At His Mercy

Shivers

**Adaline's POV**

"So, Adaline who are you?" The question repeated over and over in my head as he watched me with deciphering eyes. All of my fears and worries were right in front of me.

Why was this cop looking into me? Was my true identity discovered? What did this all mean and what would happen now? Fear was taking over and I worried that my life was coming crashing down on me. I should have never stayed here this long, it was too big of a risk, but I was sure I was safe. I was wrong. Praying up to the heavens that I had time to run off and reinvent myself, my mind was too busy working through my next steps that I forgot the person in front of me. Everything around me evaporated into nothing. Darkness and fear started to suffocate me, and I was having trouble finding my breathing, but I had to get it together because if I was going to get away, I needed to keep my mask strong.

Standing up straight and raising my chin, I tried to harden my face even more, hoping to show that I was not going to be pushed around. "Who I am is none of your business. I don't know you, and you sure as hell do not know me. You had better stay away from me or I'll-"

"Go to the police?" He teased. Jacob laughed at his own joke "I just want to know what is going on, Adaline. I saw your reaction last week and could see that something is very wrong. I'd like to help."

"I do not need your help, officer." I cut him off. Trusting cops was never a good idea for people like me: criminals who ran away in the night. I was better on my own. "What you can do is give me my privacy. I have done nothing wrong and there is no reason why you should even be investigating me and then showing up at my bus stop outside of my job. I'm sure your supervisor would not like knowing that one of his officers is harassing someone off the clock."

"Are you threatening me?" He laughed.

"I'm promising you." I answered confidently even though inside I was shaking like a wet stray cat in the cold. Jacob stood up and tried to make himself taller, but I wasn't intimidated. He took a step closer and was surprised when I didn't step back. "You don't scare me. I have faced worse than you could ever imagine."

Jacob was caught off guard for a moment, and I could have sworn there was pain and concern in his eyes. I don't think his intention was to scare me, and I could see that now as his eyes and stance softened. He pitied me and wanted to help me, but I didn't need to be rescued. I just wanted to be left alone. "Why won't you let me help you, Adaline?" He whispered softly. The truth is that a part of me wanted that. I wanted someone to take away the fear and the constant burden of pretending I was okay. But I couldn't let my guard down. If I was hurt again, I wouldn't survive it.

"Because when I needed help so many other times, no one was there except me. I can only depend on myself." I raised my chin and looked at him in his brown eyes.

I felt my throat swell and my eyes burn with unshed tears. Jacob looked to be a decent guy, but I have been fooled so many times before. The men I have encountered in the past were all wolves in sheep's clothing, and I had to stay away from that. Not once in all my years have I felt safe with a man. In front of Jacob I don't feel safe, but I don't feel threatened either. I just feel like he is someone that could possibly ruin everything because of his curiosity. It doens't matter. All that matters is he had to leave me alone.

If Jacob continues to look into me, he might find out things that I want to stay in the dark. He might report me, and ruin everything. "Please. If you really want to help, then the best thing you can do is nothing. Don't look into me, don't try to find anything." He looked confused but still said nothing. I stepped closer and decided to pull the mask down just enough and I whispered, "You'll be killing me."

His eyes widened, but just in time, his partner pulled up a red truck. "Cortez!" His partner shouted out the window. "Come on, Captain is calling us in."

Jacob Cortez. He looked like he didn't want to leave, but with a blink of an eye, I was pulling my mask back up and stepping away from him. "I don't know what is going on, Adaline. I'll stop investigating, but I won't leave you alone." And with that, he was jumping in the truck and driving away.

I breathed a sigh of relief, and in just moments the bus was in front of me. I hurried on and sat next to a window, turning my body so no one could see me cry. No longer out of fear, but crying because I was hurting. I wanted to be saved, but I could never trust someone enough. Now that Jacob knows something is going on, I don't know if it is safe to stay here in Dallas. I would have to start a job from the bottom again with a whole new name and social security number. Jerry was the best in the business and has helped me numerous times before. When I get home, I'm going to give him a call and see how fast he can send me what I need. Maybe I don't have to leave, but it will be good to have the new identity on standby so I can disappear before anyone realizes.

With so much on my mind, I had forgotten that I would be going home to an empty apartment. I was happy that Dalia was not here and she would not be in the middle of this mess, but at the same time I was afraid to be alone right now. Then something frightened me. Jacob knows where I live. I started to pace the living room floor, trying to calm myself down, but it was impossible. Picking up my phone, I called one of the few numbers I had saved. Jerry.

It rang and rang until eventually it went to voicemail. He never missed a call. Unsure what was going on, I left him a very vague voicemail. Jerry has helped me disappear four times before. This was the fifth and when I didn't call around the time I usually would, he called me, but I was happy and wanted to stop running. He advised against it. Maybe I should have listened.

After hanging up, I threw my phone on the couch and slumped into the cushions, threw my head back and covered my face with my hands. 'f**k. f**k. Fuck.' I thought to myself. What was I going to do if Jerry never called me back? He was the only one I knew that could help people disappear. I felt the huge weight pressing down on my chest. There would be no point in running if Jerry couldn't erase Adaline and create someone new. No matter where I went, he could find me. Maybe it's time to face him. Stop running and show that I have moved on with my own life. I don't know if he will ever let me go, but I did know that I was sick of running and living in fear, looking over my shoulder.

"Let him come." I whispered into the empty living room. I was scared, but I was determined more than anything to not run again. I have a great job, a nice place, I have coworkers that are sometimes nice and an understanding roommate. No way I'm leaving all of this behind when I worked so hard and came this far. "No more running." I promised to myself, and I never broke a promise to myself.

Everything that happened tonight made me lose my appetite, so after a shower, I headed to bed early, but all I did was toss and turn. Unable to settle in, I decide to call into work to check on Mrs. Maye. I am happy I did. One of the overnight caretakers was trying to call Mr. Sebi to put her to sleep. I told them to leave her be and I will be coming in right away. I changed out of my nightgown into jeans and a camisole and a light sweater. I didn't bother with my hair and let it hang just atop of my shoulders. It was going to be a very long night and an even longer day in the morning. After calling for a car, I ran downstairs and waited.

The car pulled up and I was heading to the facility. I hope Mrs. Maye has not lost her trust in me yet. If she has, I hope it can be fixed. Maye is my guest, and I wonder why someone would be bothering her when I specifically put in the folder on her door she is not to be disturbed. I rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes and mentally prepared myself for whatever I was about to walk into.

Mr. Sebi and his assistant were being far too rough with Mrs. Maye and they somehow made it into the hall as they continued to try to hold her still to receive the injection. "What the hell do you think you are doing?" I yelled as I ran towards the commotion. Mrs. Maye looked angry instead of frightened. I'm starting to believe she is not like any of the other guests here.

**Enar's POV**

I wasn't supposed to come home early, but when Emil told me what my older brother, Viggo, had done, I had no choice. Yes, I am the youngest, but why must I be the responsible one? Why would father leave him everything when he could never be bothered to lift a finger before? I rushed home even though I was not due back for another two weeks. The deal closed early, and I was finally enjoying some time off, but I should have known that being gone too long, Viggo would do something completely f****d up.

As I drive home from the airport, winding through the traffic, I cannot stop thinking about what to do about the whole situation. Rightfully, Viggo is the next in line to run the family business, but I know so much more than him. I have done so much more and learned everything since I was a teen. While Viggo was having fun in high school with sports and girls, I worked weekends and school nights to learn everything from my father. Since the reading of the will, Viggo has almost ruined everything. But, of course, I am always there to clean up the mess and fix whatever he may have almost broken.

I entered the driveway just as my brother was climbing out of the car. When he saw me through the windshield, his face contorted in anger and annoyance. Probably because he knows the reason I'm home early.

"Lillebror!" (Little brother) He called out and opened his arms when I started to climb out of the car. "To what do I owe this unexpected and unwelcome visit?"

"Viggo." I rolled my eyes and walked closer. "We need to talk. Where is she?"

He sent me a smirk and walked inside as I followed closely behind. We entered the bar area of the formal living area and he poured himself a drink. "Where is who?" Viggo asked, swirling the drink around without looking at me. I was not in the mood for games, so I snatched the glass from him and threw it against the wall. "And they say I am the one with a temper." He laughed.

"Du överger inte familjen." (You don't abandon family.) I yelled. I stood toe to toe with him, challenging him. Neither one of us was backing down as we continued to stare down one another. One thing about the men in our family: we all want to be the Alpha, but there can only be one in charge and I don't believe that should be my arrogant brother. "Father left you in charge of not just the business but to take care of this family. That doesn't mean you dump his mother somewhere!"

"Like you said, I am the one in charge. I'll dump the gammal tik anywhere I damn well please." (old b***h)

"Emil!" I called to the driver. He came around the corner in a hurry and bowed his head slightly. "You will take me to her. Now."

"Sir, the facility is closed." I turned to look at him and narrowed my eyes. He looked down immediately and nodded. "I'll retrieve the car, sir."

"When I return with her, you will do your best groveling for her forgiveness. This is not and never will be how we treat our family." I stormed out of the house, leaving a very angry Viggo behind.

Emil was waiting by the car, with the back door open and waiting for me. I usually opt to drive, but I had no idea where exactly Viggo dumped my grandmother. I tried to relax, but I was worried. Not about her, only those around her. Nana Maye was a very stubborn, strong-minded woman and people thought her vile and insensitive. Which is true, but still. She was never the Nana to bake cookies for us and pinch us on the cheeks. She was stern, blunt, and always wanting perfection. More difficult to please than anyone I have ever encountered, she always had a tongue lashing ready for you, especially when she thought you weak. She loathed weakness. But when she saw strength, she gave you even more s**t, wanting you to be even stronger. A very difficult woman, but honestly one of the best.

The drive was not too long, but it was not close either. Emil turned a corner and slowed down to park along the curb. Just across the street, there was a building with an awning, 'New Beginnings' printed on it. Emil said she was there. As he opened the door, I saw someone jumping out of a taxi and rushing inside using the keypad.

"I guess Nana Maye is already causing some trouble." I chuckled slightly. Emil nodded and closed my door.

I tried to enter the building but it was locked. I pressed the call button, and an annoyed voice sounded over the busted intercom. " Visiting hours are over. You can come back in the morning at eight."

"I got a call that something was wrong. My grandmother is Maye Hellstrom." I lied, but seeing someone rush in was a sure clue that I would be right, and it was proven so when I was buzzed in. Entering the building, I was infuriated. The place was not a dump, but it was not to Nana's standards either. I'm guessing a huge 'f**k you' to her face. f*****g Viggo. "Where is she?" Before the person behind the front counter could answer, I heard her shouting in Sweden and smiled slightly, pointing my finger down the hall to my right. "I'll just follow the screaming." He rolled his eyes and sat back down, picking up his phone.

When I got closer, I was angry at the sight before me. My legs carried me faster down the hall to see one man trying to hold Nana down, another with a needle in the air and the girl I saw earlier yelling at both of them. "What the hell do you think you are doing Why is Mrs. Maye being bothered! I specifically put in her chart that she was not to be disturbed when I was not here!"

"Move, Adaline. I'm just doing my job." The big guy with the needle said and tried to push her aside.

The girl grabbed his wrist, twisted it and managed to get the needle out of his grasp. "Mrs. Maye is MY guest and she does not need to be sedated!" She pushed the plunger, emptying its contents onto the floor. "Now leave her in my care, and I am going to make sure our manager hears about this!"

The two guys huffed and started to leave. I was too dumbfounded to move. All I could do was watch her defend my family, and see how my Nana Maye looked at her in return. "Tu es plus fort que je ne le pensais." (You're stronger than I thought) Nana held out her hand, and the woman took it and smiled sadly.

"Je m'excuse profondément. Ils n'avaient pas le droit." (I deeply apologize. They had no right) The woman answered back. I had no idea my Nana spoke French, and I am even more shocked that she was being gentle with another person! She was only ever soft with her husband and he died years ago. I have never seen this side of her and it was baffling to me. Finally, they both noticed me standing there, mouth open like an i***t. "Can I help you sir?"

"Stäng munnen, pojke! Du ser ut som en jävla i***t!" (Close your mouth, boy! You look like a f*****g i***t!) Nana Maye shouted. I did so at once and cleared my throat. "Adaline, this is my youngest grandson, Enar. Enar, this is Adaline, my caregiver and now personal body guard." She laughed. I haven't heard her laugh genuinely in what felt like forever! Who was this girl and how did she warm up so quickly to one of the coldest hearts in history?

I stepped forward and reached out my hand. "Pleasure to meet you, and thank you for being here for my Nana." She placed her gentle hand in mine and gasped silently. I felt it too. A weird shock that sent shivers all over. "Adaline." I whispered her name to myself as she helped Nana Maye back into her room. I liked the name and it suited her well. I liked it even more the way it felt rolling off my tongue. I mentally scolded myself and tried to stay on task. "That is unnecessary," I commented as she tucked Nana in bed. "Nana Maye will be coming home at once."

"So you must be the one who signed your grandmother against her will and left her here stressed and alone like some stray animal. You're seriously f****d in the head." Adaline turned and bit my head off. Usually, I do not take it well when someone insults me, and even more so, when I am accused of something I did not do, but again, I am in awe of her. "Not everyone has the luxury of family and its sad how you take advantage of yours."

Nana Maye chuckled again, not even bothering to correct Adaline. "You are right." I shrugged my shoulders. "My elder brother is seriously f****d in the head for bringing our family here and dumping her. He'll be dealt with."

She was puzzled for a minute and then turned to Nana Maye. "You said this was your younger grandson?" Nana nodded and pulled the covers up to her chin and closed her eyes and wished us goodnight. We both turned to the door, and I gestured for Adaline to go first, and then I followed her out of the room and a few steps down the hall. "I apologize. I was not paying attention to which grandson you were, I just know she was left here very upset."

"I had been away on business and returned home when I was informed of the situation. I would never do this to family, especially my Nana Maye. She is all we have left." We stopped and turned to face one another. "It's late and I am sure there is a lot of paperwork, so what time should I return in the morning to take her home?"

A sad look crossed her mesmerizing brown eyes. Looking at her this close in the moon light streaming through the side window did something to me. It was new and foreign, but it was not bad. No, it is bad. No emotional connections Enar! "I am sorry, sir, but only the person who signed in Mrs. Maye can sign her out. The power of attorney form has to be in your name to make decisions for her."

Knowing Viggo, he would never give me power of attorney over Nana Maye. "Looks like my brother and I need to talk."