Page 144 of Mark & Don't Tell

“I know,” I say, hugging my friend back.

Terrance releases me, and Jenna, a co-worker I’ve talked to a little bit takes his place and gives me a quick hug.

“If you ever want to talk about what happened with him, I’m here. I know what it’s like to be with someone like that,” she whispers into my ear.

My heart clenches. “Thanks, Jenna.”

A few other co-workers reassure me, but when a strong thread of cinnamon fills the room, everyone steps away. My eyes lift to meet the storm brewing in Linc’s gaze. He closes the distance between us; every step he takes toward me is in time with my thudding heartbeat, then he’s there, wrapping me in his arms, carrying me away from the crowd and into the private break room. The door snaps shut, providing a temporary haven.

“Bunny,” he says, voice choked. “I’m so sorry for whatever he did. I’m so sorry.” Linc’s hands smooth over every inch of my body, like he’s desperately trying to soothe away the pain from a wound he didn’t give.

“I’m okay.” I lean back and cup his face.

“Did he...” He trails off, unable to voice the question.

“No.” The word comes out sharp, but it’s important for him to know that there are some lines Ryan didn’t cross.

“But he was rough? Careless?” The pain and shame on Linc’s face tears me up, but lying to him isn’t feasible. He’d know.

“Yes,” I murmur, searching his face. “But I’m okay.”

His features crumple. “I’m so sorry.”

“Linc, baby, it’s not your fault, okay? You need to understand that. Ryan did that all on his own.”

“But he’s my son, and I?—”

“Did the best you could to raise a good alpha. You can’t take responsibility for something you have no control over. You are a good alpha. Your pack treats me like I’m a princess, and with you, I’m safe. That’s all I care about now, okay?”

Linc’s eyes strip me down until there’s nothing left but the truth of who I am, of the words I just said to him, and only when he’s certain I’m not trying to hide things does he relent. He tugs me closer and breathes me in, savoring my scent and clutching my waist. “Do you want to go home?”

“I need to finish what I was working on, then, yeah, let’s go home.”

“You have permission to blow it off.” His lips brush over my pulse. A gentle reassurance.

“Thank you, but if I leave it now, I’ll only stress about the fact that I was almost done. I only need like five minutes.” I slip out of his hold. “I’ll be quick.”

As I open the door, I roll my shoulders back and gather as much confidence as I can. The walk back to my desk is met with only kindness and a few muttered fuck that alpha. My co-workers being on my side only solidifies that I didn’t do anything wrong when it came to my relationship with Ryan. He was a terror, and now that I know what it’s like to be with a pack that really cares, I kind of hate that I wasted as much time as I did on them.

But live and learn.

Now, I’m happy.

Now, everything is okay.

And I hope there will never be a repeat of today.

Forty-Nine

DARIA

Ten minutes after my promised five minutes, I finish the final touches on the marketing graphics and lock my computer. Linc, who has been patiently waiting, straightens from where he was leaning against my desk when I grab my purse and phone.

“All good?” I don’t like the lines of concern on his face, but telling an alpha not to worry about their omega is pointless. It’s built into their DNA to protect their mate.

“Yup,” I tell him with a smile. “The campaign pack for the tentacle toys is ready to go. Terrance is going to review it.”

We head toward the elevator. The shock of what happened has already started to wear off. Everyone is focused on their work and hardly notices us leaving. Terrance waves from his cubicle, and I smile back.

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