Helena's POV
I force myself to ignore the overly eager Uber driver hovering in the parking lot. His persistent helpfulness grates against my nerves. I never asked for his assistance, and I certainly don't need it now.
The diner sits nearly deserted except for an elderly couple huddled over a shared slice of apple pie in the far corner booth. I walk toward the counter, glancing back over my shoulder one more time. Asher waves enthusiastically from behind his windshield, and suddenly I remember those disturbing photographs I abandoned at home.
Maybe he's the one who took them. He does seem oddly fixated on me. The thought sends an uncomfortable chill down my spine, though it would explain his behavior.
Sofia glances up from the cash register, her weathered face creasing into a frown. "Wasn't your shift supposed to be this morning?"
I swallow hard against the tears burning behind my eyes. Sofia has shown me more maternal care than my own mother ever bothered with. I attempt to force my lips into something resembling a smile, but my bottom lip betrays me with its trembling.
"I know you don't pay until tomorrow, but I desperately need my paycheck now."
Her gaze shifts past me toward the parking lot, and a low growl rumbles deep in her throat. "Should I go deal with him?"
Despite everything, I manage a watery laugh. "No. He's not the issue here."
Sofia's attention snaps to the couple in the corner. "Both of you, out. Now."
They practically leap from their seats, scrambling toward the exit without a backward glance. Sofia might be getting on in years, but nobody dares to cross her. Her worn shoes shuffle across the linoleum as she moves to lock the front door behind them.
"Tell me what happened."
This time, the dam breaks completely. Tears cascade down my cheeks in hot streams. I collapse into the nearest booth and pour out everything that's been festering inside me. The pack's cruel treatment, discovering the Alpha is my mate, his brutal rejection, my decision to flee. Through it all, Sofia remains silent, never interrupting or passing judgment.
She does growl menacingly when I mention my mother's betrayal, and her fists slam against the table with surprising force when I describe the photographs. I flinch at the violent sound, but oddly enough, sharing these burdens makes them feel slightly more bearable.
I drag my sleeve across my wet cheeks and release a shuddering sigh. "That's why I need the money."
Sofia contemplates my words in silence before nodding toward the parking lot. "What about that young Beta out there?"
I tilt my head in confusion. "He's just my ride."
"He's also the son of the Wildmane Pack's Beta. You didn't realize he's a werewolf?"
"Oh." The word comes out as barely a whisper. "I just thought... I don't know what I thought."
She chuckles softly. "The Wildmane Pack requires their young ones to work regular human jobs. Keeps them humble and connected to the real world."
"Oh God," I groan, burying my face in my hands. Now I feel terrible for asking if he was planning to murder me.
Sofia's shoes scrape against the floor as she disappears into the kitchen. When she returns, she's carrying a small metal lockbox that looks like it's seen better days. "Your father wanted you to have this."
She extends it toward me, but I instinctively pull back. "Why would he leave anything here for me?"
Her teeth worry at her lower lip. "That's not my story to tell."
I accept the box like it might detonate in my hands. I examine every inch of it, paying particular attention to the combination lock securing the front.
"What's the combination?"
Sofia lifts her shoulders in a helpless shrug. "He said you'd figure it out when you were ready."
"How wonderfully mysterious," I mutter.
She returns to the register and begins emptying the cash drawer completely. She stuffs every bill and coin into a paper bag and shoves it toward me. "Take all of it."
My eyes go wide with shock. "I absolutely cannot."
She physically pushes me toward the door with surprising strength for someone her age. "You can and you will."
"I'll repay every cent I didn't earn," I promise her earnestly. "I swear it."
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. "I know you will, sweetheart."
It's a lie meant to comfort us both. She doesn't believe I'll ever return to this place or that she'll see me again, but she's wrong. Once I establish myself somewhere safe, I plan to visit her every weekend. She's the only family I have left in the Shadowcrest territory.
I embrace her as best I can with my arms full of belongings, then turn toward the waiting vehicle. Asher watches me approach with genuine concern etched across his features. Thankfully, he doesn't attempt to fill the silence with meaningless small talk.
Instead of opening the rear door as expected, he opens the passenger side. I don't protest. He closes the door with careful gentleness and gives Sofia a warm hug before sliding behind the steering wheel. I wait for him to start the engine, but he doesn't. Instead, he turns to face me directly.
"We need to have a conversation."
I slowly rotate my head to meet his gaze. "About what exactly?"
"About us."
I pinch the bridge of my nose hard. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Pain flickers across his expression, but he looks away from me. "Where are you planning to go?"
"The nearest hotel outside pack boundaries. I'll leave town in the morning."
"No," he responds with surprising firmness. "I'm taking you to my home."
I throw my head back and laugh bitterly. "I'm a rogue now. I seriously doubt the Wildmane Alpha will welcome me with open arms."
He shifts the car into drive without another word. I lean back against the headrest and close my eyes, letting the vehicle's gentle motion ease some of the ache in my chest, though it does nothing to calm Aria's restless energy.
"Stop pacing," I plead with her silently. "My head is already pounding and you're making it worse."
She stops her agitated movements and begins panting anxiously. "I haven't been completely honest with you."
I nearly laugh out loud. "You're keeping secrets from me now?"
Her growl reverberates through my mind. "Forget I said anything."
I roll my eyes at my dramatic wolf and focus on the mysterious box in my lap. I randomly spin the combination numbers, hoping luck might favor me, but none of the obvious dates work. Frustration builds as I turn toward the window.
"Why are you running?" Asher asks quietly.
My jaw clenches with irritation. "Keep your attention on the road, Serial Killer."