Page 52 of Mysteries, Menace, and Mates

Holy fuck.

Vic wiped his eyes.Saul, where are you? Is Crank with you?

Crank’s voice came next.Hey, sweetheart. We’re only a few miles away from you. Sit tight. We’re coming for ya.There was a pause.Fuck, it’s good to hear your voice. Are you okay?

No way was he going to reveal his present state. They’d only worry.I’m fine.

Then Vic recalled Theron’s admission.

Guys, you need to warn Horvan. You’ve got an informer among you. I don’t know who they are, but they’re feeding stuff back to Theron. He was bragging about it.

Saul laughed.Let him brag. Don’t sweat it, baby. Theron’s mole is one of us.

Vic rolled his eyes.You ever heard of the concept of a double agent?

Sure, butyouever heard of someone betraying their mates? Ain’t gonna happen.

He blinked.What?

We’ve got a lot to tell you. But it can wait.Crank’s voice grew warm.See you tonight.

Wait—what?

Oh, didn’t we mention thatpart? It’s on for tonight.

Vic’s eyes burned. He wanted to cry, but he had so little moisture left in his body.Love you both so much.

We know, Saul assured him.And you’ll be in our arms soon. So do what the man says and sit tight.He paused. Love you too.

Then the connection was broken.

Vic’s heart was dancing with joy.

They’re coming. They’re really coming.

He ached for the feel of cool water surrounding him. Sunlight on his back as he breached the surface. He’d gone too long without water sluicing over his body, and he was sure he’d pay the price. His skin was already dry and cracking. Too much longer and Theron wouldn’t have to kill him. He’d likely suffocate or be crushed when he was forced to shift in a vain hope of not dying.

Not that he was ready to give up. There was too much to look forward to.

Four strong arms holding him.

Three mouths meeting in a kiss.

Two dicks ready for action.

One bed, complete with soft sheets and a whole lotta lube.

I’m going home, goddamn it, and nothing is going to stop me.

VALMER COOPERwas starting to get a bad feeling about his incarceration.

For one thing, it had been a while since they’d filmed him with the intention of sending it to Rudy. The beatings had still continued, however.

For another, every time he asked about his release, he was met with silence.

They can’t keep me here—can they?

His parents were getting on in years, and seeing as they hadn’t heard from him in months, they had to be going out of their minds with worry.

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