Alethea
Harvey smiles brightly as if he didn’t just grip my wrist a moment ago. Maybe he thinks acting casual will put me at ease, but he’s doing a terrible job.
The spot where he grabbed me still stings, and I instinctively rub my wrist, trying to soothe the lingering pain.
“I’m sorry about that,” he says, flashing an apologetic smile as he scratches the back of his head.
I cross my arms and glare at him. “What the hell was that for? If you have something to say, just say it.”
He exhales sharply. “I just wanted to ask you a few questions.”
“Okay, I’m listening,” I say, impatience lacing my voice.
“Are you a werewolf?” he asks, his gaze locked onto mine, searching for answers.
I nearly rolled my eyes. Seriously? He dragged me out here just to ask if I’m a werewolf.
“Why do you ask?” I say cautiously, not confirming or denying anything.
“I’m sorry if I’m intruding,” he says, his voice softer this time. “It’s just… there’s something about you that feels off. You don’t feel like the other werewolves who pass through here. Your aura is different.”
I stiffen.
“And I’m not the only one who noticed,” he adds. “See that guy over there? Blonde hair? He’s been watching you too. He’s trying to figure you out.”
My heart pounds. I fight the urge to turn and look, but before I can, Harvey reaches out and lightly touches my arm.
“Don’t,” he warns in a hushed voice. “If you look now, it’ll be too obvious that we’re talking about him.”
Panic twists in my gut. Am I in trouble? Who is this guy, and why is he watching me?
Harvey must sense my unease because his grip softens. “Relax. As long as you keep a low profile, you’ll be fine.”
I nod, but my mind is racing. Something tells me my fresh start isn’t going to be as smooth as I hoped.
For once, I take a moment to believe his words. There’s something oddly reassuring about the way he says it, and as I stare into his deep brown eyes, I almost feel at ease. But I need assurance.
“Are you sure about that?” I ask, my voice quieter than before.
Harvey smiles warmly. “Alethea, I’m serious. I just wanted to give you a heads-up-hence the reason I called you here.”
I roll my eyes. “You didn’t call me here, mister. You dragged me here, nearly giving me a heart attack in the process.”
He laughs, a smooth, easy sound, and for the first time, I notice just how good-looking he is. But I push the thought aside.
“I should get going,” I say, stepping away.
“Hold on,” he says quickly. “Let me walk you a bit-just to where I know you’ll be safe.” He scratches the back of his head, suddenly rambling. “Not that I’m saying it’s not safe here, but, you know-”
I smirk, seeing right through him. He’s just looking for an excuse to stay close. And honestly? I don’t mind. I could use someone to guide me around this new city.
“Okay,” I say with a shrug. “I might need your help anyway.”
Harvey grins, and we start walking side by side. I gather my things, while he casually picks up whatever he needs. The air between us is comfortable, yet my mind keeps drifting back to what he said. Maybe it’s just paranoia, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is going to happen here-something that will change the course of my life in a way I can’t even begin to imagine.
Whatever it is, I just hope it’s in my favor.
I grip the strap of my bag tighter as we walk, my steps a little more cautious now. When we reach the main road, he makes sure I get safely into a taxi before turning back toward the restaurant.
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding as the house came into view. Soon enough, the driver stops right in front, and I quickly pay my fare before stepping out.
The house is quiet. Selena must have already started her outreach program, and she’s likely sorted out Declan’s stay for the day.
I head straight to my bedroom, peeling off my clothes before stepping into the bathroom. Warm water cascades down my body, washing away the exhaustion of the day.
I know this job is beneath me. I never pictured myself waiting tables just to get by.
But right now, I have to do whatever it takes to stand on my own.
The sudden ringing of my phone startles me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I quickly wrap a towel around myself and step out of the bathroom.
“That’s Amelia,” I mutter, glancing at the screen.
She wasn’t around when I left Northville, and I didn’t want to disturb her by calling. But now, as if the universe itself conspired, she’s the one calling me first.
The moment I pick up, her voice bursts through the speaker.
“God help you, Ally, if you don’t tell me where you took my boy! I don’t know why you had to leave town without informing me. And for goodness sake, where is my Declan? It isn’t fair!”
A small smile tugs at my lips as I let her rant, allowing her to vent every frustration she has. It’s so typically Amelia-passionate and fiercely protective.
“Are you done?” I ask once she finally falls silent, clearly waiting for my response.
“I’m not happy, Ally. Why did you do it?”
I already knew the reason for her anger-I didn’t need her to spell it out. She’s upset because I left without telling her. And honestly, I owe her an apology.
“I’m so sorry,” I say softly. “I needed a fresh start, Amelia. You know everything that happened at Techspark took a toll on me.”
She lets out a loud sigh. For a moment, she’s quiet, which is unusual. Amelia is never quiet-she always has something to say, even if it’s just to crack a joke.
“Spill it, Ammy,” I urged my tone firm, leaving no room for argument. I’ve been doing that a lot lately-speaking with authority. And the fact that people listen to me is starting to feel a little unsettling.
“Ally…” She pauses, and my heart pounds in my chest. I have a feeling I know where this conversation is headed.
“I went to see my human parents. Remember I told you they know about my werewolf origin?”
I swallow hard. “Yeah… What did they say?”
“Ally, you wouldn’t believe it. A lot was said, and I’m still in shock. And to think… I wouldn’t have known any of this if I hadn’t met your father.”
A chill runs down my spine.
“What did they say?” I ask, anticipation tightening my chest.