The Alpha’s Nanny (Lori and Gabriel) novel Chapter 13

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**The Ocean Remembers Everything**
By Julia Allan

**Chapter 13**

Asher was the notorious ringleader of the gang that Jared had become entangled with. This group, a blight on the community, thrived on the misery of local addicts, peddling drugs and indulging in petty crimes that left a trail of chaos in their wake. Timothy, ever the concerned friend, had warned her that Jared was on the hunt for her, and in a desperate bid for freedom, she had convinced herself that fleeing would be her salvation.

Yet, her escape was tragically short-lived; that was the first of many miscalculations she would make.

It was a dreary afternoon at the furniture shop where Lori worked when Jared, flanked by the imposing figure of Asher, made his unwelcome entrance. Asher’s voice cut through the air like a knife as he boldly proclaimed his desire for her. The moment hung heavy with dread, and Lori’s heart sank. This was not a good omen for her future.

Jared had been stalking her ever since her disappearance, and to compound her misery, Mrs. Wyatt had informed him that Lori had pilfered her money. The truth stung; yes, Lori had taken two hundred and fifty dollars from Mrs. Wyatt in her desperate attempt to escape, but she had never anticipated that Mrs. Wyatt would betray her to Jared.

Despite his twisted motives, Jared had initiated a search for her, driven by a perverse sense of ownership. If it hadn’t been for Timothy’s timely warning, Lori shuddered to think how much sooner Jared would have caught up with her.

Asher, however, had his own plans. His intentions were far from innocent; he wanted Lori for himself, and he was skilled at convincing Jared that he had first claim.

Lori often found herself consumed by regret, wishing she had fought back more fiercely. She wished she had devised a better escape or summoned the courage to resist, but in that moment of despair, she had resigned herself to whatever fate awaited her.