Page 225 of Reaper

I frown and suddenly remember what Zac said. “He told me he had jammers set up and he somehow knew about the tracker under my skin. How did you find me?”

A sheepish look comes over him as he scratches his neck. “When Nathan called me and told me you were missing, Python activated your tracker but could tell it was being blocked. It was actually Crystal that led us to you. We were out driving around town trying to spot Zac’s truck when I recognized her car. She’d changed her appearance some, but I knew it was her. I followed her which led me to you.”

I scowl. “Crystal changed her appearance, including her clothing, so that it mirrored mine.” My scowl deepens. “She was going to use that same drug on you, and then, in her words, prove that she was better for you than me. My guess was that Crystal hoped she would get knocked up by you and then you’d be tied to her that way.”

He grits his teeth and the muscles in his arms bunch but his grip on my cheeks remains light and unchanged. He takes a deep breath and slowly exhales. “Let’s get you ready and then fed. You must be starving after missing supper and having your lunch cut short. The fuckers can sit on ice for a while.”

As if on cue, my stomach rumbles and we both chuckle. Doc hands me a couple of packets of medicine and I finish lacing up my boots before cautiously stepping down from the bed. It hurts when I put my full weight on my foot, but I know the meds Doc just gave me will help knock the edge off once they kick in.

Carefully, I limp into the main room and am instantly bombarded. My eyes sting as all the guys come up and hug me, fist bump, or clasp my shoulder. Mama Astrid is the last one andmy tears threaten to break free as she wraps me in a hug that is so similar to my mom’s, that it must be a ‘mom thing’.

“I’m so glad you’re back safe and sound,” she whispers in my ear. A few seconds later, she pulls back and gives me a knowing smile and a wink. “Now, let’s get you fed before you take care of business. You’re going to need your strength.”

I can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of me despite the situation. She links her arm through mine, letting me use her as a support as I limp into the kitchen. Not surprisingly, Anthony follows closely behind. I have a feeling he’ll be shadowing me for a while, but I don’t mind in the least since I know I’m going to want to have him close after everything I learned in this mess.

My mouth waters as I step into the kitchen at the array in front of me. Mama Astrid prepared a make your own sub station and fuck, the idea of a loaded sub really hits the spot right now.

Twenty minutes later, I’m stuffed and lean back in my chair. Nibbling on my lip, my gaze goes to Nathan. Glancing back at Anthony, he dips his chin in understanding. Standing, I walk over to Nathan and sit down next to him.

“I’m sorry,” I start, but when he frowns, I start to worry. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I have listened to you, and I should have trusted you. I’m sorry.”

He leans his forearms on the table, staring down at it. “Do I wish things had happened differently? Yeah, I do. I mean, both of our Prospecting terms have been extended because of what happened.” He pauses as his gaze locks with mine. “But I also get why you snapped like you did. You’ve had a shadow ever since the stalker shit started. And these last few weeks? You never had a second alone.” Then he levels me with a serious look. “But if this ever happens again, I’ll be checking everything out no matter what you say.”

I nod. “I agree, definitely. And thank you. If something like this happens to another woman that hooks up with one of youguys? I’ll try to help dissipate their frustrations.” Pausing I chew on my lip nervously. “Are we okay?”

He gives me a soft smile before reaching over and squeezing my shoulder. “We’re good, Queen. It’s all in the past.”

Reaching up, I squeeze his hand in return, relieved that Nathan doesn’t hate me for what happened.

Movement has me turning and Anthony catches my eye before raising an eyebrow in question. I nod, silently telling him we’re good. He gestures toward his office, and I smile back at Nathan before rising and following Anthony.

It’s time.

I finish tying my hair up in a tight bun, and glance once more in the mirror. Satisfied, I close the closet door and grab my cut off of Anthony’s desk, sliding it on. After these last nine hours, feeling the familiar weight of the cut on my shoulders and smelling the faint scent of leather has a knot in my chest loosening. I am back where I’m supposed to be.

At Anthony’s side, both in his personal life and as his Queen in the club.

I’m home.

Thinking of home, I breathe out a breath of relief that my family is safe.

That my friends are safe.

Nathan is safe.

Anthony is safe.

Crystal didn’t get her claws on Anthony.

I am safe.

Richard didn’t get my family’s land.

I can’t stop my smirk at that. Even if I had signed the papers, they wouldn’t have gotten what they wanted.

Kelly didn’t witness my entire life being ripped apart.

I frown at the thought of Kelly. What about Grace? What about Genivieve?