Page 27 of G.O.D.S Omnibus

I stand from my chair and exit the room; I hear the others calling after me, but I don’t care. The day she died, my heart was torn from my body, and for twelve months, I felt like I was physically dying from the pain in my chest. It still hurt after that, but when they sent us here, I could dull the pain with Marlow’s super drug and girls.

If I can hold her—just for a second—maybe I will know it’s really her.

Chapter Ten

Jolie

Staring at my stupid list, I realise I’m no closer to knowing anything. I have been hiding out in my room for the last few hours, and while I’m not sorry about what I said, I now know some girl has done a real number on them. They finally revealed a weakness.

Danika has messaged me about eleventy-seven times to tell me how awesome the party was, and Sinclair texted twice to make sure I was okay. Jimmie even reached out to pester me for all the gossip on Mister Preppy. I flicked out a few replies earlier in the day. Now boredom is starting to kick in.

Me

Can I have some friends over to go swimming later today?

Brennan

You don’t have to ask to have your friends over.

Me

Ok thanks.

I’m not used to this. In all my previous placements, I either wasn’t allowed anyone over or it wasn’t worth asking. I fire off a group message asking if they want to come over for a swim and to chill. Danika is the first to reply with about twenty emojis.

My door flies open, Case standing in the doorway. I’ve been waiting on one of them to confront me, although honestly, I was expecting it to be Boston—it seems more his style. Case appears conflicted, his body rigid, but his eyes are almost teared over. I study his body language for a few seconds and something seems off. He moves into the room in a rush, leaving the door open. As he strides towards me, I keep my gaze trained on him, ready for whatever he has to dish out.

Now it’s me whose body goes stiff as he pulls me into his arms, wrapping me tight in his embrace, his heart beating heavily against my forehead. Something is wrong, yet my body melts naturally into his. It enjoys the comfort in his arms, and for the first time in years, it almost feels like I have come home.

After a few long moments, I give in and wrap my arms around his middle. I want to ask what’s up, but don’t want to ruin the moment. I get it—sometimes you just need a hug. The human touch can seem foreign a lot of the time, sex usually being the only contact I have with people of the opposite gender.

Case puts his nose to my hair and inhales. “Please don’t leave me,” he whispers.

I push him to arm’s length and stare up into his green eyes. “Are you okay?” I ask, not really knowing how to respond.

I haven’t known him long enough for him to ask that of me. Even if I had known him awhile, nothing would keep me from going to find Trace as soon as I can.

“Not really, but I will be now,” he sighs.

Someone knocks at the open door, and I take a step away from Case. Call it habit, but anyone I have ever become close to—even if it wasn’t by choice—has dragged me into trouble.

Brennan stands in the door frame watching Case and me. He seems calm compared to earlier.

“Case, Boston needs you downstairs.”

Case nods, giving my hand a quick squeeze before walking from my room. Brennan takes a step in and closes the door behind himself.

“Take a seat,” he says, gesturing to my bed.

I do as he says, waiting for the inevitable “you don’t fit in here”speech. The funny thing is, this is the first place that has felt like I fit with the family—like I truly belong.

“I’m sorry about earlier. It’s been a rough day, and I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

I jerk my head in his direction, not expecting an apology. “So, you’re not kicking me out?”

The asshole laughs at my question.

“No, I’m not kicking you out. I knew exactly what you were like before my parents took you in. Actually, I wanted to have a chat, and it’s a bit awkward.”

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