Silas grinds his teeth and shakes his head before going back to his cellphone. I know we're all on edge and itching for a fight, but we need to save it for those who deserve it.
I'm not giving up, Vivie...I think into the silence. Cold and worried, I continue nudging at her walls, soothing the defensive spikes, and reminding her that I'm her damn alpha and I'm not going anywhere.
Once I get my hands on her, she's in for a fucking lesson.New rule, Butterfly. You are never, ever, allowed to shut us out ever again.
Twenty-Three
Vivian
Ican't believe I allowed Jarek into the bond. I'm supposed to be protecting them and ensuring they don't feel the worst of this. He just happened to push harder than ever right as I got punched in the stomach. Or maybe it was the blow that weakened my ability to hold them at bay.
Kade is the hardest to hold back, and he's probably who takes up all of my energy. It's okay though because they should know I'm alive. He hasn't pushed so hard that he feels me. He just knows I'm here, and that's just going to have to be enough because I can't handle their feelings on top of my own.
Self-loathing tucked me in after my mistake. It didn't keep me as warm as those disgusting blankets I made them dispose of, but the anxious sweats were all I deserved.
Riot did me a favor when he called melittle Omega. He doesn't know my pack alpha calls me that, of course. It was the shock factor that I needed to slam the door on Jarek again.
It may have felt wonderful to sink into his tether and allow him to hold me, but it's not fair to him. He shouldn't have to feel my hurt too. Plus, if they're trying to find me, I'll only hinder the search if I keep getting hurt and feeling sad for myself.
Alone is better. Well, not really alone.
"Firefly, come grab this blanket."
It's incredibly odd and off-putting to only feel Riot in my subconscious. Still red and buzzing as usual, but he just fucking hovers there. I'm not sure what his game is, but I don't want to play. He's not my pack. He has no right to be in my safe space or trying to talk to me.
What is it with strangers who just continue to speak to me?Honestly, it's infuriating and a little rude. Even if I wanted to talk to Riot, I can't. He's only making this harder.
His presence is agitating and makes me feel like I need todosomething, but what the hell is there for me to do?
"Damn it, Omega." Riot huffs and bangs on the bars. "You're shivering, and I have a blanket for you. I can't tuck you in so come fucking get it."
He can't see me frown in confusion because I gave him my back hours ago and refuse to move.What does he care if I'm cold?It's probably best we stay in our own lanes. We've both caused enough trouble not to draw one another into our bullshit.
I hear him sigh and something thunks on the bars. "I'm sorry for swearing at you. I'm just?—"
Interesting. An apology that isn't laced with pity or discomfort. Just his own self-loathing...
Finally he blurts his thought out. "I'm just wondering why the hell you're making this worse for yourself."
I'm not, though. Worse would be giving these horrible people what I reserve for my pack. My attention, submission, and respect. Why would I willingly give these monsters pieces of me?
"I can't help you from over here. Every time you push back or just ignore them, you're on your own. I can't fucking help, Firefly."
Why does he seem so torn up about this?Curiosity and confusion win out, so I roll over and look at him. He really is the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. He actually looks like ayounger, bad boy version of Kade with sharper features. Tattoos, a leather jacket, and a cigarette would really pull the whole look together.
"Hi," he murmurs, sitting up a bit straighter when we lock eyes. "You know you scare me when you hardly move." At that, he chuckles, shakes his head, and sighs really long, ending with an odd little chuckle.
Now that I'm staring at him, I realize he looks like shit. I'm suddenly wondering how long we've been here, which becomes even more concerning when I notice a plate of food by his hip.
He sees where I'm looking and explains. "New guard dropped this in my cell a while ago. It's cold by now, but you wouldn't wake up when I told you to come eat."
Shit. So how long have we been locked in here?I sit up and glance around my small space for a plate too. There isn't one.
Riot clears his throat and explains. "The asshole said you deserved to starve for a little longer. Come sit with me and eat. You need something in your belly."
I repeat, why the hell is this guy being so nice? Surely his much larger body needs to eat way more than mine does. Besides, my issues make it so I don't really care to eat. Although, I could fuck with one of Kade's enchilada dishes right now.
Keeping my ass firmly planted on the bed, I shake my head. Riot frowns and doesn't make any move to eat his bread and apple slices. While he's contemplating his choices, I shuffle toward the sink and take a big gulp of water from the faucet. I'm able to ignore the toilet in the corner a bit longer, thankfully. The cool liquid soothes my throat and brightens my mood just a bit until Riot opens his mouth.
