Page 19 of Chomp's Challenge

“Chomp, she needs to do this, it’s part of her process of becoming her own person again,” Kodiak advises. “You need to head to the business and see about getting her some of the company T-shirts, so she’s got them for when she starts working.”

“But I want to help move her stuff in,” I state, my stance defiant.

“And she needs space from you right now,” Peanut replies. As our Enforcer, his word is law, just like Spike’s and Kodiak’s. “You take care of that, we’ll run the money to Fang, then take her some cash and her things to Michelle’s house.”

I chumpf but shrug because there’s no sense in arguing with either of them right now. I know where she’s staying, so I’ll just start watching over her at night. “How is she going to get the T-shirts?” I ask.

“We’ll get Callie to run them and the employment application over to her, along with the employee handbook,” Kodiak says.

“Fine.”

It’s not fine, my gator argues. It should be us doing all of this for our mate.

While I agree, my hands are tied right now, so after we make sure we have everything packed up, then loaded into the truck, I shift back into my gator and head over to our business to gather the things Ariel’s gonna need to start work. At least I’ll see her every day that I don’t have a tour to run. It's a small comfort to me, but right now, I’ll take it.

Small steps, I remind myself. They still lead to the right path.

Chapter

Eight

ARIEL

“You sure there’s not anything else you need?” Callie asks, leaning against the wall as I sit on my new bed and sheets, gliding my palm over the pretty floral pattern. I haven’t had sheets this soft and pretty since before my mom passed away. It feels much longer than a year. I’d been so systematically torn down, everything I loved stripped away until I had nothing. Now, I’m determined to surround myself with all the things I love and miss, including the items Kodiak and some of the other bikers in his club brought to my new place.

Tears burn my eyelids, but I won’t let them fall. Not for Perry. Or Ricky. They don’t deserve them.

“Yeah, I think so,” I reply, releasing a ragged breath as I meet Callie’s gaze. I won’t let this drag me down into depression again. I lived that way for months. The horrid past was behind me, and I intended to keep it there.

“You’re tough, Ariel. You’ve got this.”

“Yeah, I do,” I reply with confidence. A week ago, I wasn’t capable of thinking or reacting this way, but now, free from the abuse and horror of my living conditions and Perry’s control, I feel like a new woman.

Callie beams a bright smile. “I think you’ve got everything you need for your new job, too.” She gestures to the stack of shirts on my dresser. “You know, we should exchange numbers.”

Oh, right. With all the money from Perry’s place, I bought bags of supplies, toiletries, and essentials. The best purchase? My new cell phone.

I pick it up from where it has been charging on my nightstand and check the power level. One hundred percent. I unplug the cord and tuck it away for later use before turning to Callie. “You’re my first contact!”

Callie squeals with delight and rushes to my side, entering her information. “You know, I’m going to add Chomp too. And Kodiak. You should have their numbers in case of an emergency. It’s a good idea to have your boss’s number as well.”

Good idea. “Okay.”

“Call me and I’ll add you.”

Once her phone rings, she clicks off the call. “Got it. I’m so excited! Now we can text whenever you want.”

“I’d like that.”

“I’m going to leave you to it, but I think we should meet up on Friday so we can have coffee and treats at Beanie’s. I wanna know all about your first few days working for Chomp.”

I can’t help smirking. “You just want to hear any gossip.”

“Of course!” she laughs. “I’m hoping it’s everything you want and then some.” She winks and tugs me into a hug. “I’m here for you. You need someone to talk to, reach out. Anytime. Okay?”

“I will. Thanks.”

The house is quiet after she leaves. Michelle, Or Chelle as she insists I call her, ran out to pick up groceries and a few other items, stating she’ll return in a couple of hours. For now, I have the place to myself.

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