Page 96 of All In

My heart races as I try to feel him out in the bond. “Do you have an opinion on what I should do if I am pregnant?”

“Sorry, firecracker. I’m pretty sure that ship has sailed. Three tests would be a lot of false positives. But no, I don’t think I should have an opinion. Not until you decide what you want to do.”

“We’re bonded,” I remind him. “That means every choice I make impacts your life too.”

“It does,” he agrees easily. “I think I’m biased. I was an oops—basically a mistake. My mom never hid that fact. She always told me I was a surprise that she embraced but that my dad wasn’t ready for.” He glances away, staring at the wall. “I also know how much she had to sacrifice to keep me. I’m here for you, but I’m never going to be as well off as your husband or, by the looks of it, Chicago Guy.”

I use my hand in his beard to turn his face and push my mouth to his, trying to shove all my appreciation into the kiss. Everything about Tanner puts me at ease. He’s just so steady and comforting.

He growls and tightens his hands on my ass as I slide my tongue around his. The kiss goes on until I’m grinding over him and gasping for air.

I pull back.

He grins up at me with a sexy smile that makes my legs shake. “Goddamn, Laken. You’re so fucking beautiful it takes my breath away.”

I can’t help but smile back.

I’m so freaking grateful that I was able to snag him for my pack.

Tanner’s chest vibrates with a ragged purr, and my entire body lights up at the sound.

“Are you purring for me?” I ask, smiling lazily.

“Just hush and enjoy it.” He pulls me down, and I scoot back a little so my face can rest against his sternum. It really does instantly set my system at ease.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Ranger

Even the most hardened of criminals crack faster when they’re nude. Clothing provides a false sense of security, like they’re more protected than they truly are.

It’s an armor of sorts.

Strip it away, and you begin to see who has fortitude.

Perusing my medical cabinet, I weigh the pros and cons of my options. Knocking them out again would give me time now to be at Laken’s side, but if I get our introductory meeting out of the way and establish the rules now, I’ll be able to be with her later.

“This is quite the setup,” Locke says, closing the shackle around his cousin’s throat.

It was a nice gesture for him to bring a gift, but I’m not easily won over.

However, it will be an excellent way for me to burn off some of the anger that comes from feeling so out of control.

I glance farther down at spot number three. It’s very difficult not to stomp over there and break the cheating piece of shit’s neck. It would be quite satisfying, at least until Laken realized.

I’m not sure she would sanction me murdering her sperm donor, and it’s making me grumpy. I’m not used to having to assuage to the desires of others.

I sigh, selecting a mild hallucinogenic.

Starting small is important.

They’ll eventually build a tolerance, which is unfortunate, because I enjoy the mental aspects far more than physical torture in most cases.

One small dose of the vial in my hand, and their minds will begin to conjure their own delusions.

One of my favorite activities is simply pulling up a chair and watching as they imagine far worse monsters than me.

I do love a good experiment.

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