Page 73 of A Pack of Pumpkins
"So, what? He just gets to keep threatening her?" Victor snarls.
"Victor," I warn.
"No, it’s okay, Clara. If I were in his place, I’d be just as upset. I have to stick to the law. But I can put him on paid suspension until I investigate, and maybe have him evaluated. His behavior is more than concerning."
I sigh, too tired to argue.
"I’ll be keeping a close eye on him," the Sheriff says. "Someone like him doesn’t take long to mess up."
We head home. Victor holds my hand all the way.
When we pull into the drive, he turns to me. "I’m sorry that didn’t end as well as I’d hoped."
"That’s not your fault. I’m glad you were there."
In the moonlight, his eyes are two pools of darkness. His hand comes up, skimming my cheek, threading through my hair. My eyes flutter closed, leaning into him. His lips brush mine, the cool metal of his lip ring sending shivers down my spine. His grip tightens, pulling lightly, and I moan into his mouth.
A tap-tap at the window has us jumping. I scramble, heart pounding, Henry still fresh in my mind, but it’s just Bram, being nosy. Victor scowls at him, then catches my eye and rolls his own.
***
When we get into the house, everyone is still up. To them, this wasn’t just a courting date, it was the night that might make or break the pack.
The first thing I do is assure them I had a great time. Victor looks simultaneously proud and bashful. It’s the first time I could call him cute.
Once we explain the run-in with Henry, their faces sour. Dagan stands, zipping up his hoodie.
"Where are you going?" I both sign and ask.
"To kill him," he signs back. I block him. "Mine, move."
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I need all my alphas for my heat so you're not allowed to go to jail."
That stops him cold.
"Apple," Jack says from behind Dagan, stepping forward. "When?"
I swallow. "In a week or two."
Bram is instantly on his phone.
Jack nods at whatever he’s searching. "What are you doing?"
"Making an appointment with The Nest Store,” he says.
I can’t help the excitement bubbling in my veins.
"Wait, I’m confused," Victor looks back and forth between us. "You haven’t done the nest yet? Why?"
"If an omega has a pack, the nest is decorated with the pack—with the entire pack."
His eyes go wide, then he looks away, breathing deeply. "Spooky Girl, I—" His voice breaks.
I wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls me in, face buried in my neck, and I scent-mark him.
