“My turn,” Mack says. “We aren’t going far.”
He leads us back to Main Street and to a spot against the railing where you can see the whole cove.
“This is the spot where my life changed. I was looking at you down there walking on the beach with Asher, Felix, and Cordelia. I was wishing I was with you when my uncle grabbed my shoulder. He turned me around and said that I needed to come with him. There’d been an accident.”
“Mack,” I murmur and lean into his side, holding onto him.
“For two days, I was so happy, but it all came crashing down so fast. He dragged me away. I didn’t fight him; I was too stunned, but when I finally understood we were leaving, I broke free. I wasn’t going to be able to get to you. So instead, I went and got a piece of you, that drawing, my parents’ photos, and a couple of things that meant everything to me. But this is the place where I was both the happiest I’ve ever been and the most devastated.”
This is Mack, raw, open, and bleeding.
“Thank you.” I cling to his hand, refusing to let go.
Devon sidles in, and we all look at the camera.
“All right, little omega, your turn.”
I hesitate because there are so many options. In the end, I lead them down Rice Avenue and to the tiny, little bookshop that also acts as a library.
I push open the door and see Marla Duthink behind the counter exactly the same as the last time I was here, except she looks terribly old now.
“Marla,” I say and step towards her.
“I’ve been waiting to see when you’d come to see me.” She opens her arms, and I rush into them, hugging her tight. “Pun intended, of course. I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you, but I’m so glad you are home.”
“I brought some people to meet you.”
“You did?”
I turn to my alphas. “This is Marla. She owns Sea Change, the library and bookstore. Marla is the reason I found the courage to leave Sunshine.”
They know her. She’s the ancient, reclusive, grumpy beta with terrible eyesight who the kids call a witch. She’s got a whip-sharp temper and a vile sense of humour, but she’s one of the best people I know.
“This is my friend,” I say to them. “But this is the place where I decided to go and live for me and stop waiting for you. It’s the place where, I guess you can say, I grew up.”
Chapter 22
Mack
“Do you hate me for giving up on you?”
“Of course not,” I say, pulling her into my arms. If I could keep her here, I would. Save her from any and all harm, make sure she knows she will be safe forever.
“Before you break into any of that feelings shit, I want you to know that the offer I gave you when you left is still on the table,” Marla says.
Sofia almost wrenches out of my arms.
“I beg your pardon?” she gasps out.
“You can beg all you want, but I still won’t give it to you.”
Sofia chuckles. “The job?”
“The store, you ninny. The whole store. It’s yours if you want it. You loved this place. I know that you’ll take care of it. Besides, I knew you’d come back.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“Because you were born of Sunshine. This is your home. Of course, you were coming back,” Marla grouches.
