227

MAXINE

The heat of the afternoon sun pressed down on my neck as Ronan and I made our way back to where the car was parked. I couldn't get my mind off of the fact that this was the first time I’d been out in public since Ronan had taken control of the pack.

And he was being surprisingly civil during this outing. Aside from the stares here and there, no one was glaring daggers at him. This wasn't what I was expecting.

As we neared the car and the door was opened, my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone calling my name. At first, I thought it was just my imagination. But then I heard it again. It was clearer and louder this time.

“Maxine!”

I turned, scanning the crowd that was passing on the sidewalk. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her. It was Ella. She was running toward me, her hand on her swollen belly.

“Ella!” I shouted back. I tried to go towards her but the two guards blocked my path. "Ella!" I shouted again, pushing against the guards who were blocking me.

Panic r