Page 85 of Stolen By the Alpha Hunter
“Keep her collared,” Gideon says. “Keep her docile. Don’t let her speak because, well…we don’t want her getting any ideas in her head, do we?”
“What do you want from me?” I ask quietly.
Gideon snorts.
“Now, now, don’t go lookin’ at me like I’m the devil himself. I really just want one thing,” he says. “Give me a grandbaby, and I’ll make sure you want for nothing.”
He’s using me just as much as he’s using Peaches.
“Yes, sir,” I say.
The tension breaks, though it keeps coiling like a snake in the pit of my stomach. Gideon pats my shoulder with a congenial grin.
“Good talk,” he says. “Now let’s enjoy some fishing, son!”
I swallow hard.
It’s going to be a long day. And if I don’t play this right…it might be her last.
19
PEACHES
Ifind myself glad that I bit Javi—even if it was on accident—last night. I can feel him as he gets on the boat and coasts away, and every bit of anxiety and rage and apprehension hits me as it sweeps through his system.
It’s not a good day…but he’s safe.Alive.
For my part, I’m mostly left alone. One of my father’s mates stops by to bring me some food, but she doesn’t talk to me, even when I try to start a conversation. I even think she would betray me if she had the chance, so I put the damn collar on and make sure I’m silent and docile when she arrives.
I hate it.
This isn’t who I am.
Back at home, the omegas spend every day with each other. I usually meet up with Maggie in the morning for lunch, then head to the pools to clean up or just to lounge around. I’m always running into people—Charlotte, Tilda, Mateo…and I have friends among the alphas of the pack too.
Just one big happy family.
I was so naive to think that could last.
For a second, I let myself daydream about what it might be like to bring Javi home to them—who he’d befriend, who he’dclash with. I think Grant would annoy him, he would respect Reyes, he and Elijah might hit it off. I have a feeling he and Colt would be fast friends—they’re the same kind of stubborn, tough, resilient.
It makes me wonder if they’re thinking about me, if they’re worried, if they’ve already figured out where I am.
If they’re coming to save me.
I banish the thought.
I need to focus on the here and now.
I’m bored by mid-afternoon, already having gone through all the piles of loot in the room and even having rinsed out my hair. I gave myself a cursory wash, but I think Javi was right in that it’s smart to keep his scent on me—so even though I’m a little gross, I don’t bother bathing. I can feel Javi’s energy simmering somewhere a couple miles away, and I’m afraid I won’t feel him as much if I wash off his scent.
Not that I know how any of this works.
My head snaps up when someone knocks on the door, surprising me. I didn’t expect to get visitors, and the scent is unmistakable—my brother, not one of the omegas and definitely not Javi. I get up and pad over to the door, opening it just a crack.
Ephraim stands on the other side, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans, his face in a scowl.
I want to ask him what he wants, but I’m terrified to speak without being told it’s okay.
