Page 36 of The Heart of Smoke

Tate

Last night was…amazing. Quite frankly, I’m shocked. Yesterday, when I got sent to my “prison,” I’d expected to be miserable. At first, I was a bit intimidated. But as the hours went by and I got to meet both Wyatt and Violet, I realized it wasn’t so scary after all.

The best part of it all?

Jude.

Getting to see a softer, gentler side of him was nice. It gives me hope for him after all. He’s hurting inside, that much is clear, but he loves his family fiercely. That’s something I can work with. Maybe just maybe I can help the big oaf so he’s not so miserable all the time.

Plus, Violet is a fantastic cook.

And there’s a library.

It really is a pretty sweet setup. Minus the non-heated bathroom floors.

Funky meows by my bedroom door, asking to be let out. Over dinner last night, when Jude was spacing out, Violet told me Willa stopped by to drop off Funky’s food and water bowls.

“Miss Violet probably added some extra stew meat to your bowl this morning,” I say to my cat. “Don’t get spoiled, mister.”

He stares at me, swishing his tail. Clearly, he’s not going to listen.

I open the door and he darts out. I follow him into the kitchen, where Violet has already prepared his breakfast. No stew. Just bacon. Damn cat is going to hate his life whenever we move back out on our own. Back to generic brand cat food for him then.

“Oh, Tate, sweetheart. The grocery delivery person said they’re on their way. When they get here, can you bring in the groceries for me? I’ll have a breakfast sandwich ready and waiting for you.”

Maybe Funky’s not the only one who might get spoiled around here.

I give her a quick hug of thanks and can feel my heart swelling when she lingers in holding me, and then bound off to wait for the groceries.

The house is quiet aside from Violet now talking to Funky as she cooks breakfast. I slip out the front door to wait on the porch. As soon as I see my car, I freeze. Panic swells up inside me.

Why is my car here?

It’s supposed to be in Callum’s garage!

Did Sean steal it to make a statement that he knows where I am?

I can feel my lungs collapsing as all the air leaves them. Dark spots dot my vision. I’m going to pass out. And then what? Wait for Sean to drag me away?

Bile creeps up my throat. I stumble down the rickety porch toward my car. The tires still remain intact and there are no gouges in the paint.

It’s a simple message then.

He knows where I am.

How did he get my keys? Did he make a copy one of those times he was with me? God, how could I be so stupid in thinking I was safe?

I stop beside the driver’s side door, searching the front seat through the glass for some kind of note, when I hear a door slam.

“Where do you think you’re going?” a deep voice growls, low and menacing.

A full-bodied shudder ripples through me.Run, you dummy!With tears forming in my eyes, I turn on my heel, feeling very much like a rabbit with a wolf on my tail. I don’t make it three feet before a strong hand with a steely grip clamps around my bicep, jerking me to a stop.

I yelp, twisting around to face my attacker.

Mask. Familiar. Jude.

All fight leaves me as relief floods in. He’ll protect me. Jude’s protective by nature. Even though he doesn’t like me yet, I still believe he would stop Sean from hurting me.

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