Page 55 of Run Free

“Don’t you dare lock that door, Gage,” Clara said. “I have to get the key out of the safe first.”

“You’re kidding me right now,” I said. She blushed, and I knew she was telling the truth. “Angel, you can’t go around just leaving the house unlocked all the time.”

She actually rolled her eyes at me. “Come on. I promise to pull them out when we get back. I’ll even let you drive. . .”

The little minx dangled the car key in front of me, but I already knew I didn’t need it to drive as long as it was in the car. Part of me was surprised she didn’t just leave it in there.

“We can take our rental and all ride together if you’d like,” Dad said.

I looked at Clara and the garage. I knew the right thing to do would be to accept his offer, but no one ever accused me of doing the right thing.

“Sorry, Dad, but if she’s willing to let me drive, you’re just going to have to follow.”

“I understand,” he said. The disappointment on his face said he didn’t, but he would.

“Follow us,” I said, opening the garage and hearing my dad whistle at his first glimpse of the Lamborghini. I knew he finally understood what I was saying.

I revved the engine and pulled out. I wanted to gun it and feel the speed and power, but I knew they were following us. More often than not, riding in cars caused my claustrophobia to set in, and I would have expected for that to be even worse after my time in captivity, but this car was so damn exciting and fun to drive that I didn’t even think about the confining space.

I didn’t stray off course but drove straight to the Alpha house. There’d be time to really open her up and see what she could do later. I tucked it away on my mental to-do list. Something told me Clara wouldn’t mind whatsoever.

It wasn’t until we arrived and I got out of the car that I realized I was having dinner with three Alphas and I was wearing jeans and a T-shirt. I supposed I already had the girl and there was nothing her father could do about it now, so how important were first impressions anyway?

Once again, Clara didn’t hesitate at the door, just walked right in. I could see my dad was feeling a little uncomfortable about that, too, but I just shrugged and followed. This time we headed for the living room. I had a pretty decent grasp of the layout of the house now.

Most of the family were already there and hanging out. Thomas and Lily were in the middle of a chess match. Peyton, Ruby, and Shelby were stretched out across the floor watching a movie, and a man was sitting on the couch reading a newspaper. I knew immediately he must be Zachary Collier.

All eyes turned to us as we entered. Thomas and Zach rose and walked towards us. I found them to be a little intimidating together. Thomas extended his hand to me.

“Gage,” he said. “I was surprised to hear you were still in town, but glad for it.”

I glanced over my shoulder at my parents and sighed. “Change of plans,” I admitted. “Thomas Collier, let me introduce my parents, Daniel and Myra Matthews, Alpha and Pack Mother of the Virginian Wolves. Mom, Dad, this is Thomas, Alpha of Collier Pack.” Lily jumped up and raced to stand next to her mate. I smiled. “And this is his mate and Collier Pack Mother, Lily.”

“I believe you know my parents, but I don’t think we’ve ever met,” Lily said, shaking hands with each of them.

“Your parents?” Mom asked.

“That would be Jason and Mary Westin if my memory serves me right,” Dad filled her in.

Lily nodded, confirming he was correct.

“Oh, I believe I did know that. I just wasn’t connecting the dots. How lovely to meet you, Lily. Is your mother well? I really should catch up with her soon. It’s been awhile.”

“She is, and I am certain she would love that,” Lily said cordially.

Everyone seemed a little stiff, but I supposed when you had three Alphas in one room that was to be expected. The awkwardness immediately subsided when Cora entered the room and squealed when she saw my mother. The two women raced to embrace each other.

“I am so excited you’re here,” Cora said.

“I can’t believe I get to hug you at last,” Mom told her.

Clara and I shared a look, and our fathers looked amused.

“Oh, Daddy, I don’t think you’ve officially met Gage yet. Gage, this is my dad, Zach,” Clara said.

He smiled at me and I relaxed. “Gage, it’s nice to meet you, officially.”

I shook the man’s hand. He had a calming nature, very much like his daughter. I wondered briefly how he would feel about me if he knew the truth of my past and wasn’t looking at me as an Alpha kid with my parents united at my side. I was still wondering what sort of bizarre universe I’d walked into.

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