Page 51 of Dubious Match
“Ah, they just died on me,” I say sadly. When I walked into the backyard, one of the first things I noticed was the daisy bush.
“One of us will bring you new flowers,” Remy says. “Good night, Hollis.”
“Good night and thank you.”
Closing my door, I start the car and set my phone where I’ll be able to make calls. My car automatically connects to it as I shift into reverse, slowly backing up so I can turn around. I don’t trust myself to be able to go through the gate backward.
By the time I drive through it, I’m already telling the Bluetooth to call Cian. I may need a conference call to be able to deal with Emilia’s latest bullshit.
My mind keeps going back to Nova as I answer questions from Cian and Aisling’s pack about my call with Emilia, and I find myself really glad that Pack Ledger decided to take her under their wing. I’ve heard horror stories about omegas on their own. The only reason I’ve been fine is because of the level of security I have in my loft.
Speaking of….
“Evan and Caelin, can you help with something?” I ask. I’m almost home, and I’m about ready to drop into my bed with a good book and a vibrator. I’m tired.
“Yes,” they both reply, making me smile.
“I think I should update my security system both at home and at the office. Do you think you might be able to see if I have any gaps in my system?” I ask.
“Are you asking me to see if it’s hackable?” Caelin asks.
My lips twitched at how surprised he sounds. At least this time it’ll be with permission.
“I am. With the way Emilia is acting, I don’t feel very safe all of a sudden,” I sigh.
“Say less,” Evan grunts. “We’ll do it.”
“Well of course we will,” Caelin grumbles. “Shit. Where are you now?”
“I’m almost home,” I reassure him. “I’m at the corner of Brewer and 6th street. I should be fine.”
“Well, I’m going to watch the traffic cameras and follow you home now,” Caelin insists.
“I fucking hate Emilia,” Cian mutters. “I’m going to send the recording you sent me to Domhnall. While I doubt that we’ll be able to get her charged with anything, maybe he can get a protective order placed.
“She doesn’t need to come near me to hurt me. I swear, her little minions do whatever she wants. I’m turning left on Soars Street, Caelin.”
“I got you. You’re a block from home,” Caelin says.
Now that I’ve put it into the universe, I feel shaky. My hands tremble, my heart is beating faster, and all I want is to get to the elevator. Once I’m inside, it won’t stop on any other floor. My key card overrides everything else. It’s one of the little perks of my loft apartment.
In my head, I check off little boxes as I drive. At the gate for the underground parking lot, I tick off that box when I make it through. I check another one off once I park and grab my stuff.
“I need my hands free, guys. You’ll have to watch me from the garage video cameras, Caelin,” I say with a small smile.
My eyes check all around me as I say goodbye and put my shit in the bag. Pulling it over my head, I pull a knife so it’s hidden in my hand. My anxiety doesn’t typically spike like this. I only pull a weapon if there’s a known danger.
However, I can’t convince my body of this. Taking a deep breath, I turn off the engine and open my door. I keep looking around as I close and lock the car up, pocketing the key. Instead, I hold the key card so I can get right up to my apartment.
No one stops me and there’s no one around it seems. It’s about nine at night, and most vehicles appear to be parked. My finger hits the call button for the elevator, and it opens right away. The car is empty, allowing me to look up and around before stepping inside and pushing my key in as I push my floor.
Without it, there’s no way to get the elevator car to move. Still, there’s nothing of note as the doors close and I begin to ascend toward my apartment. At this point, I’m panting, my hand tightly holding my knife.
I’m safe, we’re fine, it’s all fine.
I can’t get my body to believe that though, not until I’m walking out of the elevator and the doors shut behind me as I check the security system. Even still, it takes a shower and getting into my nest to completely be able to chill.
My computer is on a little ledge, but I don’t want to touch it. If I’m feeling so out of control now, hearing that witch’s voice will make me feel worse. I plug in my phone and try to read a book, but I can’t get into anything. Finally, I put it away, put on some music, and fall asleep in my nest.
