Page 43 of Talk About… Trouble

Her voice carried in from the other room and we both fell silent, listening to ensure we didn’t have a repeat.

“You don’t have to do that,” she protested, but a moment later was letting out a sigh. “Okay, yeah. That might be for the best. See you guys in a minute.”

When she walked back in, she looked nervous and embarrassed. My instincts kicked into overdrive, and I rushed forward, helping her into her chair. Just touching her sent heat through me. That was an interesting reaction without being a scent match.

“You want to tell us what happened?” my not-so-gentle best friend demanded, more than asked.

“No,” she muttered, not meeting his eyes. “It won’t happen again, boss.”

Wrong choice of words. He looked like he was barely holding back his alpha now. I gave him a warning look, reminding him to be gentle.

“Look at me,” he demanded again. Apparently, that was the only thing he knew how to say. At least he had made his words less biting.

Those watery blue eyes looked up at him. She was even beautiful while upset. I swear, everything in me wanted to take her in my arms and promise her everything would be fine, to fight all her battles for her so she would just smile for me again.

I wasn’t usually the protective type, but right now, I was willing to go to war for this omega.

“I’m not asking because I’m judging you, Wren. I’m asking because you went from smiling, proving me wrong out there like you’ve been on this farm for years, to a crumpled mess on my floor. My alpha doesn’t quite like seeing you like that, and I want to know what we did to cause it.”

“Nothing,” she said quickly, looking shocked. “It wasn’t you. I got a call from my lawyer, and it was bad news. I knew it was coming… they leaked my picture, and…”

She was rambling on and on, and I had no idea what she was talking about. One glance at Shepherd said he was feeling the same way.

“I’m going to need you to slow down and explain what the hell you’re talking about,” he said. I was going to intervene but she let out a sigh like she knew it was coming.

“To give you the condensed version, I went through some trauma with a pack. Notmypack, but a pack that abused me. The trial was kept under lock and key. No pictures, no videos, NDAs, the works. We weren’t supposed to be seen for our protection, yet someone leaked my photo. Some lady at the bar recognized me one of my first nights here and said some really horrible things. I contacted my lawyer and was waiting to hear back. He called me and the news wasn’t great. Someone broke contract and they’re trying to figure out who. But that won’t take back the pictures and details from spreading.”

My heart broke for this sweet omega. I sat roughly in the seat next to her, not sure what to say or do.

“Where are they, Wren? I just want to have a little chat,” Shepherd asked, his voice far too calm for the look of pure fury in his eyes.

Apparently, that was what broke her. She started laughing until she was breathless and gasping for air.

“It’s okay, alpha. They’re in prison, and they’ll be there for a really fucking long time,” she promised. “I really didn’t want my story going out to everybody. I just hate that some random girl at a bar knew who I was just from looking at me and knew the details of what I’ve been through. It’s not exactly something I would advertise.”

“That explains the video that the Whitakers put out, doesn’t it?” I asked, putting two and two together. “But his response was exactly the kind of response you’re going to get around this town, Wren. Now that you’re here, you’re one of us. Nobody isgoing to let them sweep in and treat you like trash. If anybody tries, they’ll get corrected really fucking quick.”

“If one person dares to disrespect you on my property, I have a whole army of psychotic animals to send after them. You’re safe here. You know that, right?”

She laughed, though this one was a little watery, fresh tears coming to her eyes. The way she tried to smile through her tears meant these weren't the same kind of tears as before.

“It’s been a really long time since I’ve had people in my corner,” she admitted before gesturing to her tear stained face. “Just imagine, this is me with a dormant omega.”

Shepherd and I shared a look for the second time. I knew damn well the moment she left, we’d be talking more about this and researching exactly what she meant.

The conversation was cut short by tires crunching on the gravel. The harsh, spinning sound of it meant they were flying up the driveway.

Thank god the animals weren’t free range up here.

“Wren!”

Her name was practically bellowed from outside. She winced and hurried for the front door. Shepherd and I were both on her heels, not letting her face whatever this was alone.

After what she said, I was feeling protective. I couldn’t imagine if I had full alpha instincts riding me as well.

A gorgeous, male omega was barreling her way, his hair a wild blur of honey blond, eyes fierce and ready to fight for her. I relaxed immediately seeing his stance, knowing damn well this omega would raze the world for her.

Everyone thought alphas were scary, wait until you saw an omega on a rampage.

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