Chapter 4: Stranger

Ella POV

Home? Why does he want to know about home? That’s the last thing I want to consider at this point.

It’s all because that stupid investigator had to show up so quickly. I needed a little more time to explain myself.

“It was just time for me to leave.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“Do you plan on going back once you leave here?” Adam asked while staring down at his plate.

“No. I’m not going back. Just need to decide where I’m going.” I moved the food around my plate, thinking about where I could go from here.

Between father and Walter, people would probably be actively searching for me for some time. I could wait long enough to change my name and dye my hair, but it’s not like I had much money.

Cards weren’t an option, as they would surely find me if I used any of my father’s accounts. I would probably be living on the streets at some point until I saved up enough money to get a place.

“Well, you can stay here as long as you need. We have room here,” Adam took his empty plate to the sink.

Staying here would put him and his brothers in danger. As strong as they are, I know my father has an army at his disposal if he wishes. My stomach dropped at the thought of putting the brothers and their pack in harm’s way.

“I couldn’t ask that of you. I just need the weather to clear up, and then I can move on,” I said as sweetly as possible. I already felt so bad intruding on another pack.

Adam nodded. Was he disappointed? Did he want me to stay?

“So,” Adam spoke slowly, “is there anyone you’ll miss from home?”

“Not really. I just—oh sh*t!” I forgot to get ahold of Claire. My hand went instinctively to my side where my phone would usually live in my pocket, but it wasn’t there.

“Where is it?” I stood up and looked around the table when it hit me. I ditched my phone back at the house when I left.

“Did you lose something?” Adam left the sink and walked over to the table.

My phone. It’s not lost, but I don’t have it. I need to call someone. I should have put more thought into leaving.

“Oh, a boyfriend?” Adam asked. I could hear the disappointment in his voice.

“No boyfriend,” I said as I shook my head back and forth. “My friend Claire. I need to let her know I’m safe.”

“Just use mine,” Adam dug into his pocket and pulled out the latest model phone.

“Are you sure?” I feel like all I managed to do since entering Adam’s home was ask for favors. I didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness.

“Yeah. Do you know her number? Pretty sure she’s not in my phone.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Something about Adam put me at ease.

Walter never made me feel this way. Being around Walter made my skin crawl.

“I hope not. That would make things awkward. Surprisingly,” I said as I typed on the screen, “we remembered each other’s numbers should something like this happen.”

“That’s good,” Adam pointed to the door, “want some privacy? I can leave.”

“If that’s ok?” I had always been taught to respect others’ privacy, mainly my father’s, but I understood that my right to privacy was contingent on my behavior. It was often that father or one of his helpers would come in without knocking.

“Of course, it’s ok. Just call out when you’re done,” Adam nodded as he left the room.

I hit the call button and quickly put the phone up to my ear. I hoped Claire would answer a call from a number she didn’t know.

“Hello?” I could hear Claire’s voice answer cautiously.

“Hey, it’s me.”

“Oh my God! Ella! Do you know I had to answer three calls from creepy dudes waiting for you to get ahold of me?”

“Thanks, friend. Sorry, I meant to call sooner, I swear.”

“It’s a good thing you didn’t. Your dad sent a bunch of people to my house looking for you. They only just left an hour ago.”

“He what?!” I couldn’t help but yell. I knew my father would be extra about this, but I didn’t think he’d hassle Claire like that.

“Yeah, five guys from your dad along with that dumba*s Walter. He looked like he’d gotten in a fight before he showed up.”

“Oh, I did that.” As much as what Walter had done disgusted me, I did feel a little bad that I knocked him out.

“Good. I’m sure he deserved it,” Claire said matter-of-factly.

“He did. It’s why I took off.”

“I figured as much. The guys your dad sent came in and tore apart the place looking for you. They were pretty pissed when they finally realized you weren’t hiding here.”

“I’m so sorry girly.” I knew my father was gonna be pissed. I never thought he’d go to such lengths to find me though.

“It’s not your fault your dad’s a psycho. You can’t help that. I’m glad you finally left.”

“Me too.”

“Are you somewhere safe? Do you need me to send money? Are you going to be alright without the protections of a pack?” Claire was never one to hold a grudge. To know she’d help me even after what my father did meant everything to me.

“I am. Not sure if I should exactly say where I am, but I’m safe. I’m with another pack at the moment.”

“Are you sure you’re safe there? What did the Alpha of the pack say?” Claire was concerned, and she had a reason to be. Knowing what my father was doing to his allies within his pack, staying with another pack would cause many problems.

“Funny thing, I’m staying at the Alpha’s house. I use the term ‘house’ loosely. It’s more like a mansion.”

“Holy h*ll. How did you manage that? It’s like you’re his mate or something.”

“He might be,” It was one thing to think it, but to say it out loud was another.

“Seriously? Ella, make that happen! It’s about time you found your mate!”

“What if I’m wrong, though? I’ve only ever read about mates before in books. I don’t know what to expect from the real thing.”

“I’d be lying if I said you were full of dating experience, but maybe it is something you should talk about with him? Maybe you’re both feeling the same thing right now.”

“I honestly can’t even think about it right now. I need to move on whenever the weather clears and figure out my next steps.” Once I got settled somewhere, I could deal with the thoughts of a future with Adam.

“I think you should stay there.”

“Are you saying that because of the mate thing? Cause that’s not a good reason to stay.”

“No, I mean, you must stay there and wait things out. Your father is scouring the surrounding areas with his men, looking for you. Do you want to get caught the second you leave the mansion?”

Claire had a point. This entire ordeal would be pointless if I left and got immediately caught. Father would rush the wedding to Walter, and I assume Walter would do whatever he could to make my life a living h*ll.

“Adam mentioned I could stay.”

“That’s the Alpha? Isn’t he the head of some crime organization or something?”

“Yeah. That’s the one. Should I still ask him if I can stay?”

“Definitely. At least he could keep you safe. Go now and let me know if it’s fine. If not, I’ll help you hide somewhere else. Honestly, though, I can’t guarantee you’d have someone to protect you if we hide you in a hotel or something. Not with your father’s eyes all over the place.”

“Ok. I’ll let you know. Text you later.”

“Stay safe, Ella,” Claire said before she hung up.

I know he offered, but I still felt bad asking him again, especially after I insisted on leaving just before the call.

I called out. He must have stepped out far enough to hear my voice still. I hated that wolves could hear so clearly.

It took a few minutes for Adam to come back into the room. I passed him the phone.

“I may need to text her later, depending on your answer.” I could feel my palms start to sweat. I don’t know why I was nervous, but I hope Adam didn’t think differently of me after asking him for another favor.

“Answer to what?”

“Things have changed,” I spoke slowly. “Can I stay here for a while, at least, until things calm down?”

Before Adam could answer, there was a loud knock at the front door for the second time that night.