Chapter 172

Shawna POV

When Michael repeats to me what Cedric said to him, I feel a sick feeling in my stomach. I dial my sister's number, and when she answers, I let out a heavy breath. "Lynn, you're okay?" I ask.

"I think so. We had a flat tire. Everything seems fine, though," she replies.

"Lynn, you might have a tail. A guardian approached us. He got word that there could have been someone in town who might have followed you guys," I tell her. "Did you see anything strange?"

"Oh, I don't know. I don't think so. Who could it be?"

"You'd know better than me who stays in town and doesn't go up to the packland every night," I reply. "It would have to be one of those pack members."

Lynn is quiet on the other end of the line, her breathing making me antsy. "Lynn?"

"Yeah, I'm thinking. Honestly I can only think of Malik's parents and that older man who lives at the end of Bison Valley. He's been out there for years like a hermit."

"Why would Malik's parents follow you?" I ask. "How about someone who works at their steak house?"

"Maybe. I don't know all of them and to be honest, the past year I have avoided interacting with them if I can," she states. "All that stuff with the Alpha freaked me out."

"Okay, so listen. This guardian we are in touch with, he wants to talk to you. He's involved in the investigation against your pack. He says he can keep you guys safe, he's been ordered to infact. He will let you call him and you guys choose the meeting place, to make you more comfortable."

"Alright. What's the catch?" Lynn asks.

"He needs you to answer a few questions about what you overheard from the Alpha," I reply

"Hmmm, that seems fair." She pauses. I can tell she must have her hand over the mouth piece, as I hear her voice muffled as she talks and then I hear Clint's voice muffled in reply. "Okay," she finally replies to me. "Let me talk to him. Can you text me his number?"

"I can do that," I reply. "But Lynn," I pause until I hear her say "yes". "Lynn I need you to be very careful and keep us updated. I can't stand the thought of anything bad happening to you."

"Ditto sister," she says laughing. "You act like I can't handle myself. I'm a big girl you know."

"I know, but you're one girl. That means that men can over take you. I don't ever what you to experience what I did...."I trail off. "Well just be careful, promise?"

"I promise. And I will update you. Now text me the number," she says.

"Okay." I hang up and I do just that. In the meantime, I'm antsy. Someone is following them, but who? Why cut just one tire? It makes no sense. Lastly, why does this shit always seem to happen to my family? I feel like enough is enough already. I'm hoping we are nearing the end of tragedy and living in the fear of bad things.

We continue down the road, not saying much. Michael has our destination in the GPS and soft sounds come from the stereo speakers. The green of the world whizzes by us, the skies blue above, white clouds sporadic. It would be a nearly perfect day, if all of this wasn't happening. Michael and I were supposed to be on our way to our happily ever after, instead we are helping my sister and her mate run from the possibility of death and misery. I nearly jump out of my skin when my phone rings.

"Hello," I answer.

"So Cedric seems nice," Lynn says. "We are meeting him in Topeka, Kansas tonight. He suggested that we stay on the outskirts of town at some Bed and Breakfast he knows of that also allows you to board horses. He's bringing a couple of guys with him so they can take turn watching our trailer during the night. He says if someone is following us, this might be the best way to catch them."

"Makes sense I suppose," I say. "How do you feel about all of this?"

"I feel lighter and lighter with every mile we put behind us," Lynn says. "I just want to live out my days with my mate, minding our own business."

"I know the feeling," I say.

I'm beginning to feel like this road has stretched on for way longer than it has. Don't get me wrong, Nashville was incredible. My mate has been incredible. I'm just ready not to be driving anywhere, to have my sister safe and sound, and to start my life with Michael, as we intended. I'm not surprised when Michael's phone rings and he answers it to find out it's Cedric again. They have a long conversation, of which I only hear part of. In that conversation, I can tell they are talking about what he's going to implement to make sure Lynn and Clint remain safe until they can get to Georgia. To the safety and protection of his father, of Michael's pack. We just have to hope that his father will take them in and trust Clint enough. I can't see why he wouldn't. He genuinely seems like he's sincere and it's evident that he's head over heals in love with Lynn. As he should be.

Michael pulls off at an exit and maneuvers into a parking spot, just outside a quiet hotel. He finishes his call and hangs up. "I think I'm done driving. Let's get some rest."

"Where are we?" I ask.

"We just crossed into Georgia, the closest town on the map is Dalton. We will be home by tomorrow afternoon. I don't have it in me to drive through the mountains tonight, and that's what we'd be doing. Plus, we probably would not get the greatest greeting, rolling up to the gates in the middle of the night." Michael says. "I haven't been home in years; they don't know my truck yet."

"Okay, and what's going on with Lynn and Clint?" I ask.

"Lynn should be calling you shortly. It's another reason I wanted to get settled in for the night. I know you want to talk to Lynn, and I also want us to get some rest. It's best if we try to get off this emotional roller coaster, don't you think?"

"You're probably right." We get out of the truck. Michael grabs our bags out of the back seat, and we walk into the hotel and head up to the counter. He gets us a room for the night and we head up and begin getting ready to tuck in for the night. Michael orders us some delivery and I take a quick shower, keeping my phone on the bathroom counter, just in case. Lynn doesn't call.

After we eat dinner, we snuggle up on the couch to watch some completely pointless television. I almost wonder why we bothered, but it's a good distraction.

My phone rings and I answer. "Is everything alright?" I ask.

"Why didn't you tell me that Cedric was a beast of a man and black as night? And the two guys that came with him, they look like they could snap Clint in half like a toothpick. What is this, some kind of large breeding of men?" Lynn whispers on the other end of the line.

"Ahh, is this your first time meeting guardians? I mean besides Michael?" I ask laughing.

"So not funny Shawna. They make me nervous."

"It's kind of the point," I reply. "Now you're safe though. They won't let anything happen to you. Cedric gave us his word."

"Well let's see what that's worth," Lynn says. "I gotta go, call you tomorrow." The line goes dead.

She's right. We are about to see what his word is worth. If he's anything like Michael, it's worth everything.