Page 44 of Alpha Fate
Savannah - A week later
I feel like a delinquent as I slip out the side door at the back of the apartment block, glancing around furtively to make sure no one sees me go.
The coast is clear.
I hurry down the alley, then turn to the small lane that leads to a secluded park. I found it here during my first walk outdoors a few days ago, after Sierra finally relented about me going out alone. It was a lucky find. I hurry down the overgrown path through the trees, my heart already beginning to race in anticipation of seeing him again.
Gage.
I know it’s foolish – I’ve only just met him and barely know anything about him – yet somehow, I feel like I’ve known him forever. There’s an undeniable connection between us that I don’t fully understand. All I know is that when I’m with him, everything feels right.
And that’s so wrong. I told myself I wouldn’t do this.
Yet, here I am.
I emerge from the trees into a small clearing dotted with wildflowers. A gentle breeze ripples across the tall grass. Steel Lakes was once a bustling town, and this little park is a remnant of those days when families would go out together. Now, a lot of it has been used for growing fresh produce for the pack. But this tiny section is untouched. And it’s our secret place, somewhere we can steal a few precious moments together away from watchful eyes.
As I wait, nerves and excitement churn inside me.
What if Sierra followed me?
She’s been going to the community center every morning to spend time with some of the other women there. They’re setting up a daycare center, and Sierra wants to get involved. But it’s only a matter of time before she finds out what I’m doing. I can’t keep rushing straight into the shower every time I come back from one of my “walks.”
Worse yet, what if he doesn’t show up?
No, he’ll be here; I know he will.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, I hear a twig snap behind me a moment after I catch a familiar scent on the air that makes the wolf in me whine with approval. I’m feeling her more and more these days. Getting stronger.
“Hello, sunshine.”
I whirl around to see Gage stepping out from the cover of the trees, a hint of a smile playing on his lips when his eyes meet mine. In a heartbeat, he closes the distance between us and sweeps me into his strong arms. I cling to him tightly, breathing in his earthy scent.
“I wasn’t sure you’d come,” I whisper, my cheek pressed against his chest.
He strokes my hair gently. “Now, why would you think that?”
“Because I’m an idiot, and I still can’t understand what’s going on between us.” I look up into his intense green eyes, and the rest of the world fades away. Gage leans down and brushes his lips over mine. Just like the first time, and every time after, my knees go weak. I’ve never felt anything like this before.
When we finally break apart, breathless, he takes my hand and leads me over to sit beneath a towering oak tree. I nestle against him contentedly. For a little while, we just sit together in comfortable silence, watching the sunlight dance through the branches overhead.
“You still settling in okay?” Gage asks after a while, idly playing with my fingers. I look down as he does it. My wrists and arms are still bony, but my veins no longer form a fine tracery beneath my skin.
“It’s been an adjustment, but Sierra has been wonderful about making me feel at home.” A pang of guilt pierces me as I think of my sister. She’d be horrified if she knew I was sneaking around with Gage behind her back. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself. “She and Jagger took me out to the market to get me some clothes.” I gesture at the light cotton dress that I’m wearing. It’s a welcome change from Sierra’s sweats. “Everyone was so welcoming,” I add.
Gage nods, looking thoughtful. “I’m glad to hear that.”
I glance down, picking at a blade of grass. “Sometimes I still can’t believe I’m actually here. When I was locked up in that place, I’d started to lose hope that I’d ever get out.”
Gage’s jaw tightens, his eyes darkening. “I’m so sorry I had to leave you there. That decision has haunted me every day since.” He says it every time we meet – as if seeking atonement. There was never anything to forgive.
“You came back for me. That’s all that matters.” I touch his cheek reassuringly.
He covers my hand with his own. “I just wish I could have done more to spare you what you went through.”
“It wasn’t your fault. You risked your life for me, even though you barely knew me.” I pause, chewing my lip. “I still barely know myself. Ever since I got here, I’ve been trying to piece together the fragments of memories about my past, my family. But it’s like grasping at smoke.”
Gage nods, looking troubled. “I can’t imagine how difficult that must be for you.”