Page 32 of Drown My Sorrow

“You want to keep them this far apart.”

I move closer, focusing on my alpha’s instructions.

Chapter eight

Keagan

KeaganAged17

My mother and her new pack have been gone for almost two years. I’ve managed to hide it from everyone, but I’m alone now. The nights are cold, and, without electricity, it’s getting harder and harder to live.

I go and wash in the ocean each day. I steal food from gardens or stalls or get a plate from Henni, who works at the hotel. Meals are optional when you don’t have food, and I have done some horrible things to get it.

I wrap my arms around my knees and bury my face in them. Why did she leave me? What did I do wrong?

The new bonds press into me, reminding me I’m not alone. It’s the best gift they could have given me.

I close my eyes, but when I wake up, I find Shale sitting beside me.

I put my head on his shoulder and tangle my fingers with his.

We’re the outcasts of Black Valley.

And I’m so damn in love with my best friends. I haven’t told them yet, but I know they can feel it through the bonds. It’s us against the world.

I can feel how much they love me, too. It’s addictive to a kid like me who has no one.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Shale murmurs.

“What should I say? I’m doing all right. I don’t need any help.”

Beau appears out of nowhere and slaps the back of my head. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“Come on, my dad’s gone again. Let’s go back to my house and make a plan.”

“What kind of plan?”

“The kind where we get our own place,” Shale says and grins.

His words send a bolt of excitement through me.

Yes, I want that. I need that. My soul hungers for it more than my body hungers for food.

They gave me salvation.

I’ll give them everything.

PresentDay

I follow Gael as he stomps down the road, heading back to town and his ridiculous pack. He keeps glancing back, glaring at me when he spots me.

So far, pack Raines is shaping up to be something lackluster. I had been under the impression that they would be noble, strong, and interesting.

Anything.

They are sulky little man alphas, and I find that incredibly distasteful. Sulky children get ignored out here on my island. Beaten if they continue to offend my queen.

Gael twists around, glaring at me before he stomps off faster. As if there is anywhere on this island he could run.

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