Page 2 of Unexpected Delivery

Tears well in my eyes, and I mentally pump myself up to get out and see if I can find someone who might be willing to help.

It’s a small town.

There have to be Good Samaritans around…

God, I hope there are.

I need a win.

No, stop that. You’re alive. You escaped. This is nothing compared to being stuck with him.

It’s not, and I know that. I’m just exhausted. Life has been pretty consistently kicking my ass recently.

I sold my car before leaving Arizona. I didn’t want to. I loved that car, but I needed the money.

Becky gifted me this vehicle—just handed over the title when she gave me the keys to the cabin. It’s not in the best condition, but it’s the nicest thing anyone’s done for me in a long time.

Once I get on my feet, I’m going to pay her back. Without her and her pack helping, I never would have made a clean escape.

I try to start the car one more time while saying a prayer to the universe to just give me a break. All I need is one thing to go my way, and I’ll be able to keep my optimism intact. It doesn’t work, so I stretch down to pop the hood and brave the cold once more.

I’m in the process of closing the door when a huge man approaches from the side of the shopping center that has a sign for a gym. His hair is in a blondish-brown bun on top of his head, and his face is covered with a fuzzy beard. He seems a little underdressed for the frigid temperatures in what looks like a white long sleeve T-shirt, an open zip-up hoodie, and workout pants.

I have to crane my neck up to keep sight of his blue eyes as he comes closer.

“That didn’t sound good.” He chuckles, nodding to the car. “Did you pop the hood?”

“Y-Yeah,” I reply, running my hand over my stomach. He has an easy smile, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a man as large as he is. I take a tentative step back, and my backside bumps the car mirror. “How tall are you?”

“Six-seven.” He chuckles that same deep, rumbly soundagain. “I get asked that a lot. Not usually before names are exchanged, but yeah, it comes up a lot.” He holds out a hand. “Morris.”

“Arbor,” I say, giving his hand a shake. My face burns, and I’m not sure if it’s from the cold or pure embarrassment.

He’s right.

That was an inappropriate question.

It’s just…he’s huge.

“Christ, you’re frozen. Where are your gloves? You need to bundle up. It’s the middle of winter.”

I blink repeatedly as my heart races.

It’s been so long that I can’t remember the last time someone took notice or cared about my well-being.

“Why don’t you head into the gym? Tell Hayes you’re with me. He’ll let you soak up the heat.” He moves to pop the hood. “Just leave your keys. I might need them.”

I was hoping for small-town hospitality, but this guy is taking things to the extreme. “Do you know what might be wrong with it?”

“Aww, shit.” He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a wallet, and moves closer while holding out a business card. I take it. “Morris and Sons. It’s just down the street. I’m the grandson, but it’s been in the family for generations. I guess I’m the Morris on the card now—just no sons.” He shrugs. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll see what I can do.”

I study the card for the auto repair shop. If anyone can help, it’ll be him. “Thank you so much.”

He nods. “The wind is cutting. The last thing you need is to catch a cold. Head inside or at least get back in the car.” That wasn’t a bark, but it’s clear he’s an alpha. And not just due to his massive size; the low, growly tone of his voice sends my body into motion, and I scramble toward the gym.

The cold here is way more intense than I’m used to, and I won’t turn down a little heat while I wait.

The gym isn’t just filled with exercise equipment, like I expect it to be. There are weights, treadmills, and other machines I don’t know the name for on the right of the entryway, while a boxing ring takes up the entire left side of the spacious building.

---