Page 43 of Talk About… History

“My backpack is in my truck.” Mason had his own shrugged over one shoulder and he nodded.

“Can we take you for a coffee or something?”

She laughed. “The last thing I need is caffeine after that.”

“Brunch? It’s still early and I know Lakeside Bistro has an amazing brunch spread,” I offered, not giving up yet. “We can get to know each other a bit, exchange numbers, no pressure.”

“Sure,” she relented. “I’ll meet you there.”

I glanced down at her shaking hands and frowned. “Mind if we drive you there. You’re a bit shaken up.”

She followed my gaze and balled her hands into fists. “Okay.”

I could tell it took a lot for her to agree to that. Pride filled me for this omega I barely knew. I had always heard that finding your mate was this instant connection that made you crave being around them, and now I could believe it. I wanted her close, with me, safe and protected.

She climbed into her passenger seat, waiting for us to figure out who was going to drive her and who was taking our SUV.

Mason looked at me and I nodded, heading for her truck while he took the other. We both saw how she reacted to his possessive, intense behavior, and I guess I was the buffer.

He wouldn’t find me complaining.

Mason

Avery was uncomfortable. She kept peeking up at us under her lashes and had her phone in a death grip.

“If you want to go, we won’t stop you. Just maybe take a breather first, I don’t want you getting hurt,” Ford hedged. He must have noticed the same things I had because otherwise he’d never suggest that.

Ford was a passionate person who lived in the moment. He’d rather win her over than miss his chance.

She let out a breath and slid her phone away, finally meeting our gazes head on.

“I’m not good at this,” she said. “It was different with Cohen, we’re taking things slow.”

Ford frowned. “If you need us to go slow, Avery, we will. We’re not going to push you into something you’re uncomfortable with.”

“Ugh, why is everyone acting so freaking perfect?” she growled, getting up from the table and storming outside.

Ford turned to me with wide eyes and I dropped an apology tip on the table and gestured for him to follow her out. She didn’t have her keys and couldn’t go too far.

She was stomping toward her truck but her shorter steps were easy to catch up to. I loved how petite she was, even more so now. Even with her lips twisted into an indignant pout she was adorable.

“What do you need us to do? Can we call someone?” I asked, my voice firm enough she froze. Those hazel eyes blinked up at me, glittering with tears, and fuck she looked gorgeous and heartbreaking all at once.

“I don’t understand.”

“What don’t you understand? We want to help,” Ford asked, practically begging for her to talk to us.

The tears started falling but her chest started rising too rapidly along with it. She was having a panic attack and if we didn’t do something she was going to get worse.

It was a cool day for the end of summer but I knew the lake had to be warm still. In a moment of half thinking, half running on instinct, I scooped her up and started running, tossing my phone and hers toward Ford.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Ford yelled after us but outside of a shocked gasp and her clinging to me tighter, Avery wasn’t protesting.

“Hold your breath, Avery.”

“Wha—?” She cut off with another gasp as I leapt off the edge of the dock and into the water.

I didn’t let go as we sank into the clear water, letting it engulf us completely. Her eyes were wide as bubbles erupted from her mouth. My own lips spread into a grin that I felt warming me from the inside out.

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