Ashton's hand finds mine, his fingers threading through mine. "That's when you started working for my father."
"Yeah." The word tastes bitter. "I told myself it was temporary, that I'd work for him long enough to pay off the debt and then get out. But Charles doesn't let people go. Once you're in, you're in until he decides otherwise. Or until you run."
I look at Ashton, seeing understanding in his eyes. He knows better than anyone how Charles operates, how he uses people's vulnerabilities against them and never releases his grip.
"Dustin got out though," I say, the pride evident in my voice. "Finished school, got a football scholarship to college. I made sure Charles never touched him, kept my work completely separate from his life. When he graduated, he had options. Real, legitimate options."
"But he chose the ranch," Ashton says. "Which isn't exactly legitimate."
"No," I agree. "But it's his choice, his business. He built it with Kade, made something that's theirs. That's different from being owned by someone like Charles."
Ashton is quiet for a moment, his thumb stroking across my knuckles. "Do you think we could have that? Something that's ours?"
The question makes my chest tight. "I don't know. I'd like to think so. I'd love for all of this to work, for us to somehow make a life here with Dustin and Kade and Solana. But there are so many complications."
"Tell me what you're thinking," Ashton encourages. "Really thinking, not just what you think I want to hear."
I take a breath, letting myself imagine it. Really imagine it, without the cynical voice that usually shuts down hope before it can take root.
"In a perfect world," I start slowly, "a conjoined pack with Dustin and Kade would give you what you need. They have enough money to make your life and Solana's life perfect. You could pursue your art, really pursue it without Charles controlling everything. Solana could learn to exist in the world without Harmony House's poison in her head. We could keep you both safe."
The vision is so clear it hurts. Ashton with a studio, creating the art he's always dreamed of making. Solana blooming without the weight of institutional trauma crushing her. All of us together, building something real and lasting.
"What about you?" Ashton asks. "What would you want in this perfect world?"
The question catches me off guard. I've spent so long focused on survival and protecting others that I've barely thought about what I actually want for myself.
"I want to stop looking over my shoulder," I admit. "Want to wake up without immediately cataloging threats and escape routes. Want to build something instead of just destroying things for money." I pause. "Want to watch you flourish doing what you love."
Ashton's eyes are suspiciously bright. "Maybe we both get a second chance."
I don't respond, but I don't disagree either. The hope feels fragile, like something that could shatter if I acknowledge it too directly. But it's there, growing despite my attempts to be realistic about our situation.
I stand up, my leg protesting the movement. "I need to meet the horse delivery."
Ashton crawls onto his knees on the bed, pulling at my hand. "There's something else you're not telling me."
Damn it. He knows me too well already, can read the tension I'm trying to hide.
I sigh. "We questioned the guy that got into the house. The one I tied up."
"And?"
"He's working with Harmony House," I say, watching Ashton's expression carefully. "He was here to check on Solana's progress, make sure the placement was going well."
Ashton frowns. "Why would someone from Harmony House know who I am though?"
This is the part I've been dreading. "Apparently someone sent your papers in. Put you in their system as an Omega needing placement."
Ashton's eyes widen, fear and betrayal flashing across his face. "No. No, that's not—I never—"
I step closer and cup his face, forcing him to look at me. "I'm not letting you get taken. And Kade won't let it happen either. I promise you that."
"But who would—" Ashton's voice breaks. "Why would someone do that?"
"The guy was here for Solana primarily. You were just collateral damage apparently. But we're figuring out what to do with him and who sent your papers in."
Ashton's expression hardens. "Knowing my father..."
