Page 110 of The Alpha's Second Chance Mate

Having said my goodbyes to the house, I had two more stops to make. Swing by Stormy’s to say bye, then the park to pick up Ashton, and then off to the highway, leaving Harbor Mills behind.

Stormy opened the door as I pulled into her driveway, Shiloh sitting on her hip and waving with that big, toothless, baby smile.

“Hey there,” Stormy said as I walked up the steps. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit,” I admitted as I walked in.

“Yeah, I figured.”

We sat on the couch, Shiloh’s babbling the only sound that broke the silence.

“Don’t you two look gloomy,” Liz said as she joined us.

A humorless chuckle rattled from my chest. “Yeah. It’s kind of a weird day.”

“Are you all headed out today?” Liz asked.

“Yep. I came by to say bye to you all, then I’m headed for the park to grab Ashton. Once I have him, we’ll hit the road.”

“I’m gonna miss you guys,” Stormy said. “I was getting used to living near you again.”

“I know, but it’s for the best. We can’t guarantee our safety here. We’ve got to head back home.” I rolled my eyes. “Well, old home.”

“Did Gaige manage to get your old house off the market before it went under contract?” Stormy asked.

I nodded and reached out to rub Shiloh’s chubby cheek. “He did. It was a pretty close thing. We’d had two offers fall through due to financing already, and another was supposed to go under contract when I called him, but at least I have somewhere to go.”

Stormy sat Shiloh down, and she promptly crawled over to her grandmother, who picked her up.

“This all feels weird,” Stormy said. “I know pack stuff doesn’t really have anything to do with the humans in town, but it still freaks me out that this sick asshole has a shot at taking over. Part of me wants to head out with you and Ashton. Go back to Des Moines and our old lives. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it?”

It was a selfish thought on my part, but as soon as Stormy said that, I desperately wanted her to come with us. Having a friend back home would make it a thousand times easier to get reacclimated, and if my return was easier, it would be simpler for me to help Ashton adjust as well. Selfish, yes, but I couldn’t stop myself.

“Why don’t you?”

“Huh?” Stormy looked at me like I was crazy.

“Come back with me and Ashton. We could be somewhere with less drama, less danger, and back in a place we know. Come back with us.”

“Oh, Avery, I don’t know. There’s a lot of memories back out west. Marcus, for one, I’m not sure how I’d deal with being back where we started our lives together.”

“It would do you good,” her mom said, and we both jerked our heads to face her.

“What?” Stormy gaped at her mother.

Liz gave her a reproaching look. “You know very well what I’m saying. I’ve been trying to tell you that you have to move on with your life. I don’t want you to do what I did after your father died. I want you to find someone or something new. A career, a house, a man, a change of pace. I’m starting to get the feeling you’re only staying here to keep me company. I don’t want your life stopping on my account. I’d love for you and my grandbaby to stay here, but if leaving is what it takes for your life to get back on track, it’s worth it.”

Stormy chuckled. “Well, damn, Mom, don’t hold back.”

Deep down, I hoped she’d agree. Now that the question was out, some of my guilt at even bringing it up vanished. I wasn’t twisting her arm. It would still be her decision.

“I don’t beat around the bush,” Liz said. “If you want to go back, I can help you get packed up by tomorrow.”

Stormy chewed on her lower lip for a few seconds, then grinned at me. “What the hell. Let’s do it. Why not?”

“Oh my gosh,” I said, feeling like I might cry. “This will be great. You guys can stay with me and Ashton until you find a place. We’ve got a third bedroom in that house, and an office. You could use that for Shiloh. I’m fine working in my room until you guys are settled.”

“I’ll start packing tonight,” Stormy said.

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