Page 50 of Welcome to Bone Town

A choked sound comes from Archer at my statement.Mmhmm, you know it’s mine, don’t you, baby.

Shuffling over, Jax and I each take a rock, but when Archer tries to find his own seat, I snag him around the waist and pull him between my legs.

“Um, I can–”

“You’re staying right here.” Did he think I wouldn’t claim him in front of everyone? Fuck that. He’s as much mine as Cora is, and I need to make sure he damn well knows it.

Tension leaves his shoulders as he relaxes against my chest. My body responds similarly, my alpha riding me a little less hard now that I have my beta in my arms.

Roman is the last to join us, closing his eyes andrubbing the back of his neck with one hand. It’s time we face this issue head on. I’ve got my suspicions about what’s got him acting like a giant alphahole, but I want to hear him say it. And I’m not afraid to push hard to get him to confess.

“Are you gonna tell us what the hell your problem is, Dr. Slate?” My tone is quiet, but demanding. “Because I think I speak for all of us when I say that no one—especially not a stuck up alphahole like you—is going to keep us from our mate.”

Roman crosses his arms and looks back over his shoulder at Cora.

I’m shocked he’s not arguing with me or telling me it’s unprofessional. That I should keep it in my pants until the dig is over. But he just stands there, staring at Cora.

“You gonna answer the man?” Jax asks. “‘Cause he’s right. You gotta lose the stick up your ass. I got plans to do a lot more with my mate than I did this afternoon. And unless we get out of here tonight, you’ll be getting another show. No way my dick’s gonna last another twenty-four hours.”

Roman swings his head to glare at Jax like he wants to kill him, but he keeps his lips pinched shut.

Ever the mediator, Archer tries to prod Roman more gently. “Seriously, I know this is a weird situation so emotions are running high, but are you okay, Roman?”

“Not really.” The professor surprises me with his soft, direct reply, his shoulders dropping along with his gaze. “I’m sorry. You all are mates and—” his voice breaks, surprising me even more.

Shit, I knew scent matches were a sensitive subject forhim, but never expected the prof to getthisemotional over it.

Roman clears his throat. “We’ve been in close quarters for weeks, and now we’re trapped in a dangerous situation. And… um…”

It’s exactly what I thought. “You like Cora.”

He doesn’t respond.

Shit, this has got to feel like all his worst fears coming true. He told me about his brother and how much he wanted to avoid being in that same position, but now someone he cares about has found her scent matches before he even had a chance with her.

“Of course he fucking likes Cora,” Jax scoffs. “Is that really news to you all?”

“It’s kinda news tome.” Roman sinks down onto a rock like he can’t hold himself up anymore.

“We’ve already established you’re an emotionally stunted alphahole.” There’s amusement in Jax’s voice as he taps Roman’s foot with his. “It’s pretty fucking obvious you’ve got a massive crush on our pretty little omega.”

Roman rubs the back of his neck. “I’ll get it under control. I know…” He pauses and swallows. “I know she’s yours, and I’m gonna have to…”

Jax laughs and rolls his eyes. “And you all are supposed to be the smart ones.” He stands up and brushes the dust from his jeans, a fruitless effort considering where we are and where we’re about to sleep. “News flash, professor, she wants you, too.”

With that he walks off, laying down next to Cora.

“She doesn’t,” Roman says softly, shaking his head.

“I don’t know.” Archer studies Roman. “Jax is…” He pauses like he’s searching for a diplomatic word.

“Eccentric.” I help him out.

“Yeah, lets go with that. But he’s also oddly intuitive, and I kind of think he might be right.”

“She doesn’t want me,” Roman’s protest is stronger now. “How could she? I’ve been a total ass.”

“Yeah, you have. And she deserves better.” I stand up, pulling Archer with me. “So step up. Or back off.”

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