Page 44 of Single Mom’s Navy Seals (Claimed by the Alphas #2)

Cole immediately nods, expression decisive. “I’ll run into town right now. Chocolate, Advil, heating pad—anything else?”

I pretend to consider, eyes thoughtful. “Maybe some ginger ale? That might help settle my stomach.”

Liam steps forward, his voice steady and calm. “I’ll go with you, Cole. We’ll get everything Ava needs.”

Relief fills me immediately, though I mask it behind a gentle, grateful smile. “Thank you both. I really appreciate it.”

“Just relax, baby girl. Let us take care of you.”

My heart tightens at his words, the affection clear in his voice. It takes everything in me not to break down completely right then and there.

“Thanks,” I whisper, closing my eyes for a brief moment.

As Cole and Liam gather keys and wallets, stepping from the cabin, I feel gentle relief settling into my chest. Having them both leave is exactly what I needed—Cole and Liam are far too observant, their quiet attention risking the discovery of my careful plan.

The cabin door closes behind Cole and Liam, their quiet footsteps fading down the porch steps.

My heart beats resolutely, a gentle sense of purpose filling me.

I glance toward the stairs, then toward Jax.

My mind spins, calculating how best to navigate this constructed lie.

Taking a steadying breath, I meet Jax’s gaze, forcing a gentle smile.

“I’m still feeling off,” I say, touching a hand to my forehead. “I think I’m going to go lie down again, okay?”

Jax immediately nods, stepping closer with a concerned expression. “Sure thing. You need anything else?”

“No,” I reassure, shaking my head. “I just need some quiet rest. Eli’s still upstairs, so I’ll go up and keep an eye on him.”

Jax’s eyes soften, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Alright. Holler if you need anything.”

I climb the stairs, forcing myself to stay calm, masking my racing thoughts and pounding pulse. Reaching the bedroom, I slip inside, closing the door behind me. Eli is curled up comfortably, breathing deeply. I sit down beside him, watching him sleep, guilt twisting through my chest.

Time moves as I wait, listening closely for any sign of distraction from Jax downstairs. Eventually, I hear his quiet footsteps heading toward the kitchen, followed by the gentle clinking of dishes and cabinets opening and closing. My breath quickens, knowing this is my opportunity.

I slip from the bed, stepping across the room to the window.

It’s old, warped from the years, but thankfully opens without a sound.

Peering outside, I notice with relief that the distance down isn’t very far—the old cabin’s floors are short, meaning the drop is manageable.

Steeling myself, I slip through the window, landing onto the dry ground below, a gentle cloud of dust rising beneath my feet.

Quickly, I rush toward the breaker box around the back of the cabin, my heart pounding with determination.

The rusted metal creaks as I pull open the panel, revealing aged, exposed wiring and dusty old breakers.

My hands shake as I pull at a few exposed wires, disconnecting them, then flipping a few breakers off.

Almost immediately, the cabin’s lights go out, plunging the windows into darkness. Relief fills me, knowing this distraction will occupy Jax enough for me to finish my preparations. Carefully, I move swiftly back toward the cabin, climbing back through the window and closing it behind me.

As I slip back into bed beside Eli, footsteps sound swiftly on the stairs, and Jax rushes into the room. His brows furrow, concern clear on his face.

“Ava, you okay?” he asks, moving closer. “Power just went out downstairs. Did you notice anything up here?”

I feign careful confusion, sitting up, rubbing at my eyes. “I was just lying here. What happened?”

“Not sure,” Jax murmurs, glancing around the room cautiously. “Might be the breaker box acting up again. I’ll go check it.”

The moment he’s gone, I all but slip from the bed again, moving downstairs. My heart races as I locate Jax’s phone on the kitchen counter, fingers trembling as I remove the battery, stashing each piece in different hidden spots around the room.

Next, I reach into Jax’s wallet, retrieving the sleek black Amex card tucked inside.

The goal had been a couple of bucks from his wallet, but a free-for-all card was also helpful.

Even if I were only able to use it once, I would have to ditch it completely.

I slip it into my bra, replacing the wallet exactly as I found it, heart pounding with the fear of being caught.

After securing everything, I step outside, walking around the house to where Jax stands beside the breaker box with a puzzled expression.

“What happened?” I ask, masking my knowledge.

Jax shakes his head, voice frustrated. “Box is ancient, wiring’s eroded. Looks like something disconnected or shorted out completely.”

I feign gentle confusion, shaking my head. “I can fix cars, but electrical stuff isn’t my area.”

Jax sighs, considering. “We should call Cole or Liam and get them to pick up supplies from town.”

“Probably a good idea,” I murmur. “It’s going to get hot in here pretty quickly. The AC’s weak as it is.”

Jax nods, stepping back inside to retrieve his phone. After a quiet moment, he returns, expression frustrated.

“Can’t find my phone anywhere,” he murmurs, brows knitted together. “Did you see where I put it?”

I feign thoughtfulness. “Didn’t you head out toward the barn earlier? Maybe you left it there?”

Jax sighs, nodding. “Probably did. I’ll check quickly. Stay here with Eli.”

The moment Jax moves swiftly away, my pulse quickens. This is it. I rush back inside, moving toward Eli’s room, waking him. He sits up, rubbing at his eyes.

“What’s going on, Mama?” Eli asks, confusion and sleepiness clear on his face.

I kneel in front of him, heart aching. “We have to go, baby. It’s important. You gotta slip your slides on and come quickly.”

Eli’s eyes widen, immediately anxious. “But what about Cole, Jax, and Liam?”

I swallow hard, forcing my voice steady. “They’ll meet us soon. But right now, we have to hurry.”

Eli hesitates, confusion lingering in his gaze, but nods in agreement., I grab the packed duffel from the closet, slinging it over my shoulder. With Eli’s small hand in mine, we move swiftly and out the front door toward the old, abandoned car parked beside the cabin.

The whole time, my heart beats rapidly, positive that Jax is going to appear before we can leave, and everything will be ruined. We’ll be shipped to Randy today, most likely, if that happens.

I help Eli into the backseat, buckling him in. Guilt twists inside me, knowing the booster seat isn’t here, but urgency overrides concern. I slip into the driver’s seat, gripping the wheel, resolve hardening in my chest.

As I turn the key, the engine roars to life, echoing across the quiet property. My pulse quickens, knowing Jax will hear it. Shifting into drive, I peel out of the driveway, dust rising behind the car.

In the rearview mirror, I see Jax sprinting up the driveway from the barn, arms waving frantically, shouting something I can’t quite hear clearly. But I don’t stop. My chest aches, betrayal and hurt swelling within me, but my resolve holds firm.

The old car rattles beneath me, moving but steadily away from the cabin. Eli sits behind me, confusion and worry clear on his face. He looks toward me, eyes wide and scared.

“Mama, what’s happening?” he asks, voice trembling.

I glance back toward him, forcing a soft, reassuring smile. “It’s okay, baby. We’re going on a little trip.”

Eli hesitates, eyes searching mine. “Will Cole, Jax, and Liam really meet us?”

My heart aches, pain swelling. “Yeah, sweetheart,” I lie, forcing myself to maintain gentle composure. “They’ll be right behind us.”

Eli nods, settling into his seat, trusting me completely. My chest tightens, knowing I’ve lied to him, but protecting him is more important now.

My thoughts race, calculating the steps ahead.

Get several towns away, withdraw cash using the black card, buy a cheap used car, and disappear quietly.

The men will come after us once they realize we’re gone, especially with that money at stake.

Randy’s threats loom in my thoughts, his cruelty vividly clear.

My resolve strengthens. Whatever it takes, I’ll protect Eli.

As the car moves steadily away, tears fill my eyes, blurring the dark road ahead. The quiet rumble of the engine fills the small space, blending with Eli’s soft breathing behind me. My heart breaks as I glance back at his small form, curled into the seat, eyes closing with exhaustion.

I’ve been betrayed before, but this—this cuts deeper, sharper. I trusted these men. I let myself believe we had something genuine. But now, there’s only one thing that matters—protecting Eli and disappearing into the night.

The old car moves down the empty highway, carrying us swiftly toward an uncertain future.