“We’re bringing Mixie home.”
The simple declaration steals my breath. In the harsh light of morning, surrounded by strangers who’ve already judged him, this young Alpha isn’t thinking of the injustice he’s suffered but of something hecanfix.
“Jared…” My voice catches on his name. “We talked about this. Mixie’s Auren’s now.”
“But it’s not fair, and Mixie deserves better.” His eyes hold mine, unwavering. “The carrier is already in your truck. We’re not going home today without your cat.”
A flutter of hope stirs in my chest. “Auren won’t give her up without a fight. He doesn’t let go of things.”
“Neither do I.” Jared’s hand rises, almost touching my arm before dropping back to his side. “You saved me yesterday. Let me help you today.”
“Why?” I shake my head in bewilderment. “Why would you do this for me?”
“Because Mixie matters to you.” His answer comes without hesitation. “No one should take what belongs to someone else and get away with it.”
“Okay.” The response tumbles out before I can reel it back. “Let’s bring her home.”
The smile that breaks across his face is worth every stare, every whisper, and every moment of discomfort yet to come.
For the first time since Auren left with my cat under his arm and my heart in pieces, I feel hope unfurling in my chest.
Chapter Twelve
Jared
Emily’s truck slows to a stop in front of an upscale Pinecrest townhouse, the engine ticking as she shifts into park.
The battered cat carrier rattles in the back seat when I turn to grab it, the metal door clanging. Through the mesh front, I catch a glimpse of the worn fleece blanket Emily had tucked inside ages ago, hoping to bring her cat home, and the sight of it sends anger simmering through my veins.
“We should wait.” Emily’s knuckles whiten on the steering wheel. “He might not be home.”
I don’t need pheromones to know she’s anxious, and it hurts my chest to witness this confident Alpha shrinking into uncertainty over a situation where she’s in the right.
She has no problem standing up for me, butstanding up for herself? Clearly, she needs someone in her corner, reminding her that she deserves better from the people around her, too.
“Is that his car in the driveway?” I point toward the sleek silver sedan parked beneath a flowering cherry tree.
“Yeah.”
“Then come on.” I reach over to unclip her seat belt. “We’ve already come this far.”
Emily stares at the front door, the plum color made rich when framed by the cream siding. The house belongs on the cover of a real estate magazine, with manicured shrubs, brass house numbers gleaming in the sunlight, and climbing roses.
It’s nothing like the cozy excess of Emily’s little cottage, bursting with personality and love.
“You don’t have to come with me.” She pulls the keys from the ignition but doesn’t move to open her door. “I can handle Auren.”
Despite the confident words, her chin tucks toward her chest, and her hand shakes as she tucks a lock of silver hair behind her ear, fingering the short strands.
“I’m coming.” I reach across the center console, my hand hovering near hers before I think better of it and pull back. “You shouldn’t face him alone.”
She doesn’t argue, which tells me more than words could about how much she needs the support. The Emily I’ve grown close to would insist on independence and bristle at the suggestion that she needs help with anything.
We climb out of the truck, and the cat carrier bumps my leg as I follow Emily up the stone path to the front door. Morning sunlight gleams off the pretentious lion’s head knocker that Emily taps twice before stepping back.
Her breathing changes, growing shallow as we wait, and my own heart pounds in response, an unfamiliar nervousness crawling up my spine.
What kind of man could reduce the formidable Emily to this uncertain creature beside me?