Chapter 249
There’s a dinky diner not far from the cemetery, and I convince Andrew to stop there. It’s a popular little breakfast nook for the older population of Blue Mountain, and not trendy enough for the younger crowd.
The booths are covered in cracked vinyl and there’s a persistent smell of bacon grease, the kind where it’s so seeped into the walls and tables this place would probably have to be burned down in order to be anything other than a greasy little diner.
Andrew sits across from me, fidgeting with a sugar packet as he keeps staring at my face.
He’s worried. I get it; I’m acting weird. But every time I try to tell him what happened, there’s only silence. My mouth won’t even open.
It’s as if the App’s put out a gag order on the rollback, which is beyond frustrating.
“You want to tell me what happened back there?” he asks.
I stare out the window at the bustling parking lot. It’s the reason I chose this place and demanded Andrew pull in; even a crazy bitch like Ellie won’t start something in the middle of a crowded place, right? She wouldn’t want word to get back to the Lycan King.
But then I remember she’s the Luna of this pack, and I wonder if I’m making a terrible decision. Wouldn’t all of these people do her bidding and join in on the fight?
Shit.
My eyes lower to my phone, where I check the signal with obsessive regularity. Still have it, which (hopefully) means Ellie isn’t anywhere near. Still.
“Not really,” I answer once I remember he’s asked me a question.
An older waitress stops by, not even holding a pad or pen as she scowls at me. Then she switches to a sweet smile when she looks at Andrew. “You’ve grown so much. Haven’t seen you since you were a wee little one. When are you taking your place as our Alpha’s Beta p>
He shakes his head. “I’m not sure yet. Things have yet to settle. Could you get me a coffee? And p>
His eyes slide toward me, and I shrug. “A slice of apple pie p>
I’m not actually hungry. Coming here was never about the food.
“…and an apple pie p>
“Anything for you, future Beta.” She still doesn’t look my way before leaving, and Andrew looks uncomfortable, even though this is how it’s been since… forever.
He and Rafe always had to place the orders for me, because it was rare for anyone to look my way. And with Brax’s death being kind of my fault, I’m sure it’s only gotten worse.
Damn. Coming here might have been really stupid, after all. But I didn’t want to bring a crazed Ellie back to the RV and the kids, not even with Super Nanny there.
My hands tremble slightly as I unlock my phone, remembering how hopeless and terrified I was when no one knew where we were.
My fingers tap quickly.
[GRACE: Hey, you. I made Andrew take me out for breakfast. I’ve got a few things to do today, so I’ll be bouncing around the territory a bit. I’m at a diner here, I’ll send you the location ping p>
There. Casual checking in from a girlfriend to a boyfriend, plus I told him I have someone with me so he shouldn’t be too concerned. But still checking in so he can find me if I go missing.
It’s perfect.
But the perfect text comes back with an imperfect response as Caine focuses on the wrong thing.
[CAINE: Why are you eating breakfast with him p>
“Who are you texting p>
“Caine p>
He pauses as I tap away at my response. “You—did you tell him we’re together p>
“Why wouldn’t I? It’s not like we’re on a date.” More taps.
[GRACE: I figured you don’t want me going out by myself p>
[CAINE: Not with him p>
[GRACE: Rupert is with the kids p>
[CAINE: Who the fuck is Rupert p>
[Grace: Ronald p>
[CAINE: p>
[GRACE: Anyway, Andrew’s my ride. We found something at the cemetery p>
[CAINE: I can drive you. Who’s Rupert and Ronald p>
My lips curve into a smile.
[GRACE: The guy you sent to guard us. I never remember his name. Aren’t you busy p>
[CAINE: You don’t need to remember his name. I’m never too busy for you. I’ll come pick you up p>
[GRACE: Do your work. We have a date tonight, remember p>
[CAINE: We can have the date now p>
“Everything okay?” Andrew asks, watching me giggle at my phone. “Seems like good news p>
Fuck, I have company.
Sending Caine a firm negative on the pick-up, I place my phone decisively to the side, deciding not to flirt via text anymore when Andrew’s staring at me from across the table.
He’s frowning, and my stomach sinks. I’d just accepted him as a friend, but if it’s going to come with jealousy—
“We need to get your neck treated. It doesn’t seem to be bleeding anymore, but infection could start at any time. Humans are weak and prone to infections p>
—or not. He’s just being a good friend. My shoulders relax. “It’s fine. Actually, I have some questions for you, if you don’t mind p>
“Shoot p>
The waitress returns with coffee and pie, but hand both to Andrew before leaving, practically flouncing away.
For a woman with that much gray in her hair, she sure acts like a teenager.
Andrew sighs as he pushes the pie my way, and my stomach churns. I’m not hungry, but I poke at it with a fork anyway.
“Has Ellie been acting strange, do you think? She seems a little too fixated on me these days. I wouldn’t put it past her to stage a huge ambush and try to kill me p>
Stirring sugar into his coffee, Andrew says slowly, “I’m not sure. I wasn’t very familiar with her before the Mate Hunt, but I do think she’s a little more focused on you than most she-wolves would be. It’s probably because Rafe doesn’t want to let you go. But I don’t think she would try anything now. Your mate’s made it clear anyone who touches you is dead p>