Page 112 of The Bounty

“I broke in,” I whisper. “I tried to find shelter.”

It’s not a good enough lie, and the officer’s dark eyes glare at Killian.

“I was in the neighborhood and heard screaming. I didn’t plan on coming here,” he adds. “Is it just you here, sir?”

And suddenly, I’m grateful for all the ridiculous air purifiers and fancy candles Brock ordered.

He doesn’t know about Dylan and Brock. He can’t smell them.

“It is,” Killian answers. His hand wraps around my waist, and I hear the small waver in his voice.

He’s nervous.

“I tried to run away from him,” I add, choking up. “He was trying to turn me intoEden.”

I burst into tears, because I know now that’s how my story will end.

“Ma’am, I’m going to need you to step away from him.”

Killiangrowls, and the officer growls right back.

“Sir, if you don’t let her go, I’ll have to use force.”

What thefuck?

So much for avoiding the situation escalating.

Killian stays in place.

“You’re going to have to shoot me if you want her,” he adds calmly. The officer looks as stunned as I feel. But his weapon is out in a second, trained on Killian, and I gasp.

Killian’s fucking insane, and he’s going to get himself killed, because the police are allowed to use any means necessary to secure an Omega.

“I’ll go with you,” I say, and Killian grips my waist tighter. “This is my fault. They wanted to be the one to turn me in so they could enterEden. I was trying to run away.”

But the officer keeps his eyes trained on Killian. “Let her go, or I’ll be forced to shoot.”

The insanity has to end.

“Officer, please,” I whisper, as tears fall down my cheeks. “You’refrighteningme.”

I try my best to sound small and scared, because that’s what they expect.

“Ma’am, I’m just trying to keep you safe,” he says, his eyes flicking to mine. “I need you to come with me.”

But Killian doesn’t move, and I grit my teeth.

Think, Olive.

I’m not about to have Killian’s brains blown out on the floor because he’s just as stubborn as I am.

You have the power to change this.

“Please, just put the gun down, and I’ll come with you,” I continue. “But I can’t if I’m scared. I’ll do anything you want if you just put the gun down.”

“Like hell you will,” Killian adds, and I shove at him with my elbow.

“I’d rather betherethan here,” I hiss. “You’rethe real monsters. Not them.”