Outrunning Her Past

Chapter 13

I had just finished rolling silverware and resetting my section when Dean hollered, "Are you finished, Dani? Talon's bitching that he needs us to stop at the store for some ingredients."

"Sure, let me grab my bag," I answered. He stepped in front of me, my purse dangling in his hand. "Okay then, thanks," I grinned and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. We were headed toward the front when he suddenly pulled me back. "What the... " I started to ask, but Dean's hand came over my mouth quickly.

"Shh," he whispered. His body was rigid as he listened closely. I could hear Dalton's voice becoming agitated.

"Man, I told you, I don't know anyone by that name or description. I don't give a fuck what your friend said unless your girl has a dick then she doesn't work here. The only lady that works here is my girlfriend."

My eyes widened and I looked at Dean. He just shook his head. "Will you at least look at the damn photo," the voice cursed. I felt my entire body begin to shake - that was Matthew's voice. "She's got some real health issues, man. She might be lying about who she is. She needs help and her meds." His voice dropped and sounded so sincere, but I knew all too well it was fake. He'd beat me senseless and shoot me up with those so-called meds then apologize in that same tone the next day expecting me to forgive him. At first, I did because I had no one, but as time went on I just pretended while I saved up money and made a plan to escape. This was the third time he'd found me, but the first time he'd gotten so close.

We heard the door slam and Dean let out a breath, removing his hand from my mouth. "I take it that was the ex. Are you okay?" I shook my head. "Let's get you home and fed. I'll message Talon." I let him lead me to the car, buckling me in. Just as he stepped around to the driver's side, I sucked in a breath. Matthew was standing at the corner, looking straight at us. My blood ran cold and I heard Dean growl. Matthew just smiled and mouthed, See you soon, doll, then walked into the darkness. "Fuck," Dean muttered as he slammed the door and we sped down the highway. I could hear him talking to someone on the car speakerphone, but it sounded muted in my mind. All I could see was the promise in Matthew's eyes, he wasn't letting me go.

Dean

I could smell the fear rolling off of her. She hadn't given much detail on what this man had done to her, but if her fear was any indication, I fully plan on killing him. I'd quickly called the farmhouse and put everyone on alert. Not a single word had passed her lips on the ride home. She simply stared out of the window, her hands clutching her purse in her lap. We pulled into the drive as Talon walked out to us. His eyes met mine and I just shook my head. "Hey, Kitten, come here," he said softly as he opened her door and knelt before her. She took his hand and fell into his embrace, sobs wracking her frame. "Hey, it will be okay, we're going to keep you safe."

"You can't. I need to leave, he won't stop," she spilled. "I can't put your or your families in danger. You have to let me go."

I felt my heart crack. Would she really leave us?

"Daniella, stop!" Talon commanded. "You are not putting anyone in danger. I think you're forgetting who and what we are." He lifted her to her feet and then placed her in my arms. Taking several steps back, his body began to swell and contort as he showed her his dragon. Dani's eyes were wide as she looked up at him. "Do you think that man is a danger to me?" his voice boomed. His claws dug into the earth as he let loose a monstrous roar that shook the ground. "He will not harm what is mine!"

"Don't be afraid, beautiful, he won't harm you," I whispered into her ear.

Dani began laughing, tears still streaming down her face, she looked at Talon, then me, "I know he won't, none of you will. Did you really think I didn't trust you all?"

I cupped her face, "We worry sometimes that all of this will scare you away. I don't think we'd survive losing you a second time."

"I'm sorry for getting so angry," Talon said from behind her.

She spun around and squealed, "You're naked!"

He chuckled, "Yeah, clothing doesn't survive a shift." He pulled her closer, nuzzling against her neck. "I think you like looking, Kitten. Now, let's get you fed and bathed." Before she could protest, he picked her up in all his naked glory and carried her into the house as I followed behind, trying not to laugh too much.

Unknown POV

"You didn't hold up your end of the bargain."

"We know where she is now. She'll be out of your way again soon."

"She'd better be. This was not part of the plan. The bond must be completely broken this time!"

"As you wish."

Author's Notes:  The ex resurfaces...