Page 209 of Broken Bonds

She catches me off-guard when, unbidden, she sinks to her knees in front of Jax and tips her head back, fully exposing her throat. “Sir, I pledge myself to the Ocala Pack, and to do anything, whatever it takes, to rid the world of Rudolph Sterling.”

Jax studies her before touching her throat and then extending a hand to help her stand. “Welcome, Freya,” he says. “We need to get through the next stage before we have further discussions about that, but your gesture is appreciated and noted.”

Meanwhile, I dart inside because I have to pee. I broke down and used the little chemical toilet once, but that was only because I was desperate.

Everyone’s made it to the living room when I emerge. “Mom, can I get you anything?”

She shakes her head, awestruck over…everything. She sits on the sofa, next to Todd, and I join them while Jax resumes talking.

I tune out. I’m home, and I don’t need to know any of this. All I know is I’m amazed Mom is here.

And it renews my faith, chases away my doubts.

Alizée, that amazing little fucking witch, was absolutely correct.

Except…I’m almost waiting for a shoe to drop, and I sense Mom is, too.

“When will we know what happens?” she asks Jax.

“The next stage is underway,” he says. “Sterling hasn’t raised any alarms about you yet, but we suspect that might happen in the next few hours. Once we know he’s sent people to Maine, the next part will be set into motion.”

“And then? Will it be safe for me to go home?”

“You shouldn’t be there,” he says. “We can only guarantee your safety here, with Mal and Todd.”

Her next comment breaks my heart. “I don’t think I know what safety is anymore.”

It sucks Jax obviously has experience with people who show up here traumatized. “I’ve known Todd nearly all my life. I promise, you’re safe here, with our pack.”

Before the others leave, all her things are moved into the guest room she’ll use while she’s here.

Hopefully for a long time, even if it will cut down on our nakey time. Still, totally worth it. It’s 1:00 am when it’s finally just the three of us. Todd has us sit at the table while he makes us dinner. I only ate breakfast this morning, too fricking nervous to see straight, much less keep more food down.

Mom holds my hand, and I struggle to stay centered in this moment and not feel bitter that these few hours of contact are the most I’ve had with her in the past few years. Like she feared my father would know it if she expressed love for me.

“You’re sure he can’t find us?” she asks.

“He hasn’t found me yet,” I remind her.

She smiles and stares at my baby bump. “I wish I could throw this in his face.” Her smile fades. “How do we explain where we are?”

“Don’t worry about that, Mom,” I assure her. “Morning and Jax and the others will deal with that.”

“All you have to do,” Todd says, “is what we tell you to. Once it’s safe for you both, we’ll plan the next step.”

It’s nearly 2:00 in the morning when Todd and I finally collapse in our bed. Mom already went to bed, and I don’t hear any noises from her room.

I nestle in his arms. “How bad was it?” I ask.

“Went better than expected. I said what you told me almost immediately, and it was like it lit a fire under her.” He kisses my forehead. “I need to work at the barns tomorrow, but I want you to stay here with her.”

“What is the next step?”

“You can’t tell her.”

“I won’t.” He heavily sighs and nuzzles me again. “They’re arranging an ambush to take out Sterling’s goon squad. Then they’ll take out him, and your brothers.”

I shudder. “Promise?” I whisper.