Page 99 of Badges
My stomach is rollingas we drive down the long lane.
I know they’re going to hate me. Just because it’s been a few months since I was caught doesn’t mean they’ll forget.
It shouldn’t matter to me. I got my sister back.
But now that I’m going to be a part of Wade’s life, I want to fit in with his friends.
I know they’re important to him. Weirdly, the only thing that really helps is knowing that Sophia seemed to think I’m okay, and the fact that Wade is the sheriff.
No one will try anything crazy with an officer right there, will they?
Fuck. Who knows?
But if they mess with Cynthia—
“Looks like Dad beat us here.” Wade pulls the truck past a huge log house to a row of barns where he parks next to Abe’s SUV.
Abe steps from the shadows of the barn with a towering man wearing a dark mustache and a frown who hovers near a petite woman who’s barely as high as his chest.Wade circles to open my door, narrowly avoiding Cynthia rushing out.
One eyebrow raises when I don’t move. “Elena?”
I catch a glimpse of Cynthia running to give Abe a hug and immediately strike up a conversation with the two people standing there.
“I’m not sure about this.” It happened so fast, I haven’t had a chance to prepare to cross this bridge yet. “I hurt their friends,” I whisper.
“They know the truth.” Wade stands patiently, his gaze unwavering as he waits for me. “They canseethe reason.” He nods towards Cynthia. “I can guarantee that there isn’t a person here who wouldn’t do the same for someone they love if they had to make the choice.”
His palm rises. “Out. I’m here. You’ll always be safe with me.”
I do trust him.
Slipping my fingers into his hand, I let him tug me out of the truck.
He holds me tightly, leading me to the couple who are, amazingly, both smiling at my sister. Even the tall scary looking guy.
“Dixon. Char. This is Elena, my fiance,” he says proudly.
Neither of them look surprised by his announcement.
I wonder if there’s some sort of group chat?
Dixon tenses when Char extends her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Her smile is wide as she steps closer and her voice drops. “I’ve heard good things, I promise.”
“Thank you.” Relief floods through me.
Maybe this won’t be as bad as I thought?
“Dixon McCullough, owner of Black Gulch.” The only person I’ve seen that’s bigger than Wade stands motionless. “And I hope you’re cooperating fully to find the person behind the attacks?” His eyes pierce me like he’s slicing off pieces.
Well. One of them seems to like me.
“I am,” I manage to stammer.
Fuck, he’s intimidating.
“Shit, that reminds me.” Wade moves between us.
I love him more.
