“I understand.”
Something shifted in his expression. A quiet calculation. He closed his eyes briefly and took several slow breaths. “I’m good to go home.”
The words were calm, measured.
My heart broke a little.
“Okay.”
He turned and walked toward the truck.
I stood there, watching him go.
And I hated myself just a little.
Chapter 21
Liam
The driveback to Pine Hollow seemed to take longer than usual.
The road itself had not changed. The same turns appeared in the same places. The same trees leaned over the sidewalk. My truck moved over the quiet stretch of highway, while the mountains rose dark on either side.
But my thoughts refused to settle. I had fucked up and made the situation even worse than it already was. Why had I done a perimeter run when she’d asked me to leave? I should have respected her boundaries. Ididrespect them… internally. But in practice, my compulsion to protect her at all costs was stronger than my need to respect her boundaries. And I didn’t know how to fix that.
Zoey’s last words kept returning to the front of my mind.
Please don’t reach out to me.
I had agreed, because it had been the correct response.
Respect the boundary. Give her space.
I had to accept the consequences of my mistake.
None of that settled me, though.
By the time I turned onto the gravel road leading to the lodge, the tension in my chest had settled into a steady pressure thatrefused to move. I parked near the front entrance, but I didn’t get out of the truck yet.
The lights in the main lodge were on, glowing softly against the dark hillside.
I needed a drink.
Technically, my body processed alcohol quickly. Shifter metabolism had advantages and disadvantages, and the inability to stay drunk for long periods was firmly in the second category.
Tonight, I would settle for temporary relief.
I stepped inside the lodge and walked to the bar.
Pete stood behind the counter polishing a glass while a single guest sat on the stool closest to the wall.
Pete looked up when I entered. “Uh-oh.”
That was not encouraging.
“What?”
He studied my face. “What’s wrong with you?”
