CHAPTER 14
ABEL
I gasp awake.Light streams in from an unfamiliar window. Where the fuck am I? My heart pounds with my head and I groan before flopping back onto the soft pillow beneath me.
I made a fool out of myself last night. I throw the covers off me and search for my shoes. Buckle and Perry didn’t strip me and I’m glad for it, but my belt is missing. My heart warms that they thought to remove it. But I have to get out of here.
My shoes are by the door and I shove them on my feet and find my keys, phone, and wallet on the nightstand. I have to go. My mouth feels like I’ve licked something wooly and I hate it.
The soft sound of snoring come from Buckle’s room. I hesitate before bolting. Last night was fun, but I screwed it up.
I’m tempted to shift, but I don’t want to leave my things here for Buckle to bring to me. He shouldn’t have to chase me down to deliver my belongings.
I can’t lock both locks when I leave, since one is a deadbolt, but I lock what I can.
The cold air bites my face and the wind whips. I should have woken Buckle up. Should have asked him to drive me home.
“Hey!”
I startle and turn to face Paxton Rising.
“Are you okay? Do you need help?” He looks up to Buckle’s trailer.
“I’m fine.” My teeth chatter. “Can you drive me home? I hate to ask, but I can’t go back in there.”
Pax tips his head. “Did Buckle do something?”
I shake my head. “I did.”
“Getting drunk is pretty much a rite of passage around him.” Pax grins.
“You saw?” I press my hands to my face to hide.
“I saw them struggle to get you out of the truck. Then the three of you stumbling in.”
“My head hurts and I’m so embarrassed.”
“I have a key if you want to go back inside?”
I shake my head.
“He’s not going to make you feel bad. Promise. He’s waited a long time to find his Fated. He’s so excited he has two. He’ll want to take care of you.”
I check the time on my phone. “I don’t have time to be taken care of. I’m already going to be late and I need to shower and change my clothes.” I fist my hand. “I’m so irresponsible.”
“Hey. Hey.” Pax tips my chin up. “Text Riley that you’ll be late and take your time. I’m sure he’ll understand. He trusts you.”
“Ineverdo anything like this.”
“You’re allowed to live a little, kid.” He scrubs a hand through my hair and looks to Buckle’s house again.
“Not a kid.” But I don’t hate it.
“I know. And you have two mates that look concerned.” He tips his head toward them. “Text Riley. Take a breath and take your time.”
“Okay,” I mumble. Buckle and Perry join us. It’s the look on Buckle’s face that cracks me. “I’m sorry for leaving.” But my heart pounds so hard, I need to get to work. “I’m sorry.”
In seconds I’m in my hawk form and in the sky. I have to get home. Have to shower. Have to get dressed. Have to get to work.
