Page 39 of Broken Dreams

“Terrible,” Linus rasps. “I know from experience. I hated every minute of being sold.”

“Yes,” I agree, not explaining exactly how awful that day was. “So we bought her for Pack Dresmond, because they couldn’t be seen buying her. The problem was in seeing how broken she was and lost, we saw a lot of ourselves in Adira. She’s had a long road, but she’s happy now. There are still times where she seems lost and her emotions are too big to process, which is when we step in. I’m sure you noticed her pack is a bit unhinged.”

“They’re fucking scary,” he says, gaze wide. “You have some really interesting friends, Duncan.”

Hearing my name on his tongue makes me fucking purr, and I can feel the way I affect him. I need to hold it together, but I’m going to have to tell Linus he’s our scent match.

Maybe I’ll do that when he’s in the car and he can’t run. Shit, I think Adira’s guys are starting to rub off on me. I’m just as much of a caveman as they are.

“Adira holds their leashes and they’re only deadly these days with her approval,” I say instead. “She’s just as scary in the right circumstances. Her broken pieces fit theirs well, but sometimes she needs us to help bridge the emotional gap between them. They’re not perfect by any means. Callum and I are her soulmates, yet not her pack or scent matches. There’s absolutely no sexual attraction between us. We’re just?—”

“Her people,” Linus says, almost in a grumble. “It sounds like you hold a safe space for her. What kind of people would we be if Makayla or I choose to dislike her?”

My lips twitch as he includes himself in his statement, opening the back of the cab as Callum drives up. Something tells me he took his time pulling up so Linus and I could talk.

“There’s a blanket for the two of you in the back and pillows,” I say as he climbs in with Quinn still in his arms. The omega doesn’t wobble as he climbs up, not at all bothered by her weight.

That’s another thing I’ll need to talk to Quinn about. Her name. What the hell does she want to be called after all of these years? That’s a question for later. As is how I’ll speak to my childhood best friend who no longer talks.

“Get comfortable,” Callum says, twisting in his seat. “We have a ten and a half hour drive back to Minnesota.”

“Huh,” Linus murmurs, almost to himself. “It beats anywhere else I’ve been in my life. Maybe it’ll treat Makayla and I better.”

My heart. Jesus Christ. You’re killing me, Linus.

Closing the door carefully once I’m sure they’re settled, I shut my eyes for a moment.

“He’s yours, isn’t he?” Morris asks out the window of their vehicle, forcing me to look at him. He’s practically hanging out of the damn thing.

That’s something I’d expect from Kane to be honest. The alpha in question opens the passenger side window, imitating Morris. Ah, I feel like I’m actually in my dimension now and not the Twilight Zone. Fucking fabulous.

“Very astute,” I sigh. “He doesn’t know yet. I’m trying to figure out how to tell him.”

“Can you put the car ride on speaker so I can hear when you do?” Kane asks, eyes wild. I am not a damn circus exhibition.

His baby doll is almost hanging out of his long sleeved shirt. I guess he decided the baby carrier was too conspicuous. Parenthood is going to be really fun for them. I can’t wait to watch as an adoptive uncle. Something tells me this kid is going to need me to have a normal-ish life.

All I know is that they’ll be really well loved. That’s all anyone can ask for.

A hand yanks Kane back inside as he snickers under his breath, and I decide we’ve lingered long enough.

“See you back at my place,” is all I say instead, getting into the truck.

Let’s see what this drive has in store for us. I should tell him before Quinn wakes up, right?

CHAPTER 8

CALLUM

Linus slept for five hours with Makayla as I drove. During that time, I checked in with Morris, finding out that he’s been checking all police dispatch stations on his phone for any signs that Bret called in a missing omega. I don’t think he’d be stupid enough to do that, but stranger things have happened.

He was also watching all the cameras surrounding Slick Dreams both while we were in the club, on the way out, and now that we’re driving home. Morris has been on our six, supporting the mission without fail.

Unsurprisingly, Bret packed up the club early and has been on the move since four in the morning. Fucking bastard.

“Where are we?” Linus asks sleepily from the back seat. He sounds adorable.

I’m worried that Makayla is still sleeping, but she expended a lot of energy, and Linus doesn’t appear worried as he snuggles her against his chest. Her long hair is sticking to her face, theblanket wrapped around them. For some reason, I’m reminded of how they haven’t been allowed any blankets at all for years, and I’m tempted to fill a goddamn room full of them.

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