Page 138 of Our Deceptive Heat

My father nods and lets out an evil snicker. “You should never have left. You should have stayed with me. Maybe we could have worked something out with your pet whore.”

Kelly’s fist tightens. “Don’t speak of her. You agreed to leave her alone. She’s in the past, and I honestly don’t even give a fuck about her anymore.”

I gape at them, wondering who she is and what they’re talking about. I’ve never heard Kelly be so ruthlessly cold about anyone in my entire life. He sounds like he really hates this woman.

“I left you Alpha Labels. Don’t make me come back and take it.”

“As if you could.”

“Don’t try me, Uncle.”

Kelly steps back as my father stalks past him, disappearing out of the house. Kelly’s expression softens when he finds me enfolded in Mako’s arms.

“You okay? Ryn?”

I dip my head, but my lip wobbles.

He walks over and pats my head. “Smart move, kid. But how did you know I’d be here?”

“You wouldn’t leave me if I was in trouble.”

Kelly sighs. “I’m not sure I enjoy being that predictable. You’re the smartest of us all, Ryn. You always save yourself.”

“Plans for my plans, cousin.”

He pulls me into a hard hug, and it’s only when I feel him around me that I realise how scared he is. He’s shaking.

“I’m okay, Kelly. You made it in time.”

“Not quite.”

“You got here,” I say into his shirt. “He can’t hurt me anymore.”

Kelly steps back. “Maybe it’s time. Maybe. All right, we’re leaving. We’ve got a competition tomorrow.”

Ezy holds out his fist, and I bump it. “See ya round, Kid. Stop knocking around with dick heads, ey? You look awful.”

“I won’t, Ezy. Promise. Thanks for the assist.”

Gael lifts a hand, and the three of them walk out, their open shirts flapping in the wind and their flip-flops smacking.

“Typhor Raines?”

I whip my head around and then race to the porch. There are three policemen standing there with two unmarked cars, looking entirely too official. Uley backs away and then turns and runs. I can’t say I’m surprised.

“You’re going to have to come with me.”

I struggle out of Mako’s arms and follow the policeman and my dad as he’s escorted to the car, along with Ellis, Yardly, and Bently.

To my surprise, Tony is standing there directing the police. He says something in a scathing tone as the cars turn away and spins towards us.

“Tony?”

“Hey, kid. I brought the cavalry." He stomps up to me and gently inspects my face. “Oh, this isn’t good at all. Those bastards. Come on, let’s get you looked at. I bet it’s hurting something fierce.”

I have to blink back tears as he fusses over me.

“Why are you here?” I manage to get out.

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