Page 19 of One Way Out

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Watching Saylor reunite with the men from her past leaves a pit in my stomach. Leo mentioned they lived with her when she was a teenager. I believe that would make Shaw the one who punched her boyfriend and carried her out of the party she mentioned. That means they’re also the ones who abandoned her when her first heat started.

They must not have many brain cells. That, or they haven’t had as hard of a life as I’ve had.

I might have intended to use her to get Valor back to his old self, but it didn’t even take three full days of being in her company before I decided I was going to keep her. Yes, bringing back V’s mental clarity was a bonus. However, my reason for wanting her changed dramatically over the course of those few days.

She’s the sweetest, softest thing I’ve ever had the privilege of touching. And now she’s all mine.

“Where did that bloody lip come from?” Valor asks, pulling off his mask.

I chuckle darkly. “I’ll give you three guesses, but I bet you’ll only need two.”

Valor’s eyes move back to Saylor and the alphas that still stand next to the table by the door. “She’s emotionally attached to them in some way. She hasn’t even tried to block her feelings in the bond.”

“I know.” Nodding, I swipe a hand over my face. “I’m getting every bit of it too.” Maybe just a little weaker than he is, since he’s my link to Saylor. I remember how long it took for me to parcel out how to shut off projecting my thoughts and emotions, and I’m naturally more stoic than she is. “We’ll need to find a way to get along, at least until we can make it out of here.”

“Amato is aware of our bonding. The guard said he wanted us released immediately, but they pushed back since five to seven days is standard.” Valor sighs. “We should get her a change of clothes. She hates the facility-issued pants.”

“I’ll grab her something,” I say, studying his face and what he’s feeling in the bond. Amato is going to be a problem. It’s something I always knew would come. “You should shower. Possibly both of you.” I nod at the dried blood covering his arms and hands. There are splatters on his neck, face, and in his hair. “After you two have a chance to clean up, we can sit down and try to brainstorm a plan.”

V sighs heavily. “The plan is that we kill Amato the second we get the chance. I won’t let him use Saylor against us.”

“Agreed.” I nod as my eyes cut to the omega in question.

She’s still letting the Americans check her over. The soft smile on her face as she placates them makes my chest tight.

I have mixed feelings on sharing. Being a kinky fucker, I’ve always been of thethe more the merrierphilosophy, but that was before I had someone who looks at me the way she does. And still, I’ll at least try, as long as it makes her happy.

They better be capable of pulling their own weight, though. No one wants a lazy packmate. If nothing else, we need them for what comes next.

I’ll die before our old boss gets his hands on Saylor. He would use her in disgusting ways, and I won’t allow her to be exposed to that kind of evil.

ChapterSeven

Saylor

Leo and Shaw know Valor and I bonded, but there’s no privacy in the cell for even a quick conversation.

It felt like Omen saved me when he tugged me away for a quick shower and a change of clothes, but I know that conversation is still coming. It’s just on hold for the moment.

“I can just use a washcloth. That water is way too cold—” I squeal as Omen lifts me, shoving me into the spray of frigid water. “Hey!”

Okay, maybe he wanted to torture me, not save me from awkward conversations.

“You’ve got a bloody handprint on your neck.” He snorts, shoving Valor toward the back of the shower. “She’s just having a quick rinse. Now isn’t the time for more fucking.”

Valor growls, stretching around my shoulder to study my throat. “Tell me those aren’t bruises under the blood.”

“Those aren’t bruises.” Omen quickly turns me farther toward the spray of water, which almost feels like cruel and unusual punishment.

I can’t see my own throat without a mirror, but I’m sure he’s lying to avoid Valor spiraling. A few sexy bruises don’t bother me, and I still worry my lower lip through my teeth, anticipating the freak-out that’s coming when Shaw spots them.

I really need the four of them to get along, but more than that, I’m an adult who gets to make her own choices. If I’m not upset about them, I feel like no one else should be either.

“Fucking hell,” Valor mutters, sliding his fingers over my ass and hip. “You’re covered in them.”

Looking at him over my shoulder, I point at his chest. “Then I’m happy to wear them with pride. Stop making yourself feel guilty, or I’m going to pinch your nipple again. I’mfine.”

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