Page 81 of Deadly Sweet

Chapter 17

Savannah

Is this what happinesslooks like? I’ve seen it in the movies I’ve watched, but I never thought I’d ever just sit around the house, eating, laughing, and talking with Alphas. Not just any Alphas, but my Alphas. My pack. My scent matches.

Part of me wonders if I’m on some sort of epic acid trip, and if I am, where can I get more drugs so I never come down from it?

We’ve been sitting in the living room, listening to Jake tell stories about some of the kids in his class while I eat.

I’ve never full-belly laughed before. It’s an odd feeling, but not a bad one. My muscles feel tight, and my face hurts.

But what I love the most is the way they look at me every time I smile or laugh.

Athena is awake now, cradled in Caleb’s arms. My attention keeps drifting towards her, unable to keep my eyes away.

She’s so precious and such a good baby. And so tiny. She’s only four months old. I’m still not sure how I’m going to be able to handle being around a baby emotionally. I thought I’d feel more uncomfortable, but maybe it hasn’t kicked in just yet.

I see her, I hear her, but I’m still kind of all up-in-the-air about everything that’s happened in the past twenty-four hours.

“So, about tonight?” Walker asks, catching my attention.

“What about tonight?” I ask, pulling my eyes from the baby to his.

“We would like it if you slept here. With everything being so new and strong, I don’t think any of us want to be away from you right now. I know last night was hell for me.” Walker shifts in his seat. “And I’d like to apologize for that. I didn’t react the way I should have. Not to make any excuses, but I think finding you the way we did was a shock for me.”

“You mean finding me with a dead body?” I ask, grinning.

“Ahhh... yeah, that,” he chuckles.

I shrug. “Not going to lie, it hurt. I felt a little rejected. But hey, I’m broken, what can you do?”

“You're not broken,” Jake insists and damn it, my belly flips.

“Listen, I know what I do isn’t normal. I’m sure it’s seen as disturbing. I take people's lives and I enjoy doing it. But I’d never take the life of someone who doesn’t deserve to lose it. You wanna rape, murder, beat, and torture people? Then I don't believe you deserve to see the light of another day.”

“I agree.” Caleb nods. “And I’m all for what you do. Need a sidekick? I’m there.”

“Thank you.” I grin widely.

“Do I like your job?” Leroy asks rhetorically. “No, I don’t, to be honest. But I’m not going to stop you from doing it. I’m not going to make you feel bad or judge you for it. I just ask that you don’t bring your work home.”

“Of course.” I nod. “I’d never do that. But then that means I have some questions. Like, what if I’m bloody and I need a shower? Do you want me to go to Salvation before coming home?”

“Ahhh...” Leroy stammers, not sure what to say. “Not if it’s out of your way? I don’t really know. It’s an odd question.”

“Not really. I tend to get messy on my jobs. I mean, if you're not having fun while doing it, what's the point, am I right?” I laugh.

“Agreed.” Caleb nods.

“Okay. How about if it’s a little bit of blood, you're fine to come back here. But if you're allCarrie, then maybe shower at Salvation. Might attract less attention?” Walker suggests.

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