Page 105 of Coco and the Misfits

“Explain what?”

“What the three of you were doing on my street tonight.”

Ryder glances at Atticus and rubs his brow. “Zach is courting you. He wanted to put up a banner.”

“A banner?”

“Yes, a big banner with something romantic?—”

I shake my head. “No.”

“But we wanted to help him?—”

“Help him get me?” I’m still shaking my head. “What the hell?”

No, I’m confused, nothing makes sense, and I’m hurt they’d help Zach but not want me for themselves, and why would they, they probably sensed I’m not really an omega, that I’m playing pretend, that I’m an impostor, a fraud.

My head is pounding. The thoughts get tangled up, losing their form, their meaning.

My mom’s voice mingles with the voice in my mind, telling me to accept who I really am, not to lead others on, not to lie even if I believe what I say is the truth, and?—

“Okay,” I whisper, “out.”

I can’t do this right now. I need some time alone. Some time to think.

Zach stares at me. “What? But?—”

“All of you, out.” I’m clutching my blanket to my chest and I feel as if my head will erupt any second now.

“We’re not leaving,” Atticus growls. “After this attack? No fucking way.”

“You’re going,” I say firmly. “I’ll call Sawyer or Gigi to stay with me.”

Zach is scowling. “But?—”

“Go.”

“No,” Ryder says, “we can’t?—”

“Thank you for saving me. I still don’t understand what all of you thought you were doing outside my building, but thank you. Now, go. Please.”

“We’re coming,” Sawyer says, “hang on tight.”

After the guys filed out, casting me worried looks over their broad shoulders, I locked up and sat on the sofa, wrapped burrito-style in my blanket, waiting for Sawyer and his pack to arrive.

I will get over this, I promise myself. I will be fine again.

But tonight I’m allowed to break down a little, right? So, while waiting for Sawyer and company to arrive, I do just that. I ugly-sob, throw my precious little cushions all over the sitting room, scream into the void, and wish… I wish I’d asked the three alphas to stay, because right now I’m weak and I need their arms around me.

Zach, Ryder, and Atticus. With flowers and a banner. A banner saying what? What was that about? The sense of betrayal is deepening. Was Zach’s courting a joke? An elaborate ruse? What for? To make me believe Zach wants me and then dash my hopes once more? Break me completely?

How could they?

And then… how could they be my heroes, saving me and taking care of me?

The tea Zach made me is cooling on the table, untouched.

I don’t know what to think anymore and I need to think. I’m caught in limbo, unable to move forward.

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