Chapter 5

Today is Wednesday, only two days until the final and the last day of this semester. It’s also a couple of months to Amelia’s wedding, and I’m trying to cram studying plus meetings with Amelia into my hectic schedule. Today she asked me to meet with her to look at gowns in her bridal magazines. 

“Hey, Chloe. Do you have an extra pen I could use?” Maci asks, pulling me out of my thoughts. 

“Sure,” I say, digging through my bag, pulling one out. “Here you go,” I smile, handing Maci the pen.

“Good morning, class!” Mr. Davis says. “Let’s get into today’s topic, shall we,” He suggests and begins telling us what to expect on the final and how much this final will impact our overall grade. 

Maci turns to me with the excitement of gossip dancing in her eyes. “So, I saw that guy that was staring at you last week talking to you in the hall after class. What did he say?” she asks, nosey as ever. 

“He asked me to go to coffee with him as friends,” I state so she wouldn’t pry. 

“That’s cool,” she says with disappointment, then brings her attention back to the professor.

It was almost time to leave school when I got a text. “I saw you talking with a man at the coffee shop. You should stay away from other men. You don’t want to make me jealous!” the mysterious text read. 

Worry and frustration coursed through my body as I replied. “Please leave me alone! Don’t text me again!” I responded and received a reply in moments. 

“Oh, you got it all wrong gorgeous. You can’t get rid of me that easy,” they text back. 

“I’m going to block you!” I quickly replied. 

“If you ignore me, I will come after your family,” they threaten, causing me to cover my mouth to mute my gasp. 

“Chloe? What’s wrong?” Maci asks with concern. 

Not answering her question I only say. “I have to go,” and get up, leaving the room to hurry to my car. I can’t help but look behind me as I walk. 

Opening my car door, I push the lock button down as soon as I’m seated and start driving away. I immediately called Amalia, shaking. 

Amelia’s phone rang a couple of times before she answered. “Hey, you,” she says, sounding cheerful like always. 

“Amelia? where are you?” I ask frantically. 

“I’m at the packhouse about to leave for our meeting. Why? Are you OK? You sound upset,” she asks, noticing my unusual tone. 

“I am! Someone is threatening me,” I say with my voice cracking.

                                                    Malachi 

Paul and I are going over some papers in my office, with Amelia sitting on the couch looking through some magazines. Suddenly, her phone rings, breaking the silence, but I think nothing of it. 

“Hey, you,” she greets cheerfully. “I’m at the packhouse about to leave for our meeting. Why? are you okay? You sound upset.” she says, and I look Amelia’s way wondering who she could be talking to. I know it’s none of my concern, but what if it’s Chloe? Why would she be upset?

I notice Amelia’s eyes widen in surprise. “What?” Amelia says frantically. I turn to her, and Paul is curious too. 

“Amelia, who is that? Is everything OK?” Paul questions, and I find myself interested in her answer. 

“It’s Chloe. someone is threatening her,” she says with concern. 

I feel anger rise in me at her words. “Who is threatening, Chloe?” I demand in my Alpha voice. “I will take him out right now,” I growl, furious. 

Amelia looks at me, and I can tell she’s not sure how to answer. “Chloe, do you know who is threatening you,” She asks and pauses, listening to the answer.

Amelia looks back at me, and I can tell the answer isn’t what I want to hear. “She says that it’s an unknown number texting her. They’re saying they will hurt her family if she ignores them,” she answers. 

“Tell her to come here. We can protect her,” I say, watching her nod. 

“Chloe, come here, so you’re not alone,” Amelia relays my message, and I see her posture shift to one of relief. “OK, I’ll see you soon,” Amelia declares, and I can feel my chest fill with anticipation at the news. 

                                                        Chloe

I knew when I called Amelia; she would ask me questions. “Chloe, do you know who it is?” She asks and I wish I had the answer. 

“No, they’re texting me from an unknown number and says if I ignore them, they’ll come after my family. I’m scared, Amelia,” I say frantically, fighting back the tears that are threatening to spill from my eyes. 

“Chloe come here so you’re not alone,” Amelia suggests, and I know I’d be the safest with her. 

“Okay, I’m driving now. I’ll be there soon.” I inform her, taking the turn that leads to the packhouse. 

“I’ll see you soon,” Amelia says then I hang up.

I pull into the packhouse and see Amelia standing at the door waiting for me. When I park, she meets me at my door, so I don’t have to walk alone. She would do anything to protect me. She opens my door and wraps her arm around me, and I immediately feel safe. 

“Come in. I’ll get you something hot to drink.” She says, her voice soft with comfort. 

“Thanks,” I say breathlessly shaking from the cold. 

She guides me to the kitchen where I sit at the island, watching her grab some hot chocolate from the cupboard. She places a pan with milk on the stove, and lights it before turning to me “I’m sorry this is happening to you,” Her expression soft and caring.

Once again, I fight back the tears and force the fear away, but I must be honest with her.  “I’m scared to go home. What do I do?” I ask, desperately. 

“You can stay with Paul and me. You shouldn’t be alone.” She insists. 

“You have so much going on with your wedding. I don’t want to impose on you two,” I mumble. 

“You wouldn’t be imposing. You’re my best friend. I would never leave you when you need me, and we can push the wedding back until we resolve this.” She suggests, causing me to shake my head at her words.

“Amelia, I can’t let you do that,” I say, carefully taking the hot mug she’s handing me. I take a sip, enjoying the warmth spreading throughout my chest. 

“There is a guest room here at the packhouse. I’m sure you could stay here until we figure things out. This way, you’re always protected,” she mentions. 

“I’ll consider it,” I mumble, taking another sip. “Where is Paul?” I ask. 

“They are in Malachi’s office working on some things for the packhouse meeting tomorrow,” she explains, nodding for me to follow her.

We walked to the living area, where there is a fireplace burning. I sit in a big chair close to the fire while Amelia sits on the couch. 

Shortly after, Paul walks in and kisses her forehead before taking the spot next to her. They are so cute together. I think to myself, genuinely happy for my friend. 

“Hey, Chloe,” Paul says, looking in my direction. 

“Hi Paul, I’m sorry to interrupt your plans,” I say meekly. 

“Never be sorry for that,” Amelia says, looking at me with comfort and understanding in her eyes. 

“What would I do without you?” I say, heartfelt. 

“I love you, Chloe, and I will always protect you, and so will the whole pack, your family,” she tells me with a smile. 

What she says hits me hard. I can no longer hold back the tears, and I start to cry. “That means so much to me, Amelia,” I say with my voice cracking. In a failed attempt to wipe my tears, I notice black streaks on the back of my hand. “I need to fix my mascara. It’s smudged. Can I use the bathroom?” I ask. 

“Yeah, it’s down the hall to the left,” Paul directs me. 

“Thanks,” I say gratefully then stand and head down the hall. When I turn left, I run right into someone...