Page 43 of Justice for Puck Bunnies

“I don’t want to argue,” I say. “I just want to go home.”

“Well, come on then,” Brad says and holds out a hand.

“You expect me to go home with you? You’re telling everyone who’ll listen that I’m texting at all hours, begging for you back.”

“That’s just Livvy. You know how she is.”

“Yes, I do, and how she is vandalized my car!”

“Calm down, baby. I’ll take care of it all, but you have to come with me now.”

Mason’s hold on me tightens.

“Stop calling her your fucking baby,” he growls.

“You and I both know you can’t stay with them any longer,” Brad adds. “This is just another example of that. You need me.”

“Oh, I need you?”

“Sure seems like it.”

“Give me one good reason why I need you, Brad. I’m surrounded by three guys who’ve made my life immensely better than it ever was with you.”

Prove you’ve seen the light!

“The girls, these guys, none of them understand. Even you don’t understand. You’ve never lived openly. My first girlfriend was an omega, so I get it. You’ll realize once you’re home with me that I’m better for you than them.”

Time seems to slow as Brad so casually throws that out into the world like it doesn’t matter.

In a panic, I try to cover it up.

“Yes, that’s what every beta needs,” I scoff.

Remember, you idiot? No one’s supposed to know!

Of course, though, he charges like a raging bull right past my reminder.

“You haven’t told them then?” he scoffs. “She must not trust you. Izzy’s an omega hiding from the Admin.”

I don’t know what to say to stop the freight train of angry Brad barreling toward the end of the tracks.

“The drive to bite her will get stronger the longer she’s in your house. It took all my energy not to mark her. Fucking LaMille’s already acting like he’ll bite her, and Wyatt’s neck didn’t get scratched to hell because she’s exercising restraint. It’s best to give her back now before you make a mistake that can’t be undone.”

None of the guys speak, but their gazes burn into me. I know what they’re thinking. They’re debating if I’m worth the trouble. They’re dreading my emotional breakdown. They’re angry I’m getting between them. They’re worrying about their own cars, belongings, and reputations.

Long moments pass while I wait for Mason and Vin to explode.

And then, when Trick doesn’t, for the tumult I have caused between them.

“We should go,” is all Trick gets out.

“That’s for the best,” Vin parrots.

Right, they’ll want to scream at me in private.

Brad objects, but I’m too stunned to reply.

I don’t argue when Vin steers me by the hand around the parking lot to where Trick’s Jeep is waiting.

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