Page 1 of A Snowy Escape

Chapter One

Abby

Packing up everything I own is scary. Add in that I’m doing it while it’s dark outside, like it’s some clandestine mission, and my nerves are shot.

The thought of Tommy coming home while I’m in the process is even more intimidating, but I’ve made up my mind.

I have a window to get away without it turning into an argument, and I’m taking it.

I wrote out everything I wanted to say and left the note on the kitchen counter, letting him know that I’m breaking up with him.

I’ve attempted to broach the subject on multiple occasions, but every time I try to have a talk about making some changes, he twists the conversation until I feel like I did something wrong by bringing it up.

I’m not going to stick around long enough for him to brainwash me into thinking his gaslighting is normal.

It’s not.

Echo circles my feet, whining as I carry my bedding and pillows downstairs. Making it to the door, I grab the handle, but based on the way she leans against my leg, I’m going to have a tough time getting outside without her coming with me.

German shepherds are great dogs, and she’s well-behaved. She’s also a herder at heart, and she knows I’m not her pack leader. Anytime we get a delivery, she tries to block me from going out until she gets a look at who’s on the other side of the door. It often terrifies delivery drivers because she’s big and loves to bark.

Okay, I guess she’s well-behaved for Tommy. She will sit and follow other basic commands for me. It just tends to be when she’s not overstimulated.

She’s a great companion.

Unfortunately, there’s no way I can take her with me.

Not only do I not have the resources to provide for her, it would also ensure Tommy would come looking for me.

He loves that dog. Or he pretends to when people are watching.

When it’s just the two of us, he yells when she gets in his way or begs for a bite of his food.

It’s his fault.

In front of guests, he puts on a show, pretending like he spoils her rotten.

How is she supposed to understand that he’s only acting that way because other people are watching?

Strangely enough, he treats me in a similar manner.

When other people are around, he puts on a hell of a show, but when it’s just the two of us, the real him comes out.

It’s embarrassing to realize how completely he fooled me.

That doesn’t matter.

Okay, it does, but what really counts is that I’m done playing this game.

Every time he’s an asshole, I warn him that I’m not going to stick around forever. He thinks he can act however he wants because he doesn’t believe I’ll leave.

He’s wrong.

I may have moved halfway across the country to be with him, pissing off the only family I have left in the process, but I’m not going to let that force me to stay trapped with him.

I could call my brother and ask to stay with him. I just don’t want to go that route if I have any other option. It’s not only him I would be inconveniencing. His omega had a baby three months ago. His pack is adjusting to their new normal with an extra human being, and I don’t want to throw off their schedule unless I absolutely have to.

Austin already did his time raising me after our mom died. Then he let me live with him for years while I searched for my pack. He deserves to focus on his own life without having to worry about the little sister who straight-up ignored his advice to begin with.