Page 29 of Hunted Pack

A group of older people call their names, possibly their grandparents, and they quickly make their way over to them. The parents talk to the grandparents in hushed tones, before they make their way to the exit as quickly as possible while still being polite.

They’re technically not fleeing, but they’re definitely fleeing.

I wonder what’s going on, until the doors open again and don’t have to wonder any longer.

Three guys in the same outfits as Derrick’s security team come through the doors first, quickly followed by a short woman in a dress that looks comfortable, but —having known Vera and Riley long enough— I know that the fit allows her to hide multiple weapons underneath it without anyone noticing.

She’s flanked by two tall guys, both probably in their late teens, one of them has the same sharp eyes as the woman. Behind them are another younger guy and three guys around the same age as the woman.

Finally, more people in similar outfits as Derrick’s team, a mix of men and women, step through the doors. They all look like they could kill you with one glance.

Oh. Wow.

Wow.

Vera lets out a squee and starts racing at the older woman, whose face lights up, opening her arms to catch my Omega. For a moment I worry that the three security in front are going to stop Vera and I notice that Miles and Derrick have both moved into position so they can protect Vera instantly. But the three security step aside automatically, smiling softly, before they focus their attention on the rest of the arrival hall, and then on us.

When I lock eyes with one of them, a chill goes down my spine.

Fuck.

I’ve known everyone from Mathew’s security team for years, so I don’t think much of it, but these people are pretty freaking scary. Damn.

I don’t even know how else to describe it. They definitely make an impression, and they’re not only for show, these people are deadly.

The group comes over and everyone starts greeting the short woman, until she’s in front of me.

“You must be Jorge. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Erika.” She holds out her hand and I can only stare at her, lost for words.

Erika is nothing like what I expected. She’s short and soft in the same way as Vera is, but she holds herself with the same confidence as Riley or Mathew, which probably means she’s just as deadly as those three. But, above all, she looks warm and welcoming, protective. She makes you want to trust her but also feels like she’ll never break that trust.

Then I become very aware of how quiet things have gotten around us, and from the corner of my eyes, I notice everyone’s eyes on me. Crap. “Jorge.” I stumble over my own name… “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” She lets go of my hand but keeps my gaze for a few moment longer. “I’m not as scary as you thought I’d be? No longer scared I’m going to steal your pack?”

My face heats up in embarrassment and I quickly cover it with my hands. “Please, kill me now.”

She lets out a warm laugh, her hand on my arm. “I won’t. That would make some people who are very dear to me very sad.”

Riley wraps her arm around my shoulders, leaning close. “Things better now?”

“Yes.” I grumble. “I know I was being childish. You don’t have to remind me.”

“I’m not.” Her dark rose pheromones are filled with understanding and comfort. “Alpha instincts can be tricky and unreasonable. Now, let me introduce you to the rest of her pack, and the next generation.”

One of the younger guys makes a scoffing sound and Riley rumbles her happy deep laugh. She’s so easy around them, like family, which I’ve never seen Riley like before.

But, before we can do much more introductions, Derrick starts herding us in the direction of the exit and so does Erika’s security team. Their eyes constantly shifting around, focused on each person, on every entrance and exit.

Right.

We can’t stay here too long. There’s too much danger.

Luca walks next to me, Erika on his other side, as the two talk about about all sorts of things, mostly about how Luca has never flown before and Erika explains that she’s flown more than she would prefer, but that seeing other parts of the world is also special.

I’m constantly aware of the potential for danger around us, how we attract a lot of attention and that the Hearts could be on their way here right now.

While people seem to be keeping up light conversation all around me, I can’t join in, my mind too focused on our surroundings, too focused on the danger, too focused on getting home safely and in one piece.

This is weird, and scary, and I wonder how Mathew could always be so nonchalant about going out for dinner with me when he knew there was a bounty on him, how he could take it so lightly.

Because I don’t like this. Not at all.

I don’t like being hunted.

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