I cast him a scathing look that promises retribution. “Most of the species of spider here are harmless. For the toxic species, you would feel the bite and start to have symptoms fairly quickly, but we’ll monitor it. Can you show me the site?”
“Site?”
“Of the bite?” I say as I unpack my first-aid kit.
He blinks and then rushes over, tripping on Justin’s foot. The quiet beta says something under his breath but doesn’t engage.
Kendall pulls his sleeve up and shows me a spot on his arm. I look up at him, trying to see if he’s fucking with me.
“It’s getting bigger,” he whines urgently.
I bite the inside of my cheek and try really hard not to snap at him or Rory.
“It looks like a completely harmless bite. I’ve had a million of these. A little itchiness, and before you know it, it will clear right up.”
“But what if it gets worse? It could be a delayed reaction. I might end up in anaphylaxis. I could die out here.”
I do not even dare glance in Pack Prince’s direction.
“If you go into anaphylaxis, then I will administer the EpiPen I carry, and we will all carry you out of here. No one is going to leave you to die.”
“But-”
“Beta Kendall, I promise you, I am the most professional of professionals, and I have not lost a single person out in my park. Trust in me.”
He inhales deeply and then exhales. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
“I am sure.”
I administer the spray, and once he’s happily settled, I turn to the small group.
“We leave in five minutes. Make sure you’re ready.”
I step into the forest, making sure I’m well out of sight, needing a moment to go to the bathroom.
I’m midstream when Vale finds me. My outrage burns through me; is there no boundary they won’t break? I don’t know how he does it or why I didn’t hear him, but he’s utterly silent. I should put a tracker on these alphas so I know where they are.
He stares at me, looks down to my pee, and then back up with a smirk. “Caught you with your pants down. I feel like we’re even now.”
My cheeks burn, but I’m not sure if it’s rage or humiliation, maybe a perfect concoction of the two. Where is a cliff I can drop kick this alpha off?
I have no choice. He’s not going anywhere, and I can see by the way he’s leaning on the tree that he has no intention of turning away.
I clean up quickly, making sure I’ve left no trace of my passing, and stand up, pulling my shorts up.
“Are you into watersports?” I snarl.
“I think I could be into anything with you.”
Damn him! I stomp away, refusing to engage. Vale grins and follows me back towards camp.
“Shaved, I like it.”
“Waxed, and I don’t give a shit.”
I stop suddenly, but his arm wraps around me, pulling me up against him.
“What are you doing, Alpha?” I growl and try to struggle free.
