Page 38 of Unmarked

Rhea

Theo’s hand hovers in the space between us.

“You don’t have to say yes.”

But I do.

Because I can’t hold myself up anymore.

Because the floor tilts under my feet, and there’s a fire clawing through my belly that no amount of pride can beat.

Because deep down, I don’t want to fall alone.

“Yes,” I whisper.

One strong arm wraps around my waist while the other braces against the wall behind me, pulling me upright. Warmth floods into me, grounding me for a breath before it sets everything on fire again.

The moment Theo’s hand settles against my back, something inside me cracks. I don’t cry. I don’t scream.

But I break apart quietly, all at once.

Alpha.

Theo pulls me close like he already knows the shape of the ache. My face finds the crook of his neck without instruction, and I breathe him in - pine and honey and something that smells like sanctuary and sin.

My nails clutch at his shirt. My thighs press together. The ache is no longer just pain; it’s hunger. Deep. Rhythmic. Demanding.

My scent spikes, thick and heavy, curling through the air like it has opinions.

“She’s scenting,” Theo mutters, voice tight.

“She'sperfuming.” Kai lets out a sound that could be appreciation or prayer. “She’s dripping with it.Fuck.No wonder she ran.”

Lucian shifts slightly - barely a movement - but the tension ripples across his shoulders like something primal just stood up inside him. His hands flex at his sides.

Ash’s voice is flat, but his eyes are dark. “This isn’t some alleyway heat. She’srare.”

The word lands like a thunderclap.

Rare.

Lexi’s head snaps toward him so fast it’s a miracle she doesn’t get whiplash. “I’m sorry -rare?! She’s not a collector's item, she’s my best friend!”

“Lex,” I manage, shaky. “Not helping.”

“Notnothelping,” she mutters, still glaring at every alpha in reach like she’s debating which kneecap to aim for first.

They ignore her. Of course they do.

I flinch. I press tighter against Theo like I can hide inside him, like his body might block out the way they’re looking at me.

“Stop,” I rasp. My throat’s raw. My voice feels half-formed. “Stop looking at me like that.”

“Likewhat?” Ash says, his voice quiet.

I lift my head and meet their eyes one by one.

“Like you own me.”

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