Page 36 of Unhinged
"No," Gears says, leveling me with a look that says he’s not budging. "We're going in prepared, not half-cocked. We'll leave tomorrow, when we're rested, clear-headed, and ready to handle whatever we find."
I blow out a breath, every instinct in me screaming to go now. But Gears is right. If Brydgett’s in trouble, we can’t afford to screw this up.
"Tomorrow," I repeat. "Fine. But we hit the road at noon sharp."
"Agreed," Gears says, tipping his glass back.
Arrow slams his fist into his palm. "Tomorrow, we bring her home."
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BRYDGETT
The air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and asphalt as Judge and I walk down Main Street. The distant hum of engines and chatter from small clusters of people fills the gaps between our footsteps. Judge's fingers curl around mine, small and warm, steadying the whirlwind in my head. We've been holed up at Ike's for a few days now, and I can tell Judge's patience is wearing thin. He needs this trip. I need this trip. Just a quick stop for ice cream and a few groceries. Nothing more.
The town has never felt like home. I know better than to let it. A few locals know my face from the gym or through Ike, but they don't knowme. Not really. They smile and wave, but no one pries. That's how I like it.
The bell above the door jingles as we step into Frosty Blossom Creamery. The pastel walls are splashed with cheerful murals of cartoon cows and oversized cones. Judge’s face lights up as he presses his palms against the glass display case, peering at the vibrant mounds of ice cream.
"Bubblegum," he declares with a grin, pointing to the electric pink swirl. "Two scoops in a cone."
I smile at him, ruffling his dark hair. "You sure you don't want a cup? That stuff melts fast."
"Cone," he insists.
I turn to the girl behind the counter. "I'll have a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Mixup, extra Reese's."
She nods, and I guide Judge to a corner booth. The vinyl is cracked along the edges, and the cushions have that faint sugary scent unique to ice cream shops. Judge bounces in his seat, fingers drumming on the table.
"How long are we staying here, Mom?" he asks.
I lean back, exhaling slowly. "I don't know, baby. Did you wanna go somewhere?"
"Back home," he says without hesitation. "I miss Georgia.”
My stomach twists. I rub my face with both hands, dragging them down my cheeks. "Judge..."
"Bubblegum cone and Reese's mixup!" the girl calls, saving me from finding an explanation that doesn't feel like a lie.
"Be right back," I mutter, slipping from the booth to grab our order. The cold cup sweats against my palm as I return to our table.
"Here ya go." I hand the bubblegum cone to Judge and take a deliberate bite of my own ice cream. The peanut butter hits my tongue in a wave of creamy richness, the chocolate sharp and sweet. For a moment, I let myself sink into it, eyes closing as I savor the familiar comfort.
"We can go home, Mom," Judge says quietly. "You found your bonds. That's good."
"Judge, they kidnapped us."
"They didn't know what you were then. They were looking for... you know." He runs his thumb along his throat in a slicingmotion, his grin lopsided. "I'd knock you out too if I thought you could... you know."
I shake my head. "It's not that simple, baby. I don't trust alphas."
"What if I'm one?" he counters.
I set my spoon down. "I'll love you no matter what, but I knowyou. I don't know them."
"Then we should go back so you can get to know them."
"You're too damn smart for your own good, you know that?"
