“Would you like me to add you to this group chat? They’ve already asked me to. They want you to be in it, but I didn’t want to put that on you without asking first.”
He’s so incredibly thoughtful it’s overwhelming. I’ve never been presented with choices like this, over and over again. The answer is easy, though.
“Yes. Please, Brooks. I’d really like that.”
“Consider it done,” he says. “And now, your gift. It’s from Neveah.”
My eyes flare, shooting from the small box up to his.
“Neveah?” I cringe when my voice comes out squeaky. But honestly, why is an alpha I haven’t met giving me a present?
“Yep,” he says, grinning. “But if you don’t want it…”
Brooks moves to put it back in his pocket and I snap my hand out, snatching it from his loose hold. He laughs, then leans back on his hands as I hold it in my lap.
“Well, go on then,” he says, nodding for me to open it.
I take a deep breath, let it out, then take the lid off the top.
A beautiful locket, shaped like a book and perhaps a bit over an inch tall, is nestled inside. A pretty necklace that I won’t be able to wear, because Steve and Josh would never let me keep it.
“I told her you won’t be able to wear it,” Brooks says, putting voice to my thoughts. “But I also told her you’re very sneaky. Excellent at hiding things. And I think you’ll like what’s inside.”
I stare at him a moment, then bring the locket closer so I can carefully open it. A small piece of lavender fabric slips out onto my palm. It’s incredibly soft, like the cloth I use to clean the TV and computer screens, and I rub it between my fingers.
But then the combination of scents hits me.
Eucalyptus and cedar wood, sharp and strong, deep and warm. That must be Neveah. I want to roll around in it, soak it into my lungs and never breathe out ever again.
Earthy patchouli and comforting chamomile. My big alpha, Brooks.
And beneath them, a bright, refreshing hit of lemon. Riley.
I blink up at Brooks, unable to fathom this incredible gift.
“Your scents?”
“Yes, Petal. It was Neveah’s idea. A way for you to carry all of us with you, even if we have to be hidden for now.”
“I love it,” I whisper. “Please tell her thank you.”
“You can tell her yourself soon, Petal. For now, you better head back.”
I carefully fold the fabric back into the locket, then close it and tuck it into the waistband of my skirt.
“I wish I could give you a hug,” I say, chancing a glance at Brooks. He looks pained at my words, and I almost regret saying them.
“Sage, I’d love nothing more than to scoop you up right now. Please know that if I could be holding and hugging you, I would be.”
I tuck his words close to my heart, letting them form a comforting buffer around me as I walk back to my prison.
Chapter Sixteen
Riley
Brooks: Hey everyone, I’m adding Sage to the group chat. Saw her on her walk today and gave her the gift.
Sage has been added to the chat
