Page 22 of Traded

Liam’s disapproval is heavy. His scent deepens with every silent moment that passes, and for the first time, it feels as though I’m drowning in it.

His eyebrows lift, as if I’m a child to be scolded and nothis.“Well?”

Yanking the flute to my mouth, I down the drink in one.

Chapter six

The Next Ice Age

The glass shakes as my hand lowers.

I don’t understand what’s happening. And worse, this random omega that seems to be witnessing a large-scale earthquake hit my life is standing there and watching.

Lauren finally realizes that thirty minutes ago would have been abrillianttime to exit stage left. “Look, I’m going to head out.”

Both of their attentions snap to her so completely that it feels like a window slamming shut. My shoulders curve in a silent blow. Liam cuts me out completely, addressing her as I stand there silently, holding her empty glass. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I do.” I feel her moving behind me and turn, my hands flying up. She holds up her own palms, our eyes meeting. “I’m sorry. I’m leaving.”

“Wait,” Jonas blurts. He lifts his hand. The warning sound that comes from my throat makes him drop it again, and fucking fast. “We’ll work this out.”

I find my voice. “What thefuckdo you mean,work this fucking out?”

“Enough,” Liam hisses, glancing around us. “Will you stop? Jesus, Rosie. This is ridiculous.”

“Where’s Carter?” My throat grows tighter, more constricted. “Why isn’t he here?”

My free hand curls around my throat as careful looks are exchanged around me.

“We’ll talk tomorrow,” Liam says finally, and I blink at him. Uncomprehending.

And then I understand. He’s not talking to me.

Lauren doesn’t say anything. The sticky sweetness of her scent doesn’t soften after she leaves, drowning our silence in the weight of whatever the hell just happened.

“Breathe,” Liam says finally. His hands land on my shoulders. When I try to pull away, he leans in. “I need you to breathe.”

But the room is spinning, and there’s no air. There’s onlyher.

“C’mon, Ro.” Jonas’s arm wraps around my waist. He’s standing at my back, his mouth on my ear, and it’s not comforting. Not this time. “Everything’s gonna be fine.”

“Get—away.” My voice rasps, but Liam shakes his head.

“You’re panicking,” He says quietly. His hands rub up and down my arms. “And you’re cold. Come here.”

“Fuck you.” My teeth clack together. “The fuck was that?”

He doesn’t wait for me to move, tugging me forward until I collide with his chest. Jonas follows until the three of us are pressed together.

I feel… pinned. “Where is he?”

I don’t know how to approach whateverthiswas. I need Carter here. Liam pushes his hand carefully into my ponytail, massaging the back of my head. “Focus on us for a minute.”

I suck in a breath, feeling Jonas’s stomach flex against my back. His palm lands on my stomach, his hands gentle enough to make me want to cry. “Good girl. Breathe with me. In and out. Don’t think about anything else.”

“Everything okay here?”

I stiffen. And so do they, Liam’s response distinctly cool. “Fine, Laine. Ro needs a minute here. Give us some space, will you?”