Page 100 of Pack of Crooks

“Why hasn’t she woken up? Is she dying?”

Not dying. My skull radiates with pain. There’s too much agony for this to be death. I try to tell my sister as much, but there’s a sudden spike of pain and all that comes out is a groan.

“Easy, pretty thief, easy,” Kill murmurs.

My eyes flutter open. Four concerned faces stare down at me. Ezra and Kill are kneeling before me. Maddox is holding Lottie’s hand and talking to her in low tones. Lottie releases a big sob and rips her hand out of his and dives toward me. I flinch and brace for impact, but Ezra and Kill catch her, slow her down, and carefully guide her arms around mine.

“Oh my god,” Lottie says around tears. “I thought you were dying.” Her grip on me tightens.

“Not dying,” I wheeze. “Too tight.”

She releases me and leans back, searching my face. “Are you okay? What happened? God, your face looks terrible.”

“Rude,” I mutter, reaching for the cheek that’s warm. There’s a stab of pain, and I grimace. “Ow.”

“How many fingers am I holding up?” Kill asks.

I glance at his middle finger and laugh. “I only see a bird.”

He grins and glances at Lottie. “I think she’ll be okay.”

“Why did she faint?” my sister demands.

Maddox picks up the box full of things from my nest. “She packed up her nest.”

“I guess her body didn’t like that,” Ezra adds, frowning at me. “Are you dizzy?”

I shake my head and hold out my hands. “Help me up.”

Everyone gives me space to stand. Kill and Ezra steady me and link their fingers with mine just in case. I’m a little sore, probably from tensing up, but otherwise, I’m fine. At least I didn’t break my nose.

“Her nest made her faint?” Lottie glances at me.

“I was packing it and got really anxious,” I explain. “I didn’t think I’d faint.”

Lottie shakes her head. “And you said I’m dramatic,” she teases.

“I can’t let you show me up.” Sighing, I chew on my lip and look at the pack. When are they going to realize that they’re getting more than they bargained for?

Kill pulls me into his side. “We’re glad you’re okay, and if it’s good with you, I think we should get out of this place and show you your new nest.”

“Can we get ice cream?” Lottie asks.

I give her a look but Maddox swoops to her rescue.

“I already have the custard at home, squirt.”

She glares at him. “Who are you calling squirt?”

He holds his hand above her head. “Looking pretty squirt-ish to me.”

“Only because you’re like a giant.”

I shake my head. “Okay you two, no fighting.”

“We’re not fighting,” Maddox says quickly.

“Yeah.” Lottie puts a hand on her hip and looks at me. “We’re bickering.”