Page 19

“Why?”

“Because I’m leaving. If someone doesn’t go let him in, he’ll be forced to find his own way and we all know the neighbors will talk about it for days.”

Another knock comes, much harder this time, with a round of obnoxious rings on the doorbell to boot.

Jacob rips away, and we follow his thundercloud presence downstairs. He whips the door open, leveling a truly impressive scowl on the man outside. “You’re not needed.”

The words are hostile enough, but it’s the alpha bark that sends chills up my spine. Thankfully, beta operatives train to withstand even the most powerful alpha bark in the military, where Mav spent five years before moving to Seaport. While he doesn’t flinch, it’s sobering to realize I don’t know what Jacob would’ve done if we were alone.

Probably shouldn’t taunt the erratic asshole until I’m out safely.

“What the hell? Why didn’t it work?” Jacob’s scent is pouring out of him, so sour my cheeks hurt.

Maverick gives him a bland look. “Dunno. Maybe try harder next time.” I choke on my laugh, remembering the vow Ijustmade.

Maverick’s almost six inches shorter than my ex, yet he has no problem pushing him out of the way to get to me. As soon as he’s within reach, he smiles. “Hey, butterfly.”

“Hey.”

This man is the closest thing to a brother I’ve ever had, and I couldn’t be happier to see him.

“Let’s get you packed, yeah? The girls are buying out the local snack aisle.”

Oh, fuck yeah. Snack charcuterie sounds amazing.

“She’s not going anywhere,” Jacob growls. Corey and Lance back him, but

Maverick barely glances their way.

“Yes, she is. If you interfere, I’ll have you six feet under before you can call Mommy and Daddy to save your sorry asses.”

It’s odd to hear my quietest friend so hostile. I shiver at the darkness of every word, and they aren’t even directed at me.

“You can’t take our omega,” Corey whines. Jacob’s face is a picture of rage, his teeth sharp and ready to tear out the threat, but Maverick’s calm should terrify him. Nothing good comes from stillness like that.

He takes the suitcase from my hand, eyes flashing to the redness on my arm with a lethal anger he directs toward the others. “Seems to me like she wants to go. Considering her arm’s gonna bruise like hell, I can’t imagine why she’d stay. Can you?”

Of all the alphas, I’m surprised that Lance is the one who shows some self-preservation. “We’re cool, man. Do whatever you need.”

“No, we’re not.” Jacob lunges for me and Lance has to all but carry him out of the room.

As if nothing happened, Maverick sticks my filled suitcases outside with a stern glance at Corey, then motions toward the stairs. “Let’s finish so we can get the fuck out of here.”

He stands guard in the sewing room as I collect the last of my belongings. Having help means I can bring more than I expected, but after filling a fourth suitcase, there’s no more room and I take a moment to lament the loss of everything else. As soon as I’m gone, all the fabrics and extras I’ve spent yearsfinding will burn under Pack Parker’s anger. Yet another price I’m paying for a fresh start, but the sting is worth it.

One cleansing breath later, I leave my sanctuary for the last time. “I’m ready.”

Corey‘s stationed on the other side of the hallway, has been since the others ran off, but we ignore him and the faint sound of manic screaming from the bowels of the house. I wish Lance the best in dealing with his asshole pack lead.

On second thought, no I don’t.

“Do you need anything from the nest?” Maverick asks, eyeing my former alpha like he’s going to rip him to shreds.

“Fuck no.” Nothing is worth dragging Pack Parker’s scents with me.

“Okay. Give me a sec.” He moves me so I’m completely covered by his frame, then pulls out a hunk of metal from his pocket.

“What the hell is that?” Corey asks.