Page 29 of Rot In Knotty Pieces

He turns to me with one of those practiced smiles that makes you feel like he’s laughing at the whole world.

“You’re still an omega, Raptor.”

I stare at him, unwilling to admit that I’ve been avoiding that label forever. King looks at me and takes a step, but I let out a squeak and turn away.

The feelings Merle has for King have infected all of us.

Or…I turn back, and he’s right there. His hand reaches out and cups my cheek. Heat screams through me. No, not yet. Please.

“Raptor.”

I like the way he says my name. I want to stay.

But it’s not my time.

“King,” I whisper back, my head spins and aches viciously as the other alter pushes to the front.

I lose my grip and slip back, giving up control.

Raven

Iroll my shoulders and stand upright, the heat and scent dissipating within seconds. Quickly, I grab my T-shirt, tear the hem, dab between my breasts, underarms and glands. Then I put it all in a sealed bag, while the alphas struggle with Pix.

“Right, that’s better.”

Rose’s head snaps in my direction. “Raven,” he whispers reverently.

“Get him. Let's get moving,” I say, ignoring Roseland and the temptation he offers.

“It’s going to be dark soon,” Sage protests.

“We move,” I say, marching to Pix’s pack and hoisting it up on my shoulders. I turn back and find them all standing there, staring at me. “Get your asses together, alphas, or we’re all dead.”

That gets them moving.

I lead the way to the river and the raft. There’s enough light. Just enough. I turn back, watching as they file toward me. Rose has Pix in his arms. I stare at the omega intently. I want to check on him, but I can’t. Survival is about doing the hard things, not the things you want to do.

I help shove the raft out and hop on, casting a quick glance at Blaze, who seems to be studying me with intense interest.

“The last time we saw you, you locked us in our cabin. Is there going to be a repeat?”

“Do you see a cabin anywhere?” I ask him.

He grins wider.

King and Rolly are a bit stand-offish with me, but Sage is staring at me in fascination. It's unnerving.

“Can you just focus on not drowning us?” I snap in exasperation.

“I am excellent at multitasking.”

I huff and glance up to find Rose looking pained.

“I’m sorry,” I say to him. “I didn’t know. It was a miscalculation.”

He swallows and dips his head in acknowledgment. It’s not enough, and we’ll have to talk about it, but not now.

“So, you are out because…”