Page 24 of One Way Out

The conversation goes better than I’m expecting, and I’m finally able to snuggle back into Shaw’s smoky campfire scent and just relax.

* * *

The low buzzing of the door being unlocked wakes me.

The guys continue talking in hushed whispers, and it ensures I’m not able to just grunt and fall back to sleep.

“I need to check in with Maggie and Conrad,” Valor says as the couch bounces under Shaw.

I’m still on Shaw’s lap, and my face rolls to the side Valor’s voice came from.

“Can’t they handle it on their own for once?” I rub my eyes and sigh. “Just don’t get into any trouble, please? I can’t take any more issues.”

“Little one,” Valor coos, sliding his massive palm around the back of my head. “You have my word. I won’t do anything to cause problems. I only need to let them know I’ll be leaving so they’ll have time to plan accordingly.” He leans over Shaw and kisses my forehead, but I grab his shirt, shoving my lips to his. Being able to feel his attraction in the bond is intense, and he pulls away all too quickly.

I lick my lips and ask, “Is Omen going with you?”

It’s basically a polite way of asking if he’ll have a babysitter.

“I am not,” Omen says from behind me. “You know my philosophy—fuck ’em. They can look after themselves.”

My heart races, and my eyes fly to Shaw’s.

He studies my face for a second before nodding. “I’ll go with Valor. Leo and Omen will stay with you. Are you hungry? By your own admission, you’ve had days of barely eating.”

I shake my head. “I’m really not interested in food. Going off the suppressants really messed up my system.”

“Bring something back just in case,” Leo says, clearly directing the comment at Valor and Shaw.

Valor is still just to my right, but I push up onto my knees, giving Shaw a tender kiss. My fingers brush through his beard as our tongues dance. We don’t have a bond, so I can’t push my emotions to him through that, but I do my best to pour my appreciation into the quick kiss.

Seeing them look out for each other makes me really hopeful that they’ll be able to get along long term.

I pull back, resting my forehead against Shaw’s. “Thank you.”

He nods, pecking another quick kiss on my lips. “You guys might want to keep an eye on her temperature. I didn’t notice it while she was sleeping, and it could just be from being under the covers, but she feels a little warm.”

Valor’s hand fell to my back while Shaw and I were occupied, but he quickly brings his fingers to my neck. “She does feel a little hotter than normal.”

Shaw’s face breaks out into a lazy smirk, and I don’t have to have a bond to know what he’s thinking. The cocky jerk is quite smug, assuming he sent me into a mini-heat spike with just a kiss.

* * *

Leo takes Shaw’s spot as the two alphas head out. Instead of sitting on his lap, facing him, I end up next to him on the couch, just wedged under his arm. My cheek still rests against his chest, and my legs are stretched out across the sofa, but I don’t bother with the blanket.

Shaw and Valor weren’t wrong when they said I’m a little warm. All I can hope is that it’s nothing like last time. I threw up so many times, the blood vessels in my eyes burst. I still have dots on my cheeks from broken capillaries.

Omen squats down in front of me and grins. “Open, pet.”

When I open to assure him it’s not necessary, he shoves the thermometer under my tongue.

Valor might be right; his bedside manner leaves something to be desired.

Leo teases his fingers over my arm as I pout, which is a decent distraction.

Omen takes a naughtier direction, brushing his fingers over my nipple. I’m still in one of Valor’s shirts, but I’m starting to miss having access to underclothes. My bras at home are always lightly padded to help with easily visible nipples.

The beta chuckles. “You are a pouty little thing. If you hate the thermometer that badly, I can simply shove my cock inside you and monitor your temperature that way.” His teeth dig into his lower lip as his eyebrows rise—almost like he’s waiting for me to accept or decline his offer.

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