Page 33 of Psycho Pack

Only what looks dangerously like love.

Did she mean what she said?

Does she really love me?

She can't.

But she said it.

And I trust her.

She… loves me.

Ivy loves me.

Chapter

Seven

THANE

Another chunk of concrete crashes down behind us as we drag the Knight's bleeding form through the flooded tunnel. The impact sends ripples through the putrid water at our feet. My shoulder screams from the strain of hauling the thick chain, but I keep pulling.

I can't tear my eyes away from Wraith. The gentleness in my brother's movements as he guides the Knight's massive bulk through the cramped passage... it's like watching a different person.

This is the same alpha who tears our enemies apart with his bare hands. The same alpha I was afraid would hurt Ivy, even if it wouldn't be deliberate, if he participated in relieving her during her heat.

Now he's following her whispered commands like an eager hound, adjusting his grip on the chains when she signals the Knight needs more support. His sharp teeth flash in the dim light as he turns to check on her, usually so afraid of anyone seeing his face to the point of explosive and lethal meltdowns when it does happen. But she just gives him that soft smile that makes his whole demeanor change.

My chest tightens.

I used to be the one he listened to. The one who could control him, even if only barely. Now our omega has him wrapped around her finger.

And the rest of us too.

"We need to pick up the pace," I say, eyeing the trail of black blood behind us. "They'll be able to follow this."

Ivy's eyes lock onto mine, fierce and unyielding in the phosphorescent glow. I snap my mouth shut, the rest of my suggestion dying in my throat.

One look is all it takes.

When did this happen?

"The structural supports won't hold much longer," Plague mutters, his analytical mind still running scenarios even as he hauls on his length of chain. "If anyone is following us, they won't last long. But at this rate, neither will we. We need an exit strategy."

"Fuck exit strategies," Whiskey grunts, digging his heels in as he keeps hauling the Knight forward. "We need a damn miracle."

The Knight's iron mask turns toward Whiskey's voice, blue eye-slits flaring brighter for a moment. A hollow growl echoes from behind the metal as he tries to lift his head.

Sounds kind of threatening.

"Shh," Ivy soothes, her small hand pressing against the cold iron. "Save your strength."

To my shock, the monster settles at her touch. His massive frame goes pliant as we drag him around another bend in the tunnel. Even dying, he could fuck us up if he wanted to. But he yields to her like a wounded animal accepting help.

Like Wraith did.

Like we all do.