Page 97 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Ready?" Cole asks quietly.
I nod, squaring my shoulders despite the pain. "Let's go."
Why couldn't Kade come himself? He stalks me, so damn protective, but when it actually matters...
My fingers drum restlessly against my leg as I glare out the car window. Cole maneuvers the nondescript Toyota Camry through San Francisco's crowded roads. I can't shake this irritated feeling gnawing at me.
I shake my head, trying to dispel the frustration. It's not fair to Cole, who's been nothing but professional.
"You okay over there?" Cole's voice breaks through my brooding.
I turn to face him, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... I don't know. I guess I thought Kade would want to come himself."
Cole's eyes remain fixed on the road, but I catch a hint of understanding in his expression. "Kade has a lot on his plate right now. Planning the op, coordinating with our contacts. He trusts me to keep you safe."
"I know, I know." I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's just... my parents are going to have a million questions. I was hoping he'd be there to help explain... whatever we can actually tell them."
"We've got protocols in place for family protection," Cole assures me. "I know it's not ideal, but we've done this before. Your parents' safety is also important."
I nod, but the knot in my stomach doesn't loosen. "And what exactly am I supposed to tell them? 'Hey Mom and Dad, I've joined a secret mercenary group. Don't worry, it's totally safe!'"
Cole chuckles, the sound surprisingly warm. "Maybe leave out the 'mercenary' part. We prefer 'specializedsecurity consultants.'"
Despite myself, I crack a smile. "Oh, is that what we're calling it now?"
"Sounds better on a business card," he quips.
We lapse into silence as we approach North Beach. The familiar sights of my childhood neighborhood do little to calm my nerves. As we nearThe Bay Heraldoffice, I spot my dad's old Volvo parked out front.
They're home. This is really happening.
"You ready for this?" Cole asks, pulling into a spot across the street.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Cole's hand on my shoulder startles me. His dark eyes are serious when I meet his gaze.
"Remember, we've got your back, Alina. All of us. Even Kade, especially Kade."
I nod, touched by his sincerity. "Thanks, Cole. Let's do this."
As we exit the car, I cast one last glance down the street, half-hoping to see Kade's motorcycle roaring towards us. But the road remains empty, save for the usual North Beach traffic.
Time to face the music.I square my shoulders as we approachThe Bay Herald'sfamiliar façade.
At the top of the stairs, I take a deep breath and knock on the apartment door. Mom opens it immediately, worry etched on her face.
"Alina! Thank goodness you're okay." She pulls me into a tight hug, so tight I can hardly breathe.
As I step inside, the familiar scent of Mom's lasagna fills the air. Dad and Grandma Sophia are seated at the kitchen table, their conversation halting as I enter.
"Hi everyone." I try to keep my voice steady. "Sorry to worry you."
Dad stands so quickly his chair scrapes against the floor. "Where the hell have you been? We've been calling for days. Your mother's been sick with worry."
Mom's hands flutter around me, checking for injuries. "Are you hurt? Have you eaten? You look tired, sweetheart."
"I know, I'm sorry. My story... it got complicated." I glance at Cole, who gives me a subtle nod before disappearing down the stairs.
