Page 45 of Pretty Little Trigger

CHAPTER 44

Alana

I’m rudely awoken by Salem jumping on my chest like he’s trying to save my life.

It’s too early for this.

I went to bed far too late and the weight of last night still clings to me.

But I’m ready to reclaim my independence.

That has to count for something.

I grab my phone. 10:00 a.m. So, not that early.

Then I see the text:

Dad:

Morning, Princess.

I contacted Callum. He’ll terminate the contract.

He mentioned with the money being back, you’re safe.

So that’s that. And honestly?

I do feel safe. Stronger, too.

Empowered, even. Like the fear has finally loosened its grip.

But the added confirmation, from both my dad and Hunter’s boss, makes it easier to believe.

Still… I know I can handle myself now.

I wonder when Hunter’s leaving.

Terminating the contract wasn’t about pushing him away.

I just wanted my freedom back…

I wanted to choose my own safety.

My own everything. Maybe now we can try again.

Like normal people. Maybe…

Salem nudges the phone out of my hand, yowling with renewed urgency.

“You hungry, boy? Let’s go feed you breakfast.”

I climb out of bed, stretch and shuffle to my bedroom door.

Before I make it out of my room, I hear the quiet click of the front door.

My heart jumps, but only for a second.

Hunter’s probably headed to the gym.

It’s Saturday. That’s what he usually does around this time.

Goes to train while I get ready for brunch.

I brush the noise off, distracted by Salem still howling at my feet.

When I get to the kitchen, I freeze.

Salem’s bowls are already full.

I frown. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” The little shit dragged me out of bed for nothing.

I mutter a curse and make myself a coffee, sinking onto a stool at the kitchen counter.

But Salem’s still circling.

Still wailing. Still pacing back and forth, all fluff and drama.

“Jesus, Salem,” I groan.

“What do you want?”

He parks himself in front of Hunter’s closed door.

Starts headbutting it.

“I don’t think Hunter wants you in his room,” I mutter, sipping my coffee.

He meows louder. Persistent.

Irritatingly so. Eventually, I snap.

“Fine. You win.” I storm over, yanking the door open.

“There. You happy now, you little shit?”

I turn to walk away, but something stops me.

That feeling. That low, coiling thing in my gut.

I glance back into the room.

It’s clean. Like… really clean.

Curiosity nips at me.

I’m not snooping, I’m just…

looking.

I step in, take a breath.

It smells like him. Damn it.

It smells good. But there’s nothing on the nightstand.

Nothing on the counter.

Nothing on the floor.

Weird. Maybe he’s just neat.

Like… ex-military neat.

I almost turn to leave.

Almost.

“Fuck it.” I yank open the cupboard.

Empty.

My heart sinks.

He’s gone. He left. Without saying a word, he fucking left.

I stand there, frozen with rage and hurt boiling together in my chest. So that’s it then.

I spin on my heel, march back into the kitchen and grab my phone.

I need to vent. Scream.

Shout. Something.

Me:

Babe, are you up yet?

I need you.

Tessa replies before I even set the phone down.

Tessa:

Still rotting in bed.

But I’ll get up and come to you.

Give me ten.

Me:

No, don’t worry.

I’m on my way down.

Tessa:

Babe, tall dark and dangerous cannot see me in this state.

I have some dignity left.

Me:

He’s gone.

And Salem tried to warn me.

I just didn’t listen.