“We all did,” Dad added.
He was right. I’d done the same, just in different ways. “I’m trying not to live in fear anymore. I don’t want it to control me.”
“That’s good, Shy. Real good.”
Mom smiled. It was a little wobbly around the edges, but it was motivated by genuine emotion and not fake in the slightest. “Do you want to tell me about this new life you’re building? Hadley said you’ve befriended a wolf-dog.”
I couldn’t hold in my laugh. “Kai. He’s a total sweetheart. And the horses at Ramsey’s are amazing. They’ve all been through so much, but they’re fighting for a new life, too.”
My dad looked at me, and I saw so much unspoken emotion in his dark blue eyes. “It sounds like you’ve found the perfect place for yourself.”
“I think I have.”
The sun hitmy face as I stepped out of the feed store. For the first time, it truly felt like spring—the kind of weather that could bring new blooms. And with them, new beginnings. I hoisted the bag onto my hip. I’d run out of Sky’s favorite treats, and she wouldn’t be happy with me if she had to go without for very long. I’d gotten a few other kinds to see what Onyx liked best, as well.
A flicker of motion caught my attention. The man’s gait, the way he moved, triggered my brain first. He strode across the pavement as if he owned it, his eyes trained directly on me. And they were full of hatred.
My heart pounded against my ribs. I could’ve run, hurried back into the store, and slipped into the back office until he left. But I wouldn’t cower. Not to Ian Kemper.
He stopped just a step away, his nostrils flaring as his gaze swept over me.
I fought the urge to shudder, memories of all those years ago and the recent attack flashing in my mind. But I stood my ground and met his stare. I wouldn’t waver.
Ian’s jaw worked back and forth. “You killed him. You and my bitch of a sister. He died in that hellhole, thanks to you. Never even made it to the hospital.”
I simply stared at him, not saying a word. Nothing I could say would make Ian realize that his father was responsible for his own demise. My words only gave another piece of me away, and Ian and his father already had enough.
Another man snickered as he stepped up next to Ian. “Heard she was messed up in the head. Can’t even talk.”
My eyes narrowed on him. He was older than Ian, likely in his late forties. Taller and broader, too. But his eyes held a hollow quality. Sunken and lifeless.
Ian leaned forward. “You were never what he thought you were. Not special. The only thing you are is worthless.”
Images battered the walls I’d constructed in my mind, memories of sheer terror. I forced them down and stared at Ian. “The only worthless one here is you.”
“Not even worth that sandwich he tried to give you to keep you alive. Should’ve taken you out back and shot you when I had the chance.”
Blood roared in my ears. “That chance is past. I fight back now.”
The man next to him choked on a laugh. “Damn, girl’s got some fire in her. Maybe Howard wasn’t wrong about her, after all.”
The flare of appreciation I saw in his eyes had me swallowing bile. I needed to get away. Now.
I hurried around them, but Ian lashed out, grabbing my arm. I reacted on instinct. My hand came up in a palm strike straight to his nose.
Ian released me, letting out a curse as blood gushed down his face.
I didn’t wait, I just picked up to a jog. I was halfway down the block, not sure where I was going, when I pulled my phone from my pocket. I hit Ramsey’s contact before I even knew I’d made the decision.
He picked up on the second ring. “Leaving the feed store?”
“I-I ran into Ian and another guy.”
“Where are you? Did they touch you?”
“He grabbed my arm, and I hit him in the face. I’m fine. I just needed…” I needed Ramsey. To hear his voice. To feel his comfort.
“Go to the sheriff’s department right now. Don’t stop until you’re there.”