Page 45 of All In

I lie awake, trying to determine what the options are for Laken’s fate.

If Kurran and Adair—Andretti’s right-hand men who were positioned at the warehouse—don’t pop up, then it likely means they’ve run to the Barretts.

Both men know about Laken, since they were at the warehouse to prepare to swap her for Kate.

Taking the Andretti compound was a risky move on my part, but I thought it was the safest way to wipe out the majority of their forces.

My plan was mostly successful, except for Kurran and Adair.

I bet they didn’t even fight with their men.

They seem the type to run at the first sign of trouble.

Just like their boss.

With them still on the loose, I don’t see how I can allow Laken to go back to her life.

I suppose I could place a team or two with her, but even then, it doesn’t seem like enough of a guarantee.

She looked up at me and begged me to protect her.

And I gave her my word that I would.

That means Laken Spencer is now my responsibility until I can wipe the Barretts off the map.

I startle as the omega in question leans over my prone form. “May I help you?”

She grunts, waving a hand. “Scoot over.”

“No.”

“Fine, be stubborn.” She climbs over my outstretched body but freezes while she’s still on top of me.

My hands instantly move to her hips to help ensure she doesn’t fall off the edge of the mattress. Only, Tanner’s T-shirt has ridden up with her movement, and I realize quickly that I’m touching bare skin.

To be fair, so is Laken, since I’m shirtless.

“You showered,” she says.

“I did,” I agree, trying to smooth the material down over her backside.

“I liked it better before.” Her cold nose plasters itself to my throat. “Your scent was stronger.”

I’m not sure what’s happening, but I don’t feel the overwhelming urge to chuck her off of me. In general, I do not enjoy being touched, and yet, that doesn’t seem to apply to this omega.

“It was also mixed with the metallic scent of blood.” My head tilts as I appraise her.

Does she also have an attraction to the scent of freshly spilled blood?

“Where is my sister?” She stops holding herself up on her knees, which plasters her front to mine. “Why won’t anyone let me talk to her?”

“Lyra is safe.” I clear my throat, keeping my voice low to avoid waking Tanner. “I’m afraid she wasn’t in good shape when she made her way to us. She’s currently at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Florida. They take away the patient’s cell phone to avoid them leaving prematurely. Although, she voluntarily checked herself in, and she could do the same to check out if she wishes to leave early.”

Laken pushes up, using my shoulders as leverage. Her nose wrinkles as she studies my face. “Are you lying?”

“No.”

“I knew she didn’t look right the last time I saw her, but it was her scent that made me nervous. She smelled off. I thought it was just my overly sensitive omega nose. You promise she’s safe?”

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