I delete it so fast no one could stop me even if they wanted to. Of course, the pack knew. They don’t miss anything.
Jonas’ taunt turns my stomach, reminding me of what’s coming. A storm can make you forget things you shouldn’t, but when the sun comes out, you have to face reality, and my reality is terrifying.
I stand up and walk away from them. The tablet falls from my numb fingers. I walk outside and slide down the wall, hugging my knees.
A huge male crouches next to me, and I know it's Riot, though I have no idea how.
“Talk to me.”
The arrogant command shifts me out of my fear and into temper. I snarl at him, low and aggressively, but he just bumps me with his shoulder.
“That was a message. I’m not allowed to date. Orders of the pack. Just so you know.” My voice is dead. “So, you’re going to have to find a way around that.”
“We aren’t afraid of your pack.”
“They aren’t mine,” I snarl. I curl even tighter around myself. “You want me to do this, but, when you leave, I’ll be left to their mercy, and there won’t be any.”
Riot sighs. “There’s always a price.”
“Always,” I whisper. I close my eyes. “I’ll think about it. But do you think we could leave what I said between the two of us for now?”
“Okay, and, Casey,” I look at him. “Thank you. I know this isn’t easy or what you want. I can’t imagine what I would do in your position.”
“Probably hit them.”
He smirks. “Probably.”
He drops his arm around me and pulls me into his chest. I stiffen and try to pull free, but he keeps me there. I gradually relax into the dark scent of him; it's spicy and sweet. The scent curls into me, soothing me in a way nothing else ever has. I can’t identify the exact incense, but I’m learning to love it. It’s like the universe created one perfect alpha and one perfect scent and was like, there, I’m done.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a rainbow shimmer, but when I look again, it’s gone.
“How long have you been out here?”
“Out here?” I look around. “Oh, you mean, like, living on the mountain?”
Riot dips his chin, pitch black hair falling over his face. I have this urge to reach out and brush it aside. I have to curl my fingers to make sure I don’t.
“Um, I was eighteen when I moved in with Freida. She died when I was twenty-two, so I guess I’ve been here alone for six years.”
“You’ve been alone that long?”
I’m not sure if I like the surprise in his voice or not.
“Yeah, I guess. Alone is safer.”
We fall silent, just the two of us listening to the wind howl.
The door opens. “Hey, there you are, we can’t find- Oh.”
I snort and push away from Riot. “Thanks.” I get to my feet, pass Khaos, and slip into the house.
I curl up on the couch.
Dating. Could I start dating? It would mean doing the one thing I don’t want to do. Getting to know people and drawing the eye of the pack. But we are all stuck unless I find a way out of this.
I feel something inside and close my eyes. Perhaps I’m having a heart-related issue, and I’m about to die, but it doesn’t feel like that. More like stretching. It’s weird, and I rub at my sternum.
When I open my eyes again, I spot Angel in the corner of the room. He’s staring at me with an intensity that makes my stomach quiver.
