As I’ve said no less than seven times, I add silently to myself. The bloke is on my last motherfucking nerve, but now isn’t the time for infighting amongst ourselves.
His eyes narrow.
I refuse to look away from his gaze, even as the seconds pass. It makes my spine tingle, and every instinct I have screams not to goad the predator.
Too bad for him, I’m not a normal beta.
He can try to intimidate me all day.
It won’t bloody work, but he can most certainly put his energy into trying.
* * *
Valor’s frustration and Saylor’s excitement at seeing the three of us filter through the bond more heavily. It’s an excellent signal that they’re growing closer.
I cut my eyes to Shaw, but he’s just stepping into the loo.
Leo has his head resting on the edge of the table, and I ponder if someone in our line of work could be religious. I’m sure there are a few out there with their beliefs still intact, and it does look like he’s praying with his hands clasped.
I’m not one to jab at someone’s beliefs.
Ignoring him, I shove myself off the couch and make my way to the door. I nearly stumble back a step as I spot the tender bundle of omega.
Thank fucking Christ.
My heart thumps erratically as Saylor waves through the glass.
She’s in those same orange pants they always put the newcomers in. The fabric they’re made out of bothers her. I’ll need to get her a replacement pair of my sweats just as soon as I check her over for injuries and hug the hell out of her.
I grin, pulling my hand free of my pocket to wave back. There’s a weird black diamond pattern between the panes of glass, which slightly distorts her image, but I don’t see any major injuries.
The door opens, and my stomach flip-flops as Saylor slides inside.
“Omen,” she whispers, chucking herself at me. I’m skinny as fuck, but I put in work on my physique for a reason. I catch her with ease, and she climbs up, nuzzling her cheek to mine. “Your stubble is scratchy. God, I missed you.”
I nod, squeezing her tight to my chest. “Fuck, me too, darling. That won’t save you from the trip over my knee that you owe me.”
“I can live with that. What I couldn’t stand was having to tell you I had the chance to save him and chose not to.” Saylor crashes her lips to mine, and I give in to the kiss. Normally I would close my eyes, but Valor still needs to make his appearance, so I turn us until I have a slight view of the door over her shoulder.
My partner stumbles inside the room, and McCabe appears behind him. The British fuck must be undoing his cuffs, because a second later, Valor is shoved forward and McCabe slips back out the door.
V spins, growling and making a mad grab for the guard, but the door slams in his face. Stepping over, I snag the back of his T-shirt and pull.
My knees get a bit weak. I’m right fucking grateful to see him in one piece.
Saylor whimpers against my lips, and I’d love to be able to focus solely on her. Once Valor turns and comes to hug her from behind, I’m finally able to breathe. He wraps his hand around the back of my head, and Saylor ends up in the middle of an alpha and beta sandwich that would end so much differently if those other assholes weren’t here.
She pulls back to breathe, and Valor’s eyes meet mine. The look on his face says it all—we may have weaved around one major catastrophe, but that doesn’t mean it’s open roads and smooth sailing.
“I’m so glad you’re okay.” The sweet omega pecks a kiss on my cheek, pulling back and studying my face. “I worried whether the three of you would be able to get along or if it would be a fight.”
The bathroom door opens with perfect timing, and I dart a quick look at Shaw, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course not, pet,” I lie through my teeth as I turn back to my omega. “We’re all on the same team. No need for arguments when we all have a unified goal.”
The back of my head burns with the weight of Shaw’s glare, but I let him simmer in his rage. I’m about to be the most impressive team player Saylor has ever seen. She’s permanently tied to me and Valor. If they don’t like it, they can be the ones to show their dicks.
I just need to find a covert way to have a quick conversation with V to ensure we’re on the same page.