Page 75 of Fangs
I struggled to keep from falling apart. “It’s a long story.”
“Can’t be that long. I saw him a couple hours ago, and he was wearing it.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but she continued.
“And what’s with the guard dog followin’ you around?”
I made a face. “I dunno. Wolf’s makin’ him stay with me.”
She sniffed scornfully at Wolf’s name. “Well, at least he’s nice to look at.”
I rolled my eyes, but before I could respond, there was a knock on the door.
“Em, you almost done?” Mac called. “We gotta go.”
I took a breath, feeling nauseous again. I grabbed Mac’s jacket, but before I could open the door, Raven put her palm on it, halting me. I peered up at her in surprise.
“Stop lettin’ ’em make you feel small. Speak up and stand your ground. You got backup.” I stared at her wide-eyed, and she rolled her eyes at my expression. “Don’t look so surprised. I’m on your team, dumbass.”
Raven opened the door, and I almost walked directly into Mac’s chest. He was holding onto the top of the doorframe, blocking the doorway as he loomed over me, and staring at Trey’s shirt, his expression soft and pained. He met my gaze, and I suddenly felt anxious he might not want anyone going through Trey’s stuff.
“I’m sorry?—”
“It looks good on you,”he interrupted, holding my gaze.“He’d want you to have it.”
I felt my face warm, and my eyes welled up again, but he just pushed off the doorframe. Behind him, Griz and Sam stood with their arms folded. Lee leaned against the wall near the door, observing with arms crossed. I tried to hand Mac his jacket, but he shook his head.
“Keep it so you don’t have to walk to the clinic without a coat.”
I slipped it back on, rolling up the sleeves so my hands didn’t get lost.
“How do you want to do this, Em?” Mac asked.
I glanced up at him. “What do you mean?”
“Do you want any of us to come with you, or would it be easier by yourself?”
I shifted on my feet. If I made it through this without puking from anxiety, it would be a godsdamn miracle. “Is your whole crew gonna be there?” I asked Lee.
“Probably,” Lee replied. “We’ve been invested for a long time.”
Well, that didn’t fucking help my nerves. I did not want to do this.
“I mean, we’re invested, too,” Sam said, his voice sharp, “but we’re not forcin’ her to talk about shit before she’s ready.”
I felt a swell of gratitude for him.
“You also haven’t spent the last ten years lookin’ for her,” Lee responded.
“I don’t think she asked you to do that,” Sam snapped.
“Most fugitives don’t.” Lee’s voice was still steady, but something flashed in his eyes.
Sam took a breath like he was about to go off, and I decided I’d had enough.
“Stop,” I blurted out. “Just…fine, everybody can come.” At least this way, I’d only have to say it once.
“You sure?” Griz asked.
