A loud bang sounds, and we both turn in shock toward the noise. Footsteps rush down the hall. “Mabel?”
Rory.FuckingRory.
He stutters to a halt in the kitchen, his eyes darting back and forth between us.
“What the hell are you doin’ in here?” I arch a brow, putting a hand on my hip. “You do not have permission, Ror.”
“I heard a scream…” he trails off, his chest sagging in relief.
“We’re fine.” I roll my eyes. “Now turn around and get outta here before—”
“You’re the one who left me that chocolate cream pie?” Mabel asks, tilting her head. Even though Rory is jacked, he still has the height of a beta, and it must be obvious to Mabel that he isn’t on the same level of threat as Declan.
Rory’s eyes go wide, and he looks between us again before answering. “Yes. That…that was me. I…” His eyes catch on her sweatshirt, and it all but confirms my already strong suspicion.
“Mabel,” I interrupt, smiling as I give her a quick hug. Desert rain fills my nose once more, quickly dispelling any doubts I might have had. “I just remembered I have some business with Rory. Can we finish this later?”
Mabel shakes her head to clear it, giving me a smile. “Yeah. No problem. I’ll see you later.”
With that, I march over to a dumbstruck Rory, grab him by the arm, and damn near drag him out of the house.
“Jellybean, what the fuck?” He whines, half-heartedly trying to pull out of my grip. When we’re far enough away that I’m sure we won’t be heard, I give him a pinch on the arm.
He yelps, and I snap. “We are gonna have a long, hard talk Rory. Because I specifically remember telling Declan that I would castrate you myself if you went near my sister before she was ready, and I know for a fact that I just smelledyouall over the sweatshirt thatmysteriouslyappeared in her room.”
seven
West
“Dammit, Jellybean, let go!” A voice that I kind of recognize but can’t quite place echoes down the hall.
A man’s voice.
I’m in the kitchen, trying to decide if I want to try to cook something for dinner or not. It has way more amenities than any home I’m used to, and it’s hard to not feel intimidated. By the whole house, really. It’s not as big or opulent as Hayden’s dad’s or the Bowen residence, but there’s a…quiet sort of wealth. Everything looks homey, but it’s obviously top of the line.
A door slams, making my brows shoot up, and Turnip pops her head out of the little box I’ve set up for her on the kitchen counter, chittering nervously.
“Jo, what are you doing?!” Declan’s voice orders, and, my curiosity piqued, I glance at Turnip. The little rat has already scurried out of the box and is standing on her hind legs next to me. I try not to think too hard about the fact I just checked for a rat’s opinion on the situation as I scoop her up, leaving the kitchen and head to the living room, where I’m greeted by the delightful sight of Jo dragging Rory to the couch with a death grip on his ear, and Declan following angrily behind her.
When Jo aggressively flings Rory into the couch and puts her hands on her hips, I have to put my hands in my pockets to physically restrain the boner the sight gives me. It quickly dies when the tinge of her upset scent reaches my nose. As a beta, I shouldn't be able to scent the changes in anyone’s emotions, but true scent matches have a way of getting around the rules.
“Damn, what did he do?” Hayden whispers behind me, and I jump a little in surprise before shrugging.
“Not sure, but the psycho held a gun to Sam’s head during our rescue mission, so I’m not sad to see a little retribution.” Turnip squeaks in agreement.
As if summoned by the magical fairy of divine vindication, Sam appears at the top of the stairs, a grin on his face. Kole pops up behind him with raised brows and a smirk.
“What have you been doin’ to Mabel?” Jo demands, a furious expression on her face. None of the sharp, Southern charm or bravado is present, only unfiltered rage. “Whydoes she have your scent all over her, and why does she seem to be completely unaware of it?”
“Oh fuck,” Hayden gasps behind me. “Fireball’s gonna kill him.”
“Do we stop her?” I whisper feeling conflicted.
Hayden snorts. “As if we could.”
Sam moves next to me. “Declan will put a stop to things if they go too far.”
Kole, now behind him, nods once. “We are guests on his territory. We must play by his rules.”
