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Rain pelted against the hut as he hugged me to him until my breathing slowed and I began calming down. My tremors stopped as I silently breathed him in, my tear-stained cheek pressed against his bare hard chest. Even though he didn’t have a scent, he smelled like masculine sweat and hard work when I was close enough.

It was appealing and dark. A pull to my senses that I couldn’t explain.

Chapter 8

Alana

WhileIlaidonmy makeshift bed of blankets on the hard ground, I listened to the rain pelting outside. James had gone out, and I didn’t dare leave the hut this time. Maybe I’d try another escape attempt next time, but I was still shaken from earlier.

It was a close call.

I wondered if my family was looking for me and if they were worried about me at all. I began to regret isolating myself from them for so long. I missed my grandmother and wondered if she was faring well with my shop. The shop that I had taken care of like it was my baby.

The door burst open, letting in a shower of rain, and I sat straight up. James walked in through the door. I noticed his bloody hands as he smiled at me.

“Err, what did you do? Don’t tell me you murdered an innocent beta,” I said, staring at him in bewilderment.

“Come outside. I have a surprise for you,” he said, holding the door open.

“But it’s raining out,” I whined. “I don’t feel like getting wet.”

His eyes flashed at my choice of words, and I blushed.

“Oh, don’t you?” he said darkly. “Come, omega.”

Rolling my eyes, I stood up and followed him outside- shielding my face from the harsh summer rain pouring outside. A severed leg of a sheep was sitting on the table at the front of the hut.

“Okay?” I said, staring wide-eyed.

“Your burger,” he said proudly, slapping the shank. He took a rusty knife and began to shear off a small square of meat, then placed it over a small fire, sticking the meat on a makeshift skewer. I ran under the roof patch next to the fire to escape the rain. The small fire warmed my thighs while I stood next to him, watching him turn the meat around in circles.

It reminded me oddly of the time Lio and I roasted marshmallows. And the light fluttery feelings I had years ago.

I shook my head quickly to dispel the memories before they took me down the dark lane that I could never escape from once I was in it. The memories consumed me to the core, making me feel helpless and weak. I shuddered.

“Are you okay?” James asked, placing a hand on my arm.

“Yes,” I said. “I was just remembering the time…sorry, never mind.”

“Never apologize,” he said in a hard voice, turning to me. His eyes locked onto mine, also remembering. A deep understanding between us. “I understand.”

I nodded shakily, watching the piece of meat sizzle with tendrils of smoke floating above us. I was touched that he took the time to get me a real meal, even though it was rough. It spoke volumes of who he was at his core.

“I think it’s done,” I said. Then trying to lighten the situation. “Where’s the bread for the burger?”

“That was the only thing I couldn’t obtain,” he said, handing me the skewer. I blew on the meat.

“Then this will be barbeque, my next favorite meal,” I said, smiling.

“I’ll never get used to your type of food,” he said, shaking his head.

“Want a bite?” I asked, bringing it to his mouth. His nose twitched, and his lips curled in disgust.

“I like my meat bloody,” he declared. “That looks dry as fuck.”

I giggled as I took a few bites of the meat. It was dry but not that bad, especially without any seasoning.

“Do you have salt?”