Fate Worse than Death by Stacey Rourke

Author:Stacey Rourke [Rourke, Stacey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing
Published: 2023-03-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Legs dangling over the edge of the deck, I kicked off my boots and wriggled my toes in the grass. While many of Dina’s Wiccan lessons sailed right over my head—due to my complete lack of skill in that regard—one thing that stuck was taking moments to be centered in nature. I couldn’t say I believed in any sort of higher, mystical power. But when facing huge matters like what I was currently up against, it made me feel connected to a bigger picture where everything somehow, some way found a way to work itself out.

Tonight, even that wasn’t close to enough.

With Bacon sprawled across my lap, I leaned back on the heels of my hands and peered up at the stars sparkling against the black cloak of night. For years, I wanted to be left alone, far away from anyone who could call me a freak. Then, I allowed myself to form a makeshift family out of fellow misfits I met along the way. They were my people. The ones who reminded me solitary didn’t mean happy. Now, I ran the risk of losing the two people who meant the most to me.

I couldn’t fault Reid his wolf nature. If pack life called to him, I couldn’t stand in the way. Even if I needed him now more than ever. Then there was Dina. She was the closest thing I had to a mother, and every second she spent behind bars felt like a railroad spike of guilt being hammered into my heart.

Noticing Bacon’s hooves batting at the air in his sleep, I had lovingly glanced down to watch him when the slider shushed across its track behind me. Jett carried out a glass of sweet tea and a grilled cheese sandwich on a paper plate, the deck boards creaking under his footfalls.

“It’s not gourmet, but it’ll do in a pinch.” He bumped my shoulder, then handed me the meal.

My stomach churned in angry protest at the mere idea of eating. Still, I managed a tight, “Thank you.”

“May I?” He nodded to the space beside me.

“By all means. I’d scoot over, but Bacon has put both my legs to sleep.” Despite the statement, I tried my best to scooch over an inch or two.

“No worries, there’s plenty of room.” Taking a seat, he stretched his long legs out in front of him.

An awkward silence followed. One that confirmed he wasn’t there by choice. “Let me guess: Amity told you to babysit me and make sure I eat?”

“She’s a persistent woman, and one I’d rather not argue with.”

Tearing off the crust of the bread, my stomach roiled yet again. “And what incentive is there for me not to just feed this to Bacon?”

Jett gave a huff of laughter and peered out into the darkness. “What she’s said about you is right; you’re a natural born fighter. But let me ask you this… what kept you from storming right out of here like Dina thought you would?”

Chewing on my lower lip, I admitted the truth eating at my gut.

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