Her face pales slightly. “I didn’t… I know Marcus and Leila mated, but…”
“I don’t know. Maybe it was the heat.” I interrupt, not wanting to hear her explain again how last night wouldn’t be happening again.
The drive to Grey Ridge is silent and tense. I try not to think about what waits when my father catches up to me. Leon will know by now that I helped Carla escape. There will be consequences, possibly violent ones.
As we approach the packhouse, a lone wolf steps forward from the treeline, doing a double take when he sees Carla in the passenger seat.
“How the… Thank god. We were all so worried.”
Carla tenses beside me. “Can I come in?” she asks quietly, as though worried she’s no longer welcome.
“Of course,” he says, then his gaze narrows on me, and a growl escapes him.
“He helped me escape,” she explains quickly.
“I know you’re not your father, and we appreciate your help, but my wolf is struggling. You might get the same reaction when you drop Carla up to the packhouse. It might be better if you don’t stick around, at least until everyone calms down.”
At the main house, a woman with sleek black hair rushes forward. “Carla? We’ve been so worried!”
Her words cut off as she registers my presence. “This is Billy Lennox,” Carla explains. “Marcus’s brother. He helped me escape from his father’s compound.”
The woman studies me for a long moment. “I’ll call Marcus and let him know you’re here. And Billy is welcome to stay in Grey Ridge as long as he needs.”
I shake my head. “Thank you, but no. I need to check on my brothers, make sure they’re safe after what I’ve done.”
Carla’s head snaps up, her eyes meeting mine for the first time in hours. “You’re leaving?”
“I have to,” I say, though what I really want to say is,Only if you want me to. Tell me to stay, and I will.“But if you need me...”
Something flickers across her face before her expression shutters again. “You should go,” she says softly. “Your family needs you.”
My bear howls in protest, but I nod, accepting her decision.
Outside, Carla holds the car door, her fingers touching mine, and the brief contact sends a jolt through me.
“Thank you,” she says, stepping back quickly. “For everything.”
I search her face, looking for some sign that last night meant something to her. Some indication that this isn’t really goodbye.
“Will you be okay?” I ask, unable to help myself.
“I’ll be fine,” she says, not meeting my eyes. “I just need rest.”
“If you need anything...”
“I won’t.” The words come out harsher than I think she intended.
“Goodbye, Carla.”
“Goodbye, Billy.”
Two simple words that feel like they’re tearing something vital out of my chest. I drive away, my bear demanding I go back, that I not leave our mate alone and unprotected.
Immediately, I call Beau.
“So,” he says once the call connects. “You and Carla.”
“There is no me and Carla.”
