Page 24 of Who We Were

Emmett's warning growl doesn't perturb me. He'smyfucking brother.

Whatever my pack brother must see in my eyes cools his protectiveness. Only enough to have a civil conversation with me. We are always on edge with each other; Emmett always playing peacekeeper between Oli and me. I bet the only peace they get is when I'm not around. At least that's what it feels like in the pack link when I make myself scarce.

Emmett sighs, scratching his scruff, then drags his hand through the long black hair on top of his head. The sides are shorter, sometimes even sporting a little shaved design, but I don't really pay attention to those details anymore.

"How did the signing go? Our new neighbor cool?" Em questions, looking curious and hopeful.

Bristling inwardly, I grunt and stomp his hope to shreds. "Arison's daughter was a grade A cunt. I would advise staying away from that rotten family."

I'll do and say whatever it takes to keep our vile mate away from us. I'm the only one who knows she will be just a few doors down from us, and it's going to stay that way.

No matter how many times I have to lie and deceive, I'll continue to blacken my soul to ensure the chasm Amaya created stays right where it fucking is.

18

AMAYA

“I’m not so sure this is a good idea," Paul murmurs downstairs, halting me in my tracks before I amble my sorry ass down there.

Until I have a conversation with him about his intentions, he is going to remainPaul. One afternoon that has broken me does not absolve him of all the lies and uncertainty.

The voice that responds to him shocks the shit out of me. My breath catches in my throat, betrayal and tears clogging my most basic functions.Why didn’t she tell me she was coming? Is she only here for Paul?

"I'm not sureanyof this was a good idea,Paul," Kate growls his name with disdain. "Thisishappening."

"But why ishehere?" Beneath his obvious anger, Paul sounds lost and worried.

Creeping closer to the swanky stairs, I peek over the railing. There I see three people, two of whom I know, obviously, and the other I am pretty sure is Kate's crazy mate.

What was his name again?

"Heis my mate. Beckett is a check-in support member as well. You knew going in that I would be bringing others to helpget Amaya used to being around people." I've never seen Kate so ferocious before. Watching her stand up to such a big, clearly angry alpha makes my shoulders straighten too.

I might not ever have a mate to stand up for, but I can channel some of this confidence for myself. Especially because I have no idea what's going on downstairs.

"Do we have a problem, Mr. Arison?" Beckett drawls with a hand on Kate's hip. Envy sours the little food I ate this morning at seeing his hand flex on her exposed skin.

I'll never have that.

"Yes, we have a problem," Paul all but snarls, though he doesn't advance like I've seen happen far too many times. He might keep his posture in check, but his voice is threatening enough that my skin prickles with awareness. "The last time, andonlytime Amaya was around another alpha, she cried the entire fucking time!"

"What—"

"What are you doing here?" I announce myself, cutting Kate off before the gossip can continue.

Honestly, I thought Paul might have put the pieces together on our meeting from my own personal hell, but I guess not. He just thinks I'm weak and afraid. I don't know what's worse, but I don't need my shit aired out for everyone to know.

Kate's demeanor immediately shifts, her body turning toward me and relaxing. The scowl previously twisting her pretty features brightens into a smile that relaxes me a little. "Amaya!"

"Hi?" I say.

She leaves Paul in her wake, following me to the kitchen. "I'm here to take you out for coffee before you head over to the new house."

Beckett coughs loudly.

"Weare taking you out for coffee," Kate corrects, giving me a wink as I come out of the fridge with a water.

I open my mouth to respond, but apparently Paul has his own opinions. "Amaya, you don't have to go. Kate, don't make her do something she doesn't want to do."

---