Page 1 of Stolen By the Alpha Hunter
1
PEACHES
Ithought I was safe here.
Secure.
But today, as I sink into the soft grass, watching Charlotte’s baby toddle toward me, my chest feels hollow.
The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, there’s a soft breeze blowing in the Texas spring day. It’s really a perfect afternoon; I’m with my friends, playing with their adorable babies, not at all wishing I had one of my own.
I’m happy, aren’t I?
“You gonna come see me, lovebug?” I hold out my hands, and little Daisy stumbles forward, her chubby fingers wrapping around mine as she flops into my lap. She squeals, delighted, curling into my arms.
“You’re spoiling her,” Charlotte teases, settling beside me.
“That’s my job.” I grin, pressing a kiss to the soft curls on Daisy’s head. “I’m her favorite auntie, after all.”
Maggie shifts on her blanket a few feet away, her newborn tucked against her chest. “I thought your job was to help Suyin in the infirmary today,” she chides.
I bite my lip. “I can multitask.”
Maggie hums, rocking her baby gently, but there’s a hint of tension in her face.
“She’s a little squirmy today,” she murmurs, rubbing slow circles on her daughter’s back. “I think she feels the shift in the air.”
She’s not talking about the weather.
I glance toward the fence, barely visible through the trees at the edge of the den. It’s been weeks since Colt warned us all about rumors the Gulf Pack was going to make a run at us, and still, omegas aren’t allowed beyond the walls. Reyes’ orders.
“We all feel it,” Charlotte says softly. “Elijah’s been nervous too.”
“Oh…they need to calm down,” I say. “It’s not like they’re going to send an army out just for little old me.”
Maggie sighs. “They’re right to be worried, Peaches. Colt says the Gulf Pack won’t just let you go.”
The words should send a chill through me, but they don’t.
Because this is not the Rig.
I escaped. I’m safe.
I let out a long breath, smoothing my fingers over Daisy’s soft curls. “Nothin’s happened. No one’s scented anyone. And besides—” I smile, trying to break the weight in the air. “You think I’d let someone take me? Not a chance.”
Charlotte snorts, reaching out to tweak my ear. “You’re cocky for a little thing.”
“I’m scrappy,” I correct, setting Daisy gently back onto the blanket. “And I’m gonna go pick some flowers. Anyone want some?”
Maggie gives me a long look, then shakes her head. “Just be careful, Peaches.”
“I’m always careful.”
She doesn’t look convinced.
But I’m not worried. Not here. Not home.
I get to my feet, dusting off my denim shorts, and start toward the fence.
