Page 30 of Bliss & Her Idols

Piper instantly became the best behaved Omega in the world.

It’s like flying.

I’m dressed in matching tight, well-worn black leathers to my brother. Our helmets are decorated with the same wolf design that is inked onto our skin.

“I also didn’t know that your lovebug was a member of the outlaw Burrow pack,” Harbinger drawls. “They own this part of the forest. Did I sayown? I mean that no one comes here, unless they want their knot crushed for real. I’ll have to show Lion how grateful I am to him for his loyalty to you that he didn’t run to me with this address earlier.”

“Leave Lion alone.” My brow furrows. “He’s used to keeping secrets. It’s how he was raised. He probably thought that he was protecting me. What do you mean outlaws?”

“Robbers.” Chase gives a bitter laugh. “Shit ones because Hudson and Possie are always getting arrested and then being sent for spells in the Alpha Center. It must have been tough on the kids. They’re broke because of it. I fought the Dad, Hudson, when I was younger in a couple of fights. He must have needed the cash.”

“Did you win?”

“Hudson is a psychopathic asshole. But since I’m awesome — and also a psycho — of course I won. You can praise your brother now.”

“I’ll write a song in your praise, when we rescue Crick.”

“The Burrows are Alphas. I didn’t know that there even was an Omega in their pack. Are you certain that this is your bug’s family?”

I’m too anxious to correct Harbinger on Cricket’s name.

I simply nod.

I wish that I wasn’t right.

Because everything fits now: The violence of Cricket’s pack, being surrounded by Alphas, and needing to care for his younger Alpha brothers when his parents must have been locked in the Alpha Center.

The powerful engine of the Harley rumbles in the silence of the night. The vibrations are intense.

I can smell the mingled scents of the earthy forest, as well as my brother’s furious pheromones, which add a bitter note to his vanilla bourbon scent.

I told Chase enough of what happened to have him immediately rushing to drive out to save Cricket with me.

As long as Cricket chooses to leave with me, he can either decide to remain with Piper and me in our flat above Coffee Knot Tea or be fostered into an elite pack where he’ll be safe.

It’s a scheme that the Knight pack set up for abused Omegas.

My brothers and I will never stand by when an Omega is being hurt.

What the fuck are you doing, whore? Are you touching yourself? And who are you talking to? Who gave you permission to go on the computer? You bad, disobedient little slut…

I shake at the memory in distress.

Harbinger tightens his arm around me, smelling my own soured pheromones. “Almost there.”

Cricket called me his only friend. He’s been isolated in these woods. Rejected by his pack because of a jealous Omega. Surrounded by outlaw parents.

I promised that he wasmine.

Isn’t that a claiming?

My chest tightens.

I’m an idiot.

To someone who has been played and thrown away like trash before, words like that must have made Cricket believe I was promising apack.

I don’t have one, at least, not pack bonds.

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