Chapter 14
It’s Rhett’s scent with a hint of cologne.
It’s a nauseating combination, one that I used to find comforting but now makes me feel sick. His back is turned towards me, but I recognize the broad shoulders and tall frame of Rhett. My heart skips a beat as I realize he shouldn’t be here. What is he doing here? Did he follow me here? He turns and I duck behind a tall sign.
His face is contorted into an angry sneer as he snaps at the woman from the small food truck, he snatches his bagel off her, and his coffee. The old woman frowns but serves the next person in line.
My heart sinks as I see his piercing blue eyes glowing in the distance, his wolf clearly below the surface and pressing against his skin, the same eyes that used to make me feel safe and loved. My heart races as I recognize Rhett, my ex–fiancé and the man responsible for my current predicament. Panic surges through me, and I realize that my time may be running
out.
Rhett’s reach is longer than I could have ever imagined if it keeps leading him back here, or maybe he was visiting the King, is that possible surely they aren’t that close? No, they couldn’t be why would a King hang out with the likes of him? Yet I never thought he would actually come looking for me himself when he could send his warriors. But here he is, in this small town where I thought I would be safe. Bitterness fills my mouth as I remember how Rhett betrayed me, how he tore my heart into pieces and continues each night when I feel him
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with Bianca. The metallic tang of blood fills my mouth as I clench my jaw and bite my tongue, trying to hold back the memories and emotions that threaten to overwhelm me.
The sound of cars passing by on the nearby road fades into the background as the thumping of my heart fills my ears. I can also hear a faint ringing in my ears, signaling the fight or flight response that is kicking in. My legs feel like lead as I look for somewhere to hide, my muscles tense and trembling with dread. The cold wind brushes against my skin, sending shivers down my spine as my eyes dart around nervously knowing standing here behind a sign, I might as well be a sitting duck.
Desperate to avoid him, I quickly move to a nearby
convenience store. My fingers tremble as I reach for the doorknob, my whole body feeling like it’s on high alert. I can almost feel Rhett’s presence behind me, his touch lingering on my skin like a ghost from the past.
Rushing inside I watch him through the window from behind the glasses and hat stand. He looks angry and determined as he approaches the pharmacy door, his gaze scanning the area frantically almost like he can feel my gaze on him. I’m glad we hadn’t finished the mating ceromony or he’d feel my presence through the bond.
I can’t let him find me here. The thought of facing him again. fills me with dread and fear. I hold my breath, praying that he doesn’t spot me. After what feels like an eternity, he shakes his head and walks away, climbing into his car, leaving me to exhale a shaky breath.
I watch his car drive out of the town, speeding up the road, the engine roaring. I spent a few extra moments in the store
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worried he may turn around and come back and I didn’t want to get caught on the street. With newfound urgency, I slip out. of the store, pull my hood up over my head, and make my way to the pharmacy, all while looking over my shoulder. The fear of encountering Rhett again is almost suffocating.
The streets are lined with quaint little shops, their windows adorned with inviting displays. The townspeople bustle about, going about their daily routines, some casting curious glances in my direction.
It’s clear to me that they’re not used to seeing new faces in their tight–knit community. I pass a cozy café with a ‘Position Vacant‘ sign hanging in the window. The warm, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafts out, making my stomach rumble. Noting that the café is hiring, I consider applying for the job once I’ve taken care of my grandmother’s immediate needs. I pictured myself working in the coffee shop, taking care of Granny, and starting a new life here.
I continue down the street, passing by a few more shops and restaurants until I reach the pharmacy. The bell above the door jingles as I enter, and immediately, the sweet scent of flowers and medicinal herbs overwhelms my senses.
The pharmacist behind the counter looks up at me and I quickly make my way to the counter, where a friendly pharmacist greets me with a warm smile. A middle–aged man, with glasses perched on the tip of his nose. I explain my situation with Granny and give him the scripts I have for her. He nods sympathetically and begins gathering everything she needs.
As he brings up her scripts typing them into the register, I mentally tally up how much money we have left. With rent,
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bills, and groceries to worry about now, things are going to be tight financially. I realize that getting a job may not be just a desire but a necessity at this point.
I’m grateful to find that the money I have is just enough to cover the cost of a new oxygen tank and a couple of inhalers. I catch a familiar scent and realize that he, too, is a werewolf.
“I’m glad she has someone to help her now. She’s been on her own for far too long.” As he hands me the last filled prescription, his eyes linger on me a moment longer. “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. My name is Sam, by the way.”
“Thank you, Sam,” I reply with a grateful smile, clutching the oxygen tank and inhalers close to my chest, he slides a small bottle of pills which must be what he was talking about her needing more of. “I appreciate your help.”
As I leave the pharmacy, I notice a few people in the streets watching me with guarded expressions, their eyes narrowing as if I’m intruding on their territory. However, most of the townspeople I encounter are friendly, offering warm smiles and nods of acknowledgment, but it makes me wonder if Rhett interrogated those who are glaring.
However, as I leave to turn down the end of the small street and back onto the mainstreet, I contemplate returning to inquire about the job at the café. Before I can even turn, a rough hand suddenly grabs my arm.
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