My mind went blank for a moment. What made Nelson think he was the Alpha of my pack? The thought alone made my stomach twist.
Mae turned to me, confusion on her face. “What’s the matter, Jess? Do you know this Nelson guy?”
I swallowed hard. “Well, yes. He’s just plain evil. I can’t believe he’s coming here.”
Before I could say another word, Ansel took my hand and guided me into the hallway, out of Mae’s sight. The air there felt cooler, quieter. He gathered me into his arms, his warmth steady against my panic.
“What am I going to do, Ansel?” I stammered, my voice trembling. “Nelson is coming here, and he’ll see me.”
“I’ll protect you,” he said softly, looking straight into my eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll figure out a way. Just stay out of Nelson’s sight, okay? We can’t chance him seeing y
