Chapter 32: : Chapter 31

His list of reasons to apologize keeps growing.

But hopefully, what he plans to give her will be enough to warrant just an ounce of her forgiveness.

She sleeps quietly as he packs their belongings in her duffel bags. He grabs whatever water and non-perishable food he finds in the kitchen.

Just like a vacation, he thinks wildly to himself. That’s where we’re going. A family vacation.

He wasn’t lying when he offered her a family. His only family was Cassandra after they lost their parents, and when she was ripped away, it blew a hole inside his heart.

Ellie knows the same pain. She knows what it’s like to blame yourself and to crave a sense of belonging that never comes.

He’ll give it to her. He’ll fill her with as much babies as she fucking wants.

Or, if she wants it to just be the two of them, that’s fine as well.

That conversation is a long way ahead, though.

* * *

The car is easy enough to reprogram, and it purrs to life the minute he pushes the power button. He tucked Ellie neatly in the passenger seat, and she sleeps deeply as they say goodbye to Green Woods forever.

Their trip takes them a few hours north, which is perfect timing. He placed the manilla folder in Ellie’s lap and he waits anxiously for her to wake up.

He missed driving. He forgot what a change of scenery looks like, and he takes in the mountains, trees, and bodies of water as they travel.

Finally, she stirs. She sits upright in her seat, her mouth hanging open in shock.

“Ellie,” he says, as she fumbles with her seat belt. They’re on the freeway, and she sure as shit better not unbuckle herself and try to open the door. “Omega. Calm down.”

But she does the exact opposite. “Are you adding kidnapping to your list of charges, now?” She spits. She glances at a freeway sign and frowns. “Where are we going?”

“Look in the envelope,” he replies, keeping his eyes on the road. “Look in the envelope, and it will explain everything.”

“There’s nothing to explain,” she insists. “Let me out. Or I’ll start screaming.”

He rolls his eyes. “Just open the damn envelope, Ellie.”

She bites her lip, her anger deepening her scent. Her hand dances over the envelope, her finger stopping at the top.

“Just trust me,” he murmurs, glancing at her. “Please.”

She must see something in his eyes or feel his sincerity, because she slowly opens it, allowing the papers to fall into her lap. There are minutes of silence as she reads through each one.

He carefully compiled each paper and spent his nights in Doctor Porter’s office, researching and pulling up records.

And, of course, he hacked into databases when necessary.

He only hopes it will be enough. He can’t change her past, but he can give her something she’s wanted.

He can give her answers.

They’re on another freeway by the time she speaks. “You found him?” Her voice is broken, barely above a whisper.

“Ronald Dennis. Yes.”

“He…” she turns the papers over again, scanning. “He went to a hospital the night of the accident.”

“He had injuries similar to that of a car accident. Two weeks later his truck was in a body shop for damage consistent with a head-on collision.”

She’s silent until he hears her tears hitting the papers. “This is him,” she chokes out. “You found him.”

“I finally used my powers for good,” he murmurs.

“I can’t believe you did this,” she says.

“Life doesn’t give us a lot of answers,” he murmurs. “I was glad I could give you at least one.”

To his surprise, she takes the hand he rests on his thigh, intertwining their fingers. He keeps one hand on the steering wheel as he squeezes her hand.

“Where are we going?” She asks again.

“We’re going to pay him a visit,” he says. “And whatever happens after that is up to you.”