Page 47 of Pack Obsession

"Wait, wait. Best part. He’s standing there, dripping wet, and goes, ‘And this, little sister, is why you should always bring a backup umbrella. Or a kayak. Probably a kayak.’"

Nash’s shoulders shake. His sleeve rides up, revealing black lines etched into his skin. Geometric shapes that seem to flow into each other.

"What does your ink mean?"

He pushes up his sleeve, revealing the full design. "It’s a phoenix pattern. Got it the day I aged out of the system. A reminder that we can always rise again."

I want to trace the lines with my fingers. The urge is so strong, it scares me. I curl my hands into fists instead, pressing them against my thighs.

We keep driving, and I stare out the window at the woods until, after an hour or so, we finally start seeing the city lights up ahead. We’re approaching it fast.

"Keep low," he says suddenly, voice dropping. "We’re entering monitored areas."

I slide down in my seat as Nash takes us deeper into the city. My heart pounds against my ribs. Every passing car could be Julian’s men. Every security camera could be Nexus.

Nash’s hand finds mine in the darkness. "Breathe. I’ve got you."

I peer up as we pull into an alley behind what must be the restaurant. Fear overrides hunger as Nash kills the engine.

"What if they’re watching?" My words sound small. "What if Julian?—"

"Hey." Nash turns fully toward me. "Look at me."

I look at him. His eyes are darker in the dim light, intense behind his glasses.

"No one touches you. Not while I’m here. Not ever again." His thumb strokes my palm. "You ready?"

I nod, tugging the coat around me tighter around my throat, not trusting my voice.

Outside, the strong scent of ginger and garlic makes my mouth water.

The kitchen entrance leads us into organized chaos. Woks clatter, flames leap. Nash guides me through with a hand on my lower back, nodding to staff who barely looks our way. The whole place smells amazing, but anxiety kills my appetite.

Nash leads me down a dimly lit hallway past the kitchen, his hand light against mine. He slides open a door, revealing a small private dining room. Red paper lanterns cast a warm glow across intricately carved wooden walls. A low table dominates the space, surrounded by plush floor cushions.

"Clear," Nash murmurs into his earpiece, then listens briefly. "Copy that." His gaze finds mine as he disconnects, I assume from Logan and Axel, who had left an hour before us for the restaurant as lookouts.

"You’re shaking."

"I’m fine."

"Liar." He touches my cheek, the gesture startlingly gentle. "No one will hurt you here. I promise."

"I’m just..." I swallow hard. "What if something happens to Kai because of me?"

"That’s why we have backup. Logan’s watching his approach, Axel’s on perimeter." Nash’s thumb brushes my cheekbone. "Trust us."

The door opens before I can respond, and my heart stops. Kai stands there, my brother, my only family, the edges of his lips curling upward.

"Case!"

Nash slips out as Kai steps in, the door clicking shut behind them. I’m in my brother’s arms before I register moving. Tears blur my vision as I hold him tight. He feels thinner, tension radiating through his frame, but his embrace is as strong as ever.

"God, I’ve been so worried." He pulls back, scanning my face. "Are you okay? Really okay? Did anyone hurt you?"

"I’m safe." I touch his cheek, noting the dark shadows under his eyes. "But Julian?—"

"Has been watching me." Kai’s jaw clenches. "Showing up at work, asking questions. I knew something was wrong when you disappeared after the Nexus bus crash, and he showed up."

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