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I did my business quickly, surprised to find the soap and towels stocked, and then stepped back out. I had to go around the pay phone again but this time I paused, my eyes catching sight of the phone. I’d assumed it didn’t work since no one used pay phones anymore since everyone had a cell phone, but a glance at the back door and a reminder of the man’s black and white television had me reconsidering.

“It wouldn’t hurt to try,” I whispered to myself, darting to the phone before I changed my mind. I lifted the receiver and heard, “Please insert $.50.”

“Shit,” I uttered succinctly. My pajamas inconveniently didn’t have pockets and I couldn’t exactly go inside and ask for change.

A cup sitting on the ledge caught my eye and I grabbed it, hearing the distinct rattle of coins when I did. “Hell yeah,” I muttered, fishing out two quarters and depositing them in the machine. I stared at the numbers, my heart dropping as I realized I had no idea what Dom’s number was. “I swear to God, I’m fucking memorizing that number when I get back home,” I promised myself, as I punched in Dad’s number instead.

The phone started to ring and I prayed he’d answer it. He was the only person I knew who would actually bother to answer an unknown number on his phone and I hoped he continued that trend.

A click and then, “Hello?” His voice sounded exhausted and tears once again threatened.

“Dad,” I replied, my voice cracking as my hand tightened around the receiver.

“Jess?” He answered, stunned.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

Chapter Ten

Dom

Thomas’ phone rang, startling all of us as we glanced over at him. When he muttered, “Unknown number,” I disregarded it, figuring he wouldn’t answer. I was still stunned by Liam’s revelation that Jess was the Hanley Alpha’s niece. That her mother was his sister and had escaped their grasp decades before.

I thought she got her badass from her Dad, Trent said to me, awed. Turns out she got steel balls from both sides.

It wouldn’t have been easy to escape the Hanley Pack, I said, inclined to agree, and more curious than ever about her mother’s intentions. Why had she taken Jess away, and why hadn’t she taken Monster? I wondered, feeling his slight weight against my side. He was fighting sleep, but slowly losing the battle as our concern lessened. It was one thing to think the Hanley Pack had Jess, but now that we knew it was her mother, I was marginally less worried.

She could be working with the Hanleys, Trent said, sounding doubtful.

No, not if she escaped them once, I replied, disregarding the idea.

Coercion?

Doubtful. This whole thing is far too well executed to be the Hanleys’ making. I felt his agreement right before I heard Thomas say, “Jess?”

I shifted instantly, belatedly catching Monster as he fell when my shape changed. I ignored the fact that I was bare assed as I charged toward Thomas, my keen hearing detecting the catch in her voice as she said, “Yeah, it’s me.”

He held up a hand, and I stopped in my tracks, breathing heavily. “Are you alright?” He asked her, and I strained forward, needing to hear her answer.

“I’m fine,” she answered dismissively. “Headache from the roofie she gave me, but otherwise good. Mom has me,” she added, almost as an afterthought. “Dom didn’t do anything stupid, did he?” She asked, her voice worried.

“Besides standing in front of me, his junk exposed to the world, fighting the urge to yank the phone out of my hand?” He asked and I heard her snort of laughter. “No, nothing stupid, like actually trying to take the phone from me,” he added, the warning in his voice clear as my fingers curled into my palms, heeding it. “I’m guessing your mother doesn’t know you’re calling?”

“No, she’s a Hanley,” Jess breathed, shock apparent in her voice. “She’s got some weird idea that she’s protecting me, saving me from Dom, or something.” She paused. “I love you, Dad, but can you put him on the phone before he breaks something?”

Thomas chuckled as I fought the urge to actually break something, “I’m glad you’re okay, Bunny. I love you too.” He handed me the phone, glaring as he said, “You’re a lucky bastard.”

“I know it,” I grunted as I brought the phone to my ear. “Jess,” I choked, unable to say anything else as I confirmed she was really okay.

“This has been the day from hell,” she answered, and I didn’t miss the aggravation in her voice. “My head hurts and my mother – ” she cut herself off and I waited, “I never thought I’d sympathize with my mother.”

“Where are you?” I finally burst out, ready to jump into the Jeep and come get her.

“Some old ass gas station in Montana, I think,” she replied. “Don’t worry. I’m going to get her to bring me back home,” she told me, determination firming her voice.