Chapter 413

I pulled into the house a little earlier than I expected. The grocery store was pretty empty. I only saw two workers. I grabbed my groceries and was out of the door before anyone said hello to me, which was fine. I needed a shower and to see my girl. I brought everything inside and put it next to the closet. I left the door locked until I was ready to go over.

I would do everything I needed to first because I knew if I went to the cabin, I was going to get an earful. I hopped in the shower and groaned. It felt amazing to have my shower again. I had bought new shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I had a brilliant idea as I was shopping, one that was sure to make Brandon go slightly insane.

I smirked as I sniffed the strawberry scent I had missed the last few years. Nix and Megan both sniffed the air and sighed. I missed this smell. Nix purred in my mind.

Megan nodded. It makes me feel at home.

I finished my shower and got out, covering myself in more strawberry scented product. My scent was throwing off the combination, but soon enough, I would be back to my normal scent. I smirked as I got dressed and locked the house down. I stepped through the closet with the bags of food to find everyone waiting, pacing, and crying in my bedroom.

“Where the fuck have you been?” My mother lunged for me. I barely had time to put the food down before she was sobbing in my arms. “I thought I had lost you.” Her ragged words hit my stomach, and I pulled her close.

“I’m fine. I got out.” I pulled back and kissed her cheek.

“What do you mean you got out?” Wendy called.

I dropped down and picked Carly up. “Hey baby girl. Miss me?”

Carly’s eyes were full of pain. “I thought you left me, too.”

I hugged her close. “I can’t say I won’t ever leave you, but I will tell you I will never want to leave you, baby girl.” I clutched her to my chest and looked at my friends. Even Lynn was there. “You look better.”

She smiled. “This place has given me back my peace.” I watched her eyes darken. “Now I’m focused on becoming stronger.”

I nodded as Carly pulled away. “Grandma started to train us together, even me.”

I looked at my mom, and she nodded. “We all needed a distraction this last week.” Her eyes searched mine. “We were all a little scared when you disappeared.”

I nodded. “Porch wine later. I brought a few bottles.” I smiled at them, and all eyes turned to Carly. But my sweet girl wasn’t stupid.

“You just don’t want me to hear it.”

I nodded. “I don’t. If I could keep it from you entirely, I would.” I kissed her head. “Now how about we make dinner? I brought a few frozen pizzas, and then we get ready for bed.”

Carly looked up at me. “Can I sleep in here with you?” Her voice was soft and held a tiny bit of worry.

I kissed her temple. “I’m not going anywhere, baby.” I hugged her tighter. “Of course, you can.”

Wendy and Toya gave me a side hug as they gathered the bags. But Toya turned. “She’s been too worried about you to do much else. Why don’t you go down to the tree? She hasn’t been to see her dad all week, and I know she has wanted to.”

I nodded. “Let’s go see Daddy.”

Carly smiled. “Okay.” She wiggled down and then ran downstairs.

I turned to my mom and Lynn. “Two weeks.”

Lynn stood and nodded. “I can be ready in two weeks.”

“So can I.” But I shook my head. “I need you here, Mom.”

“No. We all discussed it. Wendy is going to stay with Carly. Toya, me, and Lynn will be coming with you.” I could tell her mind was already made up, but I felt it. It was wrong.

“I can’t allow that, Mom.” I watched as she grew mad, but I held up my hand before she could scream. “Something is coming here. I can’t tell what it is, but you will be needed here to protect everyone.”

She deflated. “But what about you?”

“I’ll be fine.” I kissed her. “Now I have to take my kid to go see her dad. Porch wine, and we will discuss everything.”

Lynn nodded. “I’m going to train…Ainsley, do you mind coming to help?”

She stared at me for a minute before she nodded and turned to Lynn. “Of course, sweetheart.” We all trailed down the stairs and out the back door where Carly was vibrating, too excited to contain it.

“Let’s go, Amy.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the grave. There was already a small blanket set up, and Carly ran to it. She dropped onto the soft fabric. “Hi Daddy. I miss you. But Amy finally came back.” She looked back at me and smiled.