by Juniper Hart
“Now dear, some other people want to see you if you’re up for it,” said Trisha.
Annabelle looked at her parents, not understanding.
“What others?”
A soft knock on the door made Annabelle turn her head to see Bryden and Julian. A smile spread across her face. Annabelle’s parents both kissed her on the cheek as they left the room.
Both men pulled up chairs to be by Annabelle’s side.
Julian was the first to speak, “We are so glad you’re okay. I want you to know that we both tried to find you after realizing you weren’t running behind us. We searched for hours before getting help.”
“I guess we’ll never convince you to join us on a boys’ weekend again, huh?” said Bryden, trying to lighten the mood.
“Probably not,” laughed Annabelle.
“We’re going over to your place with your dad to help get your furniture out of Jax’s house,” said Julian. “Is there anything in particular you want us to get for you?
“Only my clothes and personal items. Jax can have the rest,” said Annabelle. “I want to cut all ties with him and don’t want him to have a reason to come after me.
A dark figure blocked the light coming from the hallway, and growled, “So help me God, if he tries to come after you…” Annabelle turned to see Alex standing in the doorway.
“Alex! But, how—” began Annabelle.
“I think that’s our cue to leave,” said Bryden.
Alex gave each man a friendly pat on the shoulder as they left the room, smiling at them.
Annabelle froze. Were they being friendly to each other?
Alex looked over at Annabelle, and once again, her worries dissipated in his presence. She waited for him to speak.
“I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t leave without you,” said Alex.
“But, what about Julian and Bryden? They saw you change. They know what you are.”
“They’ve been my best friends for years, along with Brock. Of course, they were terrified of me when I first approached them in the waiting room, but I am the same person they’ve always known. They’re not going to tell anybody.”
“Have you spoken to the cops,” asked Annabelle, suddenly afraid for him.
“Not yet,” said Alex. “They stopped me in the hallway, and I told them I’d give them my statement right after I saw you.”
Relieved, Annabelle exhaled, realizing she had been holding her tension in her stomach since she had woken up. “What about Jax?”
“What about Jax?” said Alex, coldly. “Everyone will think he’s crazy if he tells people that I changed into a wild animal. Besides, I don’t believe he saw me change.”
“Then, this is real? I get to keep you?” pleaded Annabelle.
Alex laughed, “Yes, you get to keep me. I told you that I would always protect you, and I meant that. I love you, Annabelle.”
With that, Alex bent down and lifted Annabelle’s chin so her lips met his. She felt whole again after Jax had spent years breaking her spirit into millions of pieces. Annabelle was safe and loved.
Epilogue
“When was the last time we did this?” Elyse leaned forward, excitement lighting up her face as she embraced her best friend. Annabelle grinned and returned the hug.
“Honestly, I don’t even remember the last time I saw you,” Annabelle replied.
Alex said, “Well, that will change. Annabelle definitely needs close friends like you, Elyse.”
Brock, Julian, and Bryden waved from the restaurant patio, where they were already seated. Alex, Elyse, and Annabelle joined them. Brock was in perfect health, and that night was a celebration for his recovery and his bravery.
Jax had died. Annabelle attended the funeral out of respect for his parents, but she didn’t shed a tear.
Her therapist had told her that in order to cope with the loss of her fiancé, it was important to surround herself with a support system. Annabelle hadn’t bothered to explain to the quack that she had moved on, but she did heed his advice and try to rekindle old relationships. It turned out that he had been right; the more time she spent with her friends and family, the happier she felt.
Moving back in with her parents had rekindled their relationship, and she promised she would never isolate herself from them again.
It had been just over a month since the fateful camping trip, and Annabelle’s life had completely changed. She smiled more, laughed often, and even looked younger, according to everyone who knew her. Annabelle was finally starting to understand what it was like to be in a relationship where she felt valued and respected.
Elyse raised her champagne glass to make a toast, and Annabelle followed suit.
“To old friends and new beginnings!” Elyse cried, gently tapping her crystal goblet to her friend’s.
The rest of the table joined in the toast by clinking their glasses.
Alex squeezed Annabelle’s hands. Nobody mentioned Jax. It was as if Alex and Annabelle had always been together, and their closeness seemed normal to the group of friends.
Annabelle went to take a sip, but as the smell of alcohol hit her nose, she was overcome with nausea. She barely made it to the restroom of the restaurant when Elyse came charging in after her.
“Are you all right?” she asked, handing Annabelle a paper towel.
Annabelle rose to her feet and nodded, clearing the onset of dizziness from her head. The two retreated from the stall, and Annabelle splashed cold water on her face.
“Geez, I guess it would just be poor taste to joke about you being pregnant, huh? I mean, you’ve had a new boyfriend for what, a month?” Elyse joked dryly, applying lipstick to her lips as Annabelle washed her hands.
Slowly turning off the tap, Annabelle laughed with her friend as she leaned in toward the mirror. At first, she was shocked, but then a fusion of excitement ran through her like a firehose of emotion. Her eyes no longer had a trace of violet in their depth; they had turned as green as Alex’s.
She pulled back from the mirror and looked down at her flat stomach in wonder, rubbing her palm against her shirt softly. She felt a slight jolt of energy, as if the baby was alerting her to its presence. A thrill rushed through every nerve in her body.
As they returned to the table, Annabelle couldn’t hide her smile.
Alex looked at her inquisitively, questioning her expression. When he made eye contact with Annabelle, she saw his expression change. A broad smile appeared on his face, and pure joy lit his eyes.
Annabelle took a seat next to him and nuzzled into his shoulder.
Alex kissed the top of her head and whispered, “I will always protect you.” He paused before saying, “…and our family.”
*****
THE END
About the Author
Juniper Hart is a romance writer from the Midwest, who loves telling the insta-love tales of werewolves, dragons, and other paranormal heroes. She specializes in sweet and short alpha romances that always promise a happily ever after.
Juniper resides in Miami, Florida with her husband and rambunctious blue-eyed son.
Find out more about Juniper Hart at SecretWoodsBooks.com