Page 82 of Storm

I'm not even sure I believe that lie.

Chapter23

Storm

Ipush my empty plate away, feeling more satisfied than I have in years.

"That was amazing, Elena," I say, smiling at the woman who's been feeding us all morning. "I can't remember the last time I had pancakes and bacon and eggs that good."

Elena beams, already collecting the empty plates. "Plenty more where that came from. You're all far too thin for my liking."

Across the table, Fox and Frankie are engaged in a quiet conversation while Alex sips his coffee, his keen eyes surveying all of us with that watchful alpha gaze that reminds me so much of his twin. But unlike Jonathan, there's warmth in Alex's observation, a protective instinct.

I clear my throat, suddenly nervous. "Alex? Can I ask you something?"

He turns to me, one eyebrow raised slightly. "Of course."

"Is it safe to go outside here?" I point outside to the tree line. "I mean, not just to the porch but... really outside? Into the woods?"

For a moment, I prepare myself for disappointment, for the gentle explanation of why it's not safe, of why I need to stay hidden. Instead, his expression softens into an easy smile.

"Of course," he says, like it's the most natural request in the world. "The property's secure. We've got about thirty acres, all fenced and monitored. You can go anywhere within the boundary. We're completely isolated here."

I stare at him, hardly daring to believe it could be so simple. "Really? I can just... go outside? Whenever I want?"

Alex laughs, the sound warm and genuine. "Yeah, Storm. Whenever you want. This isn't the Omega House. You're not a prisoner here." His eyes crinkle at the corners, making him look so different from his cold twin. "Though maybe wear some proper shoes? The terrain gets pretty rough in places."

A squeal of delight escapes me before I can stop it, so high pitched that I immediately clap a hand over my mouth in embarrassment. But the joy bubbling up inside me is too great to contain. Without thinking, I throw my arms around Alex's shoulders, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Alex stiffens in surprise for a moment before awkwardly patting my back. "It's just the backyard, Storm. Nothing to get excited about."

I pull back, grinning up at him. "You have no idea. Four years of white walls and locked doors. I'd get excited about a parking lot at this point."

Understanding flashes across his face, followed by something that might be sympathy. "Well, you'll find our backyard a bit nicer than a parking lot. There's a stream about half a mile east, apple trees to the north. Fox can show you around after breakfast."

"Breakfast is done," I say, already backing away from the table. "I need to tell Rook!"

I race out of the kitchen, taking the stairs two at a time, my heart light with excitement. I burst into the room where Rook is still sleeping, his large frame sprawled across the bed, one arm flung over his head. The sight of him, peaceful, safe, and here with me, makes my chest ache with happiness.

"Rook!" I pounce on him without hesitation, straddling his waist and shaking his shoulders. "Wake up! Wake up!"

He comes awake all at once. His hands grip my wrists instinctively before recognition floods his features.

"Storm?" His voice is rough with sleep, his dark eyes quickly scanning my face. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"We can go outside!" The words burst from me in a rush of excitement. "Alex says the property is safe, we can go anywhere we want as long as we stay inside the fence, and there's a stream and apple trees and actual forest and—" I break off, laughing at his bewildered expression. "Get up! I want to go now!"

Understanding dawns on his face, followed by a slow smile that makes my heart skip. "Outside, huh? That got you this worked up?"

"You have no idea," I repeat, climbing off him. I pull his jeans from the floor and take off his t-shirt, tossing them in his direction before digging into my bag for my clothes. "Where is it?” I groan. Did I leave it at the apartment?

"What are you looking for?" Rook asks, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"Your hoodie," I answer, moving to the chest of drawers. Did someone unpack my bag? I spot it hanging on a hook, the familiar worn fabric making my chest tighten with nostalgia.

“Sorry, Alex brought it up last night while you were sleeping, and I hung it in there. Fox also gave me some clothes that might fit you. I put them in the drawer. I didn't bring much either, so Alex lent me some of his things until I can go back for my own."