Page 2 of Reckless: Collision

The ones that if I released to the world, Puritan City Alpha Security would do more than put me on extended leave. They’d put me down like the rabid dog I am.

And I’d deserve it.

I step back from the edge, my heart still racing, a jackhammer trying to burst through my rib cage. Each beat counts down to something inevitable. Something hungry.

The adrenaline slowly ebbs away, leaving me hollow and drained, a discarded husk on the rooftop. I sink to the ground, my back against the low wall. The rough stone scrapes against my skin through the thin fabric of my shirt, grounding me in sensation.

Reality or madness. Reality or madness. The line blurs more every day.

I fumble for the flask in my jacket, hands shaking like a junkie in withdrawal. The whiskey burns a familiar path down my throat, a river of fire cutting through the fog of my mind.

I close my eyes, willing the thoughts away, trying to exile them to the darkest corners of my psyche.

Not today. Not here.

I have a pack to think about, a job to get back to. Or some bullshit like that. The words taste like ash in my mouth.

Responsibilities I’m not sure I can handle anymore.

Most days I’m just waiting for the perfect time.

When no one is looking.

When no one sees what a broken Alpha I’ve become.

And then...

The roof access door bangs open, making me flinch. The scent hits me before I see them—my pack. Concern, frustration, and love, all mingled together in a cocktail that makes my chest ache.

“Jinx,” Ryker says, his voice a low rumble. Our pack leader, always trying to hold us together.

Some things aren’t meant to stay whole.

Finn’s there too, all charm and forced smiles, trying to lighten the mood. “You can’t keep disappearing on us like this. Who’s gonna keep Theo in line?”

I hear Theo’s indignant “Hey!” and Finn’s soft chuckle.

They’re all here, my fucked-up little family. My anchors. My chains.

I grunt, hauling myself to my feet. They form a loose circle around me, not crowding but close enough that I can feel their presence.

Their strength. Their worry.

It makes my fucking teeth ache.

“I’m fine,” I growl, the words hollow even to my own ears. “Just needed some air.”

None of them believe me. I can see it in their eyes, smell it in their scents. But they don’t push. They never do, not anymore. Not since I snapped on that last job, the one that earned me this vacation and the pitying looks from my fellow officers.

Ryker steps forward, his hand on my shoulder. “Come on,” he says. “Let’s go home.”

Home. As if I deserve one after what I’ve done.

But I nod, let them lead me away from the edge. Away from the temptation to end it all in a blaze of Alpha fury.

One foot in front of the other.

That’s all I have to do.

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