Page 266 of Psycho Pack

When the aftershocks finally subside, I pull off slowly. Valek's legs give out and he slides down the cliff face, landing in an ungraceful heap on the rocky ground. His chest heaves as he tries to catch his breath. Blood coats his forearm now, stark crimson against his skin.

I crawl into his lap without thinking, pressing myself against his chest. His arms come up to wrap around me automatically. For a long moment, we just sit there, both of us trembling slightly in the aftermath.

"Are you okay?" I ask finally, my voice hoarse.

Valek lets out a breathless laugh. "I think I should be asking you that, little omega."

I pull back just enough to look at him. His eyes are hazy, pupils still still blown wide. But there's something else there too. The same vulnerability from earlier.

"I'm fine," I assure him. "Better than fine, actually."

A ghost of his usual smirk tugs at his lips. "I'm not sure 'fine' is a strong enough word for what just happened."

I laugh softly, shaking my head. Leave it to Valek to try for witty banter right after having his brain sucked out through his cock. But then my eyes land on his bloodied hand, and my amusement fades.

"We should take care of that," I murmur, reaching for it.

Valek tries to pull away, but I hold firm. "It's nothing," he says dismissively. "I've had far worse."

"I know you have," I reply. "Let me take care of you."

He goes very still at that, searching my face. I'm not sure what he sees there, but after a moment, he relaxes slightly. "Alright," he concedes. "If it will make you feel better."

I nod, already reaching for the small packet of supplies I've taken to carrying alongside the holster for my knife. As I clean and bandage the bite marks on his palm, neither of us speaks. Neither of us feels the need to fill the silence.

It feels... right.

Natural.

When I finish, Valek flexes his hand experimentally. "Not bad," he says, sounding genuinely impressed. "You've picked up a thing or two from our dear doctor, I see."

I shrug, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my body. "Someone has to keep the Ghosts from bleeding out."

Valek's laugh is softer this time, almost fond. "My hero," he teases gently.

I roll my eyes, but I can't quite keep the smile off my face as I nestle into his side again. I'd be content to sit with him like this for as long as he likes, gazing out from the cliff at the ruins of the old church and the wasteland beyond, but the gray clouds gathering in the distance promise we'll get caught in the rain if we stay much longer.

"We should head back," I murmur reluctantly. "The others will be wondering where we are."

Valek nods, rising and pulling me with him. "Of course. Can't have them thinking I've kidnapped you."

I snort as I stand, brushing dirt from my clothes. "Pretty sure that ship has sailed, all things considered."

He rises gracefully, adjusting his own clothing. For a moment, he just looks at me. There's an intensity in his gaze that makes my breath catch.

"Thank you," he says softly. "For giving me another chance. I know I don't deserve it, but?—"

I cut him off by pressing a finger to his lips. "You're right," I say firmly. "You don't deserve it. But that's not the point. We're a pack.You'repack."

"Even me?" he asks with a slight grin.

"Even you," I confirm. Then, because I can't resist, I add, "Goddess help us all."

That startles a genuine laugh out of him. It occurs to me that a laugh like this from Valek is incredibly rare. Just pure, unguarded amusement.

"Shall we?" he asks, offering his hand.

I take it with a smile. "Thanks."

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