Page 83 of Sawyer

“You said you’d bond me,” I finish for him.

“Sawyer.” He reaches for me, twining his fingers through mine. “I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t serious.”

“Bryn.” I stop trying to pretend to eat and drop my fork. “What happens when you guys find your omega?”

“You don’t understand—”

I pull my fingers free of his. “Oh, but I do understand.” I soften my voice. “Biology is weird in a way that neither you nor I can define. Fate is the same way. You might not admit it now, but if she’s out there, you may have the chance to live a life of happiness.”

“You think that whatever we’ll find, she might be there?” he drawls.

“I don’t know. Change is coming for me, for us.” I gather my dishes, avoiding his gaze. I’m not sure I can handle whatever I’ll see there.

“Leave them. I’ll get them.” Bryn stands, tapping my hand with two fingers. “Go rest.”

Unlikely. Even so, I turn away and head for the door, a move he doesn’t comment on.

“Sawyer,” he calls to my back as I shrug on a coat. It’s a new one that Sin bought for me, and it’s safer to hike in. “You’re wrong,” he whispers.

Needing to do something, I head out of the cottage and toward the other two in my crew. We have a simple plan to wait until nightfall and then head out. We spent the day washing everything we purchased with unscented soap that will also strip all our scents from our clothing.

“Need any help?” I stop on the cobblestone path and as I take in Sin and Rumor. The latter leans against the SUV with one hand in his back pocket while he focuses entirely on Sin, who’s packing the back with obsessive intent.

Sin notices me first, and there’s a naughty expression on his face. He spins around and leans against the bumper, his eyes tracking my every movement. “Sweet Sawyer,” he purrs. “I need a haircut.”

I should have known better than to offer them any kind of help. “Sin, I’ll just shave your head,” I warn. The air isn’t frigid, and I hope the weather holds.

We can’t drag our feet any longer, and even if we could, I wouldn’t.

Sin pouts and drags his bottom lip low. “Please.”

“How are you an alpha?” I roll my eyes at him and look at Rumor, because there are times when I wonder how Sin has survived all these years without a babysitter.

“Sawyer.” Sin’s voice drops to a grave growl that sends a shiver up my spine.

Swallowing, I turn away from Rumor’s amused expression and focus on Sin.

“Run.” He stands and takes a step toward me.

“Excuse me?” Butterflies explode in my gut.

Leaning down, Sin whispers, “You want to know all about my nature as an alpha? Then run, little bird, and let me fucking show you.” There’s no anger in his voice, only excitement.

Rumor clears his throat and drags Sin back. “Maybe you two can play cat and mouse when we get back. For now, we are all packed up, and we should go talk.”

Rumor cuts the tension enough so I can breathe, but Sin’s intense gaze doesn’t abate. When he drags his teeth over his bottom lip, my body explodes with heat.

Damn him.

“Oh, we will absolutely play when we return.” He winks at me before turning around to close the hatch.

He plans on me returning here with them. The thought slaps me in the face, and it’s one that I don’t want to look into too deeply.

“Come on, baby girl, let this one cool off.” Rumor turns me around and guides me back to the cottage door. “You shouldn’t challenge him.” He leans down and adds, “Unless you plan to follow through.”

Shivering, I step back inside to Bryn, who’s finishing up the dishes. He doesn’t even bother to look over his shoulder before he mutters about Sin’s bullshit.

I guess I stink again.

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