Page 79 of Saving Stella

Charley burst out laughing. “I think I like you.” She turned to Stella. “Speaking of things mind-boggling things … I can’t believe you’re Cliff’s True Mate.”

A giddy warmth washed over Stella as Cliff placed an arm around her. It seemed impossible to her too, but the proof was right here, next to her, and inside her belly, growing stronger every day.

Sloane sighed. “It’s too bad, though, I was looking forward to being on the lam with you, Stel, getting into trouble together, having adventures.”

“Me, get into trouble? I don’t think so,” Stella laughed. “Besides, I’m glad you stayed.”

“Meh, it’s not too bad.” She glanced around the living room of Stella’s parents’ house, where they had been staying for the past few days. They decided to lay low, just in case anyone had seen their wolf fight in the garage, plus it was easier to keep everyone in one place to protect them all, in case Ronan sent his goons after them or Stella’s parents. Once it seemed the coast was clear, Devon and Charley had decided to come and visit.

“Does anyone else need more tea? Coffee?” Momma said as she popped her head into the living room from the kitchen. “How about more food?”

When no one said anything, Stella said, “We’re good, Momma, thanks.”

Sloane got up and picked up the tray of empty cups and plates. “Let me get these for you, Ma’am.”

“Thank you, Sloane. And please, I told you to call me Alice.” She smiled warmly at Sloane.

Stella was not surprised that Papa and Momma had welcomed Sloane with open arms. They were just as happy as she was, and Stella had no doubt that if Sloane had been up for adoption, they would have taken her in as well. But it seemed Momma in particular was making up for it, doting over Sloane any chance she got. Her twin seemed weirded out by it at first, but now, she could see Sloane warming up to Momma’s attentions. Her heart went out to her sister, wondering what her childhood had been like. Stella had definitely noticed the hardness behind her twin’s eyes, and while she wanted to know exactly what happened, she would wait for Sloane to open up when she was comfortable.

“I still can’t believe she tried to kidnap you,” Devon said, clucking his tongue. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad she’s here. I just never thought … that she …”

“I know.” Charley took his hand. “But she’s here now.”

“What are we going to do about that bastard, Ronan Forte?” Devon said through gritted teeth. “He has to pay for what he’s done.”

“Lycan laws are complicated, but fair,” Cliff said. “Dad, Uncle Killian, and the Alpha are already talking about it, we’ll find justice for you and your parents, one way or another.”

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Stella began. “Something I decided recently.”

“What is it?” Devon said. “Is there something wrong?”

“No, not at all. But I’ve decided that it would be much safer if I learned how to control my wolf.” Her hands slipped down to her belly. “I’m going to put in my resignation from Chisholm and then I’m going to stay in West Virginia.”

“That’s great, Stel,” Charley said. “Uncle Jackson will be able to help you.”

“I don’t want to be a target anymore,” she said. “I know I’m invulnerable, but still, I need to control my wolf and learn how to defend myself.”

“And I’m going to stay with her,” Cliff said. “For a few weeks or so. Uncle Killian already said I could take the time off. But I’m gonna keep tabs on what’s happening with Ronan at the same time and be ready for anything.”

“As will we,” Devon said. “Stella, I’m so glad you decided to go to Shenandoah. It was the best decision I made.” He winked at Charley, who only blushed.

“It’s scary,” she said. “But I think it will be good for me. We leave the day after tomorrow.”

“What about Sloane?” Devon asked.

“I haven’t told her yet,” she said quietly. “But if the Alpha of Shenandoah would allow it, I’m hoping she could come there and stay with us while your Alpha figures out a plan.”

Cliff snorted. “I don’t think she’s the type to stay in one place. She’ll probably want to get back at Ronan as soon as she can.”

“I know.” She chewed her lip. “I just don’t want her to get hurt.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure she’s okay,” Devon assured her. “Nothing will keep us apart ever again.”

She glanced up at her brother’s face as her True Mate squeezed her hand. “I know.”

* * *

Devon and Charley stayed until dinner, but left afterwards as he had to go back on his tour. They promised they would keep in touch and come out to see Stella in West Virginia on their next break. Sloane wasn’t too happy that they couldn’t just go after Ronan, so Devon and Stella made her promise she wouldn’t run away until they sorted everything out.

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