Chapter 28

The sun broke into my motel room. I couldn't go home that would be the first place he would look and I couldn't go to Cassidy's place either. I didn't want to bring danger to her doorstep.

I kept my windows closed and my door locked. I hadn't called anyone either.

It finally hit me harder than ever that someone was after me. Even after my home was broken into this was the first time I actually felt in danger.

I was blank. I couldn't stay in a motel forever. My ringtone stunned me out of my deep thoughts.

It was Cassidy. I let it ring but she wouldn't let me be. She kept on calling.

I gave in and picked up.

"Cass," I sighed.

"Why don't you answer the phone, Zora! We thought you were attacked."

I swallowed. "How?"

"A disturbance was reported at your job. We went to your house but it was empty. Where are you?"

There was no point in lying to her. I gave her my address but I was not letting her drag me to her house. Not long after Cassidy and three large, tall and brooding Alpha men stood on the other side of my door.

"Great," I murmured and opened the door wider.

"Zora," Dash started. "Why didn't you call? You think a wolf couldn't have tracked you out here if he wanted? It was a dumb move."

I rolled my eyes and sat on the edge of the bed. Cassidy threw herself on me and squeezed.

"You hurt?" Kaleb asked.

I met his eyes, filled with concern. I looked at my lap.

"I'm fine."

"Why didn't you come to me? Text, call, anything, Zora?" Dash ranted.

I rubbed my forehead. "Please, make it stop."

"I'm sorry, they made me bring them," Cassidy said.

"I didn't want to bring anyone trouble," I replied.

"I'm the Alpha, it's my job to handle this," Gunner said.

Something in me snapped. I stood slowly and marched up to him. Kaleb and Dash shared a confused look but I couldn't care less about them.

"You were inside when it happened. You were being a jerk!"

Gunner puffed and looked away.

"It would have been better if you didn't open your disgusting mouth!" I yelled.

Cass squeaked, "Zora."

"I want nothing to do with you, Gunner. Ever! My safety is none of your concern. I'm not part of your pack, remember? I've never been. I'm just a filthy weak human. But this human doesn't need you. So get out. I paid for this room with my money."

Gunner sucked his bottom lip and glared at me.

"You want that? Fine. That means pack resources are unavailable too. Including my betas." Gunner turned, slowly dragging his gaze away before he marched out of the room.

I stood up to him once but this time felt better largely because I didn't have a throbbing fist.

"Does he expect us to walk out with him?" Dash asked, rubbing his beard.

Kaleb chuckled. "He's not serious."

I stared at the two men who scrambled my emotions.

"So, you're not going?"

"Are you kidding?" Dash raised a brow.

"He doesn't control us," Kaleb added.

"What if you lose your jobs?" I asked I felt a tad bad about the possibility of them getting fired because of me.

"I'd like to see him try. Should be fun," Dash said with a sigh.

Dash leaned against the wall his green eyes gliding over me it made me hot.

"You can't stay here forever, Zora. It's not safe."

"Dash's right. You need protection. Come stay with me."

"No, no. I don't want to put anyone in danger. I'll never forgive myself if Cassidy gets hurt because of me."

"Who said anything about Cassidy? I don't live with her," Kaleb frowned.

I turned to Cass and she lifted a shoulder. "I forgot to mention he moved out."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, that meant I'd be alone with Kaleb. Dash didn't look happy about the idea.

"No, I don't think so. Zora can stay with me."

Kaleb shook his head and moved behind me, planting his hand on my shoulder possessively.

"You're running with the Cyder wolves, remember? We still have murders to solve."

Dash shut his eyes and groaned. "You're supposed to be helping me with that."

"And I will. Zora, grab your bags, you're coming with me."

***

If I wanted I could have stood my ground and not gone with either man but the senseless part of me didn't want to stand up to two Alpha men. I didn't want to be alone and I didn't want to put Cass in danger either. I hoped Gunner wouldn't pass a dumb law that would prevent Cass and me from hanging out.

"Make yourself at home," Kaleb said, dumping his keys on the side table.

I looked around the bachelor pad. It was bigger than I expected. It had a great view of the town, modern leather furniture, and a flat-screen TV mounted to the wall. I was sure that one could handle more than black-and-white movies.

"You don't have to-"

Kaleb shot me a look that cut my words short.

"Sorry," I chuckled.

"I want you here Zora. I'm sorry about what happened. I wish it didn't happen."

I fiddled with my nails recalling last night's events. It felt like a bad dream but it was too real.

"We have to talk about what happened. Any details will help."

I nodded. "He was the same man who threatened Mr Dean. Oh my gosh, what if he goes back to hurt him?"

"The old folk's home is getting extra security already. No worries."

Kaleb told me to sit while he ventured into the kitchen. I looked around and saw pictures of him and Cassidy when they were younger. He had one of his Mothers. He had her eyes and it was sweet. Kaleb returned with a large mug filled with marshmallows.

I smiled and received the mug. Kaleb settled beside me. We were so close our knees touched.

I looked up from the mug and met his stern eyes.

"Kaleb-"

His lips closed on mine for a hungry and fiery second.

"I was worried sick about you."

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me… again."

"You're not to blame for anything Zora. We'll catch them and they'll pay. Especially for hurting you."

A thousand questions formed in my head and one of them was the identity and motives of the man who wanted me.

"Finish up, we've got work to do," Kaleb said.