AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Actually, I have to work, so I’ll be the one leaving first. You guys should talk,” she said bluntly. Ellie proceeded to pour herself a steaming mug and doctoring it up before leaving us alone. The shower started a moment later and left Bear and I standing in an awkward silence.
“So, coffee?” I offered. “I’m usually not this off, sorry, I’m not trying to make this weird.”
“It’s a weird situation. My mate is part of an established pack,” he said with a sigh. “Nothing can ever just be easy.”
“Easy is hardly ever worth it,” I countered. “And we’re a fairly newly formed pack. I think last night went well. Did you not?”
He smiled at that as he sipped his coffee. “I did. Honestly, I missed hanging with Ellie like that. She’s great.”
“She really is,” I agreed. “But I’d like to talk about us now. Would you like to see how things progress?”
“I would,” he admitted. “Unfortunately, I come with some baggage and drama.”
“Don’t we all?” I mused. “We are a pack well equipped to handle drama. And your drama happens to be Ellie’s, too.”
He laughed. “That last interview was brilliant. They’re going to be back with a vengeance, though.” I hated the shadows in his eyes. It was hard not to be able to feel what he was struggling with like I could Ellie, but we weren’t bonded yet, despite being mates.
“I want to ask something. And it’s not a pleasant question,” I said carefully. There was no good way to bring this up.
“Go for it,” he said with resignation. “We’ve got to get deeper at some point.”
“Did they abuse you?” If he was shocked by the question, he didn’t show it.
“Physically? No,” he said. “They were just being assholes when things started changing. Now they’re downright terrifying.”
“Now?”
“They’ve been messaging me. I’m not replying, of course, but it’s still escalating,” he admitted.
“Can I see? I’d like to know what we’re working with,” I said. “Especially if they’re heading here.”
He went back to the couch to grab his phone and pulled up the group chat, handing the phone over.
The last text was a full threat and as I scrolled up to see the previous ones, it was a barrage of insults and colorful attempts at cutting down the omega’s confidence. I didn’t realize I was growling until he put a hand on my arm.
“Sorry,” I said, handing it back and tilting my head back, breathing through the protective anger going through me. If I wanted to kill them before, it was nothing on my feelings now. They told him they were coming for him, it didn’t get more clear than that.
“I’m alright, I can take care of myself,” he promised as if that would soothe my anger. Even now his scent had soured with fear.
“You will be fine, we’ve got you,” I said in a growl. “They won’t touch what’s mine.”
“Damn, you get possessive,” he joked, but it was laced with worry.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Bear. Losing control isn’t my style. I’m just livid they think they can treat anyone like this, especially someone they were supposed to care about.”
“They only cared about themselves. And I didn’t think you’d hurt me, I just don’t want you guys getting hurt because of me,” he admitted.
“You’re not alone, Bear. You’ve got us backing you. But please make sure not to go anywhere alone. I want you back here in the pack house with us. You might have to share mine or Ellie’s bed or couch surf, whatever works. I need you safe.”
The poor omega sagged in relief. Ellie walked out and paused, looking from me, to Bear, and back again.
“Is everything alright?”
“No,” I admitted as she chewed on her bottom lip. “The Forrest Pack has been sending him threats.”
“Oh my god, Bear,” she gasped, rushing over and giving him a hug. “You need to stay here then, staying where they will likely check in would be stupid.”
“I agree,” I said. “We’ll grab his stuff today.”
