“All of them? I bet Lilah held back half.” I dangle the carrot.
He bites with a black-eyed snap. “Now you’re speaking Finnglish.”
“Give me your phone.” When my scent relaxes, Finn cooperates. I punch my number into his contacts. “Text me your number, and I’ll send you Lilah’s list. If you’re that bored, you can help with my list, too.”
I’ve banked a lot of names over the years.
I’m finally free to start crossing them off.
There’s one I can’t avoid any longer.
He’s waiting for me underground.
“I like you.” Finn grins.
I return a plastic smile, just as fake as his. “Hurt my pack or my friend one more time, and you won’t even know how you died.”
A spark flickers in his empty eyes. “I like you a lot, Starfriend.”
“Can you acknowledge my threat?” I toss back his phone.
“Nah. I’d kill myself faster.” He drags the phone across his throat.
“Great plan.”
Dutch’s snarl saves me from continuing the heart-to-heart.
My teddy bear alpha roars onto the roof like a pissed grizzly, pumping three paintballs into Finn’s chest before snatching me into his arms. “Don’t talk to him. He’ll fuck up your chakras.”
Pancaked, I let myself be dragged away. “He wouldn’t know how.”
While Dutch purrs, I strip off his paint-splattered body armor. His emotions ping-pong, melty warm when he looks at me, then wary as a bear watching hornets swarm when he tracks Finn over my shoulder.
My throat stops pinching when Finn finally gets bored and ducks off the roof.
Reese pings me before I can check where he went.
ALL-STAR
Hunter wants me to teach Finn a lesson on teamwork. You and Dutch have the afternoon off.
“Solly.” Dutch deflates. “I’m supposed to protect you, not—”
“You’re mine. If a Wyvern breathes on you, I’m putting him in his place.” I scrape his throat until his moan melts my vocal cords. “Is that okay?”
“Fuck.” His knees shake. “Yeah. Super fucking okay.”
“Good.” I lean into his warmth, stealing a little sunshine. “Want to come somewhere with me?”
“Everywhere.”
I squeeze his fingers.
Asking no questions, Dutch follows where I lead.
* * *
I’ve always had permission to visit the Wyvern House prison.