Page 28 of Marking Mia

Finn

I’m contemplating whether to mix up my coffee order when something catches my eye. As the enforcer of the group, it’s always been my job to watch for potential threats. I’m hard-wired to detect even the faintest hint of danger.

What I see immediately puts me on alert.

Justin is lurking outside the café, trying to appear casual as he bops his head to the music in his earbuds. But every few moments, his gaze flicks back to Mia. But as she turns toward the window, he ducks out of sight.

He isn’t waiting for her. He’s clearly spying on her.

My hand tightens around my empty mug. Something isn’t right. Justin has always been a jerk, but this is a deviation from his usual behavior.

And that troubles me.

“Hey, Finn, can I get you a refill?” Mia stops by my table to collect my empty plate and mug.

I look up at her- she’s so innocent and unaware of the danger.

“You take too good care of me,” I say, forcing a chuckle. Idon’t want her to see my worry. Mia laughs and walks off to retrieve my items. For the rest of her shift, I split my attention between her and the scummy boyfriend.

Just as Mia’s shift ends, I slip into the night to follow Justin.

And so I do, night after night. Every day, Justin shows up at the café, watching and waiting for something to happen. He appears increasingly agitated, which I find worrisome.

Each night, I follow him, though I return with no answers. He either drinks with buddies at the local pub or comes home to rot on the couch with his video games.

Still, I fear something is brewing. So, I go to Kane.

“I’m worried for Mia,” I say as I step through the door of the townhouse on the fourth evening.

Kane looks up from his book and glass of brandy. He’s dressed in an Italian suit, not a lapel out of place. Even his cufflinks gleam, and he doesn’t seem concerned about my proclamation. He already thinks Mia is ours and is waiting for Mia to break up with Justin.

“Is this a new worry, or has Jace’s impatience worn off on you?” he asks.

I kick the door closed behind me and wander over to the wet bar. For a moment, I consider taking a drink, but the worst part of my role in this pack is the need to always keep my senses sharp.

I turn back to Kane.

“Justin is up to something. I don’t know what exactly, but he’s begun watching her while she works,” I say.

Kane puts down his book and rubs his chin. “I don’t like it.”

“I know. Me neither. That’s why I think you need to keep an eye on this yourself. Meet Mia and assess the situation firsthand.”

His eyes darken. I know he doesn’t like to bequestioned or nudged, but I’m past the point of caring. Justin’s erratic behavior means trouble.

Finally, he sighs and puts down his glass of brandy. “You’re right. I’ve held off long enough. I’ve just...” He trails off.

“What?”

“I’ve been trying to consider this from all angles, to have everything in order. I want to do this right. Because she is ours, but I want that to be her choice as well. She doesn’t seem to be breaking up with Justin anytime soon.”

I nod, understanding. We all want what’s best for Mia, but the situation is complicated at best.

“So, you agree then. We need to move this forward,” I say.

Kane sighs and gives me a small nod. “Contact her. Set up a meeting with her.”

“Okay, we’ll go somewhere casual so she doesn’t think anything is up,” I say, immediately texting Mia.

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