Page 5 of Holly Jolly Heat
"And you ran."
"I ran so fast, Mom. I practically left skid marks on the cobblestones."
"Because of your work policy."
"Because of everything." My voice cracked. "Because I don't have time for this. Because pack bonds with clients are a professional nightmare. Because I've spent eight years building a reputation that could crumble if anyone thinks I'm using a mate bond to keep clients exclusive. Because?—"
"Because you're terrified," Mom finished softly.
I didn't answer. Couldn't answer.
"Come home," she said. "Your room is ready. We'll figure this out together."
"What if they try to contact me?"
"Then you decide what you want to do. But you don't make that decision while you're panicking in your apartment. Come home. Let me feed you. Let Bill make his tamales. Let your family take care of you while you think."
I looked at my calendar—packed with meetings, deadlines, client calls.
Then I looked at my hands, still shaking.
"Okay," I whispered. "I'll pack a bag. I can be there by dinner."
"Good girl. Drive safe. I love you."
"Love you too, Mom."
I hung up and sat in the silence of my apartment.
Through my window, I could see Elliott Bay sparkling in the morning sun. Somewhere out there, across the city, were three alphas who'd looked at me like I was their missing piece.
And I'd run from them.
Because that's what I did when things got complicated. When emotions threatened my carefully constructed control. When the walls I'd built around myself started to crack.
I ran.
But as I pulled out my suitcase and started packing, I couldn't stop thinking about dark eyes that had said "You" like it was the most important word in the world.
Couldn't stop smelling cedar and vanilla and spruce and woodsmoke and leather and bergamot.
Couldn't stop feeling the phantom touch of hands on my shoulders, strong and gentle and absolutely certain.
My phone buzzed. Another email from Rowan Park.
I opened it before I could stop myself.
Michelle,
I need to be honest with you. I recognized you at Pike Place Market. I know you recognized us too.
I've been thinking about you for six months. Your emails, your efficiency, the way you fight for Lucas like he's your pack even though you've never met him in person. And then I saw you, and everything made sense.
I know you're scared. I know this is complicated. But please don't shut us out. We can figure this out together.
If you need space, we'll give you space. But we're not giving up on this. On you.
- Ro
