BELLE

The name seemed to hold some unsaid significance because chills covered my body.

I leaned back in my seat after shaking her outstretched hand. “Well, thank you for the meal, Ms. Viotto. I really appreciate it.”

“Oh, please, call me Evangeline. I’ve never gone by Ms. Viotto. I’m not even sure I would answer to it.”

“Evangeline, then.”

She considered me for a few seconds before continuing. “I want you to know that I don’t plan on telling your mate where you are. I think you have every right to hide after everything you went through.”

My heart did a flip in my chest. I hadn’t even considered the...