Page 14 of His True Mate
He definitely wasn’t part of this gig. Was he just a local here for the carnival? Would he come to watch me perform my last show tomorrow night?
The thought of him watching me like I was watching him gave me an unexpected thrill.
“Come back,” I wanted to say, but the words caught in my throat.
With the man gone, I shook my head and snorted.
“That was insane. You’re losing it, Win, and now you’ve resorted to talking to yourself in third person.” I sighed.
It was clearly time to call it a night.
Rodeo days were always insanity around here. Plus, I needed to pack and prepare. I couldn’t let anyone else know what was happening, not even my parents. I felt bad about that, but Maxi had my letters to each of them and I would call in a few days to let them know I was okay.
I didn’t want to worry my parents. They were good people and have always done their best for me, but this was their life, not the one I was meant to live. Add in the mere thought of being forced to mate Rendall, and that was just icing on the cake for my exit.
I’d be lying if I said I’d never thought about this. I’d imagined the day I’d leave this life a hundred times before.
A part of me was terrified of what I’d find on the other side, but it was damn well time for me to find out. I was ready to fly the coop. I could do this.
With newfound excitement, I snuck back to my room in the tiny trailer I shared with my parents.
As quietly as possible, I packed my belongings. I didn’t exactly have much to my name, but some clothes and toiletries along with a couple of my favorite books, a small stuffed bear I’d had forever, two sketch books, my pencil case, and my journal that all easily fit into my backpack.
I was sad as I stared down at the bag realizing that was everything I owned in this world. Still, it was more than a lot of people had and all I needed.
The very last thing I added to the bag was my secret cash stash. I dug it out from under my mattress and stuffed every dollar into my bag. There were several thousands of dollars there. Tips and the small wage Dane gave me. I’d also picked up odds and ends here and there helping out with other areas and I had saved every penny of it.
I’d saved it for this moment.
Sneaking back out into the dark once more, I placed the bag under the trailer and said a quick prayer of protection over it, then I went back inside and forced myself to get some sleep.
*****
I tossed and turned all night. My wolf was restless, much more than usual.
By the time the sun rose I was in a foul mood. It was only made worse when Mom called me to come out for breakfast and I found Rendall sitting at our table.
“Winnie, look who stopped by to see you,” my mother said shooting me a look of concern when my back stiffened, and I fought down a growl that I quickly covered with a sip of coffee.
Rendall and Dad seemed oblivious to my distress.
I sat down with a bowl of hot oatmeal,the kind of breakfast that sticks with you through the day, my dad would say if I tried to complain.
He shot me a curious look when I didn’t complain about it as I had nearly every day of my entire life. I just sat down and shoved a spoonful in.
Rendall cleared his throat. “So Winnie, I was thinking that maybe after the show tonight you and me could go on over and enjoy the carnival rides and stuff.”
“I think she’d love that. Just like when you two were kids. It’s good to see you hanging out again,” Dad said.
I shot him a traitorous look, but before I could correct him, Mom jumped to my defense.
“I don’t know. Winnie hasn’t been feeling well. She was up and down all night last night. I think she should probably stay in and take it easy. The night air could make it worse and all.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon, Win. Should I tell Dane you won’t be able to perform tonight?”
“What? No. I’ve never missed a show and I’m not starting now. Besides it’s our last rodeo.” I paused as they all stared at me. “On this tour,” I added, which was also true.
Rendall nodded and Dad shrugged, beaming up at me proudly.
