Page 27 of The Bunny Blues

“Isn’t there anything we could do?” Coda asked, his breath teasing the hair at the base of my neck and causing me to shiver.

“Not that I know of.” Then I admitted in a whisper, “It’s already begun.”

“Already?” Quin’s voice was harsh, but when I glanced up, I found only sorrow etched on his face.

“It’s been almost two weeks since I left the burrow. I’m honestly surprised I’m not in worse pain.” I picked at a seam on the blanket, not wanting to meet their faces.

Coda pressed his cheek against my back, and the stubble on his jaw tickled my skin. “We will find a way to save you.”

Quin placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Yes. You just hopped into our lives. It’s far too soon for you to leave us.”

“Thank you.” Closing my eyes, I let myself soak up their attention.

Was this what it was like to be loved?

I tried my best to commit that moment to memory because I knew I wouldn’t experience it again.

Through the window, I could see the sun dropping low in the sky. It would be dark soon, so I couldn’t leave that night. But at first light, I would be on my way. There was no way I would let my presence split up the three brothers.

Coda sighed. “I need to go update the alpha on Macarius’s return.” Reluctantly, he released me and stood.

“Ellora, you need to eat. Does anything sound good?” Quin asked.

I found it hard to concentrate on his question, thanks to his hand rubbing my thigh. He meant it as a calming gesture, but the sheer size of his hand meant that his fingers were brushing the sensitive skin high on my thigh.

“Tacos?” My stomach rumbled loudly at the mention of my favorite five-letter word.

The guys laughed, and the tension in the room eased.

“Okay, how about we give you some privacy to clean up or whatever? I’ll go talk to the alpha, and Quin can pop down to the taco stand. We can be back in under an hour.” Coda held out his hand and pulled me to my feet.

Quin pushed himself out of the seat. “You need to bolt the door behind us, and don’t open it for anyone until we return. Got it?”

My stomach wobbled. I was going to be alone.

Stop being silly, Ellora! I chided myself. You need a shower, and there are wolves running security. Besides, no one knows you’re here.

Forcing a smile to my lips, I teased, “I’ll be fine! Last I checked, I was a grown adult.”

The wolves didn’t look entirely comfortable leaving me, but I shooed them out the door before they could change their mind. After clicking the locks into place, I made my way to the bathroom for a much-needed shower.

I sat on the couch, staring in horror at the front door.

BOOM!

The door shuddered, but the bolts held firm against the assault.

BOOM!

Whoever was on the other side of the door, they were determined to get inside.

UGH! Why had I been so stupid in sending Quin to get tacos? Actually, that was a stupid question. I’d asked for tacos because everyone knows that tacos are hugs wrapped in a tortilla. Besides, it was impossible to cry while eating a taco, and I was desperately trying to keep my tears at bay.

The only thing more tragic than dying was dying with an empty stomach.

Low growls came from the other side of the door, letting me know my unwelcome guests were wolves. Could they be from Cillian’s pack?

Cillian and Monroe had seemed very confident about my safety. Would their pack mates risk angering the alpha by attacking me?

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