Page 14 of The Forgotten

“Or painful,” Cian rasps.

“Correct,” I agree, refusing to allow my voice to wobble. “I asked them if they had looked any deeper into my past because they attempted to make threats against Cerenity since she’s pregnant.”

“They didn’t,” Tommy says, his face flushing with anger. His blonde hair in its man bun sticks out starkly against his skin, and I know he’s going to need to work that off on someone soon.

It’s just how alphas who are used to having control are.

“Down boy,” I say, taking my shot as I pat his arm. “We all know that’s not happening. I told them they didn’t want to mess with her pack, nor the senior families of Minneapolis. Cian,I may have thrown your name around a little bit during the conversation, which is why I needed to speak to you.”

“If it keeps you safe, always throw my name around,”Cian says, pulling out a bottle of scotch along with a crystal glass. These Irish men really have a problem with not allowing a woman to drink alone. “What happened next?”

“They didn’t want to allow me to pass until I mentioned that I would be discussing the Behan family presence in Minneapolis with you,” I explain. “Maddox even attempted to use his alpha bark on me, but I was able to fight it off. I don’t know who they are, but they really don’t want you to know that they’re here.”

“There is a Welsh crime family out of California who I ignore because they aren’t typically a problem. However, if these are Dylan’s sons and they didn’t announce their presence before moving into the city, then that’s a problem,” Cian says, sipping his scotch. “They are also on my shit list because they hurt you. I’m going to go make sure they have a really bad day, Olivia.”

“Thank you,” I say softly. “I don’t know what their deal is, but I don’t fit into their agenda.”

“They’re fucking idiots,” Jasper says, propping his arm on his raised knee. His tattoos stand out brightly, and his lips are twisted cruelly in disgust. “You’re not a weak person. If they looked at your work outfit without taking into consideration who you are, then that’s a ‘them’ problem.”

“The innocence they might have seen is only surface level,”Cian grunts.

“Are you saying I’m not innocent?” I laugh. The sound is sharp and again a little unhinged, but Cian only sips his drink without mentioning it.

“I’m saying that you’ve lived through too many fucked up things to believe that you’re completely innocent,” he says. “Do you want me to bring Hayes with me to fuck them up?”

“Only if it’s to back you up. There’s a darkness in their eyes that doesn’t add up with the corporate image,” I say. “If I hadn’t shown that I had ties to important people, I don’t know if I’d have made it home tonight.”

“Can I come with you, Cian?” Tommy asks. “I need to make it very clear that Mama O. isn’t to be touched. I don’t want anyone thinking they can snatch her from the street.”

A shudder racks through my body and I lunge forward to take back the bottle of tequila.

“I didn’t need that image in my head, Tommy,” I mutter. “At least they can’t force a bond now that I’m rejected. Silver linings and shit.”

Tommy, Cian, and Jasper gaze at me in horror, and I blow out a breath.

“That’s what happened with my previous pack,” I shrug. “I don’t need history to repeat itself. Out you go, boys.”

“You’re the only one that can boss me around outside of Cerenity,” Jasper complains, standing.

“Maybe I should take the tequila bottle?” Tommy suggests, holding out his hand.

“Or not,” I say, shoving it between my thighs. He makes a face, and I immediately know that I’ve won.

“Fucking hell,” he says, standing.

“Do you want me to call you later to tell you how it goes?”Cian asks worriedly.

“You know I live in their backyard,” I laugh. “You don’t have to call me.”

“Well I am,” he says. “Make sure you pick up.”

Cian hangs up the phone as Tommy picks it up, and I drop my head back against the wall. I’m beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol. I feel floaty and a bit dizzy, but it’s not a bad thing.

“Bossy alphas,” I grumble.

“You’re not going to pick up his call, huh?” Jasper asks.

“Nope,” I say. “I don’t plan to get up for a while.”