Chloe Walker is starting over in a small town after a terrible breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Jackson Talen. She comes to Shadow Creek to stay with her brother, Cane, who works for bad boy billionaire Axel Arden. Axel Arden is a hot bachelor billionaire with a reputation for leaving women with broken hearts and the son of Vincent Arden, Alpha of the Shadow Creek Wolf Pack. Will Chloe be his mate and his little, or will she be the one to break this daddy dom billionaire's heart?
Chloe POV
Every item I pack seems to weigh a ton, and the looming presence of Jackson's return from his business trip makes the process even more unbearable. The thought of facing him again after he laid his hands on me once more fills me with anger and disgust. How could I have been so blind as to fall for a womanizing jerk like him? But in the beginning, he was sweet and attentive, making me believe I was the only one in his life.
But that facade quickly crumbled as red flags began popping up left and right. Jackson's manipulative and controlling nature soon revealed itself, but foolishly, I allowed it because I thought it was a sign of his love for me. As I rush to finish packing, grateful for my brother Cane who organized everything from a place to stay to a job and movers, I can't help but wonder what I would do without him.
With the last few boxes loaded into my car, I look over my shoulder, paranoid that someone might be watching or reporting back to Jackson. The idea of being disturbed or followed by him sends shivers down my spine. At this point, I'm not even sure what he's capable of.
I walk up the stairs to my apartment, feeling anxious and ready to leave for good. My landlord Roger is waiting outside my door, a concerned look on his face. He was the one who took me to the hospital after Jackson's latest attack, reminding me again how lucky I am to have people looking out for me like Cane and Roger.
Roger's words hung in the air, bittersweet and heavy with emotion. "I am going to miss you, Chloe. You are one of my best tenants," he says, his voice gentle but tinged with sadness.
Reluctantly, I hand over the key to my apartment. "The movers will be here in the morning to get my things around nine. Tell Mamine goodbye for me. I was hoping she would be home before I left. I am going to miss her and her apple pie," I say softly.
Roger reaches out and lightly touches my face, where the fading bruises serve as painful reminders of what I have endured. "That son of a bitch. Will you be okay?" he asks, his expression filled with genuine concern.
"Yes, I am going to stay with my brother for a while. He got me a job with his company. If Jackson comes around, tell him I left in the middle of the night, and you have no idea where I went, please," I reply firmly.
"If Jackson comes around, I will call the police. I wish you did not have to go. You could press charges against him. He should not get away with doing this to you. It is not right," Roger says, his voice laced with anger.
"That will not work. He has too many friends, and his father is a judge. Leaving is my best option. I miss my brother, and the change will be good for me. I only need to start over and get far away from Jackson and his hold on me," I explain.
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as Roger pulls me into a warm hug. The burly old man may have been my landlord, but he had become like family during my four years living in his building. He and his wife, Mamine, had always looked out for me, and I will miss them dearly.
After quickly gathering the last of my belongings, I follow Roger to the door. "I am going to wait with you if that is okay. I only want to make sure you get on the road," he says, his concern evident in his voice.
"Thanks, I appreciate everything you have done for me," I say, offering him a small smile. Taking one last look around the apartment that had been my safe haven for so long, I know it's time to leave. It's no longer safe for me here, not with Jackson's unpredictable behavior. He may be my ex-boyfriend, but after his last violent outburst, I knew I had to get away before he seriously hurt or even killed someone in the building.
Roger walks me to my car and helps me load my bags into the passenger seat. "Call us and let us know you made it. We want updates on how you are doing but do not tell us exactly where you are for your own safety. Chloe, do not tell anyone where you are, not even people you trust," he warns.
"I will be fine. My brother arranged everything for me, so I do not even know where I am going," I assure him.
"That is best. Take care of yourself, Chloe. Do not let this jerk deter you from falling in love again. You will meet a good man when the time is right. I married Mamine late in life, and look how happy we are. It will happen for you," Roger says with a genuine smile.
"Thanks. I hope you are right. I want a life and to be happy," I say with a wistful sigh. Giving him one last hug, I get into my car and drive off.
As I watch Roger standing on the sidewalk in my rearview mirror, tears slip down my cheeks. But deep down, I know I'll be okay because of kind-hearted people like him in the world. I press a button on my car to make a call. "Call Cane," I say with determination, ready to start a new chapter of my life with my brother's unwavering support by my side.
As the phone begins to ring, Cane's anxious voice echoes through the receiver on the first ring. "Sister, you on your way?" he asks urgently.
"Yes, I just left the apartment. I have no idea where I am going," I reply.
"Shadow Creek, Louisiana," Cane informs me.
"Okay, I need an address," I say, my heart racing at the thought of what awaits me in this unfamiliar town.
"1822 Woodland Hills," Cane recites.
"Got it. I will see you tonight," I confirm, trying to sound confident.
"Drive safe and try not to stop unless it is an emergency. I will check on you every few hours. I love you, sis," Cane reminds me before hanging up.
I take a deep breath and grip the steering wheel tightly as I prepare for the long drive ahead. It's been years since I've made a trip like this alone. But with little time to spare, I know Cane is right - I can't afford to make any unnecessary stops. The road stretches out endlessly before me as I merge onto the highway, and the only breaks in my journey will be for gas or sustenance. This is my mission now - to reach Shadow Creek without hesitation or delay.
Chapter 1 Escape Plan
22/03/2024
Chapter 2 Midnight Arrival
22/03/2024
Chapter 3 Anxiety
22/03/2024
Chapter 4 Mr. Arden
22/03/2024
Chapter 5 Good Morning
22/03/2024
Chapter 6 Axel
22/03/2024
Chapter 7 Axel & Chloe
22/03/2024
Chapter 8 Unexpected
22/03/2024
Chapter 9 Insane Desire
22/03/2024
Chapter 10 Mate
22/03/2024
Chapter 11 He is a sexy wolf
04/04/2024
Chapter 12 Cane
04/04/2024
Chapter 13 Axel
04/04/2024
Chapter 14 He Pleases Me
04/04/2024
Chapter 15 Undeniable
04/04/2024
Chapter 16 Crazy
04/04/2024
Chapter 17 My Love
04/04/2024
Chapter 18 Make Me Happy
04/04/2024
Chapter 19 Why ME
04/04/2024
Chapter 20 Bending to his will
04/04/2024
Chapter 21 Cane
04/04/2024
Chapter 22 Jessie
04/04/2024
Chapter 23 The Truth
04/04/2024
Chapter 24 Luna
04/04/2024
Chapter 25 Gone
04/04/2024
Chapter 26 Jackson
04/04/2024
Chapter 27 Forgive me
04/04/2024
Chapter 28 Our Life
04/04/2024
Other books by Lillith M Kennedy
More