Page 163 of Power Shift

“Ronan!” Landon hisses.

Ronan’s hand squeezes, the veins in his tattooed forearms flexing. “Fuck. I’m sorry. That’s not?—”

“We want to touch you, Briar. You have no idea how much we want to touch you right now and help take all of this away,” Dash rushes out.

“So do it! Touch me already. I feel like I’m going to die!”

My legs are already parted. It smells like someone’s just zested a lemon in here as I gulp for air and tear at my shirt, desperate to free my nipples. They feel scraped raw from my bra, and I can’t take the restriction anymore.

“We’re at the clinic, baby,” Landon murmurs.

I find his eyes peering into my face and freeze, settling slightly. “You’re really going to stay close?”

“We’ll be as close as we can be while keeping our distance from Sadie. The moment you need us, you’ll have us. I promise.”

“Okay,” I whisper.

I believe him. Through the thick fog in my mind and the pain in my body, I have no doubt that he means what he’s saying.

Jasper pulls the SUV into the parking lot, and I focus on my breathing, zoning in to what’s about to come. An omega is in need, and I’m going to help her have the most amazing birth. The one she deserves despite all of the crap she’s gone through in her life.

I’ll get what I need after we’re finished here. My pack isn’t going anywhere.

“That’s Duke out front,” I tell them, already unbuckling my seat belt.

The others do the same and step outside. When I join them, my knees are shaky, but Dash is there with an arm around my shoulders before I collapse. I give him a weak smile and steady myself, leading the way to the entrance.

“Briar,” Duke greets me.

He’s on full alert, standing before two men who Clover and I approved back when we first hired him. His expression is blank, giving nothing away but a graveness that confirms how seriously he takes his job and position.

The atmosphere is intense already. Every second that we’re outside and I’m exposed to this many men that aren’t members of my pack makes it worse on me and my omega. Landon’s in front of me before I can get myself to walk around the men and into the clinic.

All the men around us except for Duke are betas, but my scent is stronger than ever and clearly having an effect on them regardless. The one directly behind Duke inhales deeply and swallows, taking a voluntary step back before Landon has a chance to shove him away.

Ronan’s moving next, shouldering a path through the men. He snarls at the one closest to the door when he opens it forme. The beta shuffles backward, not interested in being Ronan’s punching bag tonight.

I clear my throat, drawing everyone’s attention. Dash stays exactly where he’s been since we got out of the vehicle and hovers at my side.

The weight of their eyes threatens to crush me, but I push past the discomfort.

“Nobody steps foot inside the clinic unless there’s an emergency. And even then, only Dash or one of the security team members will be authorized. There will not be any alphas in this clinic tonight, is that clear?”

“Crystal,” Duke answers crisply.

With a nod, I start for the door. If I stay out here any longer, I’m going to be the one breaking that rule by begging mine to come in with me.

“Briar,” Jasper calls before I can clear the doorway.

There’s a sharp tug in my chest, drawing me toward him. I plant my feet firmer to the ground.

His eyes don’t waver as he says, “One call.”

“One call,” I promise.

Then I’m turning and walking away.

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