Page 33 of Puck Your Neighbor

"She said," Leo's voice cuts through the room like a whip, sharp and dangerous, "to leave her alone."

The journalist turns, startled, and takes in the sight of the three of us, our faces hard, our eyes blazing. He pales, but tries to maintain his arrogant facade.

"Just doing my job, boys," he says, holding up his phone, a flimsy shield. "Public interest and all that."

"Her well-being is our priority, not your story," Jenson growls, stepping forward, his fists clenched, his large frame radiating menace.

"Get out," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "Before we have security escort you out. And if you ever bother her again, you'll have to deal with us. And trust me, you don't want that."

The journalist's eyes flicker with a hint of fear, and he finally backs down, muttering something about "overprotective alphas" under his breath. He practically scurries out of the room, and we're instantly at Anya's side.

She's shaking, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her knuckles white.

Jenson crouches down beside her, his hand coming to rest on her arm. "Hey, it's okay," he says softly. "He's gone. You're safe, Princess."

Leo perches on the arm of the couch to her right and places his hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"

She nods, but her eyes are wide and frightened, and tears well up in the corners.

I kneel before her, taking her hand in mine, my thumb rubbing soothing circles on her skin. "We're here, Anya. We won't let anyone hurt you."

She looks up at us, her gaze searching, and then she types on her phone, her fingers trembling.

"Thank you. For defending me," the robotic voice says.

"Always." I squeeze her hand, my heart aching for what she's been through.

Leo and Jenson nod, their faces mirroring my own fierce protectiveness.

"We'll defend you for life, sweetheart," Leo adds, his voice thick with emotion, his gaze intense.

"Always and forever." Jenson takes her other hand.

She looks at each of us, then her hand leaves mine and goes to her covered throat. She looks so incredibly vulnerable right now.

She types on her phone again, before she hits play.

"When we get home, I want to bond. I want you to replace the marks on my neck. I don't want to see them anymore."

My breath catches in my throat. This is it. What we've been waiting for, hoping for. She's ready.

"Are you sure, Anya?" My voice is husky.

She nods and a questioning look enters her eyes as she motions to us.

"We're sure," Leo says, speaking for all of us, his voice unwavering.

Jenson nods, his green eyed gaze intense. "More than anything."

A small, watery smile graces her lips. And in that moment, I know that we've finally broken through the walls she's built around herself. We're her pack. Her protectors. Her mates. And we'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to make her happy, to give her the life she deserves, a life free from fear. The life that was almost stolen from her. It is time she has a pack to rely on, and we will make sure she knows we are there for her, always.

Chapter 15

The ride back to my apartment is a comfortable blur. Leo's hand rests on my thigh, a reassuring weight, while Jenson drives us in his Porsche, occasionally glancing at me in the rearview mirror with a soft smile. Maverick sits in the passenger seat, turned slightly towards us. My inner omega purrs with contentment, basking in their attention, their protectiveness.

*We're going to bond. Tonight.

The thought sends a thrill through me, a mix of anticipation and nerves. I haven't allowed myself to truly consider the possibility until now, not after everything that happened. But the way they stood up for me, the way they comfort me, the way they look at me...it makes me believe that maybe, just maybe, I can have this. A real pack. A real family.

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