Page 90 of Wolf It Down, Knot Me Up

“I’m sorry, but those privileges are gone. Arrangements are done.”

I’m gripping the phone hard, my gut hurts, and tears are pooling in my eyes. I wipe them away, trying not to fall apart on the phone. “H-how did you even find out about Ethan not being here?”

A pause, more paper shuffling over the phone. “Ah, your grandmother contacted me early this morning.”

I blink, unsure if I heard right. Why would she? Or was she just doing the right thing? God, why did she have to say anything?

“She was worried about you being all alone with three convicts and not enough help,” he continues when I don’t reply. “She cares for you, and you ought to be grateful.”

I’m wiping more tears away with my fingers at the thought of my Alphas, my scent matches, my bound mate, being taken away. “She’s…” I can’t finish the words, or I’ll break down crying.

“Well, I must go. The team will be there soon, so please have the men ready.” Then he hangs up.

I stumble against the kitchen counter, set the phone down, and feel like I’m going to collapse. This can’t be happening. I can barely breathe. How am I supposed to be away from them?

Another tear rolls down my cheek, and I let it fall. I’m shaking, angry, confused, and before I know it, I’m dialing up Grandma.

“Lucy, dear, so good to hear from you.”

“What did you tell the parole officer? Why did you call him?” I’m sniffling, trying to contain the raging monster in my chest while breaking into pieces on the inside.

“Wait, slow down. What did the parole officer do?”

“Mr. Colby just called me.” The words tear from my lips. “Grandma, why did you tell him Ethan was gone?”

She gasps, but I’m shaking horribly, and I tell her the whole conversation while pacing back and forth in the kitchen. “They’re taking them away today. And I told you how much they meant to me and…” I break down and cry, unable to hold it back.

“Lucy, please, dear.” Her voice is raised and sharp. “Stop, because I never spoke with Mr. Colby or anyone else at the parole office today.”

“But… what? He said…” I scratch my head, my chest tightening. “But he knew about Ethan not being here, and why would he say you called?”

“Are you sure he said it was me?”

“Yes,” I answer instantly. “Are you certain you didn’t call him?”

“Lucy Rose,” she says firmly. “I’m sixty-eight years old and do not forget things. I didn’t call Mr. Colby, but I’m so mad he would say that. Let me call him now and sort it out.” She pauses, her breathing heavy.

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to put this pressure on you,” I say.

“I’ll call you right back.” She hangs up on me.

I feel awful for upsetting Grandma, but now I’m confused. If she didn’t call the parole office, then who did?

I can’t stop pacing, feeling as though my world is collapsing around me, and I’m holding on to the phone for dear life, hoping that somehow she can fix this wreck. After what feels like an eternity, the phone rings, and I almost drop it in my panic to answer it quickly.

“Grandma!” I gasp.

“Oh, dear,” she says almost sorrowfully, her voice soft and broken. I collapse onto a stool, unable to stand up any longer. “I made it very clear that under no circumstances had I called his office, and if it was someone else, they were lying.”

I nod, strangling the phone. “And?”

She exhales loudly. “He apologized but explained that it doesn’t change the situation. I’m so sorry, Lucy. With Ethan gone and me stuck in this damn hospital, I can’t vouch for them to remain on the property. I am really sorry. I can only think that if I leave the hospital without anyone knowing, then⁠—”

“Grandma, no, you need to heal, or your ankle will get worse.” My voice is shaking as much as I am because all hope is dwindling.

“I’m sorry, Lucy. My heart’s breaking for you, as I know how much those men mean to you.”

I blink away the tears that refuse to stop. “Can we bring them back once you’re home?”