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I jump, startled at Ben’s outburst, and Connor walks up to him until their chests are almost touching.

“Talk about him one more time like that,” he snarls, “and see what happens. I don’t care if you’re a detective. Just sayone morething about him.”

Ace looks delighted at Connor’s protective streak, but a tear falls down my cheek.

I hate fighting.

Worst of all, they’re fighting because ofme.

I remember when potential foster parents would fight because of me.

I remember curling into a ball and hiding under the blankets, trying to drown out the shouts as they decided what to do with me.

My head spins as fear squeezes my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I knew this was a bad idea.

I knew I should have never tried to find a pack.

Their scents are too harsh, and the lights are too bright in the arcade.

I need to get out.

I hurry outside before I can hear anything else, my throat tightening up while more tears spill.

This was a stupid idea.

Why did I think I could have this?

I head behind the building of the arcade, lean against the brick wall, and put my face in my hands and weep.

April and Skylar wouldn’t get it. They wouldn’t understand why I’m having this intense of a reaction.

Maybe Tammy would, but my vision is too blurry with tears to text her.

All it takes is for Connor or Ace to come out here and find me crying to decide I’m too emotional for them.

What Alpha wants a crybaby Omega in their pack?

Also, despite his criminal record, IlikeAce.

Besides, it’s not like I haven’t done some things in my past.

Did I get arrested for them?

No, but only because I didn’t get caught!

“Babe?”

I wipe my tears away right as Ace and Ben round the corner. Ben frowns when he sees me; then he pulls me into a hug.

“I’m sorry, Dev,” he says softly. “I’m really sorry.”

Ace stands next to us while I sniffle into Ben’s chest. When I finally pull away from him, I look at both of them.

“No fighting because of me,” I tell them. “I can’t handle it. No violence at all.”

Ace nods. “No violence,” he repeats. “Ever.”