Page 81 of Who We Were

Now, there's no way I'm going inside, or even risk ringing the doorbell, but I plan on dropping off some snacks during the next few days. I want nothing to do with what's going on in there, but I can still take care of my daughter.

I need her to know she's not alone, and I'll always be here in the aftermath of,you know.

Thankfully, I don't hear anything as I rush up her front steps, drop the bag, and bolt away. I love my daughter, I really do, but there's no way I'm going to linger, so I shoot Vincent a text letting him know I delivered something.

Chances are he won’t read the message—cue the bile—but that's why I chose my favorite nonperishables. Pretzel nuggets filled with peanut butter, chocolate-covered almonds, jolly ranchers, and a bottle of bourbon.

I don't know Amaya, but I know what I like and if she's anything like me, she will enjoy the snacks. The bourbon is mainly for Vincent, but I wouldn't mind having a drink with my daughter someday, if that's her thing.

Still holding my breath, I dive back into my car just in time for my phone to sound an alert. Heaving a breath and giving the house a wary glance, I open the 'breaking news' notification.

Immediately, a video begins to play, blasting through the speakers of my car and making me curse.

"You think we are the worst of them?!"One of the convicted scientists from the Premium Designation Academy shouts at the shaky camera."They will come for them all!"

The rabid man lunges for the camera, his teeth bared at all the microphones shoved in his face. Hands grab at him, the authorities trying to control him, but it's no use. His words are out there for all to worry over.

"You won't know what’s coming 'til all your whores are gone!"

The threat is clear. He's talking about the omegas we saved, and maybe anyone the traffickers can get their hands on.

They're out for vengeance, for blood, and the most treasured of us all are going to pay the price.

With one final frantic look at Amaya's house, I throw the car in reverse. Controlling the trembling rage in my body and leashing the alpha urge to protect his young is impossible.

Nothing, absolutely fucking nothing, will touch a hair on my daughter’s head, EVER again.

53

EMMETT

Three fucking days. My dick has almost exploded without any friction four times now.

I don't know how much longer I can last listening to Amaya's soft cries of pleasure upstairs, without dragging my beta back to our house and fucking him into the ground.

My god, her scent has me constantly salivating. Not even the constant jolly rancher on my tongue can overpower the taste of her in the air.

We've spent two nights here. Since we haven't been kicked out, we've refused to leave. Oli tried to leave yesterday to go get us some more clothes, but Amaya about had a breakdown when he opened the front door. Instead, Samuel went, and while she didn't seem pleased with him leaving, she didn't stop him like she did Oliver.

In the few times Amaya has spent time with us, she has stuck close to Vincent, but didn't seem to mind Oliver near her.Progress, I tell myself, even if she can hardly stand to look at Sam and me.

"I don't want to leave," Oli murmurs where he's tucked under my arm on the couch. The TV isn't on, the three of us havingnothing to drown out from upstairs. I think Vincent and Amaya are napping.

Kissing his dark hair, I agree with a squeeze of comfort. Glancing at Sam, I notice him zoning out on Maya's little couch nest. "Sam, you okay, man?"

Without breaking eye contact with the pile of pillows, he jerks a nod. "Fine." I don't believe him. "Actually, no."

Oliver sits straight and I hold my breath.Is he really going to open up to us?These past few days have been the ultimate test of control for our alphas and just as men in general. Our woman is needy, smells fucking delicious, and soundsincrediblewhen her alpha pleasures her, yet we hold back by sheer determination.

Samuel's head drops back onto the couch. "They are going to be so upset."

"Who?" I ask in a gentle tone, trying not to spook the brute.

"Our parents. I ignored Mom for too long and now they are all questioning what's going on."

Oliver leans forward with a glare aimed at his brother. "Wait, that's why they’re blowing me up too? 'Cus you were a dick and ignored them?"

Samuel lifts his head and looks at us. "I had nothing to say that wouldn't get my ass kicked, or me disowned, Oli."