“Thank you,” I whisper, and it comes out tight with emotion I haven’t let myself feel in a long time. “I don’t know how I’d do this without you.”
Ford’s arms encircle me, holding me close.
“You don’t have to,” he says softly. “I’m here.”
For a few long seconds, it’s just us. No family, no drama, no stress from the past pressing down. Just this rare moment of peace.
But then, I feel something. A shift in the air. A sudden prickling sensation on the back of my neck. Someone’s eyes are burning into me.
I pull back just enough to glance over Ford’s shoulder.
And there’s Toby.
He’s standing by the door, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw set in a grim line. I can see the way his gaze sharpens, the flicker of jealousy in his gaze that he’s doing a poor job of hiding.
That’s the last thing I need.
CHAPTER 26
Beck
Rumors around here spread faster than a wildfire in dry grass, and today, it’s Lo’s name being tossed around like some damn rag doll.
Again.
Like this town doesn’t have anything better to fucking do.
I’m standing at the counter at the hardware store, trying to focus on the list in my hand. It’s nothing special, just a couple of things that Cassie wants for the house, but nothing in this damn town ever stays quiet.
I hear a voice. Bartender Theo Harlan’s. And I don’t need to hear much more than that to know what’s coming.
“Yeah, I’m telling you,” Theo says, his words carrying across the store as if he’s hoping everyone hears. “Lo is just like her family. Same damn scam. Ford’s next. He doesn’t even know what he’s walking into.”
My blood heats up in my veins at the mention of my packmate and my Omega before I even know what’s going on.
It’s a punch to the gut every time I hear someone throw Lo’s name in the dirt, but Theo? This is a man who knows better, and he’s been around long enough to see the damage done by theMarsh family. He should know how much she’s been through. How much she’s been hurt.
But no. He’s out here spreading lies as if they’re gospel.
I feel my fists clenching, my body stiffening, the muscles in my back tensing like a coiled spring. I don’t trust Theo as far as I can throw him, and hearing him talk about my Omega in that way makes every protective instinct I have flare to life.
“Ford’s just another mark,” Theo continues. “She’s a piece of work, and now she’s trying to pull him in. Just wait. He’ll find out soon enough.”
I don’t think. I just move.
The store is quiet except for the sounds of the few other people scattered around, but my footsteps are loud as I approach Theo. I don’t say anything at first. I don’t have to. He’s still running his mouth, oblivious to the storm that’s coming for him.
“Shut up,” I growl. It’s not just anger but something deeper, a primal instinct that pulls me to defend Lo, to shield her from the venom people are spitting.
How dare they speak about my Omega like that.
Theo freezes. The smug expression drops from his face, but he doesn’t back down. “What, Beck? You gonna take up for her now? She’s nothing but trouble, and we all know it.”
That’s it. My patience snaps. I grab Theo by the arm and pull him away from the counter, stepping into the aisle where there’s nobody around to overhear this mess.
“Listen here, Harlan,” I hiss, keeping on the right side of control, but just barely. “You don’t know shit about Lo. What you’re spreading isn’t gossip. It’s a damn lie. And if you don’t shut your mouth about her, I’m gonna make sure you regret it.”
Theo sneers, clearly thinking he has the upper hand. “What doyouknow about it? Toby’s been working at her home and watching her manipulate Ford.”
