Chapter 10
As the sun set deeper and turned the pink sky a dark blue, the grilled fish turned out to be our dinner instead of just a snack. Fatigue set in on all of us, even Colton, and we decided to head back towards Ramsay’s house.
“Won’t your pack mates mind that I’m trespassing?” Colton asked mildly.
Ramsay shrugged. “You’re with the chosen one. They can’t say anything to that.”
Colton paused, glancing down at the sand. “You said six feet past the shore andbam.”
“I was joking,” Ramsay said with a groan. He grabbed Colton’s arm and pulled him along. “Let’s go already, I’m bushed.”
Colton seemed a bit wary but didn’t struggle. I flanked his other side, holding his wrist.
“I’ll keep you safe,” I assured him. “This is, uh, prophecy business, after all.”
Colton smiled. “Thank you, little fish.”
“Did you just call me a little fish?”
“Yes,” Colton said, looking unsure at my confusion. “Oh. Do you not say that in East Pack?”
“Pretty sure no one says that except you, Colt,” Ramsay said.
“Sorry.” Colton rubbed the back of his hair. “In North Pack, it’s a term of endearment. Because you’re cute, like a baby fish.”
I didn’t think a baby fish was necessarily what I would considercute, but I couldn’t help but smile at Colton’s honest kindness. He was so sincere in his words and actions.
“Well, I like it,” I told him, holding his arm tighter. “I’ll be your little fish.”
This seemed to please him. He perked up for the rest of the walk home.
* * *
Aside from a fewconfused glances in Colton’s direction, none of the South Pack members that were out late commented on his presence. They must have figured that since he was with the pack leaders’ son and the chosen omega, it was safe, and not some kind of secret North Pack invasion.
“You live in a barn?” Colton asked as we came up to the bulky red building.
“Sure do,” Ramsay replied, too tired to explain that the inside wasn’t actually full of sheep and pigs. “Anyway, make yourselves at home, both of you.”
As we filed inside, Ramsay groaned. “I’m beat, you guys. Mind if I pass out early?”
I chuckled. “Colton wore you out in the water, didn’t he?”
“Hey, the guy tried to drown me a couple times.”
“I did not,” Colton mumbled. “It’s not my fault you’re not as strong of a swimmer.”
Ramsay shot him a rude hand gesture and slumped face-first on the couch. Meanwhile, Colton was getting the lay of the land--or the barn. He scurried off to examine everything.
I sat next to Ramsay, careful not to squish his head. “Hey. Are you coming upstairs?”
Ramsay flipped over, shifting so his head was in my lap and he was looking up at me.
“Too tired,” he mumbled.
I carded my fingers through his auburn hair. “If you don’t get up, where is Colton supposed to sleep?”
His lips curled into a smirk. “With you.”
