Page 14 of One Way Out

Omen comes next. The exact same emotion washes through the bond, quickly followed by his annoyance at something. It’s impossible to focus on that for long because the connection fills with the omega’s pleasure, which only feeds my own.

“That’s it, ride my cock,” I growl, breathing in deep hits of her pheromones. “God, Saylor.”

A rushing kaleidoscope of memories floods back when I say her name. It’s been right on the tip of my tongue, but I’m torn between relief that I’m finally back to my old self and concern for what happened in the time I only have flashes of.

Saylor whines, grinding and bouncing on my swollen shaft, and the hazy fog of rut takes over. This type of fog isn’t tainted by the red sheen, and I know she’s safe enough with me now.

She’s my bonded mate, and I’ll protect her with my life.

ChapterFive

Saylor

My heart hammers, but so does Valor’s. It pounds against my cheek as I sit in his lap. He grabbed the blanket McCabe left and covered me up with it when he realized I was cold. He’s an excellent heater, especially with the blanket to trap it all in.

We’re snuggled together on the cot in the same cell.

I only wish it felt like he was really here with me.

Omen was right when he said Valor would pop back to consciousness and immediately assume the worst. No matter how hard I try to shore him up in the bond, I’m not sure it’s helping.

Being bonded is amazing.

I have no regrets.

The connection is unmatched, but it’s also complicated. It’s not like it comes with an instruction manual, and it’s going to take some time to figure out exactly how to use it.

I’ve always been alone in my own mind, and now I can feel not only Valor but Omen too. It’s a little overwhelming. I do think that will lessen over time, though.

“Christ, little one. I don’t understand how you can stand to be so close to me.” Valor’s huge hand teases down my spine, and he hisses. “I think it’s time we address the scratches on your back and the bruises on your hip.”

Using my knees as leverage, I push up enough to glare at him as my hand migrates to his nipple, giving him a pinch. “Okay, now we’re even.” I pat his pec and lean up to kiss his cheek. “The wall left the scratches, and the bruises are kinda sexy. I’m not upset over a fewminorsex-related injuries?—”

“Those aren’t from sex. I was rabid, Saylor. I don’t remember anything about when you first came into the cell.” He sighs, glancing away. “I could have killed you, and I would never have known…”

“You could have, but you didn’t. You didn’t even try.” My fingers land in his facial hair, turning his head until he has no choice but to look at me. “You were rougher that first time after our shower when the fog got both of us, and you fucked me against the glass wall to the cell next door. Please, focus on the bond. I’m not upset. Honestly, you were kinda tame compared to what I expected.”

“You’re sugarcoating it.” Valor’s dark eyes search mine, but it’s the radiating warmth and his scent hitting the bond that tells me he’s examining my emotions.

“I’m not,” I tell him truthfully.

I was more afraid that first day with Vlad and Sergei than I was at any time tonight.Or today. I really have no idea what time it is. I was asleep when McCabe woke me up, so, to my internal clock, it feels like the middle of the night or very early morning.

Omen’s scent hits the bond, and he’s clearly poking around my mind. As much as I wish I could communicate with him in full sentences, it doesn’t work like that. Or if it does, I haven’t figured out how to use the link in that way. I do my best to send him my contentment and to assure him that Valor and I are safe.

When I first felt him, the underlying emotion he sent through the connection was pure relief, but the longer we’re kept in here, the more anxious he grows.

I bet Leo and Shaw are giving him a hard time, wanting to know every single detail of what’s happening, but the bond doesn’t work that way. Mostly, I know Omen is concerned but happy.

Valor, the loveable, stubborn-as-hell alpha, is busy letting the guilt eat him alive. He tucks the blanket around my shoulders once more. It must have fallen down when I sat up on my knees to study his face.

“I trusted you, and I didn’t make the wrong call. Do you always worry so much?” I ask, running my thumbs over the bare skin above where his facial hair ends. “You have nothing to feel guilty about. Furthermore, I have a few important things to tell you…” Bringing my mouth very close to his ear, I go on in barely more than a whisper. Conrad and Valor seem to be friends, but I don’t fully trust anyone in this place. Not outside of my guys. “McCabe, the guard, did get a message out. The security company sent two of the guys from my old team…” It takes a while, but I fill him in on everything that’s happened while he’s been locked in here.

“And Shaw is the alpha you still faintly smell of?”

“Yes.” I nod against his cheek. “I got sick again, and my fever was even worse than last time. I don’t want to hurt you. I wish I would have had the opportunity to tell you about them before we bonded?—”

“No, don’t do that,” he says, palming the back of my head. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me.”

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