“I’m so sorry. I begged Reese and Charles not to tell anyone the truth that we weren’t sleeping together. They never laid a hand on me. Perfect gentlemen who just wanted to help and even risked your wrath to uphold their promise.”
“How much do they know?” Jessica questioned.
“Most of it now. I told the family all together this morning when Reese and Charles got home.”
“And no one tossed you out into the snow, did they?” Kara pulled Alyssa off Jessica and hugged her. “These are the nicest people, well, wolves, I’ve ever met. They will do anything to protect a life, even one that is not their own. Trust me, I know.”
“Thank you.” Alyssa glanced at Jess and then at both Lindsey and Kara. “You don’t know how much I appreciate your understanding. It means the world to me.”
Jess was still confused. “I don’t really get why Reese and Charles didn’t just bring you home with them and help you out. They aren’t the type who would say no to anyone.”
“I know. They aren’t. You’re right. I know that now. But at the time I wasn’t thinking rationally. At that diner I told them so little and apparently scared the shit out of them. When I told my story this morning, they said they had realized I was lying, but whatever had happened to me must have been horrific to have put that look on my face and cause me to be willing to prostitute myself to get away; their words, not mine.”
Jessica smiled. It all made more sense now.
“I begged them to lie, not to tell anyone a thing. I was scared for my life, and I needed distance from Oklahoma any way I could get it. I feared if they knew the truth they might send me back home, not wanting to get involved. Honestly”—Alyssa looked around at each woman—“I didn’t know until a few days ago every pack didn’t do the same thing.”
Kara gasped. “Marry off their young girls into polygamy against their will?”
Alyssa nodded. “I didn’t know any different. I just knew it was wrong deep inside me. Or at least wrong for me. It made my stomach hurt to think of sleeping with that sleazeball every time I considered it.”
She ducked her head and muttered, “The idea of sleeping with Reese or Charles, or even both of them, to avoid my previous fate was enough to propel me to beg.”
Jessica stood. “Will they follow you here? Someone from your pack?”
“I don’t know. Those bastards, Alfred and Judas, are evil. They are the ones who killed your parents. They came back the next day and told the pack they’d killed all three of you. Those chickens didn’t have the balls to admit you’d gotten away. Instead they lied and said you’d accidentally been shot in the fray. They’d been supposed to return with you in tow. Apparently they decided the fallout from killing you was easier to swallow than having to admit you’d escaped their wrath.”
Jessica shook with fury. She’d recognize those two anywhere. She’d stared out that window at them for a long time, memorizing every curve, every nuance to their steps. If they ever dared show their faces anywhere near her again, she’d rip their throats out.
Kara took Jessica’s arm, shaking her out of a near trance. “You okay, hon?” She wrapped her in a hug. “You’re okay now. You have a huge, loving family, two mates who adore you, and even a cousin to get reacquainted with.”
“I can’t stay here.” Alyssa shook her head and backed away from Jess’ side. “I have to go.” She glanced around frantically. “If they find me, they’ll kill all of you.”
Lindsey grabbed her as she raced for the door. “Alyssa, sweetie, stop. You’re not going anywhere.”
The girl sobbed and gulped for breath. “I won’t endanger your family,” she wailed. “It was different before I knew you all. I didn’t think. I just acted to save myself. But now … now I know what a kind and loving family you guys are…” She sucked in a deep breath. “I can’t stand the thought of them coming after me and one of you—”
“You have some other option?” Lindsey held her fast. “You must stay. Nothing will happen to you under Nancy’s roof, and I’m curtain she will insist you move in with her and Richard. They are the best parents in the world. You will love it here. And no one is going to force you to do anything you don’t want, especially mate. Come on. Let’s take you home.”
Alyssa’s shoulders sagged. She was tired and defeated. Jessica knew that look. She’d experienced it enough times in her life.
They needed to take Alyssa back to Nancy and Richard’s house and let her sleep.