Page 99 of Pack Owned
“Did you take care of him?” Liam’s gaze flicks to Ryker, his tone is deceptively casual.
Ryker’s jaw clenches. “No. But I made sure he won’t forget today.”
I flinch at the violence in his words. The potential for brutality I know Alphas are capable of still scares the hell out of me.
“Shit. That means we gotta move,” Dane mutters, dropping his sandwich back onto the plate. “I knew it was a bad idea to let her go out.”
“Fuck, we thought we along and took precautions. She can’t stay inside here forever like a prisoner. Pack what you need. We leave in ten,” Ryker snaps.
For a second, I stand frozen, the pull of my heat nipping at my senses. Not when Nexus might already be closing in. We’re running again, but it’s only a matter of time before we’re cornered.
And I’m so damn tired of being afraid.
“What about Charlie and the registration?”
Dane shakes his head. “He’s booked up until Monday and out of the country. Besides, even if he could squeeze us in, trying to register her legally is a death wish. Nexus has eyes everywhere. They’ll know the moment we step into that office.”
“So? We just get another lawyer to do it for us.” Liam crosses his arms, but still manages to look casual as he leans against the counter.
“No lawyer will want to touch this,” Dane adds, a grim look on his face, “we accepted the bounty to find her and turn her in. If we register her, Nexus could sue us for breach of contract. And even with Ryker’s money, I doubt we could afford their lawyers. They’ve got deeper pockets.”
“But this Charlie could do it?” I ask, my voice shaky.
“Yeah. He’s got special access since he works with Nexus freelance. Once Kayla’s registered as our Omega, then Nexus can’t do much.”
“That’s six days out, we can’t wait that long. We need to leave.” Ryker paces the kitchen.
“No.” The word slices through the room, hard and final. I feel it like a shockwave rolling off my tongue.
“Running isn’t living,” I say, my throat tight, my heart hammering against my ribs. “We can’t keep doing this. We just need to wait it out a bit.”
Ryker uncrosses his arms, steps closer, his presence enveloping. “Kayla, that’s a huge gamble and one I’m not willing to take.”
“We can’t just—” Liam starts, but I cut him off.
“We’re mated. All three of you knotted me. That has to mean something. And with the registration papers, that will help. Besides, Dane, you said they’re watching the house.” I shake my head. “It’s too risky to try and leave. They could follow us or ambush us on the way.”
They’re silent and I can’t tell if they’re considering my words or how to tell me we can’t stay here.
“Please.” My voice softens, pleading now. “I hate having to look over my shoulder. I had to do that with Gary—my stepdad. I don’t want to have to do it anymore.”
There’s a long silence, heavy with the weight of unspoken fears and desires. I can see the conflict in their eyes, the war between instinct and reason. But beneath it all, there’s something else—resolve.
“Okay,” Ryker finally says, and his hand finds mine, large and warm and reassuring. “We’ll stay here. But any hint of trouble and we leave. No questions asked. No hesitation.”
“Whatever we have to do to keep you with us and safe,” Dane adds and Liam nods with a smile.
“Good.” I squeeze his hand back, letting out a shaky breath. “Because honestly, if we don’t change something soon, I’m afraid we’ll never be free.”
All day, I feel like pins and needles have been wedged under my skin. I can’t sit down and even Liam’s massage on my back and shoulders didn’t do anything to calm my nerves.
“Sit down,” Liam pats the bed next to him, our video game running through a cut scene.
“Have you heard from Dane?” I lift my chin to his phone on the console. One of the first things I’m doing after we’re registered and certified is getting a replacement for the one I lost on the bus.
“Nope, but I’ve got the ringer turned all the way up and on vibrate. Relax. He’ll let us know as soon as he hears back from Charlie.”
“What’s taking so long?” I chew on my nails, pacing in Liam’s bedroom.
