Callux sets me down, spinning me so that I face him, hugs me tightly before placing a kiss on my forehead. When he pulls away, he has a concerned look on his face as his smile morphs into a frown.
“You’re hot,” his voice is rough and deep. “I think you and Torin need to go to the safehouse today, and the rest of us can meet the two of you per our original plan. We can call Heatwave so they can let the pack know it’s time.”
I pull out of his arms. “I’m fine. They don’t need to be called yet,” I snap at him, before heading over to the table and sitting down at the plate I know is for me.
“Yes they do!” he growls.
“No. They. Don’t!” I make sure to enunciate each word loud and clear to make sure there’s no mistake that he doesn’t understand what I’m saying.
“River,” Torin says softly, trying to calm me. “We really do need to let them know.”
I take a deep breath, then blow it out. I know it’s all the symptoms of nearing heat that has me lashing out at them. Well, mostly why I am. They are being a bit pigheaded.
“I have no problem going to the safehouse today. I can be ready in an hour. But the pack. I don’t want them there until the last minute. You can call and tell them to be ready for the call, but that’s it. Either we do that or I’ll lock myself in the apartment and ride it out alone with nothing but my fingers and a vibrator.”
Callux starts making gagging noises, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Fine. We can do that,” Tav finally speaks up.
“Thank you,” I whisper, picking up my fork and knife, cutting off a piece of the French Toast covered in powdered sugar and eating it. Fuck that’s good.
Chapter 30
River
Iglance over at the two bags I have packed. I even snuck around and snagged some of the guys' clothing. Nothing big. A shirt, hat, anything I could find heavy with their scent. Yucky I know, but I want to feel safe, and they make me feel that way. One bag is full of my comfort items from here to make the nest feel a little more like home. The other is clothes. I’m sure that I won’t be wearing many, but I’d rather be safe and not have them with me just in case.
“Is it too late to back out?” I mutter to myself.
I turn back around and pull out my burner phone.
I need Storm!
Me: Hey, big brother.
Storm: Are you okay?
Me: Yes. No. I don’t know. I’m scared.
Storm: I’m going to be on the next plane out. There’s no way in hell I’m going to be able to keep my sanity knowing you're upset. This is big, and I should be there to protect you. Especially since I couldn’t before.
I hate that he feels that way. Who knows what would’ve happened if he had been there.
Me: Stop right now. You have always been there. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. I just needed to talk to you before I leave.
I’ve barely sent the message when the phone starts to vibrate in my hand. Not notifying me of a text but a call.
“Rivvy, seriously, everyone can spare me for a few days, and I can hop on the first flight out of here.” Storm’s panicked voice filters through the speaker.
“I know you would. But Torin and the guys are here. You have to take care of your pack. They’re what’s important.” I remind him. He has to stop worrying about me.
“And you’re my sister. I see no difference. Family is family. I’m worried about you.”
I let out a sigh as a lone tear runs down my cheek.
“I thought about cutting last night—”
He doesn’t let me finish before his raised voice jumps in. “River. See, this is why I fucking need to be there. That’s it, I’m booking a flight.”
