I nod.
He holds my gaze for one more moment that stretches like taffy, that feels like it contains entire conversations we haven’t had yet, and then he turns and walks toward the patrol car. The crowd parts around him and Leo, the deputy’s hand hovering near Seth’s elbow like he’s not entirely sure thevoluntarypart is going to stick.
Carter and Kai move to follow, but Leo holds up a hand. “You can meet us at the station.” Leo’s voice has fallen flat. “But right now, it’s just Mr. Benton.”
Carter puts a hand on Kai’s arm. “Fine.”
The patrol car doors slam, the engine starts, and then they’re pulling away, kicking up gravel, disappearing down the road toward town.
For a moment, nobody moves.
Then the whispers start. The stares. The general chaos of people trying to figure out what the hell just happened.
“Hey,” Kai says next to me. “You okay, doll?”
“Yeah.” The word comes out clipped. Tight. “I’m fine.”
He doesn’t look convinced.
“Thanks for standing up for Seth,” Carter says. “I’m going down to the station. You need a lift? I’m Carter, by the way, one of Seth’s pack members.”
I nod. “Would love that, as I came in with Belle.”
He nods toward the parking area, where a shiny red pickup truck gleams in the morning sun. It’s huge with chrome details, extended cab. “Okay. We can make sure Seth’s got people in his corner.”
“Yeah,” I hear myself say. “Okay.”
Carter nods to Kai. “Stay here and help Belle wrap things up and deal with the crew and other guys so they all head on home.”
Kai sketches a lazy salute, but his eyes are still on me. “You got it.” That grin spreads across his face. “Don’t have too much fun without me, June.”
My stomach flips despite everything. “No promises,” I joke, knowing there’s no fun to be had at the station.
He laughs as Belle joins me. “You okay, June? You need me to come with you?”
“Nah, I’ve got this.” I try for a reassuring smile. “Just need to give a statement. Make sure the record’s straight.”
“This is about Tanner.” Not a question. Belle knows my history with him, the controlling behavior, the constant monitoring, the way he made me feel like I was slowly disappearing. She was one of the people who helped me see that I deserved better.
“When isn’t it?” I say bitterly.
“Hey.” She grabs my arm, her grip firm. “Don’t let him get under your skin. You know what he’s doing. He’s trying to drag you back into his orbit, make you feel guilty, make you small. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”
“I won’t.”
“I mean it, June. You’re stronger than he gives you credit for.” She glances toward Carter, who’s waiting by the truck. “I’ll take your camera with me. Pick it up from my place later, okay?”
“Thanks.” I pull her into a quick hug. “You’re the best.”
“I know.” She squeezes me back, then releases me with a gentle push. “Now go. And text me later.”
The truck is even more impressive up close. Deep red paint polished to a mirror shine. Carter opens the passenger door for me, and I haul myself up into the cab, settling onto leather seats.
He rounds the front and gets into the driver’s seat, and starts the engine. Being in closed confines with him…
Oh God.
His scent floods the enclosed space. Sweet and sharp all at once, like someone poured cola over a cinnamon roll and then opened the windows after a summer rainstorm. It curls around me, slides into my lungs, makes every nerve ending in my body sit up and pay attention.
