My secret is out.
Panic spreads like wildfire through me as adrenaline kicks into overdrive. My father will explode. Not only will Jrue spread the truth about my condition, but there’s no chance for me to go back to the pack now. It will be hard enough for Jrue to return to any semblance of normalcy.
He’s been rejected.
His status is in question more so than if he’d found himself married to me.
My legs no longer hold me up and I crumple. But I don’t hit the ground. Strong arms twine around my waist, followed a heartbeat later by a familiar warm scent.
Grayson.
His weight, his strength, replaces the door at my back and everything inside me sings with relief at his presence. There’s no hesitation when he holds me.
He came for me, his appearance a singular message—I’ve got you.
Vision wavering, I lean into him, my cheek pressed to his chest and absorbing the steady beat of his heart.
“Get out. Now.” His demand vibrates through me. “You heard her. She doesn’t want anything to do with you.”
I don’t look up to see if Jrue has fled. If he’s smart, he’ll get the hell out of here before one of us makes things worse.
I shouldn’t have said it.
Even if those were the right words. I should have had more common sense than to make such a drastic move right now. Everything hinges on us finding a cure, but what happens if I’m cured and there’s no home to go back to?
I’m moonlocked, and Jrue was right.
There are two options for people in my condition. There’s banishment, if you’re lucky and the alpha has a shred of empathy. Or there’s death.
Which one will my father choose if my secret and his accessory to it make him vulnerable? He’ll be fought for his position and killed if someone stronger feels they’re more worthy to lead.
A sob rushes against my chest but Grayson only cradles me.
“I know, Mandi. I know. It’s okay.” Slowly he turns me in his arms and sinks down to the steps with me on his lap, my legs falling on either side of his hips. “I know.”
How much did he overhear?
I want to ask but my throat closes and I can’t speak. It’s too much effort to force.
Footsteps sound. I’m not sure of the direction once the tears come. They flood my eyes and scald paths down to my chin, absorbed by Grayson’s shirt.
The first rays of sun cut across the yard before I realize Aimee and RJ have come outside, have seen Grayson holding me while I cry.
And for once, I don’t care.
Chapter
Twenty
His hold gentles but Grayson doesn’t act like I’m fragile, or someone who needs to be pitied and protected. He’s my anchor to the moment, a solid strength until I’m in full possession of myself again.
There’s no warning tocut it outorget a grip.Stop crying.
He keeps me close, with my arms around his neck like I deserve this and it’s his privilege to provide. Like his are the only arms capable of getting the job done.
The rising sun warms my back and the skin between my shoulder blades prickles.
Eventually I set aside the worry and panic and once those are out of the way, the tears settle.