“I don’t know all the details about this case, or whatever, but I do know that you guys have promised to keep my daughter safe, correct?”
“Yes. We promise,” Killian says, in his matter-of-fact way.
My dad just sighs. “Okay.”
I drop my duffel bag onto the sidewalk and launch myself at my dad, jumping up and throwing my arms around his shoulders.
As he curls his arms around me in a hug, lifting my toes off the ground, I feel like a little girl again, safe in the arms of her dad.
But when he sets me down again, it’s like my world is crumbling and crashing apart.
Because my dad isn’t the one who can keep me safe anymore.
The alphas in this Northside pack are really the only people that are well equipped enough to handle a situation as crazy as this.
“I love you, Dad,” I whisper, still clinging to him like a little kid.
“Love you too, Rey-Rey. Stay safe, okay? You’ve gotta promise you’re still gonna come home to your momma and I.”
“Of course.”
I take a deep breath, fighting the urge to burst into tears and take a step back.
“Okay, are we headed out now?” I ask the Graylock pack.
“Yup,” Theo says, grabbing my abandoned duffel bag and slinging it over his shoulder.
“Will you be okay? Without me?” I ask my dad, glancing back at him, my brows drawn down in concern.
“We’ll be fine, worry about yourself, got it?” He says, putting on a brave face.
“Your father and family will be just fine. I’m going to get your entire family situated, don’t you worry,” Jess says, flashing me a reassuring smile before turning to my dad. “I was actually going to offer you a job. I hear you’re a mechanic, correct?”
“Yeah, why?” My dad asks.
“Well, one of our shop’s mechanics just retired and we’re looking for a replacement. Are you familiar with pursuit-rated vehicles?”
“You bet,” Dad answers, giving a firm nod.
“Perfect. The job pays six figures and there are benefits like health, dental, and vision for your entire family, there’s room for negotiation?—”
“I’ll take it,” Dad says. He turns to me, a small smile appearing on his lips. “See, squirt? We’ll be fine.”
“Okay, Dad,” I say, smiling back at him. “Tell mom and the kids I love them. I’ll see you guys soon.”
“See you soon.”
Milo opens the back passenger door, holding it open for me as he avoids eye contact and I slide into the car.
“Thank you, Milo,” I say, trying to meet his gaze.
“Oh, you—you’re welcome,” he stutters before sliding into the car next to me.
Theo hands Milo my bag and he places it between us like he’s trying to create a barrier.
Killian and Theo stay outside the car for a little bit, exchanging a few words with Jess and my dad, leaving Milo and I to stew in the awkward silence.
I blow on my hands, grateful to be inside of a warm car instead of outside in the cold.