Page 117 of Pack Owned
And for the first time, I let myself celebrate that I’ve found freedom and happiness.
“Fuck, I can’t believe it’s over,” Liam mutters, scrubbing a hand through his hair. “So what did those three fuckers do?” he asks, nodding toward the scene that’s rapidly becoming part of our past.
“They work for Nexus like you, don’t they?” His voice is gruff.
Martha winces at his question, her face momentarily crumpling like she’s tasted something sour, but then she’s all business again, the perfect Nexus officer. “We discovered they’re criminals. Worked for Nexus but did their own thing on the side of the black market. Probably would’ve sold you and the other missing Omegas there for a hefty profit.” Her gaze flicks to mine, sharp and assessing. “Don’t worry, they’re going to jail and Nexus will probably sue their asses too.”
“I knew it,” Dane says. “That pushy bastard kept reminding me of a weasel.”
Liam snorts, a grunt of approval escaping him. He looks down at me, and there’s pride in his eyes—pride and something more tender that makes my knees weak, and wish all four of us were alone.
Ryker’s arm tightens around me. Dane’s heat presses on my other side, and Liam rubs my lower back.
I’m theirs. They’re mine. And together, we’re unbreakable.
CHAPTER 38
KAYLA
As the private jet soars through the clouds, I gaze at the image on my new cellphone of the certification as Omega to Dane, Liam, and Ryker complete with Martha’s signature at the bottom and Nexus’ official seal. I still can’t believe it and a thrill goes through me every time I look at it.
Liam’s to my right, tossing marshmallows into the air and easily catching them with his mouth. While I’m on pins and needles, waiting to see my mom.
“Nice catch,” I say.
“Want one?” He grins, offering the bag, but the sweetness on his breath isn’t what I’m craving. I shake my head, trying to refocus.
“You sure you wanna wait for the trip back to join the mile-high club?” Liam gives me a look from my head to my shoes and back to my eyes.
I laugh softly. “Yes. I don’t wanna see my mom after all this and smelling like sex.” I grab a marshmallow and toss it at Ryker who’s snoozing with a blue baseball cap over his face. “Next time you buy a jet, get one with a shower.”
Ryker takes off the hat to grab the marshmallow and pops it into his mouth. “Next time I’ll have a whole pool in her too if you want.”
I blush and Ryker replaces his cap over his face, leaning back against the seat.
Up front, Dane is flying the plane. His dad flew small planes all the time and was in the Air Force is what he told me on the way over here.
“Almost there, Kayla,” he calls back without turning, his voice a rumbled promise that does funny things to my insides.
“Can’t wait,” I reply, squeezing my phone like it’s a lifeline.
Finally, we touch down. And as soon as we climb into the limo Ryker had waiting for it, it’s like an invisible clock started ticking in my head.
I need to see Mom, need to know she’s okay. My thumbs twitch with the urge to tap out a message, to give her a heads-up that I’m coming. But no—this needs to be a surprise. A good one, for once. After all the nightmares life’s thrown at us, she deserves something better.
“Damn, Kayla, you’re shaking.” Liam’s hand is suddenly on mine, warm and a little sticky from the marshmallows.
“Sorry, just...” They know the story about my mom and stepdad. Still, I’m nervous about what she’ll think of them. I mean, I’m sure she’s going to love them as much as I do.
Dane is stretched out in the back of the limo, his arm draped around my shoulders. Ryker is on my other side with Liam across from me.
“What about sex in a limo?” Liam teases.
“After.” I giggle, the thought of being with my Alphas super tempting. But I’m dying to see my mom first.
“Any word from your mom?” Ryker asks, placing his hand on my thigh and goosebumps ripple up my leg.
“Um…uh, yeah. She was in the hospital. Broke her arm. But she’s back home now.”
