after the counter reached zero.
I started the car and turned back to the pack lands. “Nix. Put the vacuum away and release my scent. We need to grab some food for everyone and head to the cabin. Plus, tomorrow we haveto invite Rick and his family over for dinner. We need to get the entire truth.”
Do you think he’s going to lie?Nix settled after the scent was switched, her exhaustion catching up with her.
Yes.Megan flopped next to her.
“We will have to see.”
Chapter Fifty-One
Ipulled into the house a little earlier than I expected. The grocery store was pretty empty, except for two workers. I grabbed my groceries and was out of the door before anyone said hello to me, which was fine. I needed a shower, and to see my girl. I brought everything inside and put it next to the closet. I left the door locked until I was ready to go over.
I would do everything I needed to first because I knew if I went to the cabin, I was going to get an earful. I hopped in the shower and groaned. It felt amazing to have my shower again. I had bought new shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I had a brilliant idea as I was shopping. One that was sure to make Brandon go slightly insane.
I smirked as I sniffed the strawberry scent I had missed the last few years. Nix and Megan both sniffed the air and sighed.
I missed this smell. Nix purred in my mind.
Megan nodded.It makes me feel at home.
I finished my shower and got out, covering myself in more strawberry scented product. My scent was throwing off the combination, but soon enough, the strawberry fragrance would wear off. I smirked as I got dressed and locked the house down. I stepped through the closet with the bags of food to find everyone waiting, pacing, and crying in my bedroom.
“Where the fuck have you been?” My mother lunged for me. I barely had time to put the food down before she was sobbing in my arms. “I thought I had lost you.” Her ragged words hit my stomach and I pulled her close.
“I’m fine. I got out.” I pulled back and kissed her cheek.
“What do you mean you got out?” Wendy called.
I dropped down and picked Carly up. “Hey baby girl. Miss me?”
Carly’s eyes were full of pain. “I thought you left me, too.”
I hugged her close. “I can’t say I won’t ever leave you, but I will tell you I will never leave you willingly, baby girl.” I clutched her to my chest and looked at my friends. Even Lynn was there. “You look better.”
She smiled. “This place has given me back my peace.” I watched her eyes darken. “Now I’m focused on becoming stronger.”
I nodded as Carly pulled away. “Grandma started to train us together, even me.”
I looked at my mom, and she nodded. “We all needed a distraction this last week.” Her eyes searched mine. “We were all a little scared when you disappeared.”
I nodded. “Porch wine later. I brought a few bottles.” I smiled at them and all eyes turned to Carly. But my sweet girl wasn’t stupid.
“You just don’t want me to hear it.”
I nodded. “I don’t. If I could keep it from you entirely, I would.” I kissed her head. “Now how bout we make dinner? I brought a few frozen pizzas, and then we can get ready for bed.”
Carly looked up at me. “Can I sleep in here with you?” Her voice was soft and held a tiny bit of worry.
I kissed her temple. “I’m not going anywhere, baby.” I hugged her tighter. “Of course you can.”
Wendy and Toya gave me a side hug as they gathered the bags. But the Toya turned. “She’s been too worried about you to do much else. Why don’t you go down to the tree? She hasn’t been to see her dad all week and I know she has wanted to.”
I nodded. “Let’s go see daddy.”
Carly smiled. “Okay.” She wiggled down and then ran downstairs.
