Page 25 of Three of a Kind

“Noble is my neighbor. He’s nice.”

Bless quirks an eyebrow. “He better be. He’s a fucking beast. I haven’t seen an alpha that big in a long time.”

Noble is massive.

If he was angry, he could do some serious damage. But he’s actually one of the kindest alphas I’ve ever been around.

You also have a terrible sense of judgment when it comes to men.

“What happens if you have to run?” Bless asks, startling me out of my thoughts.

“He’s got a life here. I couldn’t ask him to come with me.”

“Would you leave without telling him how to find you?”

That feels like a test.

“I wouldn’t have a choice,” I say, raising my eyebrows. “You told me I have to cut off contact with everyone I know if I do run.”

“I did say that, and it’s good advice.” Bless frowns, swiping her long, dark hair back from her face. “The exception to that is if he would be willing to leave with you…”

I shake my head.

“We’re just getting to know each other, and even that is dangerous. I worry all the time about what happens if Avan sees us together.”

She sighs. “Yeah, he’s not the sanest of individuals, and it’s getting worse with the pressure of having to defend his claim on the city. Just do me a favor and pack a couple bags filled with things you and Libby can’t live without. Stuff them in the hall closet, so they’re ready when you need them.”

My heart skips an actual beat. That sounds like things are getting more dangerous than they were.

I swallow around the lump in my throat. “Is it really that bad?”

“It is, but I don’t want you to worry. I’m not going to let anything happen to the two…” Her forehead wrinkles, and she breaks out into a smile. “Three of you. That’s taking some getting used to.”

Bless has treated me more like family than Avan ever has. She’s the only person that I know, without a doubt, has my best interests at heart.

“Thank you.” I glance at the door.

I need to get back inside before Noble gets suspicious.

“Go on, I know I interrupted your date.” She laughs. “And for the record, I think you could do a hell of a lot worse than that guy. He didn’t set off my creep-meter. Not even a little bit, and you know how accurate my instincts are.”

I nod, moving to give her a hug. “Thanks, Bless.”

I stop dead in my tracks as I come around the corner into the living room.

Noble is stretched back against the couch cushion with Liberty wrapped around his front. His hand soothes up and down her spine as she cradles her favorite blanket under her arm, like she did that damn orange. Her face is plastered to his shoulder, and from here, it looks like she’s sleeping.

“She toddled out right after you stepped into the hall.” His voice is a low, raspy whisper that sends a shiver down my spine. “But I think she was fine with only finding me.” He grins. “Do you want me to carry her back to bed?”

I dry my clammy hands off on my dress, trying to find the words to say I’ll take her.

Avan interacts with Libby during the day for short visits, or he used to.

It’s so bizarre to see her being held by Noble.

My instincts find it way too intriguing.

Noble is a potent alpha.

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