I haven’t sat in this swing yet, since things have just been too crazy. It’s really cozy, and I find myself relaxing as I listen to the quiet around me. There’s something about a snowy day when I’m outside that’s soothing.
Finishing my sandwich, I lean over to place my plate on the table before taking a sip of water. I’m feeling much better by the time Syrus finishes his food and he pulls me tightly to him to snuggle. Blankets get piled over me, I drape my legs over his legs, and I’m hesitant to go back inside.
It’s so perfect out here.
Gazing at our empty plates and glasses on the table, I sigh as I think about how the responsible thing would be to see if anyone needs help inside.
“Sit with me for a bit, Spitfire,” Syrus says, as if he can hear my thoughts. He can’t, but he probably is feeling the confusing amount of emotions that I’m currently having. “Take a load off.”
“Cute,” I murmur, happy not to move an inch. It’s obvious he’s been home for a while because his hair is wet and he’s wearing a pair of sweats. “Did you come home early?”
“I did. Have you noticed that Harlan and Kyren are acting a little oddly?” he asks.
“Yeah. I figured they’d fess up eventually,” I say with a smirk. “I actually thought they might be planning to leave on some kind of mission.”
“Silva, you’re the mission, baby. They’ve been working on getting the optics right to infiltrate the Henderson estate. Lark found communication that Gideon will be there through tomorrow,” Syrus says.
“He’s rarely there,” I say slowly, my brows knitting. “Is he planning to sell a group of girls?”
The back door opens to reveal Sloane, the blonde from earlier.
“Am I interrupting something?” he asks.
“Just me decompressing after being surrounded by kids,” I say with a small smile. “Sorry, I got a little overwhelmed earlier.”
“You’re totally fine,” he says. “I didn’t think about invading an omega’s space when we all came in.”
“It’s for a good cause,” I say tiredly. Now that I’m snuggled against Syrus with a full stomach, all I want is a nap.
The bar is closed today, so I don’t have much to do, other than maybe help bust up a sex trafficking ring. My life has never been normal, what can I say?
“When are we leaving?” I ask. “Gideon never stays at the mansion for long, and if he’s planning to sell omegas while he’s there, we’ll have a very small window to work within.”
“That’s what Lark was saying,” Sloane says, staring at me for a beat too long.
“What did I say?” I ask.
“I’m just seeing what your sister sees in you,” he says, leaning against the wall. “You really aren’t afraid of anything, are you?”
“The things I’m afraid of exist in that mansion,” I reply. “Being afraid doesn’t mean I’m incapable of action. Both things can be true. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to bring him down.”
“Please don’t say that,” Sloane groans. “Lexi would kill me if anything happened to you.”
“Silva can take care of herself,” Syrus says. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Answer her questions.”
“We’ll leave tomorrow,” Sloane replies. “You’re also right, Silva. It’s kind of disgusting how every one of you clocked that there was going to be a ball for alphas to bid to buy omegas. I don’t know how this guy hasn’t been taken out yet when he’s so fucking predictable.”
“It’s because no one can stop him and he knows it,” I explain. “The people who work with him know it’s a death sentence if they rat him out. They also don’t believe Gideon is doinganything wrong. Why would they? The people who work there kept telling us that we’d be living a better life once we were sold. We’d have everything we ever wanted.”
“Everything except freedom,” Syrus grumbles, deciding that I’m not close enough. Picking me up, he places me in his lap so I can continue the conversation. He adjusts the blankets so I’ll still be warm, and Sloane doesn’t seem the slightest bit surprised.
Alphas. I swear.
“Exactly. Everything happens in the same way for these fancy balls. Lark watched the cameras, paid attention to the patterns, and then we decided to leave after the party,” I explain. “There’s a few hours between the party, the money changing hands, and then the collection of the omega who’s been sold. We don’t want to miss Gideon though, and I’m not sure when he’ll leave. He’s the only part of this that’s a wild card. If he gets even a hint that something is off, he’ll split.”
“We’ll infiltrate during and keep as quiet as possible until after the party if that’s what is about to happen,” Sloane decides. “This is really helpful, thank you. So you’re really all going to come with us?”
“Don’t we deserve to kill the person who haunts our dreams?” I ask back.
