AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When I emerged as a beta in my ceremony, I knew it’d mean I’d have to share Verity someday, and I strangely don’t mind it with the men she’s managed to collect like her own personal dessert bar. She’s happy, well, as happy as she can be with a murderer at large, so I’m content.
Kyle manages to rise to fourth, which is crazy when you consider he started in the bottom percentage, but it’s not top three. Yet. I’m impressed with how he’s managed to turn the Heat Fiends over to his side. Ver eats it up when he wraps his arms around her and presses his nose to her pulse before returning to the risers.
Mrs. Violet calls the rest of the men to have their knots tied and it’s obvious there’s not any chemistry between them and Verity. No twinkle or sparkle. Nothing. Don’t get me wrong, most of the bad alphas have been weeded out, but they’re not the right ones for Verity, and that’s okay.
If we can get Kyle in the top three, then we can figure out how to slide Emmett in there because, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Chapter 49
Verity
Ry and I are walking through the hallways back to my suite after the elimination when a hand snags me around the waist. A squeak escapes as the hand spins me around and pulls me into a small alcove that’s only big enough for the two of us and the large plant decorating the space.
“Verity? What the fuck—“
Ryland must notice it’s Kyle at the same time as I gaze into his gorgeous caramel eyes because he lets out a growl. I glance at my best friend only to catch him lowering a kitchen knife, breathing a sigh of relief as he tucks it into the back of his pants.
“Don’t scare me like that,” Ryland chides.
“Ry? When did you get that?” I ask, eyes wide.
Not an ounce of guilt flashes across his face as he says, “I took it from the kitchen when everyone was distracted by your date. It’s obvious we’re the only ones who will protect you or ourselves. I want to be prepared.”
My heart flutters in my chest at the vehement way he insists on protecting me.
Kyle uses his free hand to scratch the beard on his face. “Yeah, that’s my bad. Sorry. I just wanted to surprise Verity and make her smile.”
“Speaking of which, what’s going on? Why the secrecy?” I ask.
Kyle shoots me one of his shy grins. “I heard you and Ryland coming. I couldn’t resist.”
Now that my mind knows we’re not in danger, I become ultra aware that every part of my body is smushed against Kyle. He’s a built alpha, so he consumes most of the available space. His fingers stroke the small sliver of skin where my shirt slid up, and I almost moan.
“Actually, I may have another reason,” Kyle admits and turns his attention to Ryland. “Would you mind if I stole our omega for a little while? I think she needs a break from the show and chasing clues, but only if you didn’t already have something planned.”
My interest piques. I also find it so fucking sweet he’s asking for permission—that he cares enough not to step on Ryland’s toes in case he already has plans with me.
Ry shakes his head. “Nope, you’re totally good. As long as our Ver Bear wants to go?” I’m already nodding before he finishes, and he chuckles. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
Kyle’s fingers tighten around my waist as a genuine grin lights his eyes. “We’ll be in the library, in case you need to find us. Andrik confirmed there aren’t any cameras, so we don’t have to worry about them.”
“Now that you mention it, where are the twins? And Emmett?”
“You know those workaholics. They’re trying to piece together loose ends. As for Emmett, apparently, another crew member is sick. Must be some kind of stomach bug going around.”
I wince. “Oh no. Hopefully, we don’t catch it. That’s the last thing we need right now.”
“True. Anyway, good call, Kyle. Enjoy your date, Ver Bear.” Ry leans in and kisses me on the cheek before walking away.
Kyle’s nose dips to my neck, marking me with his caramely goodness. The scruff of his beard scrapes me, sending a shiver down my spine.
“So, the library, huh?” My words come out breathy, but it’s no wonder with the full attention of this alpha.
He smirks against my neck, but eventually pulls away so he can look me in the eyes. “Last time we had a one-on-one date, I showed you something I’m passionate about. This time I figured we could do something you love.”
My brow dips in confusion. “How did you know I love books?”
“You told me, and I tucked that piece of information away for later.”
