Grace of a Wolf (by Lenaleia) novel Chapter 249

Chapter 249: Grace: Coin (V)

There’s a dinky diner not far from the cemetery, and I convince Andrew to stop there. It’s a popular little breakfast nook for the older population of Blue Mountain, and not trendy enough for the younger crowd.

The booths are covered in cracked vinyl and there’s a persistent smell of bacon grease, the kind where it’s so seeped into the walls and tables this place would probably have to be burned down in order to be anything other than a greasy little diner.

Andrew sits across from me, fidgeting with a sugar packet as he keeps staring at my face.

He’s worried. I get it; I’m acting weird. But every time I try to tell him what happened, there’s only silence. My mouth won’t even open.

It’s as if the App’s put out a gag order on the rollback, which is beyond frustrating.

"You want to tell me what happened back there?" he asks.

I stare out the window at the bustling parking lot. It’s the reason I chose this place and demanded Andrew pull in; even a crazy bitch like Ellie won’t start something in the middle of a crowded place, right? She wouldn’t want word to get back to the Lycan King.

But then I remember she’s the Luna of this pack, and I wonder if I’m making a terrible decision. Wouldn’t all of these people do her bidding and join in on the fight?

Shit.

My eyes lower to my phone, where I check the signal with obsessive regularity. Still have it, which (hopefully) means Ellie isn’t anywhere near. Still.

"Not really," I answer once I remember he’s asked me a question.

An older waitress stops by, not even holding a pad or pen as she scowls at me. Then she switches to a sweet smile when she looks at Andrew. "You’ve grown so much. Haven’t seen you since you were a wee little one. When are you taking your place as our Alpha’s Beta?"

He shakes his head. "I’m not sure yet. Things have yet to settle. Could you get me a coffee? And..."

His eyes slide toward me, and I shrug. "A slice of apple pie."

I’m not actually hungry. Coming here was never about the food.

"...and an apple pie."

"Anything for you, future Beta." She still doesn’t look my way before leaving, and Andrew looks uncomfortable, even though this is how it’s been since... forever.

He and Rafe always had to place the orders for me, because it was rare for anyone to look my way. And with Brax’s death being kind of my fault, I’m sure it’s only gotten worse.

Damn. Coming here might have been really stupid, after all. But I didn’t want to bring a crazed Ellie back to the RV and the kids, not even with Super Nanny there.

My hands tremble slightly as I unlock my phone, remembering how hopeless and terrified I was when no one knew where we were.

My fingers tap quickly.

[GRACE: Hey, you. I made Andrew take me out for breakfast. I’ve got a few things to do today, so I’ll be bouncing around the territory a bit. I’m at a diner here, I’ll send you the location ping.]

There. Casual checking in from a girlfriend to a boyfriend, plus I told him I have someone with me so he shouldn’t be too concerned. But still checking in so he can find me if I go missing.

It’s perfect.

But the perfect text comes back with an imperfect response as Caine focuses on the wrong thing.

[CAINE: Why are you eating breakfast with him?]

"Who are you texting?"

"Why wouldn’t I? It’s not like we’re on a date." More taps.

[GRACE: I figured you don’t want me going out by myself.]

[CAINE: Not with him.]

[GRACE: Rupert is with the kids.]

[CAINE: Who the fuck is Rupert?]

[Grace: Ronald?]

[CAINE: ?]

[GRACE: Anyway, Andrew’s my ride. We found something at the cemetery.]

[CAINE: I can drive you. Who’s Rupert and Ronald?]

[GRACE: The guy you sent to guard us. I never remember his name. Aren’t you busy?]

[CAINE: You don’t need to remember his name. I’m never too busy for you. I’ll come pick you up.]

[GRACE: Do your work. We have a date tonight, remember?]

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