Page 93 of One Way Out

Any press is bad press to them. They’ve likely helped to squash all news of my kidnapping.

And what my father wants—any opportunity to gain public sympathy.

The poor senator whose daughter was kidnapped.

Only, I won’t allow him to use me anymore.

I certainly won’t be going back to his house to be forced to live alongside Samantha. She hoped I wouldn’t be saved, and my father knows that.

He just doesn’t give a shit.

Not as long as it benefits him.

But I’m done with his games.

“My kidnapping?” I give him my best vacant look, blinking repeatedly. “Is that what you’re trying to tell the press?”

“What is this?” my father hisses, spinning to look at Easton.

“I’m sorry you disapprove of my choices in life partners, but concocting a story like this is extreme.” I pull my shoulders back, preparing to carry on the lie I just created. “I’m bonded now, and it can’t be taken back. So, you can have thoughts and feelings and make threats all day, but it won’t change a thing. You won’t bully me into complying. Not ever again.” Refocusing on Cece, I give her a polite smile. “I will do every interview that I’m offered if you don’t put a stop to whatever he’s up to. My heat still hasn’t come to an end, and we have to drive back to Vermont before I can sleep. Keep me out of everything from here on out, or I will fight back, and I can promise you, it won’t be pretty.”

With that, I spin around and head back to my guys. Well, the three of them that still stand near the bottom of the plane stairs.

Shaw stays behind to glare at my father, but I face-plant into Leo’s chest.

He wraps his arms around my back and nuzzles his cheek to the top of my head. “You okay?”

I nod as Valor slides behind me, running his hand down my spine. “I will be. Let’s go home.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” Omen says, leaning over and kissing the side of my head.

“Come on, Easton brought an extra car,” Shaw calls. “We’re riding with Ridge. He’ll drop us off.”

“No fucking in the vehicle,” Ridge grumbles. “My ears are scarred for life.”

I snort, burying my face deeper in Leo’s chest.

I never thought so much could change in the blink of an eye, but it did. I’m not the same person who went to Amsterdam on vacation. I’ve changed, gained four bonded mates, grown into my own, and I’m so ready to leave the baggage of my father behind.

Before I went to Europe, I would have been heartbroken to see him choose Samantha over meonce again, but I’ve built my own family now.

Samantha and the boys can have the senator.

I don’t want him.

All I want is to settle into Leo and Shaw’s apartment and truly start our lives as a bonded pack.

And that’s exactly what I intend to do.

ChapterThirty-One

Leo

Saylor’s heat never fully hits. There were days of thick waves in Germany and two more once we settled into our apartment in Vermont, but she continues to have random heat spikes that don’t seem like they’re going to stop.

She’s had a fever and been unable to keep food down for so long that we have to take action. We do some research and get her in to see an omega specialist.

The doctor swears her system will settle down in its own time. Apparently, long-term suppressant use can cause side effects that last from days to weeks to even months in some cases.

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