“And you don’t?”
“I had no idea he was even involved in anything illegal until these people showed up at his funeral.” I wrapped my arms around myself, remembering that terrible day. “Will Carmichaelintroduced himself as my father’s business partner. He was very polite, very sympathetic. Until he started asking questions.”
Greel and Hail exchanged a look that spoke volumes.
“I remember how his smile never reached his eyes, how he assessed everything, including me. ‘Your father was a brilliant man,’ he said. ‘He entrusted me with certain items of significance. I’m simply trying to ensure they’re properly preserved.’” My shoulders drooped. “When I told him I didn’t know what he was talking about, his posture shifted. He got sharper. Right then, I knew my life had changed. When I went home after work the next day, my apartment had been searched. Then my car was broken into and ransacked. Someone stole my purse from my locker at work the day after that. The message couldn’t have been clearer. He was after something, and he wasn’t going to stop until he found it. That’s when I ran. It’s been two long years of running since.”
“These people,” Greel said carefully. “How far are they willing to go?”
I met his eyes, making sure he understood the gravity of the situation. “There’s nothing they won’t do. To me or to anyone around me, to find what they’re looking for. They’ve already…” I
“Already what?” Hail asked.
“Hurt people who got in their way.” My voice came out hoarse. “That’s why I can’t stay anywhere long. They always find me.”
The hallway fell silent except for the distant sounds of the saloon below. I could see the weight of my words settling on both brothers, the understanding of exactly what kind of danger I’d brought to their peaceful town.
“If I leave now, they’ll follow. They’ll leave you all alone.” It was the only thing I could do. I would not endanger these wonderful people and the new life they were trying to build here in Lonesome Creek.
“Allie,” Hail said, his voice sweeter than I deserved. “Look at me.”
I raised my eyes to his, seeing warmth and determination there instead of the rejection I’d expected.
“You’re not facing this alone anymore,” he said. “We’ll…handle it with you.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying?—”
“I do.” He reached for my hands, his fingertips stroking the bond mark on my wrist. “You’re my mate. That means your enemies are mine. Your problems are mine.”
“Mates?” Greel asked, his steely gaze meeting mine. He nodded. “Good. You’re right for Hail.”
“I’m not right for anyone because it’ll get them killed,” I snarled.
“Mates are for life,” Greel said. “You’re ours to protect, ours to love. We’re not leaving your side.”
The casual way they both accepted the danger made my throat choke off. They barely knew me, but they were willing to stand with me against forces that had already proven they’d kill to get what they wanted.
My body ached to give in. I’d carried this burden alone, sleeping with one eye open, never letting myself to trust anyone. Now these orcs were offering something I’d convinced myself I could never have again: a family, people willing to stand beside me. What if I let myself believe in safety, only to watch it be destroyed again? The price of their protection could cost them their lives. I couldn’t add more names to the list of people hurt because of my father.
“They won’t stop.” I needed them to understand. “Even if you hide me, even if you fight them off once, they’ll keep coming. They have unlimited resources and no conscience. They’ll tear your town apart looking for me.”
“Then we’ll make sure they don’t find you,” Hail said.
I stared up at him, this gentle male who made gorgeous things with his hands, who’d accepted me despite my lies and secrets.
Maybe it was the bond, maybe it was exhaustion, or maybe it was just the relief of finally telling someone the truth. But for the first time in months, I felt like I might not have to face this nightmare alone.
The thought scared me almost as much as Will Carmichael did.
Chapter 12
Hail
Iwas stunned by what Allie told me. Art forgers. A criminal organization. People who would kill to get what they wanted. My sweet mate had been running from these people for months, terrified and alone.
The protective rage that surged through me was unlike anything I’d ever felt. Every orc instinct I possessed roared to life, demanding I find these people and tear them apart with my bare hands.
“My house,” I said firmly. “You’re staying with me where I can kee-keep you safe.”
