Some Alpha 191
191 Grace: Her Return I stare out the window as Andrew pulls into a large, semi–circular driveway toward the edge of town. My stomach knots tighter with each rotation of the tires, like my body is physically rejecting the idea of being back on Blue Mountain territory. I didn’t realize this was her place, but it makes sense. I remember the greenhouse; it was always filled with rows of vibrant flowers. The pack mostly ignored it because, as it turns out, wolves don’t really use florists much. Something about the scents being too cloying. “I need to go check in with Rafe,” he says, his words coming out slow and careful, like he’s testing how the words land. The statement catches me off guard. There’s a hurt there I wasn’t expecting, and I’m not entirely sure how to respond. Caine’s already backed the RV beside a small home with boarded–up windows. The fading light catches on the dusty greenhouse attached to the main building, its glass panels shattered in places, jagged teeth ready to bite anyone who ventures too close. Eliza was sweet. She used to give me flowers whenever I ran into her. Of course, I’d only been here a year when she was mated out and left. The Lycans. Not “Caine” or even “your mate.” It feels like a subtle distancing, but I could just be reading too much into it./ “Is it really okay for us to stay here?” I unbuckle my seatbelt and glance at Andrew. “But why would you bring up it being haunted if it isn’t?” “Okay, grab your things out of Andrew’s car,” I say, trying to regain some semblance of order. He’s standing around awkwardly, probably wanting to leave. His brow furrows. “Why?” “I’ll just get everything myself, then.” Her martyred tone would be funny if it weren’t so accurate, and she shoots her younger brother a nasty older sister glare as she grabs Bun’s hand and marches back to the car. I frown at the building, at its broken windows and faded sign. Kids from the pack used to dare each other to spend the night here. It’s commonly considered to be haunted by the younger pack members, though of course I’m an adult who doesn’t believe in such superstitions anymore. I didn’t even realize he was done with the camper. I nod. I’m surprised he’s still here, and it isn’t like he needs to report to me. Having him around was helpful, but it isn’t like I asked him to stay with us. Technically, this all started with him stalking me….