Page 21 of Fallout

Will huffs. “If you don’t tell her, she’ll only do something stupid. You know she hates having a guard all the time. She’s too independent.”

“I agree.” Blaine shoots me a look. “She wasn’t raised in this life. She knew nothing of supernaturals before we met her. And before us, she’s been on her own. You can’t expect her to stay home unless you give her a reason to.”

“I don’t want her to know.” Some of my alpha powers slip through in my words.

Will rolls his eyes. “You’re the boss.”

“I need help watching her.” I look between my friends. “I have to catch this guy—there is something off about him.”

“You mean the fact that he smells like Henley?” Blaine asks.

I shake my head. “No, it’s more than that. If he were truly interested in Henley because they’re the same kind of supernatural, he would approach the pack and ask to meet her. He’s being sneaky about it, which makes me think he’s here for nefarious reasons.”

“You know we’ll help,” Blaine says.

“I will keep helping her figure out how to block thoughts,” Will offers. “And when Blaine is with her, I’ll help you.”

Blaine steps closer. “We will help you protect your mate.”

“But I still think you should tell her.” Will crosses his arms over his chest. “You know she’s not going to like having a babysitter. Telling her the truth will help ease the sting.”

Blaine nods. “He’s right, Parker.”

“Absolutely not.” I turn away from my friends. “You two can head home. Another pack member is coming soon to watch Henley so I can get some sleep.”

Blaine sighs and Will openly glares at me, but neither of them argues further.

I can’t tell Henley about all of this. She already has so much on her. She tries to play it off, but I know school is hard on her. I hear the other kids whisper in the hallway. Their curiosity has only grown stronger when it comes to her. The fact that Will, Blaine, and I are always with her only makes it worse.

No, I will keep this from her. I’ll tell her later… after we catch the guy and after I know she’s safe.

5

Arguments.

Henley

Parker arrives early to pick me up from school on Monday morning. When he walks into my kitchen that morning, my heart flutters. What will it be like when we’re older and don’t have to be apart? Will I always feel this way about him?

Parker hands me the paper coffee cup and kisses me on the cheek. I know he would do more than just kiss me on the cheek if my father weren’t watching us.

Dad pours himself some black coffee into his to-go cup. “I’m working a forty eight hour shift.” He gives me a pointed look, then looks at Parker. “You’re a good kid, but you’re mates with my daughter. I don’t want the two of you in the house alone. When you’re hanging out, do it at your house, okay?”

Parker nods. “Of course, Mr. Stone.”

“I have a guard patrol. Can I at least be here alone with Will or Blaine?” I ask.

Dad looks at me, narrowing his eyes.

“I can’t do my homework at Parker’s house. It’s too noisy.”

Parker snorts. “You mean because Lucy won’t leave you alone.”

“She’s sweet,” I protest.

Dad walks closer to me. “You can be here with the other two, just not in your bedroom.”

I nod. “Got it.”