Page 122 of Fight

“Excellent,” Dr. Brunes says, clapping as I shake my head in disbelief. “We’ll be waiting.”

He disconnects before I call Augustine, because this call was really odd.

“Auggie, I’m a little creeped out by this call I just had,” I say when he picks up. “The doctor at Weeping Willow Home called and he’s insisting that I go to see my mom today. The way he called and his tone kind of makes me uncomfortable, but if there’s something going on at the assisted living center, I want to know, you know?”

“We’ll find somewhere else for her,” he agrees. “I understand your worry, can you keep me posted, please? All the usual stalker shit Tommy would usually ask for, I want. When you get there, when you leave, and if you need Gabe to go over there. He’ll end up fighting to prove he’s a beta and annoy the fuck out of everyone, but he’ll do it.”

“Oh, I get to fuck people up outside of the ring?” Gabe teases him. My lips twitch as I realize they’re near each other, and my heart aches. Ugh, I’m going all soft and mushy around them already.

“Not yet, but you’re on standby,” Augustine grunts. “Thanks for telling me, Sweetheart. Let me know if you stop anywhere in between, please?”

Nodding, I realize he can’t see me. Ugh. “Yes, I promise. I’m going to take a snack with me because I’m hungry, so I don’t have to stop at all, I’ll keep you updated,” I tell him, saying goodbye.

Grabbing a cheese and deli snack pack from the mini fridge, I drop them on the bed, so I can look for clothing in my closet. Knowing it’ll be hot outside but cooler in the home, I change into cargo pants, a crop-top, and then stalk into Augustine’s room for an oversized long-sleeved button-up.

Rolling up the sleeves, I inhale his scent, even though it’s not as strong. His room smells like Gabriel too.

“Get it together, girl,” I grunt as I put on my socks and combat boots. Tommy’s new gift slips perfectly into the hidden compartment of my boots, so even if I have to be checked for weapons anywhere, no one will find it.

Packing my bag with my snacks, phone, wallet and charger, I leave the apartment for the forty-five minute drive to see Mama. The roads are busier than normal with the lunch rush, and it takes me a little longer to get there.

I have no idea what I’ll find, but I’m hoping it’ll at least be a good visit. Even if she doesn’t know who I am, seeing her will be enough. It’s been too damn long.

Chapter Twenty-Six

CERENITY

“Miss, can I have your identification and phone, please?” the security guard asks.

“Why do you need my phone?” I ask, unease filling me as I quickly text Auggie that I’m here and may not have my phone after I enter.

Auggie: Is that a new security practice?? I don’t fucking like it.

Me neither.

“It’s for the patients’ confidentiality,” the guard explains.

“For your safety, I need you to know that my pack knows where I am and will not hesitate to burn this place down in an effort to find me,” I say, making certain I push the voice memo button down on my phone, since it’s still open to Auggie’s number.

“Seriously?” the guard grunts.

“Oh I’m very serious,” I say with a smirk. I want him to think I need a savior, because my secret weapon is that people don’t see me coming until it’s too damn late.

“Fine, fine. Damn, nothing is going to happen. It really is just policy,” he complains. “There’s a new doctor who took over, and these are his rules, not mine.”

Nodding, I send the voice memo and lock my phone before handing over the items he asked for.

“I’m going to call up to the Institute and let them know you’re on your way up to see Olivia Quinn. I’ll hold these for you,” the guard says, tossing them into a container and putting it to the side as he waves me forward.

Institute.

Fuck, I don’t know why it makes me shiver to know they changed the name, but it does. Driving forward, I berate myself as I think. I have been paying the bills, checked the monthly newsletter they send me, but didn’t look any closer.

Something doesn’t feel right here.

My mother took the last name Quinn when she changed her name and ran. It made the most sense, especially with how terrified she’s always been that they’ll find her.

I used to be able to simply walk into the assisted living center, but now I have to wait outside of the main building for them to buzz me in. Taking a deep breath, I clear my face of my emotions, leaving the perfect mask of being unaffected.

---