“Syrus isn’t really the right person to attempt to smear,” I admit. “He’s one of the best people I know.”
“Well, that’s not saying much,” Harlan shrugs.
I know Kyren and Harlan don’t know they're my scent matches, but it still hurts that they think so little of me. My meter for cruelty isn’t as high as it used to be. I only have a few more minutes before I’ll need to tap out of this conversation.
“That’s adorable,” I mutter. “Out with it before I kick you out of my bar.”
“You should have all the information about who you’re in bed with, and who you’re hurting,” Kyren insists. “Did you know Syrus has a sister?”
“I do, actually,” I reply, rolling my eyes in annoyance. “And?”
Syrus sighs, glaring at Kyren as if he’s wondering if he can punch him too.
“She’s been missing for close to eleven years,” he says viciously. “What if she’s just like you? How many omegas have to suffer for your freedom?”
“You don’t know that,” Syrus growls. “Silva! Don’t fixate on what this asshole is saying.”
“I didn’t know,” I whisper, feeling myself begin to break.
The funny thing about descenting products is that they’ll break down in the presence of heavy emotions or intense attraction. I have to get the fuck out of here.
“You’re sadistic enough to think you’ve won something here,” I say, pulling off the club’s building keys. “The thing is that Syrus doesn’t owe me anything. I’m sure he would have told me about his sister at some point. The reality is that it’s none ofmy business, but I hope you feel like you did something here, Kyren.”
My feet are already in motion as I toss the keys at Syrus.
“Club’s closed today. Go fuck yourselves,” I say.
Harlan moves quickly to attempt to cut me off. I’ve learned to be fast, and I pull my wrist free, smoothly pulling my knife from my pocket.
“Don’t…fucking…touch me,” I hiss.
Harlan’s pupils begin to dilate, signaling that I’m out of time. Goddamnit.
“Wait,” he says.
My boots pound across the wood flooring as I ignore him, needing to run.
“Silva!” he roars.
“If you alpha bark her, I’ll kill you,” Syrus says, making my head turn as my hands hit the door.
He has my keys in one hand and his gun pointing at Harlan’s temple, his face a mask of serenity. The difference is that his eyes are full of rage, and only soften slightly when his gaze cuts toward me to check on me.
That’s Syrus for you though. He’s always making sure I’m alright.
“I love you,” I mouth, realizing it’s true before I walk out for my own sanity.
Moving quickly, I cross the parking lot, intent on getting to my truck. I’ll text Lexi once I’m on the road that the club is closed tonight. I can’t tell you the last time I did this.
I know it’ll worry her. I need some time.
The guilt is crushing me. Harlan and Kyren are right. Sy’s sister could have been taken by Gideon and his trainers. I didn’t stop it…
The sob that escapes me is so loud it sounds like a gunshot.
“Silva!” Isidro yells behind me.
I keep going, intent not to stop. I know these men are dangerous now. I simply can’t bring myself to care.
