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“He’s strong,” she says. “Dangerous. And every other alpha here has his back.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” I say. “And as far as him being strong…I’m stronger.”
“I believe you,” she says, “but I don’t want it to come to that.”
“He deserves to die for what he’s done.”
Peaches’ eyes shine like she’s about to cry. “Please be careful.”
I wrap her in my arms and tuck her head under my chin, reveling in the way it feels to pull my mate into my embrace. She’s not in heat—she can’t be, not this far out from the full moon—but I’m still wild for her, almost unable to resist another round. Her scent is a promise of the future,
“You don’t have to worry about me,” I tell her. “I’m a survivor.”
“But you shouldn’t have to be,” she says. “Neither of us should.”
My cold, dark heart twists and aches. This is what I was afraid of.
She’s gonna break right through all the walls I’ve put up.
I roll out of bed and tousle my hair, finding that I can’t shake her scent. I run water to the bath, at least to dunk my head in and collect myself. There are still hours until morning, I think—but I need to focus and toughen up again. I can’t stay in this soft place with this soft girl and her wild hair and round hips…
Her arms come around my waist from behind, one hand on my ribs and the other over my heart. I didn’t even hear her get up, her steps so light as to be imperceptible. Makes sense for someone who’s had to do a lot of hiding in their life. I let a breath out as she wraps herself around me, her cheek on my back, her breath puffing out on sweat-slick skin.
“Please don’t pull away from me, Javi,” she says. “I can help you be strong.”
I cover the hand over my heart, curling my fingers around hers. My instinct is to wrench her hand off of me, but even when it’s necessary, I just can’t be cruel to Peaches.
Fuck…why do I feel like she’s going to get us both killed?
“Don’t get you get it, Peach?” I ask. “You’re my greatest weakness.”
Her voice is small when she replies. “I don’t want to make your life harder.”
I turn to face her, lifting her chin to look at me. She’s so small—so delicate, so kind. This world is no place for someone like her, and I want nothing more than to shelter her and make her feel safe.
“It’s not like that,” I say.
“Then what’s it like?”
“I know things are different in Austin, but most places—most packs—they use the things you love against you,” I say. “The only way to get out intact is to go it alone, and I’m not willing to do that with you.”
“So you don’t think we’re going to get out?” she squeaks.
“No, I do,” I say, pulling her in and trying to soothe her. “Because I’m gonna fight like hell for you. We just have to survive.”
“I would fight for you too,” she says, her voice muffled against my skin.
I almost laugh at the idea of her fighting anyone—let alone the alphas on this ship. I’ve seen some tough omegas out there, but Peaches isn’t one of them.
“It’s my duty as your mate to fight for you,” I tell her. “To protect you.”
“I don’t want you to have to protect me at all,” she says.
“But that’s the way it is,” I remind her. “And remember—it’s my fault you’re here in the first place. Don’t feel bad for me.”
“I don’t,” she says. “I just love you and I don’t want to see you hurt.”
She’s already hurt me with her words more than anyone else could with their claws and teeth. I’m still certain I don’t deserve her—that hasn’t changed—but I’m helpless when it comes to giving her what she wants…and I know it will be easier to keep her safe now.
