Her Life Her Wolf

Chapter 4

*Corinne POV*

I awoke to sun streaming through the windows, and birds chirping. I was apparently more tired than I had thought, realizing that I had slept for hours without even moving. I stretched my sore muscles, grabbed a change of clothes, and padded into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I wondered if I was going to get my car and my stuff back today. I shivered, thinking about the possibility of trackers being in my belongings. I didn’t want to admit it, but it made the most sense. How else would they have even found me? I’d done everything I could to ensure I wasn’t being followed. I guess I just didn’t understand why they couldn’t just let me go.

I finished getting dressed. I wasn’t sure who’s clothes these were, but they were very soft and I liked the style, even if they were a little less modest than I would normally wear. The top was a high necked blouse in a softly shimmering blue, that skimmed the top of the dark grey jeans. I put my sandals on, and went downstairs. Realizing that I had no way to go anywhere, I paused. I hated to bother Stephanie again so early, but I needed to go to the grocery store. I texted her and thanked her again for her help last night and asked if she had any updates on when my car might be safe for me to drive. I added that I wasn’t trying to rush anyone, but I did have some errands I needed to run today. My phone began ringing almost immediately.

I answered and Stephanie said, “I am so sorry Corinne! I hadn’t considered that you may have places you needed to go when we dropped you off last night. My goodness you must also be starving! Listen, I can’t come in person right now, but I’ll send someone to bring some breakfast and take you to run your errands. The last I heard your car should be ready by this evening but I’ll link up with Tobias when we get off the phone and check in on that as well.” I chuckled, a little embarrassed. “No need to apologize for anything Stephanie,” I said, “I appreciate everything you and your husband have done for me already. I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness and I am sure your workers have better things to do with their day than babysit me.” Peals of laughter came through my phone. “Oh, Corinne, I assure you that they won’t mind. They’ll be there in about 20-25 minutes,” she said and hung up.

I grabbed my bag and went to sit on the porch while I waited. I rocked in the swing and thought about everything that had happened in the past few days. I was looking forward to things finally calming down, and having a normal life. I wondered if that was even possible. I thought about my adoption file, and how it had been burned. Deana and Willard had always told me those records were sealed, and their copy was the only one I would ever be able to see. I wondered if that was true. They had lied to me about a lot of things over the years, but I always assumed they were telling me truth about my adoption. What if they weren’t? Maybe I could get my records on my own after all. I wonder if there were any clues as to who my family was. I wondered who I looked like. Did I have my father’s green eyes, and my mother’s red hair? Were they tall? Did they garden? Were they creative? Did they ever think about me, and wonder the same things?

Lost in my own world, I didn’t notice a vehicle had pulled into the driveway until after I heard the doors close. I looked out to see two of the most muscular men I’d ever laid eyes on. The driver had smooth velvety brown skin, long black dreadlocks pulled into a ponytail, deep brown eyes, and a gentle smile. The passenger had a mop of curly brown hair with eyes to match. His hazel eyes had a glint of mischief, and he was lightly tanned like someone that spent a lot of time outdoors. I stood and the driver called out, “Hey, you must be Corinne. I’m Keith, and that’s Anwar. Lu- I mean Stephanie said that you needed a ride since they confiscated your car.”

I smiled and waved. “Hey, come on up guys. I don’t know if I’d quite call it confiscating as much as cleaning it but yeah, I need to get groceries, and maybe run a few other errands to change my address. I don’t want to put you all out though, so I can always just get groceries today and worry about the rest after I get my car back,” I said. “Don’t be silly,” Anwar piped up, “It’s no trouble at all, that’s what neighbors are for. Besides, it isn’t putting us out at all. We are low on a few things and would have been going out this week to pick some groceries up anyways.” Handing me a bag, I opened it to discover an assortment of croissants, muffins, and pastries. Keith also walked up and handed me a to-go cup of coffee and a small bag of creamers and sugars. I set the creamers and sugar down, and grabbed a croissant. Sipping on my cup of black coffee while I ate, I gestured to the remaining pastries. “You can help yourself, I’m not going to eat all that,” I said. They declined my offer although I don’t know how. This croissant was delicious. “I don’t know who does the cooking over there but this is the second meal I’ve had the pleasure of eating, and it’s equally amazing,” I said. Anwar laughed and said, “That would be Hannah. I’ll be sure to let her know you’ve been enjoying it.”

Putting the rest of the baked treats inside the house, we headed out to run errands. I hadn’t known either of these men longer than about half an hour at this point, but I felt like I’d known them forever. I felt so lucky to have fallen in with such a caring group of people, and hoped that we always stayed connected no matter what the future held.

After going to the post office, DMV, we headed to the grocery store. Walking the aisles, I picked out all the foods I might need for the next few weeks. I was having a good time, laughing and joking with the guys, when I got the feeling I was being watched. I looked around and didn’t see anyone. Keith looks at me and stops laughing. “What’s the matter Corinne?” he asks me, concern clear on his face. “I don’t know, I just keep getting the feeling like someone is watching me,” I answered honestly. Keith and Anwar both stiffen at my confession and begin scanning the area. Watching the transition from carefree to serious security was startling to me. “It’s probably nothing guys. I’m probably just paranoid from everything that happened this week,” I said nervously.

Anwar pats me on the shoulder, “I think that if anyone is following you, they can see you’re not alone. Let’s finish up your shopping, and get out of here.” I nodded in agreement, and before long I was ready to check out. We loaded up the groceries and headed back to the cottage. The mood was a lot more somber, and I couldn’t help but feel like that was my fault. When we got back to my house I thanked them again for all of their help, and apologized for killing the mood with my paranoia. Keith took my by the shoulders and looked directly into my eyes saying, "Corinne, never apologize for trusting your gut. If something feels off to you, even if you can't prove it, don't ignore it. You didn't ruin anything. All the people that showed you you had to be careful and look over your shoulder ar the people that ruined something." I smiled a weak smile and took in a shaky breath. "Thanks, Keith," I said, "I guess I really did need to hear that."

Clapping his hands, Anwar said, "Enough sad talk now. While you put your things away, Keith and I will run out and grab us some pizzas for lunch. How does that sound?" My stomach rumbled. "Well my stomach apparently approves," I said, laughing. "Great we will be back soon," Anwar said and they headed out. I continued to organize my kitchen, and made a fresh pot of coffee. I wasn't sure how long the guys would be gone, but I wanted to do something for them, considering all the help they'd given me. I decided that I'd whip up a quick batch of peanut butter cookies. I was dropping the cookies on the baking sheet and pressing their sugar tops when I heard my phone chime. Washing off my hands I quickly opened my phone to see who was texting me. The message said it came from a restricted number. I opened the message and looked in horror, it was a photograph of me, Anwar, and Keith inside the grocery store. The text read "I should have known you were a whore." I dropped the phone on the counter and sunk to the floor. I was still sitting there, tears falling silently when the guys returned.

"Oh my God Corrinne, what happened," Keith exclaimed. I shrugged my shoulders and pointed to my phone. He picked it up and looked at the message, and I could have sworn I heard him growl. He showed it to Anwar, who's face got dark with anger. "Corinne, I can assure you no one followed us back to your house." I looked at him with eyes bloodshot from crying and said, "Does it matter if they followed me home today? They got my number from somewhere, and knew I was at the store," I exclaimed. "This is a BRAND NEW phone that I only bought after I arrived in the city! I didn't even know my own phone number at first! I didn't even reach out to the few people I knew back home to tell them how to contact me, in case Deana and Willard got to them! I can't..." My speech faltered as began to cry again. Keith gently helped me off of the floor and guided me to the living room sofa. I curled up in a ball, with my head resting on my knees, rocking myself.

Anwar and Keith looked at each other as if having a silent conversation. After a moment, Anwar nodded, and went out the front door. "He's going to make some calls, and find out how this happened." A few moments later, Stephanie burst through the door, calling my name. Enveloping me in a hug she rocked with me as fresh tears began to fall. "It's all going to be okay. We will figure this out together." I took a shaky breath and said, "No. I've caused enough trouble already. You shouldn't have to figure any of this out. It's my fault you're even involved in this. I really am more trouble than I'm worth." Wiping my tears, I stood up. I appreciate you all so much, but I'd rather be alone. Nodding sadly, Stephanie stood. "If you change your mind, I'm right down the road. I can be here in a heartbeat." I thanked her, and turned to Keith. "Thank you Keith for all of your help today too. I'll be okay, but I'm not in the mood for pizza now. Please tell Anwar that I'm sorry for all the trouble." Keith sighed, "You cannot help the trouble someone else brings to you, Corinne. I'll head out so you can have some privacy." I snorted. Privacy is an illusion, and if I knew nothing else, I knew that I had none.