Page 46 of Three of a Kind

“I get that, but what I’m trying to say is…” My eyes ache. I’m pretty sure, once I tell him the scope of the problem, he’s going to run. And he’ll have every right to. “He kills people. Or, at the very least, he orders his men to do it. His family is involved in organized crime, like the crazy stuff you see on television.”

Noble’s hand tightens on my stomach but not in a painful grip. “I understand why you’re scared, but I’ve gone up against men like your ex before. I told you I did time in the military. After that, I spent a couple of years doing private security, but I enjoy working for myself.”

His words instantly remind me that he knows nothing about Maverick and Gunner.

“There’s probably something else I should tell you.” I run my fingers over his purring chest and try to calm my anxious nerves. “My ex’s cousin, the woman who stopped by the other night, she’s the one who warned me how dangerous he can be. Bless isn’t estranged from their family, but she doesn’t participate in the stuff they do, either. She’s who will help me get away when the time is right. She runs some type of security company. Kinda like what you explained.” I pause, trying to parcel out how much to share. “Before I found out I was pregnant, I went out one night. I met two guys. They’re very nice. I mean, we were just getting to know each other. We only hung out for a few hours before reality caught up, but as it turns out…” I exhale heavily, trying to catch my breath after all that rambling. “They work for Bless. One of them came into my job tonight.”

“He’s who you were with earlier tonight in the hall?” Noble asks, teasing his hand over my stomach.

“Yeah,” I agree, frowning.

I didn’t know Noble even saw me and Gunner together.

“Having more people looking out for you isn’t a bad thing.” He doesn’t sound upset, and it’s almost like my system doesn’t know what to do with that.

Avan exploded about everything. Even the most ridiculous things, like a doorman smiling at me as he said goodnight. And although a huge part of me understands that wasn’t normal, another part of me waits for the cutting barbs.

“Ahh, he’s interested in you too.” Noble curls closer, nuzzling his cheek to the top of my head. “Well, he’s clearly got excellent tastes.”

“There are two of them,” I say before I can hold the words back. “I think they’re partners or a team. Something like that.”

“And how do you feel about them?” He holds me close, and it soothes my system, which craves that confined, safe feeling.

“We met one time, and then I bolted. I haven’t seen them in six months. Well, before seeing Gunner tonight. I don’t…” My eyes squeeze shut as my chest aches. “I wouldn’t choose them over you, if that’s what you’re afraid of. They haven’t even met Libby, but Gunner is the person who stepped in to save her at the grocery store. So, I guess maybe they have met, just in a really informal way.”

“I like him already,” Noble says. “But if they wanted you to themselves, they should have acted faster.”

My face tilts to look up at him as my eyes pop open.

“Don’t look at me like that. I can’t stand it.” He exhales heavily, pulling my face back down to his chest. His other hand stays on my stomach, rubbing tender circles. “My biological mom is the omega of my parents’ pack. I get it. The omega builds their pack. More than that, we’re still getting to know each other. Even if we were exclusive, I’d give you my opinion, but in no way would I ever try to control your actions.”

I know that’s how packs are supposed to be built in our society, but I guess I just haven’t seen a healthy example of it before. My dads aren’t great to my mom, which probably made me put up with Avan’s crap for longer than I should have because, at first, it seemed…normal.

It’s also why I knew I had to set a better example for Libby.

“I don’t want to control you, Brooklyn. I’d just like to be considered an option as you build your pack.”

My forehead wrinkles, and I push up enough to look him in the eyes. “How does one start a conversation about exclusivity while the building of that pack happens?”

“Me exclusively with you?” Noble barks a laugh. “You’re too fucking cute. Don’t worry. I got the picture when you heckled me over my coworkers. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I haven’t been with anyone in years. I’ve got one person on the brain, and in case you missed it…” He smirks. “That person is you.”

My teeth dig into my lower lip as my heart races. I grew up in a pack, too, but things were never as rosy as it seems like they were for Noble.

He pulls my face back down. “Soak up my pheromones and get some sleep.”

I nod, snuggling closer. “Good night, Noble.”

“Good night, Mama.” He keeps rubbing my stomach with tender touches. “I’ve got a job tomorrow that I can’t get out of, meaning I’ll probably be gone by the time you wake up.”

“Okay,” I say around a yawn. “Thank you for the warning.”

“I didn’t want you to wonder, but I’ll text you or pop by once I’m done. And feel free to give Libby her gift. Just tell her it’s from me, if you would.”

Good god.

How could I do anything except melt for this man?

Chapter Fourteen

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