Page 42 of Daisy

"We knew you were special," he says quietly. "We could tell just by looking at you. This just means we need to be smarter about keeping you safe."

"But August…"

"Do you want us to take you back?" he asks softly. "Since you were promised to this pack?"

A low growl rumbles from across the room where Cassian sits. The sound makes me flinch, but August just shakes his head.

"Ignore him," August says with a small smile. "He's always a little growly in the mornings."

My eyes widen. “It’s not morning.”

August grins, “Okay, all the time, but he's a big teddy bear." I chance a glance at Cassian… he doesn’t look like a teddy bear to me. But I can see a small smile on his lips as he watches us. I turn back to August.

"No," I whisper, the word torn from somewhere deep in my chest. "I don't want to go back. But you should take me back," I whisper.

"Like hell." The deep rumble comes from Cassian. And even though the growl in his voice makes me want to hide, there's something fierce and protective in his expression that takes my breath away.

"Daisy, listen to me very carefully," August says, squeezing my hand. "We're not taking you back. Not to your uncle, not to some pack he's chosen for you, not anywhere you don't want to go. Do you understand?"

"But the danger."

"Is worth it. You're worth it."

Tears spill down my cheeks. "Why?"

"Because everyone deserves to choose their own life. Even the Governor's niece."

I want to believe him. But the terror in my chest is growing, spreading like ice through my veins.

Uncle won't stop looking for me. Ever. And these good men who showed me kindness will pay the price for my freedom.

"You are safe. With us." Gunner says quietly from beside me.

The certainty in his voice makes more tears fall. For the first time in my life, someone is promising me safety and meaning it.

"Try to get some rest," August whispers. "All of us."

I nod, settling back against the pillows. Gunner lies down too, but I can tell he's not really sleeping. His breathing is too controlled, too aware. Like he's still listening for danger even while trying to rest.

The knowledge that he's still protecting me, even when he's supposed to be sleeping, makes something warm settle in my chest.

For the first time in my life, I'm choosing to trust a beta and these alphas with my heart.

And maybe, just maybe, they're choosing to trust me with theirs too.

I close my eyes, but I don't sleep. Instead, I listen to Gunner's careful breathing beside me, knowing he's doing the same thing. Both of us pretending to rest while staying aware of each other.

And somehow, that feels like the safest thing in the world.

Chapter 13

August

The silence after Daisy's revelation sits heavy in the room.

The Governor's niece.

Holy shit.