"Also," I continued, feeling a wave of protective concern wash over me, "I think it's best if we keep Erica away from Grant for now. There are too many inconsistencies and unanswered questions." Damon frowned, his eyes narrowing in thought.
"Like how he knew about Jessica. What's that all about?"
"Exactly," I replied, taking another sip of my drink as I contemplated the ever-growing web of uncertainty that surrounded us.
"Agreed," my father said, his jaw set with determination. "We'll ask more questions and make sure Grant doesn't spend time alone with Erica until we get some answers."
"Thank you," I replied, feeling a small sense of relief at my father's support. The weight on my shoulders lessened just a bit, but the worry for Erica still gnawed at me.
"Get some rest, son," Declan urged, placing a hand on my shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure this out together."
"Thanks, Dad," I said, finishing my drink and setting the empty glass down on the table.
As I made my way back to our room, the soft light from the hallway cast elongated shadows on the walls, their eerie shapes mirroring the dark unknown that surrounded us. My mind raced with possibilities and potential dangers, each more chilling than the last. Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the sight of Erica, her chest rising and falling in the rhythm of peaceful slumber. I crossed the room, taking off my shoes and shirt before sliding into bed beside her. As I lay there, I couldn't help but watch her sleep, marvelling at the serenity that graced her features. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil that had enveloped us earlier in the evening.
Erica shifted slightly, unconsciously moving closer to me, seeking warmth and comfort even in her unconscious state. I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close as if I could shield her from any harm that might come her way. I knew all too well how fragile life could be, and I was determined to protect her and the pack from whatever danger lurked in the shadows. With every beat of my heart, I whispered silent promises to her. Promises to keep her safe, to fight for our love, and to never let go.
Chapter 47
Erica
Thelastweekhadbeen crazy busy. My body ached from the relentless warrior training sessions Jacob had been putting me through lately. Four times this week alone, and that didn't even include the sudden increase in my workload at the office.
"Damn it, Liam," I whispered under my breath. I knew he was behind all of this. He was trying to keep me so busy that I wouldn't have time to visit Christian, who was still locked away in the cells after revealing his true identity. I had managed to see him twice, despite Liam's efforts. Both times our conversations ended in arguments, with Christian insisting that I was in danger but refusing to explain why. He just told me to ask Liam about it. As much as I wanted to believe Christian was wrong, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he wasn't telling me. But confronting Liam... I wasn't sure if I was ready for that.
Sweat dripped down my forehead as I focused on my opponent. Jacob's hazel eyes gleamed with determination as he circled me, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. We had been sparring for what felt like hours, and my sore muscles were screaming for a break.
"Come on, Erica," Jacob taunted, smirking. "You're getting slower by the second."
"Shut up," I huffed, trying to ignore the throbbing in my legs. "I'm just giving you a chance to feel good about yourself."
"Ha! Like I need your help with that." He lunged at me, his movements swift and precise. I barely managed to dodge, feeling the brush of air as his fist sailed past my face.
"Close one," I grumbled, gritting my teeth. But even in the midst of our intense training session, I couldn't help but appreciate the friendship we had built. It was a welcome distraction from the turmoil that had consumed my life recently.
"Alright, I think we can call it a night," Jacob finally announced, stepping back and wiping sweat from his brow. "I'd hate for Jenna to kick my ass for being late to dinner again."
"Can't have that happening," I agreed, panting slightly. "So, same time tomorrow?"
"Sure thing," he nodded, grabbing his towel from a nearby bench. "But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're tired. I'll be expecting nothing less than your best, Luna."
"Wouldn't dream of slacking off," I replied, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension. As much as I appreciated Jacob's dedication to helping me improve, I couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that Liam was using these training sessions to keep me from seeing Christian. The thought made me clench my fists, worry gnawing at my insides.
"Before I forget," Jacob said, pausing at the door. "Liam's on his way to pick you up, right?"
"Yep," I confirmed, absently rubbing my sore shoulder. "So you'd better hurry before Jenna decides to kick both our asses for keeping you late."
"True that," he chuckled, then disappeared through the doorway.
I let out a small sigh and made my way into the changing room. My muscles ached from the intense workout, but it was a good kind of pain, an ache that reminded me I was growing stronger. I thought about all the times I'd spent at Jacob and Jenna's place for dinner, feeling grateful for their company. Liam had increased my security detail recently, so Jacob was almost always around. As I began grabbing my things, I heard the door creak open. Turning with a smile, expecting to see Liam's ruggedly handsome face, I found myself met with empty space. No one was there. I frowned slightly, shrugging off the odd moment, and continued gathering my belongings.
"Must've been the wind," I whispered under my breath, despite the fact that we were indoors and there shouldn't have been any drafts. But the alternative, someone lurking in the shadows, watching me - sent a shiver down my spine that I couldn't quite shake.
"Get a grip, Erica," I muttered, chastising myself for letting my imagination run wild. I couldn't afford to be paranoid, not with everything else going on. And besides, Liam would be here soon, and he always knew how to make me feel safe.
I zipped up my gym bag, my thoughts drifting back to Christian and the cryptic warnings he'd given me during our last encounter. He seemed so certain that I was in danger, but he wouldn't tell me why. The frustration of not knowing gnawed at me, fuelling the ever-present worry for my family and friends.
As I went to pick up my bag, a whirlwind of pain exploded through my body as I was suddenly slammed face-first into the cold metal lockers. Shock and agony coursed through me, the impact sending stars bursting across my vision.
