Page 120 of Awakened
We didn’t have much time to discuss as the large SUVs pulled up to take us back to our respective packs.
Seth stood next to his father, arguing about something. When his gaze found mine, he smiled tightly, gave me a nod, and then climbed into an SUV. My stomach dropped, but I embraced it. After having my heart broken, I sheltered myself from any negative feelings, never taking any risks when it came to love.
Standing in the middle of nowhere after escaping death—twice—I realized that I’d been a coward, and that was no way to live. I needed to be open to the full range of emotions if I ever hoped to find the kind of spark and passion I’d had with Aiden and Seth. I vowed right then and there to start living fully and without fear.
When we reached St. Louis, I didn’t immediately go home. I had to drop off the twelve Old Church women we rescued with the different Amazons who had agreed to take them in. I made sure Hope was placed with Bonnie. I knew Bonnie would keep her safe if I couldn’t watch her. It took hours and a lot of reassurance, but they all seemed content with their new homes.
When I finally got to the duplex, Zach’s car was out front, but Sarah’s was missing. With a heavy sigh, I climbed out of the SUV. I was ready to have this awful conversation, but definitely not looking forward to it.
I opened the front door and heard scuffling. As I rounded the corner into the living room, I found Zach wobbling on his feet.
“Oh no. Sit down. I’ll come to you.”
He plopped down with a huff. “This isn’t how I wanted to greet you.”
Sitting next to him, I patted his leg. “It’s fine. Honestly, sitting down feels great.” Looking at his tired eyes, my heart ached. He had been through so much. “How are you doing?”
“Fine, but Michael and Sarah won’t let me leave this room. It’s only been a day, and I’m ready to murder them.”
I laughed. They were always a little overzealous with their nursing. “Hey, when you’re back to 100% again, you’ll be thanking them.”
He nodded, bringing me closer to his side. “I know you’re right, but I hate feeling useless.” Dropping a kiss in my hair, he said, “I heard you got Hope out.”
“We did. She’s at Bonnie’s now.”
His smile fell a little. “Oh, I thought you’d bring her here.”
I shook my head. “Bonnie has a guest room and the space. Besides, I wanted us to have a little time alone.”
His frown deepened, and he took my hand in his. “Yeah?”
I nodded.
“Okay, Sunshine, hit me with it.”
Taking a deep breath, I said, “Something happened after you left.”
His forehead scrunched up as he fiddled with my fingers laced in his. “Okay?”
“I kissed Seth.”
He glanced away. “Right.”
“But that’s not even the issue.”
He slowly turned toward me, confusion written all over his face. “There’s an issue?”
I nodded. “Zach, how do you feel about me?”
Without missing a beat, he answered, “I love you.”
“Right, but how does that compare to how you felt about Grace? Do I make your heart stop by just looking at you? Do you miss me the second I leave the room? Is the thought—” I tore myhand from his and whipped it between the two of us. “Of this ending soul-crushing to you?”
His expression relaxed, and that’s when I knew he understood. “You heard me and Seth talking.”
I nodded, wishing I hadn’t lived through that awkward conversation.
He took my hands, his eyes pleading with mine to let it all go. “But I do love you. Maybe not like I loved Grace, but I do.”
