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I tug Chase’s black boxers up and over my legs, wincing a bit as they catch on some of the bandages. They are a bit big, but they’re soft and they cover me basically like shorts. I’m grateful for as much coverage as I can get and so grateful he cared enough about my comfort to lend them to me.

I crawl over to the nightstand, cradling the treasures I’ve been given. I place down the medication and water bottle and tear open the protein bar wrapper, shoving half of the thing into my mouth and swallowing before I can actually process the taste.

It’s sweet and thick and absolutely the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I don’t know whether that’s because I haven’t eaten in absolutely forever or because of the person who got it for me.

I wash the rest of it down with a bit of water before popping open the pill bottle and taking the pain medication.

I settle against the pillows, tucking the ice up and under my shirt and against my ribs as I stare at the door.

I think about locking it. I think long and hard.

I’ve never had a lock that I could use in my entire life.

If there was a door that had a lock, I was always behind it, unable to open it. Now I’m the one in control.

I’ve never liked locks.

As my eyes grow heavy, I decide I’m not going to use it. I’ve done too many things that I would’ve been punished for in the past, I don’t think my brain can take one more, especially something as defiant as locking my alphas out.

My alphas?

I’m barely able to start questioning why I’m calling them my alphas in my head before I drift off into a deep, dreamless sleep.

CHAPTER 10

Madden

God, I’m a jealous son of a bitch.

Chase has always been the best at navigating anything to do with omegas. He’s even built up a bit of a reputation with the omegas that run in our circles as one of the best alphas to go to for a bit of fun.

I’ve always been fine with that, because none of these omegas would have ever been okay settling down with our pack, at least with me still in it.

I know none of the guys would ever leave me for an omega like that, they’ve had plenty of opportunity and have proven every single time they choose me.

But the little omega upstairs isn’t just any omega.

I can’t help but doubt whether the guys would be as quick to choose me over her if they were forced to choose.

Why would she ever want a Southside alpha like me? Especially if she’s been through all that she has, why would she want a reminder of where she came from?

Of course Chase is the one to go up to her tonight and make her feel comfortable. And of course I was the one who stupidly lefther alone in my room, making her think she had to submit to us in order to stay here.

I just can’t do anything right with omegas.

“I think you’re done,” Archer grunts, pulling my glass away from me on the counter.

I scowl at him, my face warm from the amount I’ve already had.

“Why’re you cutting me off?” I groan, slumping against the counter and resting my head in my arms.

“Because there’s a difference between taking the edge off and sending you down a stupid spiral of overthinking, I know you well enough to tell your brain is working overtime,” Archer grunts. “I think I’m cutting all of us off at this point.”

I feel pathetic.

I feel Kane moving to the barstool beside me, clapping a hand on my shoulder and giving me a firm squeeze.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Kane asks, his words a bit slurred from the amount of alcohol he’s had too.