If only he knew the thoughts running through my head right now. Terrifying would be an understatement. I don’t trust myself to be near anyone while I’m like this, so I walk over to the furthest wall and lean against it. “What else?” I say softly.
Morgan sighs and tips his head back to look at the ceiling. “Dad said they had a picture of me. That’s how he knew they were serious.”
“Why didn’t you tell anyone? The police. Us, when you found out what we were.”
Morgan tips forward, eyes meeting mine. “Because they told him what would happen if either of us told anyone.” I don’t need him to elaborate. Probably best for everyone if he doesn’t. He scrubs a hand over his face. “I never even told Ash that part of it.” He bites his lip again, fiddling with the hem of his T-shirt.
My T-shirt.
I cling to the warmth that spreads behind my ribs at seeing him in my clothes, anything to take the edge off the rage bubbling inside me.
“As shameful as it is, I wanted to forget it ever fucking happened. My dad was safely out of the way at his brother’s, and I figured I could join you and I’d be safe too.”
And I laughed and sent him away to get attacked in the fucking forest.
I don’t deserve him as a mate.
So many emotions hit me at once, it’s hard to catch my breath.
Guilt, rage, regret, frustration.
Shame.
Morgan’s not the one who should be ashamed.
I am.
I don’t realise I’ve closed my eyes until I sense Cal in front of me. Strong hands grip my shoulders, and I open my eyes to find his uncompromising dark gaze staring back at me.
“Don’t.” His fingers dig in. “You did what you thought was right at the time. We don’t have the luxury of standing here second-guessing the past because the present is a fucking shit show. And we need to deal with that.” He knocks his forehead to mine, his familiar scent snapping me out of the pity-party I have no right to be wallowing in.
I lay my hand on his throat, and give him the barest of nods, knowing he’ll take it for thethank youthat it is.
There’s a reason he’s both my beta and VP, as well as my best friend.
The roar of engines has us all turning to the door, the familiar sounds of Jet’s Fat Boy and Flint’s Ducati settling the alpha in me now the rest of my pack is back safe.
We can’t talk here though.
There’s already been too much said where the rest of the pack can hear. I won’t risk them knowing we might have a member of the fight rings a few miles down the road.
A hunter.
This is their safe place, their sanctuary, and I intend to keep it that way.
“Church?” Callum asks, reading my mind as usual.
I nod. “Yeah. Tell Flint and Jet to join us.”
Callum and Mal glance from me to Morgan, then back again, uncertain.
He’s not part of our club or our pack, but there is absolutely no way I’m going anywhere without Morgan by my side.
Not now.
Not ever.
The wolf in me wants to grab him, sling him over my shoulder, and march him through the house until he’s safe behind those soundproof doors.
