Page 164 of Pack Rivals: Part Two
“How do you feel?”
“I’m ay okay, Alpha. Don’t you worry about me.” The side of my mouth tugs up in a smile.
“Sweetheart, I’m going to be worrying about you for the rest of my days. That’s my job. That’s all our jobs. We want to keep you safe.” I shake my head. “Shit, we’ve been doing a fucking awful job of that so far.”
“I’m here now, aren’t I?” she says. “I think you’ve done a good job. Personally.”
Nate scoffs, kicking his boots against the wall beneath the window sill and scuffing the paint work.
“Now, we know who was behind Bea’s abduction,” Silver says with confidence. “Now Micko’s dead, keeping you safe is going to be a hell of a lot easier.”
Bea’s gaze flicks to him. “Won’t they come after you for revenge?” Her gaze floats over Silver’s head to Nate at the window.
“You don’t need to worry about me,” Nate says casually.
“But I will,” she says. “Just like you will worry about me, I will worry about you. That’s what it’s like being part of a family. That’s what it’s like,” she hesitates, “being in love. You give your heart away, even though there are risks involved. Despite them. You know you might be left with heartbreak or devastation, but when you meet the people who were meant for you, you risk it all anyway, because, well, the rewards are worth it.”
She’s right. I’d happily endure the last decade of heartache all over again just for this shot of happiness with her.
“You love us?” Nate says with a big fuck off grin on his face and mischief in his eyes.
Bea’s cheeks sizzle but she grins right back at him.
“Yes, I love you.”
I tug her in close again. She’s so precious, every bone in her body, every thought in her mind, every beat of her heart and every breath in her lungs.
“Fuck, I love you so much too, sweetheart,” I murmur. I feel the surprise resonate through the bond with my packmates. I’m not always the most vocal when it comes to my emotions. But maybe that’s something else I might change. “I love all you assholes too,” I tell the others.
When I finally let Bea go, Silver rests his hand on her thigh. “You’re right, sweetheart. There’ll always be risks, obstacles, problems, in life. I don’t think the Snakebites or Dr. Hannah are going to be one.”
“Really?” she says skeptically.
“Yes, the whole clan is going to be in disarray with Micko dead.”
“But that won’t be forever. And when they’re back up and running …”
Silver shakes his head. “I may have tipped off my friends in the police that now might be the perfect time to escalate any live investigation they have going on the Snakebites. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re all behind bars by tomorrow morning.”
Bea sinks back against the cushions, obviously relieved at that piece of news.
Then her brow crinkles. “How about my blood?”
“Your blood?” Connor asks.
“That’s why they were after me. For the hormones in my blood. They said they were special.”
“That’s why you smell so Goddamn good.” Hardy leans forward and nibbles her shoulder.
“It’s also why they were after me. They think it can be used in their research to convert betas to omegas.”
“Fucking stupid,” I mumble.
“Yes, but what if they’re not the only people who want my blood?” The color in her cheeks drains.
“What do you mean, sweetheart?” Silver asks.
“Dr. Hannah mentioned an investor.”
