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“Besides,” Knox grinned, looking smug. “We didn’t walk away from the auction without some leverage.”
“Leverage?” Demi gazed over my shoulder at my packmate.
Digging into his sweatpants, Knox procured a flash drive and waggled it between his fingers.
“What is that?” she asked airily, eyes glued to the small device.
I gripped her chin gently, bringing her attention back to me. Stroking my thumb lightly along the line of her bottom lip, I gave her a little hope. “Evidence of what Pack Silver was up to last night. Pictures and videos from the auction. It’s not incriminating enough to crucify him, but it’s a hell of a start.”
ten
DEMI
My spoon clinkedagainst my bowl as I scraped up the remanents of my meal, then popped it into my mouth with a contented sigh. “That was delicious.”
Thane made an enormous pot of chicken soup, a spread of gourmet sandwiches, homemade potato salad, and a vegetable tray for dinner, providing our guests with a range of choices. Pack Jacobs had piled their plates high, then disappeared to the outdoor deck to eat, offering my pack and I precious time alone.
Julia and Adeline were still asleep, and I didn’t blame them. If I weren’t so hungry, I probably would’ve crawled back into bed already.
Instead, I’d opted in favor of food and had promptly devoured a bowl of soup since my stomach hadn’t fully settled. Luckily, my hunger had come roaring back, allowing me to eat as much as I had.
Staring at the bottom of my empty bowl, it took all my self-restraint and sense of decorum not to lick the last droplets of creamy broth I’d missed.
“Do you want seconds?” Hades asked from where he sat at the table, studying me intently.
Shaking my head, I smiled to myself when I noticed more than one of them tense, ready to spring from their chairs if they caught even a hint of a nod. “I don’t want to push my limits. It’s been a while since I’ve eaten this much.”
Unhappy grumbles rose around the table, and I dipped my flushed face. I’d probably said too much.
It hadn’t escaped my notice that all my men were paying close attention to me, making sure I ate, anticipating whether I wanted more food or a warm drink. They were treating me like a princess, and though I could certainly feed myself, it was nice to be so thoroughly cared for.
Especially after… well,after.
I’d learned from the meals we’d shared in the past that they derived pleasure from seeing to my needs. They always made sure they served me first and didn’t eat until I’d taken a bite. It was funny, really, since my upbringing had taught me to wait on Alphas hand and foot. I shook my head.
What a change.
If I had to assign their attentiveness to a love language, it might be acts of service. Then again, they were also incredible, with words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, and gifts too. Admittedly, each one spoke to the Omega side of me that needed love, attention, and support. They provided a safe place for me to thrive.
I just hoped I offered them as much in return.
Lately, I felt all I’d done was create stress and heartache. Even now, sitting around the table, they looked haggard and tired. Though the accident and subsequent kidnapping hadn’t truly been my fault—in the sense that I never,everintended for it to happen—I was still the one who’d brought Anton and Pack Silver to their doorstep.
They’d been hurt because of me. Theyalmost diedbecause of me.
There were days in captivity when I’d wallowed in the sorrow of that knowledge for endless amounts of time. Although the past twenty-four hours were filled with adrenaline and happiness from the rescue and reunion with my mates, I continued to bear the guilt of causing trouble in their lives. Anton had hurt them to get tome, and I’d have to live with that forever.
“Hey.” Eli captured my chin and dragged my attention his way. Concern covered his face, and he cocked his head, studying me closely from behind his black-rimmed glasses. Somehow, he always sensed when I was even the slightest bit upset or off-kilter. He read me so easily. “What’s going through that beautiful mind of yours, Love?”
I nibbled on my lip, debating how much to share. I didn’t want to lie to them, but omitting the truth might be for the best. If they understood the depth of my guilt, they’d definitely try to talk me out of it. But it was my burden to carry.
“I’m fine,” I promised.
And it was true. I had them.
I was free from Pack Silver once more and back in their arms.
I had food and the essentials.
