Shane shifted back to human form and squinted after the receding cars. “Do you think they’ll be back?”
“I don’t know,” Kyle said. “I think Jasper only wanted to intimidate me. He came when I was alone. He thought I would agree to his demand and just hand Hollie over. The guy just can’t control his emotions and his temper. He lost it when I said I would join the Black Blade pack and challenge him and his Alpha.”
Ian snorted a humorless laugh. “Insecure little shit.”
“Yeah. That’s when he screamed at his lieutenants to attack and destroy the place.”
“But we kicked their furry asses and now they’ve run off to lick their wounds,” Shane said.
“Now that they know we’re not easy targets, they might just back off,” Kyle said. “They’ve never valued Hollie anyway. Why would they fight so hard for a half-breed they despise? Spilling more blood isn’t worth it.”
Kyle went to his car and said over his shoulder, “I’m going to Joe’s Diner to check on Hollie. I won’t spook her but I just want to make sure she’s okay.”
Ian nodded. “Go. Shane and I will clear up the mess.”
Kyle sped to Joe’s Diner and hurried into the diner. He asked to speak to Hollie urgently.
Hollie rushed out of the kitchen, flustered and alarmed. “Kyle,” she said, coming up to him and searching his face anxiously. “What is it?”
Before he could say a word, Hollie caught sight of the bruises on his knuckles and the claw marks down his arms.
“Jasper,” she hissed angrily. “Jasper did this, didn’t he?” She grabbed his hands. “What did he do? Did he destroy your garage? What did he damage? Did he hurt Shane and Ian? Are you injured...”
“I’m fine. So are Shane and Ian. Everything’s fine,” Kyle assured her.
“No!” Hollie said. “Everything is not fine! Jasper...”
“Jasper and his minions didn’t damage anything. They ran off with their tails between their legs when Shane and Ian arrived,” Kyle said as he forced a smile. “I think I should stay here at the diner and...”
“And do what?” Hollie’s voice rose in agitation.
“I just...”
“You want to stay here for hours just to keep watch over me?”
Kyle wisely stayed silent.
“I am a free woman,” Hollie said, balling her fists. “I don’t want to be watched like a criminal! I don’t need a bodyguard. And you don’t have to put your life on hold and let the wolves ruin your business.”
“I need you to be safe, Hollie...”
“I know, I know.” She pinched her nose. “I know you mean well, Kyle. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you. But...”
She looked up at him, her eyes shining with a fierce light.
“We’re not the ones who did anything wrong. We should not let them derail our lives. For the first time in my life, I have a job that I love, I’m earning a fair wage, and I have friends. I am happy, truly happy. I will live my life. Freely, openly, happily. And so will you. They are not taking another minute of my life from me!”
Kyle stared at her. So did Maria and Lucy who were at the counter.
“You are right,” Kyle said, breaking into a proud smile. “You are absolutely right, Hollie.”
“Yeah, you go girl,” Maria said, nodding.
Hollie took a deep, shuddering breath. She reached out and took Kyle’s hand.
“Listen, I know you’re worried,” she said softly. “But I don’t want to go back to being scared and silent. I...I’m really mad at what they did to you. They tried to destroy your business and my life.”
She paused and said in a stronger voice, “But if we don’t live our lives, they win. We should live our lives and be successful and happy. Don’t let them win.”
“I won’t,” Kyle promised.
He pulled Hollie to him and grinned. “In fact, I think we’ve already won! You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I love you, Hollie.”
The diner burst into loud cheers and applause when Kyle dipped Hollie and kissed her.
“I love you too, Kyle,” she whispered, blushing deeply. “Now, let me get back to work.”