Chapter 5

Jamiya POV:

"No, Pumpkin," I cooed, gently prying the muddy, half-chewed boot from the indignant terrier's jaws. "That's not a toy. That's Sheriff Cooper's favorite work boot. We value the Sheriff here at The Haven."

Pumpkin, a scruffy ball of defiance, let out a frustrated yip and then tried to snatch it back, her tiny teeth bared.

"Hey now," I admonished softly, stroking her head. "Every creature deserves respect, even a grumpy old boot." I smiled, a genuine, unburdened smile that reached my eyes. It had been five years. Five years since I died on that bus, five years since I became Jamiya Morrow, owner of "The Haven," an animal shelter nestled on the rugged coast of Oregon.

Sometimes, I still thought about it. The careful planning with Dr. Gates, the anonymous decoy passenger he'd arranged, the planted wedding ring. It was gruesome, necessary, and perfectly executed. He' d even slipped me a small, intricately carved wooden amulet, a protective charm, he'd called it, "for your new journey." Its smooth, cool surface was a constant comfort against my skin, tucked beneath my clothes, its symbols a silent promise of freedom.

The first few months had been a blur of pain, both physical and emotional. The kidney donation had left a long, thin scar on my side, a stark line that was both a reminder of my sacrifice and a badge of my survival. The emotional scars ran deeper, a tangled knot of grief, anger, and a profound, aching emptiness where my love for Hudson used to be. But the hate remained, a cold, steady flame that fueled my rebuilding. It was the only thing that gave me strength. The burning injustice, the decade of neglect, the casual cruelty-it was all a foundation for a new me. A stronger me.

I had changed my appearance too. Cut my long, dark hair short, dyed it a lighter auburn. My former socialite perfectly manicured nails were now rough and often chipped from caring for the animals. My designer clothes replaced by practical work wear. I was unrecognizable, and it was glorious.

This small coastal town, with its salty air and endless horizon, had embraced me. Here, I wasn't the Morrow heiress, the Holland trophy wife. I was just Jamiya, the kind woman who rescued strays, who knew every dog's whim and every cat's purr. My days were predictable, filled with the comforting rhythms of animal care, the quiet camaraderie of my small staff, and the occasional visit from the town's charmingly steady sheriff.

"Trouble already, Jamiya?" Joseph Cooper's voice, warm and deep, drifted from the doorway.

I looked up, a smile naturally curving my lips. Joseph stood there, lean and tall in his uniform, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. His kind eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and his presence was as comforting and stable as the sturdy lighthouse beam that swept across the town each night.

"Pumpkin has designs on your footwear, Sheriff," I chuckled, finally managing to secure the boot. "She has discerning taste, apparently."

Joseph walked over, handing me the mug. The warmth seeped into my chilled fingers. "Can't blame her. It's a fine boot." He ruffled Pumpkin's head, and the terrier, instantly mollified, leaned into his touch. "You look tired, Jamiya. Long night with the new foster kittens?"

"They're cute, but noisy," I admitted, taking a grateful sip of the coffee. It was just how I liked it – strong, black, and sweet.

Joseph's hand rested lightly on my shoulder, a comforting weight. He didn't ask probing questions, didn't demand explanations for the haunted look that sometimes crossed my face. He simply existed, a quiet anchor in my newly built world. He represented everything Hudson wasn't: patient, kind, present. A safe love, built on mutual respect, not transactional obligation.

My fingers unconsciously brushed against the scar on my side, then the smooth wooden amulet tucked away. The scar was a reminder of what I'd given up, the amulet a symbol of the freedom I'd gained.

I still hated Hudson Holland. The hate was a necessary shield, a protective layer over the raw, wounded part of my soul that had once loved him so fiercely. It was the bedrock of my new life, the constant reminder of what I would never allow again. This quiet, peaceful existence, this haven I had built, was precious. And no one, especially not him, would ever threaten it again.

"Jamiya," my assistant, Sarah, rushed in, her eyes wide. "There's a man outside. He's been here for days. Just... watching. And today, he's actually trying to fix the broken fence by the kennels." She lowered her voice, a nervous whisper. "He looks... familiar."

My blood ran cold.