Liam settled me in the back, wrapping one of the fluffy blankets they’d bought around me and placing a soft kiss on my forehead. To my surprise, Gray got in the back until I was pressed between the two alphas.
I dozed off and on during the drive, Liam’s arms firmly wrapped around me as if he couldn’t stand to let me go.
54
WESTIN
We pulled into our next hotel after another five hours on the road. My headache had faded and my limbs had regained some of their strength.
“This hotel isn’t as nice as yesterday’s,” Henry warned as he parked. “There weren’t many options out here.”
We were firmly in the middle of rural Luna. Fields of wheat lined the roads and the mountains in the distance created a beautiful backdrop. I wasn’t surprised there weren’t five-star accommodations available.
“I think we’ll survive,” I said with a smile. I grasped Henry’s hand when we got out of the car. “I don’t think I’ve thanked you enough for setting up all the hotels and driving and everything. I appreciate you.”
He blushed and squeezed my hand. “Of course, gorgeous. I’m happy to.”
I cocked my head, letting his words sink in. He reallydidseem happy to do this for me.
“Are we ready to practice some self-defense? I want to see your skills.” Bear rubbed his hands together as he joined us. Liam had told them all about his offer, and Bear was thrilled.
“As long as you teach me how to fight dirty,” I said with a grin.
“Fuck yeah,” Bear said, pulling me to his side and kissing the top of my head. “I can’t wait to see you take us all down, fierce little fighter.”
We rounded the back of the trailer where Liam and Gray were pulling out the suitcases we needed for the night. I knew better than to ask if they needed help. The guys were all in agreement that I should never carry anything.
“Are you sure you’re feeling better, princess?” Gray asked, pulling me into his chest. “We can always take it easy this evening.”
“No, I’m feeling good. I want to practice fighting.” I ran my fingers down his beard with threads of silver running through it.
Gray still looked unsure, so I wrapped my arms around him, pressing my face into his chest and breathing in his scent of rainstorms and pine. He enveloped me in the firm shield of his body.
“Let’s get dinner first and then we can check out whatever gym this hotel has,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.
I was tempted to deepen the kiss, to demand more. Besides the frantic start of my heat, Gray hadn’t done anything besides give me gentle kisses and caresses. I craved more from him, but both of us were holding back. I was pretty sure he was still carrying the guilt around from how he’d treated me, and I still had some bruises on my heart because of it. But as each day went on, they healed more and more.Hehealed them with his care and gentleness.
“Let’s check out this travesty of a three-star hotel,” Bear said, a teasing glint in his eye as he looked at Henry.
I elbowed Bear in the side. “As long as it’s better than your apartment, I think we’ll survive.”
“Our apartment isn’t that bad,” Liam muttered, shutting the back of the trailer and grabbing two suitcases.
“The couch was ripped down the middle.” I blew Liam a kiss. He scowled, but I could see the smile he was trying to hide.
Gray grabbed a suitcase in one hand and took my hand in the other as we walked into the hotel. “As I suspected, not a single marble statue in sight,” he said, taking in the plain hotel lobby.
I let out a startled laugh, looking up at him in time to see the ghost of a smile on his lips. “There’s also a serious lack of weird metal tables and stainless steel everywhere,” I said, referencing his horrible coffee table.
“I knew you hated my apartment,” he said.
“Hate is a strong word,” I said as we piled into the elevator. The tension in my chest settled at Gray’s teasing.
The hotel wasn’t fancy, but our two adjoining suites were clean. We ordered room service, and Gray insisted I sit on his lap while I ate. My omega loved the attention, but I couldn’t help but notice the way Liam scowled as he ate his burger. I knew he was angry at Gray because of how he’d treated me in the hospital, but it seemed like there was something more going on between them.
“Alright, you ready?” Bear asked once we were all done eating.
“Yes.” I moved off Gray’s lap, hiding my smile at his disgruntled growl.
