Page 138 of Retribution

Alphas’ emotions can be felt, and even though we may stomp them down, they can be smelled as well. The SUV smelled like shit and worries.

It feels wrong to walk into Isolde’s house, so Lucas and I trudge into the mansion.

“Welcome home,” Rita says, appearing sad. She has to have heard the news since she overhears everything. “Are either of you hungry?”

The last thing we both ate was the sandwich with Isolde during our carpet picnic. My stomach rolls in anger, and I shake my head.

“No, thank you,” Lucas says, shifting the baby in his arms. “I’m going to give Leila a bath to hopefully settle her tummy. She’s been very unhappy.”

“Poor thing,” Rita whispers. “I’ll take the diaper bag and toss whatever needs to be. I well remember the desperate days of infancy. It gets easier.”

“She’s worth it,” Lucas says. “Leila is reacting the way I want to but can’t. I’ll be back.”

Lucas takes off upstairs after handing over the diaper bag, and I scrub my face with my hand.

“I’ll put the car in the garage later,” I sigh. “Where are Oliver and Alesso?”

“In the living room working,” she says. “Give me the keys and I’ll take care of it.”

My lips twist as I hand her the keys and she rolls her eyes.

“I can drive,” she groans. “Off with you.”

Nodding in acquiescence, I lope off to find the rest of my pack.

They’re working on their computers as I step into the living room, and raise two fingers in greeting. I don’t blame them when there’s a pall over everything. Isolde exploded into our lives, and now everything is too quiet and nothing smells right.

I miss her scent.

“How is ourbambina?” Alesso asks, frowning at something on his screen. “Would I be a terrible person if I just wiped all of Ophelia’s money out of her accounts?”

“At this point, I want her to attempt to sell Isolde,” Oliver grunts. “We’ll stand a better chance of hearing about the auction than waiting for something to happen.”

“Or hoping that she’s able to get out on her own,” I agree. “She doesn’t talk much about that time, but I have a feeling it was horrific based on her nightmares and fear alone. To answer your question, Lucus is giving our stinky baby a bath.”

“She’s a beautiful, stinky baby,” Alesso gasps, glancing up as he dramatically places his hand on his chest.

Ugh, they’re all so dramatic. I’m glad Alesso can still find a way to be himself because I need it.

“She is, but her stomach is very upset,” I explain. “It’s very difficult to not be angry about the situation around Leila, and it’s affecting her.”

“I understand,” he says, eyes flicking back to the computer screen. “So we all agree that Ophelia should have a very bad fucking day?”

“Yes,” Oliver and I say.

“Please don’t get caught,” Oliver adds.

“I won’t,amore,” Alesso says without thinking.

I saw the bite on Oliver’s shoulder. These two have been getting close, and I’m happy for them. It reminds me even more that if we lose Isolde, I’ll have nothing.

In my very logical mind, I know that’s not how the world works. We will all be devastated. I’m having a really hard time at the moment.

Forcing oxygen through my lungs, I get up and move to the couch where Alesso and Oliver are sitting so I can watch their progress.

“I’m hitting a lot of dead ends, but sometimes you need to before you can hit pay dirt,” Oliver says, his fingers moving quickly. “No one is looking for an omega of Isolde’s description, but I just put out feelers to buy one. If Ophelia thinks that she can make money off her now that she’s destitute, then she’ll jump at the chance.”

“I would usually keep all this cash, but I’m going to give it to charity,” Alesso says. “Find me one that caters to omegas?”