Page 18 of Destined Mate

I was appalled, too, but for a different reason. The way Theo had been acting around me for the past month didn’t sit well with me. He looked at me as if I held the answer to something, and though it would have been ideal if I were into him, I wasn’t. He was my best friend and the future alpha, and I couldn’t risk getting into a relationship with him in case it ended horribly.

“We need to go,” Theo said, ignoring my sister. “And don’t worry. You can still work off your punishment there. Dad already has ideas of things you can do while you take time to heal as well.”

Sure. Zeke didn’t give a shit about my injuries, but I didn’t have enough energy to run my mouth. Worse, it wasn’t like I had a choice. If I fought Zeke’s request, my family would suffer the consequences.

Mom and Dad appeared in the hallway that led to their room slash home office, Pearl’s room, and the garage. Their brows were furrowed, and Dad’s mouth was mashed into a firm line.

Dad stopped in front of the door that led to the garage, blocking it. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” He glanced at me, his forehead creased. “She’s hurt, and the Idaho alpha adviser is here.”

Of course, Zeke and Theo would’ve informed my parents using the pack link.

“We have no better option.” Theo held out his free hand. “For whatever reason, Bodey is determined to take her away.”

If I hadn’t gone out for a walk last night, none of this would be happening. Normally, I tried not to dwell on things, but damn, this was a curse that kept on giving. Not only was I being torn away from my family, but I would also face more of Zeke’s wrath.

Dad tossed Theo a set of keys as Mom headed over and touched my shoulder gently.

“We’re taking one of your cars?” Now I felt even worse. My parents had two vehicles, and if we took one, it would put more of a strain on the family. Though my parents worked from home, Stevie and Pearl each drove a car to reach their own jobs in Halfway.

“They can use mine while we’re away,” Theo replied, squeezing my hand comfortingly. “I’ll let Dad know I gave them permission.”

Stevie’s footsteps had Theo springing into action. Dad opened the door to the double garage.

I walked much more slowly behind him.

Twirling the keys around the finger of his free hand, Theo huffed and fidgeted. I realized he was getting impatient with me.

Stepping down from the hardwood floor to the cool concrete of the garage, I groaned faintly.

“Please power through a little bit longer. You’ll get to rest soon.” Theo’s voice was tender with concern. “Dad won’t come around until later to bring my clothes and some food, so you’ll have time to heal.”

He was nice…whenever his dad wasn’t around, and though I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of being alone with him for that long, at least he’d treat me kindly. We’d been friends for as long as I’d been part of the pack.

Wanting to honor his request, I bit my tongue and stumbled to the car closest to the house door, an older black Buick Lucerne. The other car, an older gray Honda Odyssey, was parked close enough that Theo had to be careful when he opened the passenger door.

He helped me into my seat, but even then, my vision blurred with unshed tears. Somehow, I got into the car without passing out.

Stevie opened the back seat and tossed my fuchsia duffel bag inside.

“I also got your charger since you can’t…” Stevie paused, her face scrunching.

She didn’t have to finish her sentence. I already knew—since you can’t pack link.

“So you can communicate with us once you arrive,” Mom interjected, trying to remove the awkwardness.

“Thank you,” I murmured.

“Sorry, guys, but we gotta go,” Theo said and pressed the garage door opener.

That had to mean Bodey’s conversation with Zeke was ending.

“You two be careful,” Mom said as she and Stevie shut the passenger door.

As the garage door opened, Theo put the car into drive, ready to move as soon as it had risen high enough. Suddenly, a Jeep pulled in front of the driveway, blocking us from leaving.

Bodey.

“Dammit.” Theo slammed his hand against the steering wheel, blowing the horn.

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