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I huff out a laugh and dart around the gigantic trees, jumping over roots. The earth beneath my feet is cool from all the shade, and a warm breeze whips my hair around my face. I deftly reach up and wrap it up in a hair tie to keep it out of the way.
I find myself grinning from ear to ear, having fun playing a child’s game in the woods. The sun shines through the breaks in the trees it can find, and the leaves rustle in the wind. It’s just as magical as my parents’, and I know I could spend hours out here exploring.
I want to search for the fairies and the goblins like I’m in elementary school all over again.
I want to see the forest spirits and watch them play their tricks.
I had an active imagination as a child, having the freedom to roam and dream. Appears my imagination is still vivid, even if I haven’t used it in a while.
Slowing my steps, I creep around the trees, trying to keep as quiet as I can. I can’t hear River running anymore, so he’s got to be hiding behind one of these trees. I refuse to lose and be stuck with no panties for the remainder of the day. He’s going to have to hand them over or risk... well, I don’t know what I’ll do to him, but I’ll think of something. Rotten omega.
“River, you are such a-a-a-,”
“Such a what?” A whispered voice interrupts at my ear.
I shriek rather loudly, the sound echoing through the trees, and spin around. Seeing River hunched over with his arms banded around his middle and laughing his ass off has my lips thinning as I give him an unimpressed look. It wasn’t that funny. I march over and slap him on the shoulder.
“You shut up,” I growl out.
The sound of several feet thumping against the forest floor and shouting makes it to us and we look in the direction it’s coming from. All three alphas and Kian come rushing in, worried looks on all their faces. My own blanches at the concern and aggression they show as they check us over quickly before their eyes dart in every direction, looking for a threat. I give River a confused look, and he gives me an amused one in return. I get their concern for River, but they also check me over multiple times as well. I suppose because it was clearly me that shrieked like a banshee. It’s Nico that speaks first.
He looks at me, his green eyes soft as they gaze into mine, and gently asks, “What happened? Are you okay?”
My lips part and my body reacts involuntarily to his teakwood scent as it invades my nostrils, going pliant. My brain goes to mush, and I become a brainless bimbo. River stands behind me, supporting my body, and I feel his chest rumble as he laughs silently at me. “Huh?” I mumble.
Nico gives me a strange look and glances at River. He rolls his eyes when he notices his laughing and shakes his head, his body relaxing noticeably.
“You nearly gave us all a heart attack. Fuck’s sake. What is going on?”
That’s Syn. She gives us both a no-nonsense expression and my spine straightens, as does River’s. Her arms are crossed as she gazes at us with those steely eyes, waiting for us to answer. My stomach clenches and I hold my breath, trying to keep from perfuming. Son of a bitch. I blush profusely, feeling my face get hotter the longer they all watch me.
“River?”
“Just a game of catch, Alpha. That’s all. You guys are so dramatic. I just snuck up on the little bird here and gave her a scare. She’s okay.” He rolls his eyes, acting exasperated.
I tuck my lips behind my teeth, trying to hold in a laugh. That was anything but a simple game of catch, and he knows it. My panties are balled up in his left hand still, which he has hidden behind his back. I try discreetly shuffling behind his back to snag them while he’s busy with his stare down with Syn, but the minute I reach behind his back, her eyes snap to me, and she quirks a brow.
“Does River have something that you need, Ms. Jacobs?”
I shiver as she speaks to me. Then, calmly, I pull my hand back and clasp both behind my back, clearing my throat. I let loose a nervous giggle and slap a hand over my mouth. River chuckles and I elbow him in the ribs a little harder than I meant to, making him shout. All the alphas and Kian’s lips twitch.
Just fucking spit it out, Ripley. Gods.
“He’s got my panties,” I mumble, looking anywhere but at them.
Oh, look, a cardinal. So pretty.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you.”
When I glance back at Syn, she smirks, and I narrow my eyes at her. She’s calling my bluff. Well, fine then. I’m calling hers. I straighten my spine and raise a brow at her. Her eyes widen and her nostrils flare at my bravado.
“I said he’s got my panties and won’t give them back,” I tell her stubbornly, raising my chin slightly.
River is outright laughing by now, tears practically streaming down his face. Everyone else chuckles, except Syn. She has an odd look on her face and a fire blazes in those iron depths as she eyes me.
“Little Bird, you are an absolute delight.”
River pulls my hand up and places my panties in my palm, in front of them all. My face is on fire now. Quickly stuffing them in my back pocket, I glare at him.
