Page 63 of Suspicious

Sometimes, the justice system can be so horribly flawed.

Gathering my things, I turn and walk out, heading back into the main reception. I say my farewell and then jump in my car, driving back to the clubhouse to tell Alpha everything Valerie has found out, which was quite helpful. I also know he sent me in to check that Haven is settling in okay.

It’s more than obvious from her small amount of time inside that Haven has her lockup under control.

Pulling my car into the clubhouse parking lot after the long drive, I hop out with a pep in my step. Making my way toward the entrance, I walk in, with my main mission to talk to Alpha first.

Then Ineedto find Loki.

I have to deal with our issues head-on for once.

No more running away.

I spot Loki pacing the clubhouse floor as I head further inside.He seems agitated. Anxious even. I put my quest to find Alpha to the side. “Loki?” I call out to gain his attention.

His head snaps to the side at the sound of my voice, his eyes widening like saucers at the sight of me. Loki’s chest heaves like he doesn’t know whether to yell at me or break down in tears. His reaction startles me for a moment, before his stomping feet begin their tirade toward me. “Wherethe hellhave you been?” he yells obnoxiously loud, causing everyone else in the clubroom to turn and look at us.

Jerking my head back, I let out a small scoff in embarrassment at the sudden attention we’re receiving.

Inhaling sharply, I reach out for his bicep and begin to pull him toward his den to take what is obviously going to be a heated conversation away from everyone. Thankfully, he doesn’t resist, following me in, understanding that I want to take this somewhere private.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Bea

We enter his den, and he stalks off toward the other side of the room while I close the door behind me. The green neon hue of the lighting does nothing to affect his irrational mood. He stalks over to a drawer, opens it, pulls out a pill bottle, and then throws back one with some water right in front of me.

Jerking back my head, I furrow my brows. “You better not be taking caffeine pills to try to help you work. No wonder you’re always on edge and grumpy all the damn time!” Stalking over to him, I yank the pills from him, looking at the bottle, and my eyes widen as an instant sadness slams through me like a freight train.

Slowly, I glance up at him, my breathing becoming quicker. “These are depression pills.”

“Yeah,” he simply replies.

My shoulders slump with the realization. “Why didn’t you tell me you were on these?”

“It’s not important, Bea—”

“Itisimportant, Alex. If you’re hurting and not dealing, then I want to be able to help you. How long have you been taking them?”

He doesn’t respond, just looks at me with sad eyes, and I sink into myself with a small nod of realization. “Thirteen y-years?” I whisper, my voice cracking.

His nostrils flare, and his hand runs through his hair before he begins to pace the den again. “You better start talking, Bea, because I swear to God, I can’t do this shit again. Not again, Bea!”

His breathing is rushed, his fists clenched, and it’s only nowthat I realize that he is purposely trying to stay back from me like he’s in physical pain. The way his hand clings to his chair and his knuckles turn white hits me in the chest with the strength of a thunderous stampede.

He’s right back there.

The day I walked out on him—thirteen years ago.

And he thinks I’m doing it again.

Raising my hands to placate him, I inhale sharply. “Loki, listen to me. I only left because Alpha asked me to—”

“What?”he snaps, his brows furrow in confusion.

“When I first walked in, and Haven was leaving, we spoke briefly. She whispered to me that she would see me soon. I didn’t quite know what that meant, but you were called to the Chapel to talk to Alpha, and then South and Ingrid came to find me. They filled me in on what Alpha wanted me to do. So, I packed all my things and left straight away.”

Loki folds his huge arms across his chest, a scowl etched deep into his face. “You expect me to believe that Alpha told you to leave when Rhyan told me thatyousaid you had some things to take care of and that you couldn’t be here to do it. That you needed a clear head.”

---