Page 10 of Pack Owned
“Still defiant, but I know how to handle you.” He winks, and the innuendo makes my stomach roll, but I’m done playing nice.
“And you’re an asshole. Does Bea or Mom know the truth?”
He chuckles and shakes his head like I just said a joke. “Oh, Kayla, always so dramatic.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you. Alone. Ever. Period.” My hands ball into fists at my sides.
“Bitch.” He grabs my arm, and I scream.
Before I can scream again, his hand is on my throat. “I’m so going to enjoy breaking you, making you beg?—”
The click of a gun has Gary’s eyes widening. His mask slides back into place, and he steps away quickly.
“Sorry about that, but Kayla was mouthing off, and I let my temper get the best of me.” He gives her one of his dazzling smiles that always makes Mom swoon. “Kayla, get your stuff. We’re going home.”
“Absolutely not.” Aunt Bea doesn’t lower the shotgun. “Kayla will not be going anywhere alone with you.”
Gary’s smile fades, and his face turns beat red. “Sometimes, Omegas need to be reminded of their place. They can get a little too cocky without someone reining them in.”
“How dare you speak about my niece that way.” Aunt Bea stands tall, staring him down. “You will leave now and stay away from Kayla, or I will call the authorities.”
He hesitates, eyes darting between us.
I lift my chin, heart pounding.
Finally he steps back, hands raised in mock surrender, a smirk on his thin lips. He turns and stalks out the door.
I let out a shaky breath as it slams behind him. Aunt Bea pulls me into a fierce hug.
“You’re safe now, dear. I’ve got you.”
I blink back grateful tears, relief flooding through me. Now, I’m not facing this nightmare solo. This time, someone’s got my back, standing right here with me.
The phone rings, and I jump.
“Let me get that. It’s probably your mom coming to her senses.” Bea puts the rifle back in the closet and answers the phone.
I sit down on the couch, my legs shaking.Holy cow.I’d never seen anyone go up against an Alpha, especially not an Omega.
“Yes, this is Bea Addrell,” she answers whoever is on the phone, and I know it’s not my mom. Probably a telemarketer.
Even without Gary taking me back, just being in the same room with him makes me feel like I need a shower. I dash into the bathroom and turn on the shower, letting the warm water cleanse me. After my fingertips are more wrinkled than prunes, I turn off the shower and dry off. I pull a dark navy dress over my head that hits at my knees. Maybe I’ll ask Bea if we can go into town for dinner. A mini-celebration, so to speak.
After I dry my hair, I head into the living room to chat with my Aunt. It feels like I haven’t been so free since my stepdad showed up. She opens the front door with her face pale and instantly, my stomach knots.
“It’s Nexus.” She heaves out a breath. “They’re here to take you to the Facility.”
“What? Why?” I shake my head. “I’m not even close to going into heat.” There’d be signs, right? This has to be some joke. I burst outside, lungs heaving. Bea stares at me as though I’ve lost my mind. And maybe I have. Then she points to the driveway, and I squint, making out a black bus. Holy crap, it’s a Nexus bus parked right here, like some kind of twisted Uber ride from hell.
Fuck. Is this because of the other night? They warned us, promised they’d punish us, but this?
“Now?” I choke out, my heart pounding against my ribs.
“I’ll help you pack.”
When she heads back to the door, I step in front of her, blocking her path.
“What is it? Tell me.”
