He would come around when it was time. I was sure of it.
Delilah glanced across the bar, her finger wrapping around her tray. She had three more pints of beer she had to deliver.
“It just sort of happened,” I replied. “Grim knew what he wanted, and I guess he fought for it.”
Yes, Grim fought for it. He was more receptive to the Goddess bringing us together.
I was hoping with this new information Delilah would get her happy ending. The longing, the pining as she looked over at Hawke frequently was damned sad. But he refused to take it further—only tiny kisses he’d stolen from her. It left her more broken each time he stepped away from her, giving her the cold shoulder.
“I’m thrilled for you, Journey, I really am.” She patted my hand. “And I’m sorry to tell you this, but I’ll be leaving at the end of the night.”
My eyebrows rose, and I frowned. “What? why?”
“I came into some money. You see, I’ve been working at a diner early in the mornings across town as a server. I’ve scrimped up enough to leave, and I’m going to do it.”
“But why? You said you were going to stay longer.”
She shook her head. “I can’t stay here anymore. Hurts too much. But I’m gonna miss you, though.”
If I had a phone, I’d tell her to call me, but she didn’t have one, either.
“I’ll write to you,” she stated. “I’ll write to you as soon as I settle down, but I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything.”
Of course, I would promise her anything.
“Don’t tell Hawke.” She narrowed her eyes. “He can’t know, or he’ll stop me. I’m not even doing this as a game anymore to get him to come after me. I’m really done.”
“He’ll come find you,” I retorted. “I know he will.”
Especially now that I knew he was a wolf. Grim said his wolf had been far gone, but he could still use some of his animalistic qualities to help track down anything.
I wish I could tell Delilah that.
“I doubt that. He made it very clear last night that nothing would happen between us.” She scowled. “And I’m not wasting my life any longer. I deserve better, want more, and if he isn’t willing to give it, then it’s time I leave. Otherwise, I’ll be stuck here and never get out.”
My eyes watered, and I pulled her into a hug. She almost dropped her tray but caught it with her graceful hands.
“I’ll miss you, Journey. I wish we could have gotten to know each other better. You’re strong.”
I shook my head. I didn’t know if I was strong; I was just a survivor. And my past was completely behind me. No nightmares, no images of men hovering over me. It was just Grim.
Delilah left without another word, pacing around each table and dropping off drinks.
Before I could think any further, a warm arm wrapped around my waist. Grim lifted me off the bar stool and kissed my forehead.
His purr strengthened, and I leaned into him, thankful that he’d fought for me unlike what Hawke was doing to Delilah.
“It’s official. You are part of the club now.” He purred, wrapping his arms around my waist. “In biker terms, you’re my ‘old lady.’”
I snubbed my nose and patted his chest.
“I’m obviously younger than you.” If I had to guess, I was at least fifteen years younger. But I guess you couldn’t really tell with a shifter.
Grim hoisted me up on the bar. I squealed, laughing once my butt hit the wooden plank. His eyes twinkled with mischief, and he rubbed the sides of my legs with his hands.
He turned, grabbing the beer, and slammed it rhythmically on the table to get everyone’s attention. The bar stopped their idle chatter and looked up at the both of us.
