Page 28 of Understanding Fate

“I’ve got her from here,” Cain says, nodding at Ghost in a way that seems like a thank you.

Ghost’s eyes slide to mine, his eyebrow lifting and his head tilting just slightly, and I can almost hear the silent question.

‘What’ll it be, City?’

Is this what I want?

I nod, not trusting my voice as I make the decision.

The last few weeks have been stressful, and for one night, I want to turn off all the doubt and all the questions and stop running from how he makes me feel.

“I’ll have someone grab her things,” Cain says.

“No need. I’ll drop them off,” Ghost says, pulling something from his back pocket while walking up to me. He extends his arm, and I see my phone in his gloved hand. “It’s clean, and I’ve added a few new safety measures so no one can track you,” he adds.

“How do I knowyouaren’t tracking me?” I ask, stopping his progress.

“You don’t, and of course I am, just like your Mate is. Wouldn’t want you getting yourself lost in the woods now, would we?” he says, a smile in his voice as he walks away.

He’s what?

Cain tenses behind me, and I hear Ghost chuckle.

“Call if you need me, City,” he waves behind.

“How? You want me to howl at the moon? I don’t even have your number,” I add, realizing he has all my stuff and I have no way to contact him.

“As amusing as that would be, I’m sure the contact I added on the phone will work just fine,” he finishes before turning out of sight, leaving me feeling like an idiot.

Something about that man always has me irritated.

“Let's get your coat. You must be freezing out here,” Cain says, wrapping his arm around me and guiding me back to the bar. My feet plant, stopping our progress.

“She’s been taken care of. The bar is safe,” he says, misreading my pause.

“Was he telling the truth? Are you tracking me?” I ask, my voice small.

We just started getting back to a good place.

“Yes and no. The pack has been tracking you since the night after the recording you took. I haven’t used that access since you were taken, but we still can access it if you have your phone on you. Pres has everyone's phone in the system. It’s for our safety and yours, but I swear, I have done exactly what I told you I would. I backed off. I gave you space,” he finishes, and I can hear the desperation in his voice.

Stepping forward, I let my movement speak. I’m ready to move forward. Let go of the past. With this. With us.

I maneuver my way through the bar, catching Tristan’s eye as I approach, and I see her gaze jump to the man at my back.

“Hey, I’m gonna head out. I will see you in the morning,” I say, not introducing him or explaining my absence.

The glint in her eye tells me she’s reading this situation, and she approves.

“Of course, sleep in a bit. We don't have our first meeting until ten.” She winks at me, and I grab my coat from the back of the stool before heading toward the front door.

When we reach the sidewalk, I pause—not knowing where he’s staying or how he got here.

Pulling on my coat, I realize I’m exhausted. The anticipation of the day and the emotions of the night have left me drained, and the buzz I was sporting less than twenty minutes ago is completely gone.

“Which way, Candy Cain?” I say, turning back to look at him.

His eyes flash to mine, and my breath catches at their intensity. He pulls his phone out and types out a text message before responding to me.

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