“The high-class beta eating fish and chips from some stand? I’m not sure I believe it,” Bear said from the back.
Henry flipped him off and Bear snorted.
The sun sparkled across the river’s surface, but I was growing hot. “Umm, is there another way to get in?” I asked, forcing my voice to sound calm.
“What do you mean?” Henry asked.
“Like… a non-bridge way?” My skin was crawling, and I wiped my sweaty hands on my pants.
Bear leaned forward and brushed his thumb across my arm. “What’s wrong, baby?”
“I just don’t like bridges,” I said. I thought my tone was nonchalant, but Henry glanced at me with concern before pulling over to the side of the road.
“Why, darling? I’ve driven over it before. It’s totally safe.” He squeezed my thigh reassuringly.
I felt hot and uncomfortable with all the guys’ eyes on me. I shifted so I was pressed against the door. “It’s fine, just ignore me.”
“As if we would ignore you,” Liam huffed. He shouldered Bear, trying to reach me. Seeing the two of them shove each other in the backseat like children made my lip curl into a smile.
“We’re not going until you tell us what’s wrong,” Gray said. His stern tone did things to my insides and then I felt warm for another reason.
I realized they wouldn’t let it go, and I might as well get it over with. “My parents died in a car accident. They were driving at night in the winter, and they hit a patch of ice and went off the side of a bridge.” I tried to separate myself from my words, to go into that place where I wasn’t me anymore.
“Baby,” Bear said, the single word filled with so much care and gentleness.
A lump formed in my throat. “It’s fine,” I said. “I’ll deal with it. Let’s just go.”
Gray got out of the car and I scrunched my nose, wondering what he was doing. Then he was at my door, pulling it open and reaching over me to unbuckle my seatbelt.
“What are—” I started, and then I was in his arms. The rest of my guys joined us, wrapping me up between the four of them, running their hands all over me. I choked on a sob, trying to keep it within me. But then Liam started purring, and I couldn’t stop my tears.
“Losing your parents is a tragedy,” Bear said. “You don’t have to keep it inside, babydoll.”
I pressed my face to his chest, and he kissed the top of my head.Thiswas the man the Sol agents thought was too dangerous for me to be around?
“Sorry,” I mumbled.
“Don’t apologize,” Gray growled, running his hand through my hair. “And don’t say it’s not a big deal. We want to take care of you.”
I let their touches and purrs and scents overwhelm my anxiety until I could breathe more easily. I pulled back and the guys gave me some space, although barely. It was as if they couldn’t resist keeping their hands on me, and I was grateful for it.
“We’ll get through this,” Gray said. I loved that he saidwe, even though this was my problem. “I’ll drive,” he added. “Henry, you should sit in the back with Westin.”
“Shouldn’t it be one of you?” Henry asked, rubbing his neck. “You can purr for her.”
“Liam will also sit in the back,” Gray said. “He’ll purr, but you’re good at calming her down.”
I could have kissed Gray forseeingHenry, my sweet beta, and for not fighting Liam for a spot in the back with me. This was take-charge Gray, doing what was best for our pack.
“Is that alright with you?” Gray asked, cupping my chin.
I nodded.
“Just close your eyes, princess, and it’ll be over before you even realize.”
“But don’t drive too fast,” I blurted out.
Gray’s eyes were soft as he took me in. “Of course not. I’ll drive the speed limit and we’ll take the inner lane of the bridge, so there’s no way for us to go over.”
