Page 40 of Sawyer

Amazing.

She steals my breath.

Wearing high-waisted black pants, a cream button-down tucked into the waist of her pants, and a white lace bra, she looks like she’s ready to take on the world. She pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and painted her lips a deep burgundy.

“Talking about me, boys?” She tosses a duffle bag on the floor before opening her closet and pulling out her heels. “So tell me every weak point you found,” she says, slipping her feet into her heels.

I look at Rumor, who looks at me. Shrugging, I answer, “All windows have locks that are either broken or break easily. The door isn’t steel, but wood, and one can easily bust it down. Not to mention, there isn’t an ounce of security in here.”

“Noted.” She doesn’t even flinch as she grabs a long coat and slips it over her shoulders. “I have to be at the newsroom in less than twenty minutes. I sure hope Sin is getting those pastries.”

“What’s with the duffle?” I ask, trying to hide my smile, because I’m sure I already know.

“I made a deal with Sin, and I plan to keep it because it keeps my pussy happy.” She smiles at us as we sputter. “Did you think I’d argue and beg to stay here and have you three leave me behind? I don’t think so.” She saunters closer to us. “Besides, I feel like it’s only a matter of days before you two insert yourselves into that deal.”

Rumor coughs into his hand before looking up to the ceiling for patience. I don’t think he’s going to fight this woman. She seems to know her limits, and instead of fighting us, she will go along with whatever our instincts plan.

It’s a wise tactic, because I’m pretty sure she believes she will get what she wants if she plays along.

“Very well,” I say, because I don’t have anything else to say to her.

“Don’t think I haven’t forgotten about the stimulants,” Rumor interjects.

Tilting my head to the side, I take a deep breath, inhaling her scent again. “You burned most of it off already,” I note, finding her scent stronger than a normal gamma’s but not quite overwhelming.

She smells perfect to me.

“Oh, I’m sure you haven’t forgotten.” She smirks, as though that’s not an issue at all, though she just admitted to using illegal stimulants. “Shall we?”

Shaking his head in disbelief, Rumor leads the way out of her apartment and back toward the breezy hall. Following behind, I grab her duffle on the way and lock her door. I hold my palm out for the key in her hand.

Rolling her eyes, she places it in my palm before following Rumor out of the apartment and down the ridiculous stairs.

I am unable to hold my tongue this time. “Is there any other entrance?”

“Is there a problem?” Sawyer doesn’t look back and instead struts to the SUV, just as Sin comes around the corner with a box of pastries and several doe-eyed betas in tow.

Whistling, Sin pauses. “Princess,” he purrs, “you look amazing.” Turning to the young ladies following him, he says, “Doesn’t she look perfect?”

“Quit breaking their hearts.” Sawyer snatches the box of treats and climbs into the vehicle.

“Sorry, girls.” Sin holds up his hands, skips to the backseat, and climbs in.

“Let me drive?” I beg Rumor. “I’m not sure I can sit back there much longer and smell his pheromones.” Sin smells like sex, and it makes my canines ache.

“I’m surprised Sawyer hasn’t reacted yet,” Rumor remarks before turning to me. “Do you want to—”

“Nope.” I head to the backseat to avoid whatever he thinks will be a good idea.

“To the newsroom it is,” he mutters before climbing in.

The entire moment feels dreamlike, and my mind wanders back to the thoughts of a pack. I always wondered why I could never find one, and why no other alpha, delta, or even beta called to me. Rumor and I went into the force together. We were patrolling that night we spotted Sawyer in the woods, and I followed her. Though Rumor scented of lust that night, thinking back, I can recall how right the moment felt.

Now, sitting in the back of the SUV, I feel calmer than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I think that has a lot to do with the woman sitting in the front seat.

At least I remain calm until she hums and bounces around. Like dogs, we all turn to her, our attention riveted to the woman licking her fingers and dancing as she chews.

“Note to self, cover my whole body in icing,” Sin whispers.

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