Page 148 of Chasing Shelter

That hollow feeling inside me intensified, anguish twisting at everything Trace could’ve endured at such a young age.

“But it’s worse because Jasper got in Trace’s head. It’s whyeverything’s law and order, playing by the rules, and drill-sergeant tidiness. Everything his childhood wasn’t. The opposite of what his dad is.”

“He’s nothing like his dad,” I spat.

Kye turned then, and I saw pain swirling in his amber eyes. “I know that. You know that. But Trace? I don’t think he’s so sure. And the fact that his father tried to hurt you? It’s going to fuck with his head. He’ll think he can’t have this—the good he has with you. So, he’s gonna push you away. Might even try to blow it up so there’s no turning back.”

Kye let out a shuddered breath. “Don’t let him.” Those amber eyes glistened. “Trace is the best man I’ve ever known. He deserves you. Deserves everything good in this world. Don’t let him throw it all away because he thinks he doesn’t.”

My heart broke then. For Trace. For Kye. For all they’d lived through at such young ages. “I won’t,” I whispered.

“He’ll fight you on it.”

One corner of my mouth kicked up. “Good thing I’ve been getting some ass-kicking lessons.”

Kye let out a low chuckle. “Good thing.”

I laid my hand over his tattooed one, squeezing for a brief second before releasing it. “You know, you deserve that goodness, too.”

Kye’s gaze shifted, just the barest flick toward the house before returning to the night in front of us. “My head’s too fucked up for good.”

My lips pursed. “Never heard anything so far from the truth.”

Kye grunted and scratched between Bumper’s ears. “Go get your man. I’ll get Bump in the shed for the night.”

I let him have the play for now because Trace needed me. But Kye needed someone, too.

45

TRACE

I staredup at my house, every window dark—just like it always was on the nights I didn’t have Keely. But the darkness hit harder tonight. It reminded me of how everything had felt before Ellie. How it would feel again now.

But it was worth it. Anything to keep her safe. Because my life wouldn’t stop bleeding into hers.

Even if they found Jasper and added a couple of additional years to his sentence, he’d get out again. And if this latest stunt had taught me anything, it was that he would never stop. He was too focused on me.

Now, I couldn’t help but wonder again if he’d been the one sending Ellie the threatening photos and notes. If he’d been the one who broke into her house. The tech piece seemed a little above his pay grade, but who knew what he picked up in prison?

My phone dinged, and I plucked it out of the cupholder. There were countless notifications for texts and calls. The number that had come from Ellie had my gut souring, but I zeroed in on the newest message.

Dex

Still coming up empty on the software. Their servers are in Russia, and it’s nearly impossible to get access. But I did find the vehicle you asked about on surveillance footage. Route 66 Gas yesterday at a little after 8 p.m., but the guy paid in cash, so I don’t have an ID yet.

The photo filled the screen, and I fought back a curse.

Me

No need to get an ID. I know him.

Dex

Who is it?

Me

My father.

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