Sam nods once, slowly turning the doorknob and peeking out. “It looks like he did. And it’s empty.”
“Okay. Make an immediate left when you come out of the door, the hallway ahead leads to thefoyer.”
Sam nods once, and we all move quietly, filing into the kitchen one-by-one. It’s state-of-the-art—marble countertops, panelled appliances and a damn built-in espresso machine. It has nothing on Declan’s pack house, but I can’t help but admire it as we sneak out. I’m feeling pretty damn confident that we’re going to make it out of this kitchen undetected. That is, until a shocked gasp comes from behind us, and we all whip around, our eyes landing on a woman who has come in through a swinging door. Based on her attire, complete with apron, I assume that she works here. She looks to be in her early fifties, and the roundness of her figure gives her a maternal vibe.
We freeze, caught red handed like teenagers sneaking out after curfew. Her eyes widen, and the bowl she’s holding drops out of her hand.
Shit.
If she decides to rat us out, there’s nothing we can do. There’s no way I’m killing an innocent woman to protect myself.
I raise my hands in a placating gesture—surely she can see that we’re all worse for wear and not a threat to her? My blood freezes as her mouth opens to let out a scream—but then her eyes lock on Hayden.
“M…Master Hayden?” she whispers, taking a tentative step forward.
“Georgina, what was that?” The Senator’s harsh voice comes from the room behind her.
Hayden’s eyes widen and he quickly shakes his head, his expression pleading.
Her gaze moves from Kole, to Sam, to West, then it lands on me. Her expression softens somewhat as she takes in the state of my face, which is already starting to swell.
“Georgina!” Dick’s voice cuts through the silence.
She clears her throat. “Nothing, Master Pierce.” Her eyes stay locked on Hayden as she lies to her employer. “I tripped.”
“Fucking clumsy fool.” His voice is exasperated. “Keep it down. I’m trying to enjoy my dinner.”
She lets out a quick breath and scurries to grab the bowl she dropped. “Yes, sir.”
She rushes to us, and when Sam and Kole stiffen behind me, Hayden glares at them, whispering, “She’s safe.”
Before we can do anything else, she’s in front of us, taking Hayden’s face in her hands as she turns him side to side, tears stinging her eyes as she looks him over.
“Oh, Master Hayden.” Her lips wobble, and her hands shake as she whispers, “You got so tall. What happened to the scrawny little boy who used to call me ‘Georgie’?”
“I’m still here.” He gives a watery smile. “Georgie.”
“How do you know she’s safe?” Sam hisses, moving next to me.
“Because she’s the only real parent I’ve ever had,” Hayden snaps. “She was there for me when my biological parents decided to tap out.She. Is. Safe.”
“Master Hayden,” Georgina takes a step back, looking at all of us. “What are you doing here? Who are these people?” My eyes catch on a shadow near her eye. Is that…?
“This is my pack,” his fingers lace through mine as he steps closer to me, “this is my omega, Jo. We’re scent matched. And Sam, Kole, and West.” He nods to the rest of them.
“Oh, Master Hayden, I’m so happy for you.” Her smile is near blinding as she takes us all in, but then she shakes her head, her expression going serious. “Wait. That doesn’t explain what you’re doing here. And why you’re hiding from Master Pierce.”
My eyes study her face, and it’s then that it’s unmistakable. Georgina’s black eye is covered with makeup. She did a great job, I almost didn’t catch it.
“We were brought here against our will,” Hayden says quietly, his fingers tightening in mine.
Her eyes catch on the still-open door that goes down to the basement, and then they widen as she connects the dots. “Hedidn’t.” She shakes her head. “If you want to sneak out the back, I can make sure he is none the wiser. Please, stay safe.”
“Georgina.” I step forward, putting my hand on her arm. She looks at me hesitantly, but doesn’t pull away. Tapping my undamaged cheek, I give her an understanding look. “Did the Senator dothat?”
Hayden sucks in a breath as he sees it, and Georgina looks down in shame. “It’s not that bad. Please, I just want Master Hayden to be safe. If you leave now—”
Hayden lets out a strangled sound, looking at Sam. Sam looks between me, West, and Kole.
