The Power Within

Chapter Eleven

My ringing phone woke me up. I groaned and answered it. 

"Hello?" I said, still a bit groggy. 

"Hey, chica, how is your vacation going so far?" Becca's perky voice made me rub my eyes. 

"Hey, Becca. It's going. What's up? Why are you calling me before 7 am?" I sat up in bed, and pushed my hair out of my face.

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I didn't even look at the time. I was just so excited to tell you about this huge bouquet of flowers that was in front of your apartment door. I brought them inside and set them on your counter. They are gorgeous. You never told me you have a boyfriend!" Becca talked so quickly, it took me a minute to understand what she said.

I shook my head, confused, and slightly panicked. "I don't have a boyfriend. Did the flowers have a card?" I asked her.

"Oh, yeah, hang on....the card says, 'To my girl, I will follow you anywhere, from M.W.' Oh my, that is so sweet, Kiley! Who is MW and why haven't you told me about him!" 

MW...shit! The flowers are from Malcom. His initials are MW, for Malcom Wittenopp. He's found me! I took a deep breath. I had to calm down. 

"Sorry, Becca, I think those flowers were delivered to me by mistake. I don't know any MW. Thanks for bringing them inside though. Um, I've gotta go. Bye."

I hung up the phone before Becca could protest. I had to tell my parents. We had to get out of here. I couldn't put Gabby, Mica, or anybody else in danger. If Malcom knew where I lived, then he knew where I worked. He would find me here soon. 

I rushed out of bed, and into some clothes. I don't even know what I put on. I didn't care. The fear made my limbs feel heavy, like I was wading through thick syrup. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. I had to find my parents and tell them. I ran out of the room and into the kitchen. Luckily, everyone, but Mia and Louisa were there. 

Everyone's head turned to look at me when I hurried into the room. 

"Mom, Dad. We have to go. Right now! Malcom has found me. Pack your stuff. We are leaving!"

Mica stood up from the stool he had been on, and came over to me. He put his hands on my shoulders.

He smells gross again today! What the hell? I don't have time for this. 

I took a step back. Mica gave me an odd look. "Hey, calm down." He said. He put his hands into his front pockets. "What's going on? What do you mean Malcom has found you? You can't leave yet. Let me help you."

I shook my head. "No. I am not going to put you guys in harm's way. We will leave, and then Malcom will have no reason to bother you or your family." I gestured towards Gabby. My parents were standing up, next to the island. 

"I agree with Kiley-Ann. If Malcom has found her, then we need to leave." My Dad knew the danger. Mom nodded her head. 

Gabby put her coffee cup down, "But, Kiley, if you leave, you will hurt Malcom. You're his mate."

I put my head in my hands. "I don't think so. I don't know." I looked up and met Mica's eyes. "I do know that if I stay and Malcom does find me; he will do anything to get me. He won't let anyone stand in his way. He killed my parents! Hell, that bastard killed my entire pack!"

Mom came over towards me, and I wrapped my arms tight around her as soon as she was close enough. She stroked my head. "Shh, take a breath. It's going to be okay."

I did as Mom suggested, and took a deep breath. 

"Kiley, please. I understand why you want to leave. But you are my mate. And it's my job to keep you safe." Mica took a step towards me. His eyes were pleading with me. 

What is wrong with me? Why can't I tell if he is my mate or not? I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I don't even have time to worry about this right now. I have to hide from Malcom. I cannot put Gabby's family at risk. I can't be responsible for any more deaths. 

Mica's voice stopped my errant thoughts. "Kiley, be logical. Even if Malcom does somehow find out where you went on vacation, how will he find you here? No one knows you're here, other than us. And you can trust us."

I crossed my arms, and paced for minute while I thought about what Mica had said. I mean, he isn't wrong. I'm not anywhere near Copper Harbor. How would Malcom find me here? I never planned on being in Flushmont. Mica's right. Malcom might find out where I was supposed to be, but he shouldn't be able to find me here.

I stopped pacing when my dad spoke up. "Mica does have a point. What exactly got you so worked up, anyway? How did you know Malcom had found you?"

I smacked my forehead. I hadn't even told them about Becca's call. "Oops. My friend from work, who is taking care of Jackie and Jolene, she called me and told me about a bouquet of flowers that had been delivered in front of my apartment door. She was all excited because she thought I had some boyfriend I hadn't told her about. I told her the flowers must be a mistake, and then I hung up. I rushed to get dressed and came to get you guys. But I know the flowers are from Malcom. And if he knows where I live, then he knows where I work. And I just panicked." 

I snapped my head to glare at Mica when I heard him laugh. "That's why you're dressed like that! I was afraid something was wrong with your eyesight."

I glanced down to see what he was talking about. I had thrown on my bright, purple leggings along with my lime-green, oversized sleep shirt. I chuckled. "I'll go change real quick. I still think I should leave though."

I walked back to the bedroom, and exchanged my sleep shirt for a long-sleeved black shirt. It was tunic length, so it hit about mid thigh. I went to the bathroom, put in my contacts, and threw my long hair into a ponytail. I came back into the kitchen to find everyone seated at the island again. 

Mica talked while I got a cup of coffee. "I think you should stay. I think having more shifters around you will help. We could tell a few people..."

I held up my hand to stop him and met his gaze. "No, the less people who know, the better. Malcom has followers everywhere. I know I can trust you guys, but trust me when I say that Malcom is dangerous."

"I think Kiley-Ann is right. The less people who know she is here, and about her being the three-form shifter, is the best way to keep her safe." 

If I hadn't been watching Mica so closely, I would have missed the small glare he sent my dad. What the hell was that for?  

My gaze went to Gabby when she said, "I'll say it again. Kiley, you should stay. Mica is your mate. If you leave, he will only follow you. Stay here, and let Mica and I help you. Please." 

I looked over at my mom and dad, and then again at Mica. If he is my mate, he would follow me anywhere. And having Mica and his family around may be better than me and my parents being on our own. At least here, I have some extra help to keep them safe. I let out a huge sigh. "Alright, I'll stay for a few more days."

Mica gave me a big grin. "Good, now that's settled, I'm going to work. I will back soon. You guys stay here at the house where you are safe." He walked over and kissed my cheek. "Good-bye, mate." 

I rubbed the spot where his lips had been as I heard the front door shut.