He brings me in close and hugs me. When he sets me on my feet, I know I’ve run out of time. I look at Gael and gesture to the chair in my small kitchen. There’s only one.
“Take a seat,” I squeak.
Gael nods, but it appears a bit self-conscious. He slides into the seat and tenses, but then, I would, too, with those three at my back if I were anyone but me.
I walk slowly around the table, but Keagan picks me up and sets me next to him.
“My table is not for sitting.”
“Then get more chairs.”
“I don’t need more chairs.”
“You do!” All three of them say at once.
I glower at them, but I refuse to get into this argument this early in the day.
I focus on Gael and find him staring at his hands that he’s got locked together on the table.
“I thought you guys said you were leaving?” I ask curiously.
He looks up, startled, and then shoots Keagan a look. “Something came up.”
I stare at him and then slap Keagan’s thigh as hard as I can. It won’t do anything but get his attention, but it makes me feel better, well, apart from the aching hand.
“What did you do?”
Keagan smiles and leans back, turning his head to look at Gael, who is now leaning back in the chair, looking like he wished he’d never spoken.
“Keagan!” I growl.
“Hey. You know me, would I ever do anything terrible?”
“Yes!”
Shale turns and circles the table, taking my chin in his index finger and thumb. He nudges my head until I’m looking at him.
“We took care of it.”
“What does that mean? Is Kelly alive? What about Ezy? You didn’t hurt them, did you?”
I rip my jaw free and look at Gael, who has a stain of pink on his cheeks.
“What did you do?”
Shale slides his hand along my scalp and curls his fingers in my hair, holding my head fast.
“We took care of it the same way we’ve been taking care of you for years. Relax, beautiful omega. It’s fine, your precious scent matches are alive. More's the pity.”
I growl at him.
Shale just leans forward and rubs his nose against mine. “You are so cute when you’re trying to be mean.”
I’m trying so hard to stay angry at him, but this side of the guys is my weakness. I’m helpless with their slick words and gestures that make me melt.
“I’m not cute.”
“You are adorable. But, right now, you need to speak to Gael, so we’re going to step outside, and then, when we come back, Beau is going to make you his gran’s biscuits. Does that sound good?”