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“Maybe so,” I said faintly, wondering if he’d feel the same after our conversation. “For now, let’s run.”
Chapter Sixteen
Jess
“Any suggestions for lunch?” I asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen over the group when Leah arrived. She and Liam had driven up a few minutes after Trent had come in with Anna, and awkward didn’t begin to describe it.
“Burgers,” Liam piped up and Trent elbowed him.
“I think she meant the ladies,” he whispered sotto voice.
“I did,” I replied, nodding even as I avoided looking at him, “It’s a girls’ lunch.”
Trent cleared his throat and I reluctantly faced him, my face burning, but thankfully he didn’t mention it. “We’ve got our orders. You get an escort with lunch.” Aggravation erased my embarrassment as I set my hands on my hips.
“Both of you?”
“Uh huh,” he muttered, slouching against the wall, unconcerned by my ire. “Dom wants you safe.”
“And I want some uninterrupted girl time,” I retorted and he shrugged.
“You can do that when we come back,” he offered. “Promise we’ll stay out of earshot and you can gossip to your heart’s content. Maybe test out some sexy one liners on each other. Swear we won’t eavesdrop,” I flushed in a combination of fury and mortification as Liam glanced at him, whispering, “No eavesdropping?”
“What the hell is he talking about?” Leah grumbled, as Anna stared speculatively at Trent. “Doesn’t he know sexy one liners are reserved for sleepovers?”
Her question loosened the knot in my chest and when Anna added, “I’ll play a recording of cats howling to make sure you don’t eavesdrop,” I laughed. When Liam flushed we traded high fives.
“I think we’ll have to take separate cars,” I mentioned when we got to the parking lot.
Leah jingled her keys. “Girls in one car and guys in the other?” Trent was shaking his head before she finished but Anna answered.
“I think we’ll have to take one of the guys,” she told Leah. “I can ride with Trent and Liam can go with the two of you.” It hadn’t taken her long to notice Liam’s devotion to Leah and I sucked in a protest at riding with them.
Trent seemed hesitant but finally nodded. “That’s fine. Liam, you need to shift.”
“What? Why?” Liam appeared crushed that he’d have to be in wolf form and I questioned it myself. We’d be conspicuous with a wolf riding around with us.
“I want you prepared in case anything happens. Your senses are better in wolf form,” he told him, including me with a sweep of his gaze. “You’re also the youngest so don’t argue.” That shut Liam’s mouth as he sulkily started to shuck his clothes. No one seemed bothered by this except for me. Leah openly admired his cut form, not seeming bothered by how skinny he was. I eyed him in concern and then mentally asked Trent, Should he be so skinny?
No, Trent answered swiftly. The Hanley Alpha would have kept them hungry so they’d obey. He’ll gain weight now that he’s with us.
I nodded, satisfied with his answer and averted my eyes as he stripped down. Trent laughed at me as he said, You’ll have to get used to it. It’s just a way of life.
I know, but I’d rather just stick with seeing Dom naked, I told him to his dismay.
God, that’s almost as bad as this morn –
Don’t mention that ever again, I warned him, casting a sharp glance at him and he sucked in a breath.
Fine, but don’t force me to listen to that either, he retorted and I nodded.
Agreed.
Anna didn’t speak but I got the idea that she was studying us, trying to figure something out, and I was afraid I knew exactly what it was. Did you talk to Caleb yet? I asked Dom, and had the sudden disorienting impression of the ground flying beneath me.
No, not yet. Why?
Anna suspects, I told him and he cursed. Talk to Caleb before this goes sideways, I pleaded, concerned about how Caleb would react. Maybe Trent should stay here?
No! I want him with you. I’m not sure Liam can be trusted to keep you safe.
I glanced over at Liam who was now standing next to Leah, his coat now a shiny golden brown instead of the dirty matted mess he’d been the first time I’d seen him. He seems dedicated to Leah, I said and Dom snorted.
Yeah, that’s the problem.
Alright, we’re about to go. I paused, waiting and when he didn’t say anything, I huffily added, I love you.
I love you too, he answered hastily and I rolled my eyes. “How are we supposed to walk around with a wolf?” I demanded to know and Leah glanced up, her eyes curious. Trent smiled, pulling something from his back pocket and shaking it out.
“This,” he declared in satisfaction and I tilted my head sideways to read what it said.
