Chapter 192

"I'm showering," I announced the second we got to our room, already heading for the bathroom before Xavier could respond.

The hot water helped wash away some of the road grime, but not the weight pressing on my chest. Where even was home anymore? I couldn't go back to either of my old packs like nothing happened. As steam filled the tiny bathroom, a hazy memory surfaced - a woman in a blue sundress, the fabric dancing in the wind. She called my name with that warm, safe voice I could barely remember anymore.

Mom.

I hadn't seen a photo of her in years. Hadn't heard her voice since childhood. All that remained was this ghost of a feeling - the love we'd shared before she disappeared.

Shutting off the water, I realized my mistake. In my hurry to escape Xavier, I'd left my damn clothes bag on the bed. Perfect. Now what? Call for him like some helpless pup? Or walk out in a towel like it's no big deal?

It should've been no big deal. He'd seen everything before. But everything was different