“She’s your true mate. Go to her and work through this right now.”
I nodded.
As he gave me a shoved, my feet finally moved as I turned and ran after her.
When had my younger brother become so smart? In truth he’d always been the genius in the family. But that was book smart. This was different.
Once outside, I quickly caught her scent. She was moving fast, but I knew I was faster.
It didn’t take long for me to catch up to her.
“Tricia, stop!”
She stumbled and I lunged forward to catch her just in time before she hit the ground using my own body as a shield as we slid across the dirt.
When she looked at me, her face was streaked with tears.
“I’m not mad,” I told her. “Maybe a little irritated, but I’m not mad. I’m glad I wasn’t entirely going crazy.”
“I’m a witch,” she blurted out, sobbing.
I wrapped my arms around her and just laid there on the ground holding her as she cried.
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay,” she insisted.
“Talk to me, Tricia.”
“Can we just go home first? It’s too open and makes me feel exposed here.”
“Sure we can.”
Home. She wanted to go home with me. In her current state of mind, I wasn’t sure she even realized what she was saying.
I didn’t hesitate to jump up and pull her up with me as we walked back to my bike. Tim and Kenneth were waiting there.
“Are you okay, Tricia?” Kenneth asked.
She nodded, clearly embarrassed.
“Where are you heading?” Tim asked.
“Home.”
“Do you want me to call Ollie and have him ready with the dampener for some privacy?”
“I shook my head. Not there. Our home.” When he looked confused, I shook my head. “Don’t you even talk to your mate?”
“Huh? I mean she’s called a few times, but I’ve been too busy to answer.”
I chuckled. “Maybe you should have.”
He was already on the phone before I fired up the engine.
Tricia buried her face in my back. I wasn’t sure how it was possible, but I could feel her nerves. She was terrified and holding on for dear life.
I was proud to be her rock in the moment, but I hated knowing how scared she was. I didn’t understand it and just hoped she didn’t shut me out when I started trying to press her for answers. Or worse, run again.