Free Theirs by Christin Lovell Page A

paid them no mind.
     
    I dropped my fork. “Who made you God?” Apparently I was wrong. I hadn’t misjudged my brother. He’d just been putting on a good front. “If they’re here, then clearly it’s because someone put them here, and it wasn’t by their choice. Same way as someone doesn’t choose to be gay; they don’t sign up for persecution. They just are.”
     
    “ So now you’re gay?” His disdain was vivid.
     
    “ No. Yes. No.” I shook my head, trying to make sense of it all. “I’ve never been attracted to a woman before. It’s just her; only her.” My gaze instinctively traveled to the table in the far corner of the restaurant.
     
    Ellie sat quietly across the stretch of seating. She looked up, directly at me, at the precise moment I looked to her. Electricity sizzled between us; tingles seemed to flutter over my flesh just gazing at her. I couldn’t explain it. None of it made sense, and yet I’d never felt such instant attraction for someone, not even Jerry.
     
    “ Is this a phase?”
     
    I sighed, turning back to Billy. “I don’t know. This is all new to me.”
     
    He didn’t let up. “And what about the sheriff? Is he just a perv along for the ride?”
     
    A growl carried towards us.
     
    “ I don’t think so. He’s protected me on more than one occasion.”
     
    His brows drew down. “From who?”
     
    I realized my mistake too late. I couldn’t tell him about what had happened. “Perceived danger.”
     
    He nodded once, thankfully accepting my answer. “Have you considered the repercussions of pursuing this, Kate? Have you given this any thought at all or is this another one of your little impulses?”
     
    I froze, my heart sinking in my chest. I frowned, staring down at my plate. “I haven’t had any impulses that I couldn’t control in a while.”
     
    “ Yet the panic attacks are back.”
     
    “ I take my medicine.”
     
    “ Did you take it today?”
     
    “ In the bathroom this morning.”
     
    “ So they don’t know.”
     
    My throat tightened as pressure built in my chest. “I just met them.”
     
    “ That didn’t stop you from sleeping with them, or was that an impulse you forgot about?” The condemnation in his tone hurt.
     
    Ellie and Jerry were halfway across the restaurant by the time I lifted my gaze. I held up a staying hand. They halted, but didn’t turn away.
     
    Tears stung my eyes. “Yes, Billy. I’m a mess, okay? I’m not perfect and I have problems, but as my brother, you’re supposed to help me with them, not broadcast them.” I began to tremble, anxiety inching along my veins. My heart ached. I wanted to huddle in a dark corner somewhere. I shook my head lightly. “You’re supposed to love me, not judge me.” I took a shaky breath. “I never realized how much like Mom you are until now. You look like Dad, but treat me just like Mom.”
     
    Heart thumping, head beginning to spin, I stood, gripping the edge of the table, and grabbed my bag. “Good bye, Billy.” My voice was weak, but so was I apparently. I thought I’d done so well holding myself together over the years. I was broken to discover the truth, that I’d failed.
     
    He clasped my forearm strongly. “Sit.”
     
    “ Listen, buddy, I don’t give a fuck who you are, you talk to her like that again and I’ll castrate you.” Ellie snarled, her lips curled in disgust. Her eyes wavered with gold, warning of her wolf’s presence.
     
    “ I’m not as kind,” Jerry stated. He glared at Billy, crossing his arms over his chest. He didn’t bother to disguise the honey hues illuminating his eyes.
     
    “ I knew I should have kept those damn guards,” Billy mumbled. He didn’t bother responding to either of them though. “Sit, Kate.”
     
    I hesitated. I was certain I was a feather short of shattering. He’d cut me where it hurt, ripped me open and exposed my vulnerable points to everyone.
     
    “ Look, I’m sorry.” He shoved his hand through his