Her lower lip trembles. “But so is my mom. So is Demetrius. If I can help them, that’s what I’ve got to do.”
I’m so stunned, I can’t speak for a while. This girl’s lack of self-preservation is mindboggling. “Maya, your safety is the most important thing. The only important thing right now.”
She looks at me, confused, not saying anything.
“Did you want to get a tattoo when you came into my shop?” I demand.
She hesitates, then shakes her head and says in a very small voice, “guess not. Just thought it would help my brother.”
I exhale a long breath and I’m surprised when jets of fire don’t shoot out of my nostrils. “You don’t go getting a tattoo for someone else’s sake. And you definitely don’t throw yourself in the path of a psychopath like my packmate because you think it might help someone else.”
I work my jaw back and forth, trying to understand her. “Is this how you were raised?” I say at last.
Her pretty forehead puckers. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, not putting your own needs first.”
She drops her gaze to the floor. “I guess,” she mumbles.
“Because you were human?”
A sweet sigh escapes her lips. “Partly, maybe. My mom was all caught up with Demetrius. After his dad was killed, the pack was desperate to get their hands on him. My mom spent all her time trying to appease them, and keep Demetrius from getting involved with them. And it happened anyway. It caused her a ton of heartache, so I pretty much tried to stay out of trouble. Avoid causing her any more grief.”
My heart aches for this poor, neglected, self-sacrificing girl. I reach out and take her hands in mine. “Your life is not going to be like that anymore. From now on, you’re number one. You understand me?”
She frowns some more.
I want to tell her that I’m not going to let her come to any harm. From now on, everything else in the world comes second to her. My oath, my pack means nothing in comparison to her. I’ll tear the whole damn world down to keep her safe.
“I’m here now,” I say instead. “I’ve got connections that I can use to track Demetrius down. But it’s dangerous for you to stay here. That’s why we’ve gotta leave, right now.”
She looks at me and a light comes into her eyes. “Guess it’s dangerous for you to stay here now, too?”
“Yes,” I say. Whatever will persuade her to come with me. I’ll have plenty of time to work on her self-worth later. Now, I just need to get her to safety.
“Okay.” She straightens up. “Let’s go.”