Page 30 of Pack of Crooks

“A little of both,” he says with a wink.

Ezra jumps in. “But we never do the latter without good reason.”

“And hopefully good pay?” I ask.

His lips twitch. “You’re not like most omegas.”

“I’m exactly like other omegas,” I counter. “Only I had a terrible childhood and a mom who liked to put me to work.” The three of their features darken. I change the subject before they can ask about said crappy life. “You all grew up together?”

“Pretty much. We were in the same school system, and we went through. . . some stuff and yeah.” Kill smirks at Maddox and Ezra. “Now they’re stuck with me.”

“It’s a miserable existence,” Maddox deadpans.

“Terrible, really.”

I giggle.

Kill scowls at them. “Fuck you guys.”

“Ezra can later.” Maddox says it with such a straight face I know this is pretty typical for them. Insulting and teasing one another. It’s my favorite love language.

“Should—” My phone rings. A frown tugs at my features as I pull it from my purse, my heart leaping at the sight of the school’s number. “I really need to take this call.” The guys nod and I shift away, turning in my seat and answering mid-shrill ring. “Hello?”

“Is this Hazel Woods?”

“Yes, this is her.”

“This is Mr. Shint from Lottie’s school.”

My gut churns with unease. My sister is a good student. I’ve only gotten calls for illness, but I’m still always worried some other omega might bully her. “Is everything okay?”

“Your sister is sick,” Mr. Shint explains. “She threw up after gym class and has a fever.”

“Oh crap. Okay, um. I’m on my way,” I tell him, glancing over my shoulder. Guess the date is over.

“She’ll need to lie down when she gets home.”

Oh really, Mr. Shint? What makes you say that?I bite back that retort. It’s not the first time someone at the school has told me how to take care of my sister. Maybe they all realize I’m not as capable as I pretend to be. They’re only worried about Lottie. I can’t be too upset about that, but shame cuts through me all the same. “I’ll be there soon.” I end the call.

With a sigh, I turn toward the guys. “As much as I hate to do this, I have to go.”

“Is everything okay?” Maddox asks.

I consider lying to them, but given that I’m definitely interested in seeing them again, I tell him about Lottie being sick.

“We’ll drive you,” Kill offers.

I shake my head. “You don’t have to do that.” I’m sure they have better things to do.

“If you think any of us is letting you walk out of here without us, you’re wrong.”

“You want to come with me to pick up my sick and probably very contagious sister?”

“Yes,” he says without even thinking about it. Our gazes hold for three intense seconds, and I can practically hear him daring me to argue. An alpha with his mind set is as immovable as a stick in the mud.

Relenting, I nod. “Okay, but if you all get sick, don’t blame me.”

“We’d never dream of it.” Ezra pushes away from his seat. “Ready?”