Page 8 of Her Convict Wolf

I go to the bathroom, take off my heavy glasses and remove the contact lenses and false eyelashes. I swipe off my heavy eyeliner, then stare at my reflection in the mirror. I look way less badass without my disguise. And these days, it’s a shock to see the natural blue of my irises.

He recognized me.

With no hesitation. Not only do I look nothing like myself, but I was just a kid last time he saw me. Yet he knew me, right away.

Not possible, my rational brain tells me.

A strange feeling passes through me.… that tingle I felt when we locked eyes today.

A connection.

Like we belong together. Like all this time, we’ve been waiting to find our way back to each other.

I shake my head. What a stupid thought—

I have to go see him.

The thought hits me like a bolt of lightning.

I’ll find the prison where he’s being held, and go visit him.

It’s not a smart thing to do, by a long shot. But I have to know he’s okay.

My gut knots up. But if I do this, I’ll expose myself to more danger. I’ll probably have to show some ID. If my name gets flagged, I could be followed back to Perdue…

My thoughts churn and churn. I should get to bed.

I live alone right now, ever since my old roommate, Elinor, moved out. And that’s the way I like it. I can just about make the rent by myself—it’s not like I have a ton of expenses with my lifestyle—and I’ve got too many secrets and neuroses to share my space with someone else.

I checkthe front door three times; check the locks on the windows, three times. Check I’ve turned off the stove—also three times. I never used to have OCD, never used to be so darn nervy.

I climb into bed, and pull the covers up to my chin.

I’m so sick of being scared. Of constantly looking over my shoulder. The day I went to the hairdresser’s and got my hair bobbed and dyed red, some of the weight lifted from me. But it wasn’t enough. The government put me in witness protection, found me a little house, a new identity. But they don’t understand what my father is like, how far his reach extends. How ruthless and vengeful he is. I knew I couldn’t trust them to protect me. After one of the agents handling his case disappeared in mysterious circumstances, I ran out on them.

Somehow, I found my way to Perdue Town. I’ve been so lucky getting the job at Sinner’s, and a friend like Elinor, and this little apartment. And I’ve even started sleeping at night.

But now—

A full-body wave of panic goes through me.

Maxim understood right away that my disguise wasn’t enough to keep me safe.

He says he’s coming back for me.

But how?

Please let him be okay.

I say it over and over, like a mantra.

* * *

There’s a blizzard blowing outside.Hailstones slamming against the windows. A brutal winter storm is raging…

My eyes snap open. I take in the dark ceiling of my bedroom. The silence.

There’s no blizzard. It’s midsummer. I was pouring in sweat today while I was serving the prisoners.

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