"Not anymore," Jarek says, monotone. With his arms crossed, Jay leans against the wall between Riot and Vivie.
After they both passed out a few hours ago, I called in the nurses immediately and demanded his shit be moved in here. Both of them need to be healing, not worrying about where the other is each time they open their fucking eyes.
"Jay—"
Sighing, I cut Silas off. "He's right, my love. Whether Riot likes it or not, he's pack."
"I don't think you can decide that for someone, Kade. Plus, how do you think Vivian would feel if she realized the only reason he was with us is because you forced him?"
Damn it.
A knock sounds at the door before I can come up with an argument. The three of us stiffen. "I'll get it," I declare. I don't want my mates near anyone ever again.
Silas climbs off the couch and stands beside Vivie's bedside. Jarek's positioned to fight between the beds.Good, we're on the same page.
My jaw clenches as I swing the door open. "What are you doing here?"
Two police officers raise their eyebrows. The shorter of the two speaks first. "I'm aware your pack is feeling vulnerable and protective right now, Kade, but we need those statements. It's been over twenty-four hours."
I stiffen. "No."
The taller man nods but doesn't leave. "I get it. I really do. But the longer we wait, the more possibility there is for them to forget things. Or for their trauma to blunt the sword we need to take these assholes down."
"She won't speak to you." They both open their mouths at that, but I wave their words away. "No, I mean she physically won't be able to speak to you. My omega is selectively mute, and judging by how upset your faces makeme, she won't be able to do it."
"Perhaps a written statement."
At the suggestion, I shrug. "She's sleeping."
"And the alpha you rescued? Is he also sleeping?"
I don't know if it's the distrust in the excessive questioning, or the fact that they're being pushy, but a growl slips free. "Yes. He's sleeping."
"Kade!" Silas calls out, sending my body into alarm. Whirling around, I run back to them only to come to a stop. Vivian's awake and writing fast in a large notebook.
Her hand flies across the page, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Riot wave at the officers.When did they wake up?
The officers begin introducing themselves and eventually split up, the shorter one going to Riot and the taller man to Vivian. I catch myself glancing back and forth, reading both Vivian's and Riot's body language. As much as I don't have a connection to Riot, it seems my protectiveness is rising far too fast for me to keep up.
I don't give a fuck about their statements as long as they don't feel pressured or uncomfortable. Vivian gives the tall officerwary glances, but she continues writing. My discomfort seems to be the most palpable in the room.
Although Jarek looks ready to kick the other officer's ass every time Riot frowns.Fuck. We're screwed if that man decides he doesn't want to come home with us.
It might not even be just for Vivian. We clearly feel a pull too, and it may just be biologicalforour omega, but Riot is pack while he's with us. How do I ensure he stays of his own volition, though?
I feel a little better every time Riot glances over at Vivie. And vice versa.
I was beaten and kicked...
One alpha dragged me out by my hair. They locked me in a deep hole in the ground. It was cold and damp. Then they closed the door above me. It was so dark.
They starved us.
The main guard demanded I remove my shirt, but I wouldn't. He didn't deserve to see my skin. But he took my consent away and ripped it from my body when all I wanted to do was stay strong for my pack.
I was called many names. Bitch and whore were the top ones. They didn't bother me so much until things started feeling personal. I was told omegas are high maintenance, needy, unnatural, annoying.
We started living like guests. Comfy beds, flowers, water, toilet. Each time they visited, they took something away.
