Page 12 of Drown My Sorrow

“Why are you doing this?”

Beau leans in close and licks his lips, smirking when I drop my eyes to watch.

“I find it hilarious to watch you try so hard. You have no idea what you’re up against.”

“And what am I up against? How about you tell me?” I’m normally the most laid-back guy, but these three alphas are putting me on edge, so my words come out with a dangerous sharpness.

“I would, but it’s more fun to let you figure it out on your own.”

I huff in annoyance and try to turn away. Beau slams a hand against my throat and squeezes. I still, blinking at him, because no one has ever touched me like this. I’m not entirely sure what to do. The last thing I want to do is brawl on the street and upset her before we’ve even met.

But he’s got his hand around my throat, and I don’t like that I want to lift my chin in submission to him. I fight the urge with everything in me.

Beau leans forward and brushes his nose across my cheek. “You are so adorably stupid, Ezy.”

“I-”

“I know why they call you Ezy,” Beau whispers.

“Why?” I can’t help but ask.

“They call you Ezy because you’re so pretty. Things must come Ezy to you.”

I flinch, but it doesn’t stop this alpha’s probing, knowledgeable stare. How does he know that I’ve heard that before? How does he know that actually is part of the reason I call myself Ezy?

“You have spoiled, rich-born alpha written all over you. Here’s some advice. Take your alphas, forget about my omega, and go home. Buy yourself a toy. I’m sure you can forget about her easily enough.” He flicks a disgusted look down my person and raises an eyebrow. “After all, you’ve done it before.”

Beau snickers and looks down at my lips. He leans in again, and I think he’s going to kiss me, and I’m not sure what to think about that. Or ready to admit how much I want him to, but instead, he just whispers one more thing.

“I’ve read every email you sent my girl. All your secrets are mine.”

I stand there long after he’s gone, feeling sick, but I still can’t regret reaching out to Aspyn and becoming friends.

Chapter four

Aspyn

AspynAged14

I wake up hearing the beeping of machines. It’s a noise I’ve only ever heard on TV, but I know it instantly. I’m in a hospital, but why? It still takes me a moment to open my eyes. I don’t hurt, not exactly, but I feel weird, heavy and light at the same time.

The first thing I see is an IV bag. The long line loops down to my arm and, holding my hand, is a hand with a ring I recognise instantly. My mother. She stares at me like I’m a ghost. Her lower lip and chin tremble. Her eyes are red-rimmed and swollen. She’s lost weight. She looks like a different person.

I try to call her, but I can’t move my face properly.

“No, no, don’t talk. You’re okay. You’re going to be fine,” she sobs out the words and swipes at her face.

I stare at her because, in those words, I can’t find anything true. She’s lying.

Nothing’s fine.

Something’s very wrong. I look down the bed and see my leg in a cast up to my groin.

What happened?

All I can remember is the roar of water as it swallows me.

PresentDay

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