Alpha Hole

Ch. 28

When we pulled up to the packhouse, I spotted a group of people huddled by the gate next to a familiar blue truck. A wave of unease twisted in my gut.

Jaxson's body went stiff, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"That's my aunt's truck," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jaxson shot me a wary glance.

As we neared the group, I saw my aunt standing among them, talking to Eric.

I patted Jaxson's arm. "Stop, I need to see what's going on."

"Layla," he said, his tone low and hesitant.

"No, I'm serious. Stop the car. I need to talk to her."

"We aren't stopping. We can go inside and—" I didn't wait for him to finish. I flung the door open and jumped out, the suv barely slowing down as my heels hit the gravel.

"Shit," I heard Jaxson swear as he slammed the SUV into park.

I dashed around the back of the vehicle. Aunt Clara's eyes lit up when she saw me.

"Layla," she said, her voice a mix of relief and concern.

The guys standing with her, including Eric stepped aside when they saw Jaxson at my side, allowing her to approach me.

I ran to her, wrapping her in a tight hug. She exhaled and then looked me over, brushing my hair off my shoulders. "So it's done," she said, a hint of sadness in her voice as she ran a finger over Jaxson's mark.

I nodded, wanting to tell her that Jaxson wasn't so bad and that I was okay, but the words wouldn't come.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. It was around seven in the morning, an odd time for a visit, but nothing about my life had made sense for weeks.

"I wanted to bring you your things. I thought you might want them if you're staying here," she said, forcing a weak smile.

"And this." She pulled a necklace from her pocket. "This was your great-grandmother's. I found it in your mother's things after they left. I think she'd want you to have it."

I stared at the necklace, its delicate chain glinting in the early morning light. It felt like a lifeline to a past I'd never known, and somehow a piece of my family that I could hold onto amidst all the chaos. My throat tightened, a lump of emotions I couldn't quite swallow.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely steady as I took it from her.

Aunt Clara's eyes softened, but there was an edge of worry that she couldn't hide. "Are you okay, Layla? Really?"

I glanced back at Jaxson, who stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable. A wave of conflicting feelings crashed over me: gratitude, fear, and something I couldn't name. "Yeah," I said, turning back to her. "I'm okay. It's just... a lot to take in."

She nodded, understanding. "I know, sweetheart. I just want you to be safe."

"I know," I replied, clutching the necklace tightly.

But even as I said the words, doubt gnawed at me. Could I really count on anyone? The world had turned upside down, and I felt like I was free-falling without a net.

There was a moment of silence, a shared understanding passing between us. Then, Aunt Clara straightened and gave me a determined look. "If you need anything, you call me. No matter what."

"I will," I promised, but the promise felt fragile, like it could shatter with the slightest pressure.

She gave me one last hug before stepping back. I watched as she turned to leave, the group of men following her. The sense of loss hit me hard, a reminder of how much had changed, how much I'd lost.

Jaxson stepped closer, his presence an anchor in the tumult of emotions swirling inside me. "You okay?" he asked quietly.

I nodded, slipping the necklace into my pocket of my duffle. "Yeah. I'm fine."

He reached out, gently squeezing my hand. "Let's get inside. Maybe some breakfast and then you can get some rest."