Page 65 of Freed

I lift my gaze back to the building and shake my head. I didn’t expect moving to Starfall Haven to be so eventful. But glancing at our new friends, I have to admit it’s brought some pleasant surprises too.

Rubbing Cherry’s arm as I hold her tighter against my side, I think about everything that’s happened since we arrived. Besides our motorcycle picnic, we really haven’t had the chance to do much outside the home with Cherry.

My poor mate was literally caged for a decade and stuck in wolf form half that time. I know we’ve been lying low, trying to deal with her enemies, but now it’s only Blaze out there, and although he definitely poses a real threat, he’s still weaker than us, even if he can resurrect. And with Gage’s new B-Serum, maybe it’s finally time we start giving Cherry what she deserves.

A life filled with happiness and fun.

Slipping my hand into my pocket and grabbing the flyer I shoved in there, I smile, knowing exactly where to start.

Chapter 23

Cherry

Iclutch the twins’ hands tightly as we approach the entrance to the fair. Nerves and excitement fill me. I’ve never been to a fair before and am excited to see everything. But we’re not in Starfall Haven anymore, and that has me a tiny bit anxious. Even though I know Dr. J and his guards are dead, we know there are still other facilities and others like them out there somewhere.

We had no idea how much they each knew of the others’ experiments. Hopefully not much, and not enough to be able to find me. No, the real fear now is Blaze, who found me in Starfall Haven too.

And when my mates suggested taking me on this date, that they didn’t want to keep me hidden away inside our house just because it was fully warded, my love for them only grew deeper. I don’t think of our home as a prison, but I can see how it might start to feel that way if we never leave it.

Although Bain had a lot to say about the risks involved, he had agreed it would be okay, since Blaze isn’t any stronger than my mates are. In fact, thanks to bonding with me, they all noticed their abilities increasing. They are stronger, faster, and more agile than ever before.

As long as I make sure to stay close to them at all times, Blaze doesn’t stand a chance against my five mates, even if he can resurrect.

In addition to my ring, which I put on my finger today instead of hanging around my neck, Gage had given me a smart watch to wear with a tracker in it, plus I had my cellphone in my pocket. And thanks to being bonded to all five of them, they can sense my emotions and we can speak through the bond.

There is no way Blaze will be able to take me while I’m here.

Today is going to be perfect.

Gage steps up to the ticket booth and buys a whole bunch of tickets, which I’m told are needed for all the rides, then he passes them out amongst the guys, not giving me any. But it only makes me smile, because I know that I won’t be going on anything alone.

“What shall we do first?” Gage asks, shoving his own tickets into his pocket as we step into the fairgrounds.

“How about a game?” Maddox asks.

“Or a ride?” Hunter suggests.

“Let’s get some food!” Chase says excitedly.

They all look at me expectantly and I laugh, shaking my head. “Don’t ask me! Let’s just do the first thing we see that we like.”

“There,” Maddox says, pointing at a game nearby. We walk over and watch the people playing. They’re aiming water into a target that makes race horses move across a track.

“This looks fun,” I say, realizing it’s not about strength but about accuracy. Maybe I’d stand a chance against them.

Maddox steps over the man running it and hands over tickets so we can play next.

I eye Chase, who’s rubbing his hands together excitedly. He sees me watching and grins. “Don’t think I’m gonna go easy on you and let you win.”

I gasp in mock horror. “Don’t you dare! I want to win fair and square.” The race ends and we take our seats, but I notice Bain doesn’t sit down; instead, he stands directly behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

Looking up at him, I frown. “Aren’t you playing?”

“I have a more important job to do.”

“Is that making sure Chase doesn’t cheat?” I ask with a grin, giving Chase the side eye as he mock scowls back at me.

“No, it’s keeping you safe. At least one of us needs to keep our focus on you at all times.”