Page 174 of Pretty When She Breaks

“We’re very grateful for this,” Finch said, opening the door and stepping out.

I shook Ocean awake. He’d dozed off on the way back and sat up sharply, looking around in alarm. He settled as he saw me and nuzzled into my neck while we waited our turn to get out. Kaos, not to be outdone, pulled closer to my other side. He was more alert now but not extremely cooperative. It was quite a task getting them both out of the car.

Jade handed Finch the key. “Right,” she said. “There’s a door in the kitchen that leads to my side, so knock if youneed anything. I’ll take Casey and Hugo, so they can be out of your hair.”

“And me,” Jewel said.

“Not a chance,” Jade replied.

“You can’t possibly expect me to stay with my sister and her pack. I’ve got a sensitive nose, and her alphas donotdo it for me. No offence, darling.”

The last part was directed at me. I shrugged.

“I’m sure you’ll survive,” Jade said.

“God, Jade, you wouldn’t be so cruel, would you? They’ll probably be fucking like rabbits.” Jewel pouted.

“Right here,” I said, raising my hand as Kaos laughed.

“That’senough,” Hugo snapped, cutting the pair off.

“You,” he pointed at Jewel. “Come with us. Andbehave, for god’s sake.”

Jewel gave Jade a smug grin, and she huffed and stalked up the stairs to her side of the building.

With my arm around Ocean’s waist, I led him up the stairs. Finch held the door open, and Kaos closed it carefully behind us.

A sound like a dying banshee started up from near the couch.

“Muppet?” I said, pulling away from Ocean and running over to the front living room. He caterwauled again, and I peered under the sectional to see his glowing eyes regarding me with betrayal.

“Sorry, baby,” I told him, holding out my hand. He yowled again but didn’t move. I sighed. I’d likely have to drag him out later and apologize properly.

In the meantime, we took Ocean across the hardwood kitchen and to a bedroom that was set up on the main level. It had an en suite shower, which I started while Finch made the bed.

NINETY-NINE

LAUREL

I felt exhausted, but also super sticky, and needed a shower.

Ocean desperately needed one too. He was filthy, his hair matted and dried blood stuck to his skin.

“Shower time,” I said, coaxing him to follow me. He hadn’t shown any sign of being himself since the escape, but I knew it might take time. I’d brought him back before, and I could do it again.

He pulled me closer, bringing my hand to his nose and inhaling. Then his lips were brushing up my arm, and he was nuzzling into my neck. His arms tightened around me and a purr started in his chest.

My eyes were stinging. I was so glad he was out of that horrible place.

The shower was warm, steaming up the small space as I tugged his clothes off, then mine, pulling us both into the warm water. Ocean let out a growl, and I turned to face him.

“Ocean?”

He wasn’t paying attention, his pupils blown and hisheated gaze looking at my body. My cheeks heated and my skin prickled as arousal stirred inside my core. His cock was hardening, brushing against my hip and making a rush of slick flow between my legs.

“Ocean!” I said as he pushed me back against the wall, his hands digging into my hips and hoisting me up.

I shuddered as my back hit the cold wall, arching against him and his warmth. His black coral and sea salt scent was strong, filling the space, and I let out a needy whine as he dragged his body against me, his cock brushing my clit as he moved into position.