Page 15 of Dodging Bullets

August looked down at the decidedly ugly dog. “And who is this?”

“Doodles,” I said softly, looking down at the little dog with glaucoma and missing teeth. How could anything so ugly be so full of love?

Reaching out slowly so Doodles could sniff his hand, August scratched behind his ear, the knuckles of his hand incidentally touching my hip. I felt each brush like he was electrified. “He’s kind of ugly-cute. He seems to adore you.”

Rio chuckled. “Lance’s new Omega is an animal rescuer. We’ve somehow adopted a dog and a psychotic bird since they became a Pack.”

And an Omega.But no one said that bit out loud.

August raised an eyebrow at Rio, his scent swirling around me. “I didn’t realize Lance had an Omega?”

Shrugging, Rio’s eyes drifted from August to me and back again. “It’s a new thing, but he’s really happy. She’s perfect for him.”

I hadn’t known Lance before last night, but the devoted way he looked at OJ had me agreeing that they were perfect together. A moment in their presence made it undeniable. Would anyone ever love me like that, or was I too damaged? Did I even want to be loved like that?

The instant yearning in my chest at the thought told me yes, I did.

Smiling softly at the thought of Lance getting his happy ending, August turned his attention back to me. “Do you want to tell me how you ended up here? I’m sure you don’t need me to vouch for these guys by now, but I can personally guarantee that you will be safe and protected here. However, if you’d rather some other kind of lodgings, there are refuges and help for abused Omegas.”

Abused Omegas. Was that what I was? I didn’t feel abused—at least I hadn’t, until Leader Malakai so easily handed me over to Alphas I didn’t know, throwing me into a world I didn’t understand. Those Alphas hadn’t really hurt me either, though I had no doubt that eventually I would have been.

I didn’t realize I was shaking and whipping my head back and forth until Rio was beside Max, lifting me off his lap and placing me in his own arms. A low vibration emanated from his chest, making my body feel lax and calm.Woah.

“What are you doing?” I slurred, and when Rio stopped, I clawed at his chest to make him continue. “No, don’t stop.” I felt settled in a way I wasn’t sure I’d ever felt.

It was August who answered me. “He’s purring for you, Paloma. It’s a way that Alphas can calm and aid in the physiological regulation of panicking Omegas. Your heart rate should be slowing. Your breathing should regulate. Do you feel that?” August’s voice was working its own magic.

“Yes. I’m okay,” I murmured softly, wondering how I would ever drag myself away from this feeling. “I want to stay here with Max and Rio. They make me feel safe.”

Rio’s purr got louder, like he was happy. Like a cat.

“And Llewellyn?” August asked lightly, but his eyes had gone to Max and Rio, and their bodies had stiffened beneath mine.

The silence in the room was so loud that I could almost feel it against my skin. If I closed my eyes, I could still feel the weight of the other Alpha’s eyes when he’d seen me this morning.

Rio felt tense beneath me, and I rubbed my face on his chest and neck. I didn’t know why, except… it just feltright.I was rewarded by more vigorous rumbling in his chest.

August smiled a little. “Your Omega is almost all instinct. Trust her, and she won’t lead you astray. What she’s doing right now is scent marking Rio, which can settle Alphas in the same way purring settles Omegas.” He looked at Max. “Paloma cannot live here if she hasn’t met all the Alphas. You can’t know if they’ll have an adverse reaction to each other. Has Llewellyn even been in the presence of an Omega since…” He trailed off, and the guys shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t think so,” August sighed.

“He wouldn’t hurt her. Or any Omega,” Rio argued, holding me tighter. August placed his hand on Rio’s knee, and I looked at the connection between their bodies. I almost felt that creature inside me tilt its head, like it was trying to decide if it liked another Omega touching the Alpha holding her. It was mere seconds, but she decided. She liked the Omega in front of her.

I liked August too. I wanted him to hold me the way Rio was. Actually, maybe I’d like Rio and Max to hold us both.

I let out a small whine, which immediately had every set of eyes on me. Flushing pink, I shook the thoughts away.

Standing, August looked down the long hall. “Only one way to find out his reaction to an Omega.” He strode down the hallway as Max shot off the couch and followed him.

“August, get back here,” Rio snapped, but then he was placing me gently on the couch and heading after them.

Well.I wasn’t about to be left behind, was I? Curiosity had always been my greatest weakness.

Nine

Llewellyn

Lieutenant Rio Barrie, United States Marine Corp. Lieutenant Rio Barrie, United States Marine Corp. Lieutenant Rio Barrie, United States Marine Corp.

Screaming. Always so much screaming. I could do it. I could do it. They promised me someone would be getting him soon. I only have to hold on a little longer.

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