Page 118 of Pack Owned
“Fuck, Kayla, I’m sorry,” Liam curses softly, and I nod, trying to swallow past the tangled lump of emotions in my throat.
The limo pulls up to the curb outside my old house, and my heart is beating so fast. The sight of the peeling paint and the sagging porch feels both foreign and painfully familiar.
“Ready?” Dane’s voice is low, steady, grounding me. His hand grips mine, solid and reassuring.
“Let’s do this,” I murmur, squeezing back.
We step out, a united front, and I lead the way up the path. The gravel crunches under our feet.
I knock on the door and after a few moments, it swings open, and there she is—Mom. Her eyes widen, darting from me to the three towering Alphas behind me.
“Kayla?” Her voice cracks.
“Hi, Mom.” My voice trembles as I rush into her arms. She’s warm and smells like lavender soap and mint.
“God, baby, you’re back.” She sobs into my hair, and I feel her pain echo in my bones.
After a long hug, she pulls back and we go inside.
We settle onto the rickety couch, the one that squeaks if you breathe too hard. Liam sits on the coffee table, Ryker leans against the wall, and Dane stays close, his thigh pressing against mine.
“Mom, these are... uh, they’re important to me. Dane, Ryker, and Liam.”
“Hello, ma’am,” Dane says, his voice gentle.
“Nice to meet you,” Ryker adds, with a nod, tipping the edge of his baseball hat.
“Hey,” Liam greets with a lopsided smile. “I can see where Kayla got her good looks and her strength.”
Mom blushes but nods.
We catch up, but it’s like trying to swim through molasses. I’m acutely aware of the bruises on her neck, and the way she flinches at sudden movements. My stomach churns with anger and helplessness.
How I wish I could’ve been here. Could’ve stopped this, but I’m here now. And I have backup. Plus I’ve already cleared this offer I’m giving her with them on the way here.
“Mom, I have an idea.” My words come out rushed, desperate. “You could stay at the cabin where?—”
“Where what, darling?” She looks puzzled, hopeful.
“Where I’ve stayed. With them.” I gesture at my Alphas. “Ryker needs someone to look after the place. Rent-free, and a salary.”
Her eyes flicker with something like hope, but it’s quickly doused. “I can’t just leave, Kayla. Gary, he?—”
“Don’t worry about him,” I cut in, sharply.
“Sweetheart, it’s not that simple.”
“Mom, please.” My voice breaks. “Just think about it.”
She nods, her eyes wet. “I’ll think about it,” she whispers, glancing at the closed door like it’s a gate to a cage she can’t escape.
“Good.” I force a smile, feeling the weight of my Alphas’ gazes, heavy with silent promises of protection. “That’s all I ask.”
“Would you all like some tea?” She starts to get up, but Dane stands first.
“I’ll make us some.” He heads to the kitchen after mom nods.
While Dane’s making us some tea, I study my mom’s cast, the way she cradles it close to her chest like a shield. The elephant in the room is screaming for attention, and I can’t ignore it any longer.
