“Want me to lock it in the truck so you don’t have to worry about it?” Ian gestures to my backpack and I have a momentary stab of panic. If I need to run, I’d have to ask him for the key to get it, equivocally getting his permission to be allowed to. With as spur of the moment as my lifestyle is, I can’t take that risk, not when it’s literally everything that I own.
“I’m good, but thank you.”
He gives me a thumbs up and walks away without turning it into a thing and a small smile forces its way onto my face. Stuffing it under the counter in the store, I get to work transferring stuff onto trays for the cases and pre-making boxes for the stack to streamline things later on.
“Coffee?” Some guy offers, coming through the swinging door and holding out a cup.
I’ve seen him in passing throughout the morning, but heck if I can remember his name. His buzzed, blonde hair makes his bright blue eyes pop that much more. All shifters have that glow about them, but some people’s are more dramatic than others.
“Uh, thanks.”
Hesitantly taking it so that I don’t appear rude, I take a small sip, internally gagging as it hits my tongue. I absolutely hate the stuff, despite how good it smells. It’s like it’stryingto con you into thinking it’s delicious, but it’s just bitter, disappointment in a cup.
“So, how are you liking Shady Grove?” he continues, oblivious to my discomfort. I’m not sure what it is about this man, but my stomach roils, from my agitated energy as much as the coffee.
“It’s alright.”
He takes a huge drink, eyes focused on my face. “What brings you to town, anyway?”
My defenses slam up, erecting an impenetrable wall. Everything feels too scripted, probing for information that isn’t any of his business. But the more defensive I sound, the more it will pique his curiosity. People are suckers for a good mystery, and small towns are the worst for drama simply because they’re bored.
Plastering a fake smile on my face, I busy myself scribbling labels for the trays. “As I’m sure you’re well aware, the cities suck. Figured I’d try my chances out here and get a fresh start.”
He nods sagely, coming over to lean a hip on the counter beside me. “Don’t blame you for that one in the slightest. Surprised you already knew someone out here to stay with though; we keep to ourselves for the most part.” He bends down, angling his face until it’s only millimeters away from my neck as his nostrils flare. “Don’t recognize the scent. You must be pulling a hell of a commute.”
“Caleb.” Ian’s voice is harsh, and relief instantly floods my system. “Why are you acting like such a creep?”
Caleb pulls back, eyes widening in genuine surprise to his hostility. “What are you talking about?”
Ian doesn’t roll his eyes, just raises an eyebrow. “Women don’t exactly enjoy having strangers try to snort their earwax, dude. You know mages aren’t as touchy-feely as shifters; we like our personal space. Can’t you see how freaked out you’re making her?”
Caleb’s eyes lock on my face before his lips part, looking dejected and taking a quick step back. “Shit, I’m sorry. I forget that you guys aren’t raised the same sometimes. Don’t come across many people that aren’t shifters out here.”
Taking a shaky breath, I try to shrug it off. It’s easier now that Ian’s here and I’m not as backed into a corner, the volatile energy in my stomach calming down.
“All good.” Reaching below the counter, I withdraw my bag. “I’m just going to freshen up before the store opens. Nice to meet you, Caleb.”
He gives me a small wave, looking like he’s beating himself up as I hurry down the hall and towards the bathroom. Passing the door, I keep going until reaching the exit. I knew better. Small places like this, people ask too many questions, ones that are just going to end up getting me killed.
Shoving the door open, I only make it two steps before my legs lock up, seeing Ian leaning against the side of the building at the end of the alley. “Fuck.”
He doesn’t come any closer, just keeps his hands shoved into his pockets as he shrugs a single shoulder. “Had a hunch.”
I lick my suddenly dry lips. “Are you going to stop me?”
His face just looks…sad. “You really think I’m that kind of person?”
Exhaling a long breath, I start trudging through the snow. “No.”
“Just wanted to make sure I got to say goodbye if you were set on leaving.”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I eye him up and down. “Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m running?”
He cants his head to the side. “Am I curious? Fuck yeah. But it’s none of my business, and you don’t owe me any explanations. I will throw out there for consideration though that if you want to talk about it, I might be able to help come up with some ideas. Maybe not to solve the problem, but I know enough people around here and the area well enough that I might be able to keep you from starving to death or taking your chances sleeping in the woods.”
My skin prickles, all of my nerve endings working on overdrive. Between the confrontation with Caleb and the cold, my energy churns beneath the surface, agitated and needing some sort of outlet. Gritting my teeth, I try to keep my reins on it, but it’s far more of a challenge than usual.
Warring with myself, I try to think of all of the reasons why I should keep my mouth shut and just move on, but the thought of brushing him off leaves a sour taste in my mouth. “There may or may not be people trying to kill me.”
