Page 82 of Psycho Pack

His blue eyes are clearer now, the rage completely gone.

And he's staring at me like I've hung the moon and stars.

I reach up, cupping his scarred face in my hands. His skin is feverishly hot against my palms. He leans into my touch, a low rumble building in his chest.

"There you are," I murmur, stroking my thumbs over his scarred jaw.

He nuzzles into my hands, eyes fluttering closed. The others are still holding him, muscles tensed and ready to restrain him if needed. But I can feel the fight draining out of him with each passing second.

"It's okay," I tell them softly. "You can let him go now."

Thane and Valek exchange wary glances, but slowly release their grip on Wraith's arms. Whiskey's hands ease off his hips. For a moment, they all hold their collective breath, waiting to see if the feral rage will return.

"Ivy," Plague says cautiously. "You should move back. Just in case?—"

I silence him with a look. "He won't hurt me."

To prove my point, I lean in and press a gentle kiss to Wraith's forehead. He lets out a shuddering breath, arms coming up to wrap around me. His hold is careful, so careful, like he's afraid I'll shatter if he squeezes too tight.

Wraith's arms tighten around me as I press my forehead against his, breathing in his familiar scent. The tension finally drains fully from his massive frame, his growls softening to contented rumbles.

A low purr breaks the moment. "Well, that was quite the show," Valek drawls, his accent thicker than ever. I glance over warily to see him slouched against the cave wall, looking thoroughly debauched. His silver eyes glitter darkly as they flick between me and Wraith. "I must say, little omega, you have quite the talent for taming beasts."

Heat floods my cheeks, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, I focus on Wraith, making sure he's fully back to himself. His blue eyes are clear now, filled with a mixture of lingering hunger and sheepish embarrassment that looks completely out of place in contrast to his otherwise fearsome appearance.

I love it.

Lovehim.

I nuzzle into his neck happily.

Valek's gaze drifts to Thane, who's standing rigidly a few feet away. A slow, wicked grin spreads across Valek's face. "Speaking of beasts that need taming... our illustrious leader is looking a bitpent up, isn't he?"

Thane's jaw clenches, his hands curling into fists. Without a word, he spins on his heel and stalks deeper into the cave, disappearing into the shadows. But not before I catch a glimpse of the prominent bulge straining against his pants.

"Must be awkward," Whiskey remarks with a snort. "Poor bastard's the only one who didn't get any relief."

I shoot him a glare, but there's no real heat behind it. He's just being an ass like usual. It's kind of nice for there to be some normalcy to the pack's dynamic again.

"I'll make it up to him when we get home," I reply.

Whiskey gives me a little grin, his honey-brown eyes lightening. "Home, huh? So you haven't run away after all, wildcat?"

The weight of everything that's happened since Valek kidnapped me settles over me like a heavy blanket.

My eyes dart to Valek, narrowing as I take in his smug expression. Anger flares in my chest, hot and bright. I manage to tear my gaze away from him, focusing back on Whiskey.

"I didn't do it on purpose," I mutter, my voice rougher than I intend. "It's... complicated."

Whiskey's brow furrows. "Complicated how? All we know is this asshole took off with you and he was rambling some vague bullshit about giving you a choice."

"I'm standing right here, you know," Valek slurs.

"Don't remind me," I mutter, leaning against Wraith's broad chest. His arms tighten around me instinctively, and I draw comfort from his solid presence. "I just have a lot of shit to unpack, okay?"

"Unpack?" Whiskey presses. "Unpack what?"

"Mentally," I snap. I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. "Look, I just... I need time to process everything."

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