Page 83 of The Librarian and Her Alphas

“Fine,” I growl, and he jogs around the side of the house before I lose my temper. He returns a few minutes later.

“No, she’s not there,” he says, and I pull out my cell phone.

Maybe she’ll answer her phone instead of the door. I dial her number, tapping my foot impatiently as it rings. When it goes straight to voicemail, I shove my phone angrily into my pocket.

“This can’t be happening,” I growl in irritation, breathing harshly with worry. “If she won’t open this fucking door, I’ll kick it down.”

Gunnar and Max exchange worried glances as I prepare to kick the door down.

* * *

Lena

My eyes snap open,and I’m suddenly wide awake.

I had fallen asleep on the couch after eating lunch. The TV is still on, and a random show is playing in the background. I sit up gingerly, listening for any sounds. It wasn’t a nightmare or a noise that woke me, but something deep inside told me it was time to wake up.

My anxiety instantly skyrockets, and I’m on high alert, trying to figure out what it was that disturbed me. A strange smell reaches my nose, and I take a deep breath.

There are alphas outside my front door.

Panic rises within me, worried that Zorin has finally found me, but the scent becomes clearer.

Smoked cedarwood and black pepper.

Pine.

Fresh earth.

There are alphas outside my door.My alphas. Damon, Max, and Gunnar are here. Smiling, I leap off the couch and rush to open the front door.

Damon’s massive form stands in the doorway.

His eyes are dark with fury, and he looks ready to kick the door down.

“Oh,” I say, startled as I step back in alarm.

His shoulders soften and he has a sheepish look on his face, “you weren’t answering the door.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say, bursting into tears and throwing myself into his arms. He catches me effortlessly, and I cling to him, overwhelmed with emotion that he is finally here.

I can hear the pounding of his heart even through my sobs and smell the adrenaline radiating from him in waves. He’s furious with me. I know he is, but he still holds me close, and I’m grateful he hasn’t thrown me off yet.

“It’s okay,” he chuckles. “It’s not a big deal. I got a little impatient and almost broke the door down. You must have been in the bathroom or something.”

“I’m sorry I left,” I cry into his chest as he scoops me up to carry me into the house.

“Shh, Lena darling,” he soothes, the gravel in his voice calming me. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” He rubs my back gently, easing me into him.

Max and Gunnar follow us inside, closing and locking the door behind them. Damon walks through the house and into the bedroom, gently setting me on the bed before kicking off his shoes and climbing in beside me, settling against the headboard.

I curl into his side immediately, not wanting to distance myself from him. After the hell I’ve been through today, I need the security of his solid form next to me. Max and Gunnar join us, surrounding me protectively.

It’s quiet for a few moments, and I allow myself to relax fully for the first time all day, content to soak in my alphas’ warm and comforting presence.

Gunnar is the first to break the silence.

“We need to know,” he says gently, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “What happened today? Why did you leave like that?”

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