Alpha Hole

Ch. 52

"Hey hun," the woman's voice cut through the steam, gentle and reassuring as she approached the curtain. "I'm gonna put a towel and those clothes on the chair, darlin'. You can come out when you're done, and we can get you something to eat and drink."

My stomach growled at the mere mention of food. To my own chagrin, I had already taken a few sips from the shower—desperation clawing at my dignity. She didn't need to know that, so I just replied, "Thank you." The kindness in her voice felt like a balm, a stark contrast to the torment of the past days.

After drying off, I dressed in the worn pink sweats she'd provided. They were a bit too big, but the softness was a comfort. I slipped on the socks and house slippers, twisting my damp hair into the towel to let it dry.

I gathered my filthy clothes and tossed them into the trash can before stepping towards the mirror. My skin was raw and red from the scalding water, but for the first time in days, I almost looked like a normal person. I didn't know how I could ever thank this woman enough.

Stepping out of the room, the light in the gas station caused me to squint. The middle-aged woman stood expectantly with a girl who I assumed to be her daughter. They both had the same natural blonde hair and freckles across the bridge of their nose.

"This is Candy," she introduced her daughter. "And I'm Carol."

I nodded, managing a smile. "I'm Layla—and I honestly don't know how to thank you for this. I've been out there for at least a week."

"Bless your heart." Carol moved towards me with a bottle of water she picked up off the counter. "Here, drink this—and I've got some stuff in the warmer back there." She motioned behind the counter.

"The chicken strips are surprisingly good," Candy offered with a hesitant smile. "So, Mom said you'd been hiking?"

I nodded, taking the water bottle from Carol and drinking gratefully.

---

"Are you sure you don't need us to call the authorities, dear?" Carol asked as I bit into my second chicken strip.

"No—it's not a big deal now that I'm back in civilization. But maybe I can get a ride into town or something."

Carol exchanged a look with her daughter.

"You know—the closest town is North Bennett, and it's about a 45-mile drive from here."

I tried to hide my surprise. The name didn't sound familiar, but then again, I wasn't well-versed in the area outside pack lands.

I nodded sheepishly.

Carol was holding her phone. "Maybe there's someone you'd like to call."

I let out a shaky breath. There was no one to call. Reaching out to Aunt Clara would only put her in danger. I couldn't risk that.

I shook my head, and Carol's expression fell. She turned to look at her daughter. "Candy, dear, why don't you go on home for the night? It's getting late, especially with all those wolf sightings we've been hearing about."

Wolf sightings? My heart skipped a beat.

I watched as Carol walked Candy to the door of the gas station and hugged her goodbye. Candy looked back at me. "I wish you the best."

"Thank you—for everything," I managed.

When Carol returned, she looked at me with determination. "Chris comes in at 11 for the shift change. I will drive you to North Bennett."

I breathed a sigh of relief, even though I had no idea where that was.