She groans. “You’re going to say one of those and actual hurt yourself.”
“It would be worth all the pain falling for you.”
She bursts out laughing and, damn, that’s me done. I’ve seen her shocked, devastated, crying. I’ve seen so much through the TV and news articles, but I’ve never seen this.
My chest tightens, and I have to clear my throat, unable to find any words or any thoughts at all.
“Nathan, are you okay to keep moving?” Bonnie calls out.
“I am,” Nathan says gruffly.
I look past him and find Vale standing with Rory and Cyn. I shrug and move my fingers, silently telling them to move.
They grab up their bags and stomp down towards us. I whistle cheerfully as I walk, which I can sense is annoying Rojer and Justin, but that just makes me want to do it better.
We get to a clearing where I can see the faint remains of a very old fire pit.
“So, this is camp?”
Bonnie points to a spot. “Set up the tents tonight. It’s going to be too cold. I’m going to get wood.”
I slide her pack to the ground and then mine.
I don’t even hesitate. I rifle through her bag, pulling out the tent, but looking at everything else she has in there. Clothes are practical. There’s a first-aid kit. Our suppressants are in a box. When they all wear off in two days, she’ll hand them out. I look at the brand and feel a surge of pride that she’s using our company.
I hate wearing them, but I can see the wisdom in having them on out here. What would she smell like without her suppressant patches? My mouth waters at the thought.
She’s got a toothbrush, a hairbrush, and, to my surprise, a little fluffy teddy bear with a green mohawk, and dried food supplies in organized little baggies.
“Full of mystery, aren’t you, Bonnie,” I murmur.
I hear Nathan huffing and do her bag up, dragging the tent off to the side and setting it up.
I set our tent up between her and the other alphas, then I walk into the surrounding forest and start grabbing sticks and branches. Am I trying to get on her good side?
Fuck yes.
Bonnie
The water rushes, all white and green murky depths.
“We have to get in that?”
I turn and peer at Quincy, who is suddenly very white and shaky. There is always someone who is convinced they are fine, right up until they aren’t.
“Come on, Quincy, get in,” Justin snaps like the whole thing is annoying him.
Kendall is holding onto the raft for dear life. It would be almost cute if I didn’t know better. I've seen too many terrified people put others in danger because they didn’t listen.
Quincy gets in, but it’s me who hesitates. If we go further than this spot, we have to commit to the trip. We won’t be able to come back this way.
I look across at Vale, who is waiting for me. “Ready?” I wonder if he knows.
“Waiting on you, Bon.”
I shudder at the way he shortens my name. It’s too intimate and makes me think of the way he looked at me while Dakota was on his knees, no don’t think of that.
“Right, on three, one, two-” I shove the raft into deeper water before hopping up into it. Vale does the same a moment later. I reach for the oar that Rory hands me. Everyone is dressed in orange life vests and helmets. This section of the river isn’t bad, but all water can be dangerous.
