Page 126 of Cursed Bonds: An Alpha's Destiny

“Ugh, kids,” Tinsley said, shaking her head. She shivered with delight and said, “Ed Roland could sprinkle me with sugar and devour me, and I’d be fine with it.”

“Eww. We’re gonna table this discussion for now,” Harley said. “Back to ladies’ night. What about a bunch of terrible junk food, some cocktails, and binging trashy TV. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good to me,” Tinsley said.

“Yeah,” I said. “I could do with putting on three or four pounds and getting a little tipsy.”

“Which way is the grocery store?” Tinsley asked.

“I think it’s down this next left,” Harley said.

My unease grew as we drew near the store. The day before, when we’d given Harley a tour of town, we’d simply driven through the streets. I hadn’t been out and among the people of Crestwood since the night of the town hall meeting when everything had fallen apart.

Harley must have seen my distress as we pulled into the parking lot. She reached back and put a hand on my knee. “You good?”

When I explained the issue, she squeezed my leg. “It’ll be fine. You’ve got us with you. I’ll kick any wolf in the face who wants to say shit to you. You can bet on that.”

Her words were a reminder of how much I needed her here. With my best friend at my side, things seemed a little less awful and overwhelming.

“Okay, let’s go,” I said, and opened the door.

Inside, Tinsley pushed the cart and Harley walked along, tossing boxes and bags into the cart—chips, cookies, cakes, popcorn, an entire cheesecake from the bakery section, and more. As we moved through the aisles, I noticed a few people casting furtive glances in my direction. They all recognized me. Of course they did. I’d stood on that stage in front of the entire pack.

They’d probably all stay away, terrified that they’d piss off the evil witch. That, or they’d be afraid of saying something that would upset Jace.

“Miss Holly?”

I turned in surprise, finding a woman standing in front of me with an anxious look in her eyes.

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Are you doing all right? We’ve all heard about what happened. Can I do anything for you?”

Her concern took me aback. Deep down, I thought many of Jace’s pack had probably hoped Eren would keep me. Thought they’d want me out of town and away from their beloved leader. If this woman was acting right now, then she needed an Oscar.

“I’m okay,” I finally choked out. “I’m good. Thanks.”

“All right, then, dear,” the woman said and patted my arm. “Just so you know, we trust Jace. If he trusts you, then I, and all of us, know you’re meant to be here.”

After that, more people came over to me. In twenty minutes, my mood had improved greatly. Maybe everyone didn’t hate me after all.

Tinsley nudged me as we lined up to check out and whispered, “Not to frighten you, but who’s the walking cinder-block wall who’s been eyeballing us? I think he followed us here. I also saw him in the parking lot pulling in at the same time we did on a motorcycle.” She gave a little smile. “I hope you know him. He’s been checking me out the whole time we’ve been here.”

Turning, I saw who had caught her attention. The man was standing by a magazine rack, pretending to read as he cast surreptitious glances our way every few seconds.

“God.” I rolled my eyes and waved at the man. “Hey, Tank. How’s it going?”

He flinched, almost dropping the magazine. His face went red. Did he really think he’d been being subtle? The man was gigantic.

“Uh, hey, Kirsten,” he said feebly. “Jace wanted to make sure you guys were safe. Got me watching out for you.”

“It’s fine.” I waved him off. “Thanks.” It would have been easier to be pissed, but Jace was only looking out for my safety.

“I’ll just go sit in my car,” Tank said, heading for the door like a kid who’d been caught doing something bad. As he did, he cast another quick glance at Tinsley. If I weren’t mistaken, Tank was crushing on my witch friend.

After we’d checked out, Harley pushed the cart toward the door.

“Jackson? Jackson, slow down, honey,” a woman called out behind us.

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