Page 19 of Denied By the Alphas

I nodded, my heart pounding as I researched the city onmy phone while they started driving. Apparently, it snowed more there than anywhere else in the state.

Suddenly, the van slowed down, and I realized we’d reached a checkpoint. Gripping Griffin's hand tightly, my heartbeat quickened even more as Logan spoke to the guard.

“We’re just heading out on holiday with our omega fiancée,” Logan explained smoothly.

“What’s her name?” the guard asked.

“Carmen.”

“Carmen, please step out of the vehicle,” said the guard, and my heart thumped uncontrollably. Security had tightened ever since Ruby escaped with her pack.

“Don’t worry,” whispered Griffin as I reached for the door handle. “If they don’t let you go, I’ll snatch you up, and we’ll get the hell out of here.”

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the van as two guards inspected my face. They even took note of the ring on my finger. I felt grateful that Logan had thought of it, even though I thought it silly at the time.

“You’re free to go. Have a good vacation,” the guard said gruffly as I hurried back inside to join Griffin in the backseat.

Griffin pulled me in the rest of the way and slammed the door behind me. “Fuck them all.”

“It’s okay,” I said, giggling at how passionate he was about the entire situation.

“They’re getting too controlling,” Logan said in a serious tone once we drove past the checkpoint. “They have no idea how many alphas they’re pissing off. Henry’s lost my support a million percent.”

I released the breath I didn’t know I was holding and let go of Griffin's hand.

“Sorry,” I said to Griffin, hoping I didn’t make it awkward between us.

“Don’t apologize,” Griffin murmured, his eyes softand his dark stubble visible in the moonlight. “I wish I could hold your hand the whole time, you know. I enjoyed it.”

My cheeks flushed. “Maybe I can just… lay on your lap instead? I’m exhausted.”

“Of course you can,” said Griffin, his smile widening.

As I rested my head on his lap, he gently stroked my hair.

“Enjoy it while it lasts,” said Talon from up front.

“You’re just fuckin’ jealous,” growled Griffin, and I closed my eyes with a small smile. I wondered how my new life was going to be, even though I was scared shitless. I never thought I’d be leaving the only home I’ve ever known.

Tyler

“Isn'tit creepy that we're just following her around like this?” my packmate Jaxon muttered as we trailed the van carrying Carmen and the pack she was with.

I clenched my jaw, my grip on the steering wheel tightening.

“I need to make sure she’s safe,” I replied, my voice tense.

“Safe from what? She’s with Logan and his pack,” Jaxon scoffed. “They’re not going to hurt her the way you fucking did, Tyler.”

I fell silent. He was correct.

“I just need to make sure…” I said. “In case they abuse her once they’re alone or worse. We have laws on the Alpha Compound, and it’s my job to…”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it,” said Axel bitterly. “Now Logan will make his move on her, and it’ll be too fucking late.”

“We never had a chance,” I said, breathing hard as I swerved to avoid a car and keep them in sight.

A heavy silence fell over the car as I struggled to keep my emotions in check.

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