Page 27 of Rugged Hearts: Part One
Off camera we hear a chorus of, “What is it?” and “What’s wrong?” Her crying probably doesn’t help.Instead of saying something, she turns the phone around and we suddenly see three very concerned men. The concern quickly fades to shock when they see Thea, who gives an awkward wave that I can’t help but smile at. Especially since that’s totally something I’d do.Suddenly all three of them are asking questions at once before one of them gives a sharp whistle. He’s the tallest of them and the bulkiest. He’s got to be on par with Keelan’s size.He looks a lot like Connor based on the picture from his obituary, with his square jaw, dark brown hair and overall build.
“Settle down. James, can you hook up Soph’s phone to the TV? This screen is way too small for this. Then we’ll ask questions, like what the hell were you thinking running off alone.” His scolding makes Thea shrink a little. A growl sounds from me unexpectedly, shocking the fuck out of me. Thankfully it was too low to have been picked up on the call. That would not be the best first impression to my future in-laws. Thea gives me a shake of the head but doesn’t let go of my hand.
In a couple minutes all four of them are on a couch and we can see them all in view. The largest man, likely an alpha, who scolded Thea is sitting to Sophie’s right. To her left is the thinner man with light brown skin, short black hair, and soft brown eyes. Next to him is James I believe, since he was the one setting up the phone. James is a similar build to the man he’s sitting next to, only with light brown hair and hazel eyes. That big alpha really seems to dwarf everyone. Is that how me and Keelan look to other people? Well for different reasons. Keelan is big but muscular. I’m just big.Don’t think about that. You’re helping Thea, you’re supporting her.
Squeeze. Squeeze.
That was more a reminder for myself than her.
“I’m sorry,” Thea bursts out, her tears flowing once again. I seeSophie elbow the big alpha. Good, he deserves it for making my omega cry.
“You have nothing to apologize for, honey,” Sophie says, side-eying her alpha.
“She’s right. I didn’t mean to yell at you. But you have no idea how worried we’ve been since you left. Not knowing if you’re still alive. If that bastard got you—” He cuts off, getting choked up. Sophie is now comforting him, leaning into him more as she holds his hand.
“We just want you to be safe and it all happened so suddenly after…” the man in the middle says.
“After Connor,” Thea finishes. “I know, I’m still sorry for how it all happened and for Connor. It’s my fault and I left to keep you all safe. I’m just happy we’re able to talk now.”
Varying confused looks cross all of their faces at her statement.
“Why are you sorry for Connor?” the man in the middle asks. I really need to find out his name and the big one. Didn’t Sophie yell their names, but which is which?
I’m pulled from my thoughts as Thea’s grip on my hand tightens into a vice. She looks ready to bolt, like our connection is the only thing holding her here. I move closer, hoping my scent will help. It seems to, since some of the tension bleeds away and her grip lessens a little. My movement has also caught the attention of everyone. Guess I faded into the background before with the shock of seeing Thea again.
The big alpha’s eyes are narrowing on me and it literally makes me gulp. Good thing he’s not here in person. I think I might turn into one of those old cartoons and bolt in a cloud of dust before I can get pummeled.
“Who are you?” he says with a growl.I have no idea what to say. I’m her scent match. Nope that’s too much, even I know that.
“Parker is the alpha who helped me set up this call securely so the stalker couldn’t track me. It’s safe because of him,” Thea explains, some steel returning to her voice.
The big alpha’s eyes seem appeased for the moment. “Thea,why are you sorry about Connor?” Sophie repeats the middle man’s earlier question.
Thea doesn’t look at the camera when she says, “Because it’s my fault he died.”
A chorus of growls sounded from them before Sophie says fiercely, “Thea Fera, look at me!” Thea reluctantly does so before Sophie continues, “What happened to Connor were the actions of that sick asshole who’s stalking you. No one else is at fault. Only him. Do you understand me?”
Thea looks away, wiping at her face with her other hand.
Squeeze. Squeeze.
“If I didn’t attract this stalker or do whatever I did that made him find me, Connor would still be alive.” Even I’m surprised to hear her blame herself so deeply. I’m glad she’s saying this to his parents because I think they’d be the only ones to get it through to her that is one hundred percentfalse.
They all look at each other, probably thinking something similar to me. Sophie is the one to speak. “Honey, you are not responsible for others’ actions or feelings about you or anything. Didn’t you tell me once when you were dealing with a couple mean girls in college that what people think of you is none of your business. Others’ opinions of you and resulting actions are not something you should be putting on your shoulders, especially in regards to this monster who took Connor from us.”
Thea is looking more thoughtful at Sophie’s words. Honestly, I could use that viewpoint for myself too. I let what others, outside the pack, think of me bother me more often than I should.
“Okay,” Thea says softly.
“Okay…” Sophie parrots.
“I understand,” Thea finishes. Guess they really are like her own parents.
A throat clears and Sophie says suddenly, “Oh I’m sorry, Parker, we didn’t introduce ourselves. I’m Sophie, and this big softy is Max.” She gestures to the big alpha before continuing, “This is Mateo, and James.” She motions to the others. Thea letsout a small laugh at the big softy comment which Max definitely hears and just rolls his eyes, but with a small smile stretching his lips. Keelan is similar. People assume things based on his size, but he’s, well, not a sweetheart but definitely not scary.
The next half hour is spent on them catching up, mostly with Thea listening to them. The topic of Connor comes back up as James says, “We actually have something for you, Thea. It’s a letter Connor wrote and left with his lawyer before he died.”
“We didn’t read it. He left one for us as well. Ours was from a few years ago with an added page from a couple weeks before he died. So, it might be a similar timeline for yours,” Mateo adds.Thea’s hand is back to a vise grip. Squeeze. Squeeze. The color has drained from her face.