Page 65 of Bliss & Her Idols

Cricket is cussing now without encouragement.

He also called Zoe out.

Inside, I’m cheering.

Cricket lived with a pack whodidtreat him like that. They attempted to bond him with a pack who would have been just as bad.

I love that he’s beginning to understand that it doesn’t need to be that way.

“You little…” Zoe twists furiously to the men in suits. “Grab his arms.”

“Hey,” I protest, raising my fists to protect Cricket.

But Zoe blocks me.

“Sign the NDA. Then you can both go and enjoy this concert like nothing happened.” Zoe holds her phone up in front of me, scrolling through the options. “Otherwise…” She gestures at the security team who are holding tightly onto Cricket. “You heard how rebellious he was. You’re witnesses. Have the Rej transferred to the Omega Institute for questioning.”

CHAPTER NINE

Knight Amphitheater, Haven

“I’ll sign the NDA,” I gasp. “Don’t send him away. Please.”

Cricket is whining in pain, as his arms are twisted behind him by both of the grim faced Betas.

I’m terrified that Cricket’s arms will snap.

He’s already covered in bruises, and now his arms are going to be marked as well.

My gaze meets Cricket’s panicked one.

He’s panting.

I promised that he was mine now. I won’t allow anyone to take him away from me.

Cricket’s entire life, he’s been curious about but also scared of the world outside his territory. He’s vulnerable in ways that he doesn’t even understand.

He’d be destroyed by the Institute.

“I said that I’d sign.” I’m pleading, and we all know it.

Zoe looks smug. “Are you sure?”

“Please,” I whisper.

I duck my head, staring at the swirling blue floor of the meeting room.

Zoe hesitates, and it’s the longest fucking minute of my life, as she glances between Cricket and me.

“All right,” she finally replies like she’s being gracious. “Sign now, then I will return your phone. My men will kindly escort you, so that you don’t miss the start of the show.”

When she taps on an icon, a long document, which is filled with technical legal jargon appears. She swipes through it far too quickly for me to read it.

I should never sign it without reading.

I could be selling myself or my soul.

Normally, it’s Alphas who must sign legal documents. Chase does for the important business ones for Coffee Knot Tea.

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