Page 70 of Campfires & Canines
Jasper stands still, clasping his hands in front of him, studying me. No reply.
"I said yes to a coffee date, not to being your mate," I growl. "In case you forgot, I'm taken."
He shrugs. "It's not what I planned either."
"Then tell her to eat a shit sandwich." I sweep my palms out as if this is the most obvious thing in the world.
His shoulders droop. "You don't know my mother. We don't have a lot of choice here."
"I don't know you either." He blinks, hurt flashing in his expression.
His mouth thins as anger sparks in his eyes. "You realize, without my protection, she'll use you against Heath and then kill you." His voice is a low warning.
I try to not cringe away from him. "Look, that doesn't make it okay."
"I can't help you any other way," he says. So that's it.
I want to storm off, but my only option is the bedroom and I don't want to risk him to follow me in there. But tears are filling my eyes and I know I'm seconds from an ugly, uncontrollable cry.
"Asshat," I choke out, spinning and slamming the bathroom door behind me.
He knocks. "Hazel, I left some soap and stuff for you." When I don't respond, he continues, "I'll come check on you later. Get some rest."
"You planned for this?" I ask, my voice hollow.
There's no reply.
There's a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in the vanity drawer, along with a hairbrush and a floral deodorant. I guess this isJasper's idea of a woman's basic toiletry kit. There's shampoo and soap in the shower too.
I wait until I’m sure he’s left and start to investigate the bedroom as well. The dresser in the bedroom holds a few pairs of leggings and soft t-shirts. There aren’t any undergarments, but I know shifters aren’t big on underwear.
Despite how cliché it might be, I fling myself down on the bed and let the sobs overtake me. The idea of being forced to accept Jasper in place of Slate makes me want to scream. How is Jasper okay with this? Why would he want a mate who is a prisoner, fighting him every step of the way? Unless he is a masochist. And would the bond even work in these circumstances? I dig my nails into the comforter until my ragged breath evens out. I feel empty. Numb.
Unfortunately, I won’t find any solutions lying here. It’ll be easier to cope when I’m not hungry. Slate would want me to take care of myself.
Moving robotically, I move my backpack to the bedroom and try to tuck it away. I leave my personal items so they’re easier to grab in an escape, but I grab my medication and take the morning dose I should have had hours ago.
Searching the kitchenette, I discover some frozen meals, a few apples and grapes, and a pack of sandwich cookies. With a microwaved entrée, I settle on the sofa.
The morning replays in my mind over and over. The rough hands digging into my arms and ribcage, dragging me backward. The way Onyx dropped to the ground. The rage in Slate’s eyes as I told him I recognized Jasper. What if that was our last conversation?
Curling up into a ball, I hug myself as my tears turn into body-shaking sobs. I thought I was drained of sadness, but it wells up again and again. What if Slate or Heath gets hurt trying to rescue me? What if Onyx isn’t okay?
Exhaustion pulls me under and I fall back asleep on the sofa, the throw pillow under my head soaked.
12. Fractures & Frenemies
Slate
As soon as the gunshot sounds, I know she's gone. I bolt out of the meeting. Packmates are in motion around me, but I don’t hesitate as I race past the parking lot. I look around wildly for Hazel, but there's only Onyx on the ground. Vale is already trying to stop the bleeding. I see him struggle to sit up. He's okay, and Hazel is far more vulnerable.
Exhaust from a vehicle forms a trail in the air that I can track. I shift, letting my shirt rip. In seconds, I'm down the road, following the sounds of tires and the lingering car fumes. Running alongside the road, I cut through the trees. The car must be barely out of view.
I can run fast, but not as fast as a vehicle. I’m forced to rely on smell, following it down the road until the scents around me changeabruptly - it's our border. If I keep going, I’ll be invading the Ironcrest Pack territory.
I pace for a moment. Was someone else driving through? Or was it Ironcrest who took her?
Although I can't enter as a wolf, I could drive through as a human. With a snarl, I turn back the way I came. My lungs burn as I push to my limit.
