Page 86 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

Tillie

The happiness of our successful group date carried me throughout my morning routine of getting ready until I stepped outside to take care of the animals.

I froze, almost falling to the ground as my knees became weak.

The pool we had left out overnight from our date had been slashed repeatedly as had the pillows, blankets, and comforters. All the remaining pieces had been tossed around the porch.

A shaking hand covered my mouth and tears welled up in my eyes as I shakily stepped around the mess because something even worse caught my eye.

Red on the gravel.

Please, no. Please, no.

I felt choked up as I stumbled then ran, relief filling me when I saw a red spray paint can on the ground by our cars.

My truck, the black SUV and the side of my barn were all marked up.

Mine.

Whore.

Bitch.

All the words written in distinct, sharp letters with paint.

Relief hit me hard enough I fell to my knees in the gravel, not caring about the pain as the stones dug into me.

It wasn’t one of my animals. They were all safe.

They had to be.

A strong cry split the quiet and I looked around trying to figure out what was going on only to find the front door opening to reveal my pack. Various expressions of concern, anger, and fear filled their faces as Aiden moved first.

He sprinted in jeans and an oversized hoodie — sliding on the gravel next to me to wrap his arms around me.

I absently noted that Aiden’s blond hair stuck up in all directions as he gently grabbed my face and urged me to look at him. His blue eyes were filled with concern as he studied my face and the others ran over.

“Yeah, someone vandalized Tillie’s farm. She just filed for a restraining order.” Dean’s firm voice filled the air and I distantly noted that he was probably calling the police.

I felt odd. Like I was here, but I wasn’t at the same time.

“You’re in shock, omega,” Aiden stated gently. “Kai is off to check on the animals for you. It’s going to be okay. I’m sure they’re fine.”

I felt myself nod, even though it wasn’t a conscious action. Everything felt oddly detached as my sweet beta tried to keep me focused.

“The animals are all accounted for. It doesn’t look like anyone entered the barns, just decided to mark the outside,” Kai said as he crouched down next to Aiden.

At the news, I collapsed into sobs, my two betas holding me together while the alphas stood over us. I could feel the protective, angry energy rolling off of them.

“I need my laptop,” Jack said before walking inside. He sounded just as numb as I did, and I glanced over to see him stiffly walking inside.

“What is he doing?” I managed to speak in a hollow tone.

“Likely to cyber stalk the asshole so he can kick his ass,” Kai said bluntly as they helped me to my feet. Aiden bent down to clear the gravel from my knees before they led me to the porch and sat me down. I vaguely registered someone putting a blanket around me.

The next two hours were a blur as the police came out and did a thorough look through the evidence. Kai pulled Jack out of the house to help clean off the shed and porch properly and dispose of all of our ruined things once they were done.

Aiden and Kai sat with me, trying to pull me out of my head.