Page 44 of Jolt's Vengeance

The ring of my phone cuts through my inner thoughts.

I fish it out of my pocket, my heart skipping a beat when I see the caller ID.

Dear old Da, but known to everyone else as Grim.

"Hey, Da," I answer, my accent thicker than normal.

It always comes out stronger when I'm talking to family.

I guess that’s because I’m more comfortable.

"Aggie." His gruff voice fills my ear. "How's my girl doing?"

I can't help the smile that spreads across my face as I continue my walk to the cafe. "I'm doing all right, Da. Just finished up my last class for the day."

"That's good to hear," he says, and I can picture him nodding, probably sitting in his favorite leather armchair at home. "How're things going overall? You settlin’ in okay?"

I pause at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. "Yeah, things are going pretty good, actually. I think I'm finally getting the hang of this whole college thing. It's a lot, but I'm managing."

The light changes, and I step off the curb, my boots scuffing against the asphalt. "That's my girl." The pride evident in his voice. "Always knew you had it in you."

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at his words. "Thanks, Da. Oh, and I've been hanging around the local clubhouse more, too. It's... nice. Familiar, you know?"

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I worry I've said something wrong.

But then he lets out a relieved sigh. "That's good to hear, lass. Real good. I'd much rather you be there than mixed up with some of those frat boys."

I bite back a laugh, thinking about how some of the guys at the clubhouse are probably way more trouble than any frat boy.

But Da doesn't need to know that. "Don't worry, Da. I'm being careful."

"I know you are, Aggie. You've always had a good head on your shoulders," he says, his voice softening. "Just... don't forget where you come from, okay?"

I swallow hard, memories of my childhood in Scotland flashing through my mind. "I won't, Da. Promise."

There's a moment of silence between us before he clears his throat. "All right then, I'll let you go. You take care of yourself, you hear?"

My voice is barely above a whisper. "I will, Da. Love you."

"Love you too, sweetheart. Talk to you soon."

The line goes dead, and I'm left standing in front of the cafe, my phone still pressed to my ear.

I take a deep breath, pushing down the homesickness that threatens to overwhelm me.

This is my life now, and I'm making the most of it.

But it's nice to know that no matter how far I go, I've still got family looking out for me.

As I slip my phone into my pocket, my thoughts drift to Jolt.

His deep green eyes and mischievous grin flash through my mind, sending a shiver down my spine.

If only Da knew the kind of trouble I'mreallygetting into.

I can almost hear Jolt's husky laughter, feel the ghost of his calloused hands on my skin.

I shake my head, trying to clear it.

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