Page 126 of Finding the Forward: Part One
Jonas looked at Verity. “It’s up to her.”
“I don’t know him, so go for it.” Verity shrugged.
“Diego, you’re being embarrassing.” Derva frowned as we took a picture with him. Freddie was on his phone.
“Oh, I see. You’re with athletes because you’ll never be one?” Freddie smirked.
“Freddie, you won. You have the fútbol career. A model on your arm. Sponsors and a bazillion dollars. Leave me alone.” Verity’s chin stayed up stubbornly.
“Ugh, this is boring.” Derva flounced off, dragging Diego with her.
“You need to fuck off.” Jonas took a menacing step toward Freddie when he didn’t move.
Freddie scowled and threw up his hands. “Make me.”
AJ stood. “We’ll take this out back. We don’t want to get banned.”
“Guys, it’s fine. Freddie, I’m so happy you’re doing well. You and Derva are meant for each other,” Verity fake-simpered.
How could she keep so calm? I wanted to punch Derva in her massive tits.
Freddie rolled his eyes. “Do they know they need to watch themselves with you? You might tell on them or something.”
“Why do you care that I got Coach fired? He wasn’t your coach. Why did you stir up hate when I didn’t go pro? Why does it matter to you? To anyone?” she prodded, staying strong.
AJ took a step toward him; anger and dominance wafting off him. “Leave or I’ll carry you out. Don’t contact her again.”
“Fine. You’re a shitty lay, anyway.” Freddie stalked off, trying not to look like he was about to shit his pants.
“You’re not a shitty lay.” I pulled her to me, reassuring her with my touch. Nope. Not in the slightest.
“Who was that bitch?” Mercy scowled.
“Someone who used to model with me. She’s the one that would randomly end up in Research Circle sometimes. I wish everyone would forget how being an alpha and the parents ruined my life and leave me alone.” Verity sighed and Jonas squeezed her hand.
“Well, I’m not rooting for him again.” AJ shook his head. “Dickhead.”
“Thanks for sticking up for me, AJ. You too, Jonas. All of you.” She gave us a soft smile.
“Anytime, Princess.” AJ shrugged.
I kissed her temple. “That’s what we’re here for.”
“Are you really packmates? The parents are going to shit pumpkins,” Dare chuckled, taking a pull of his beer while scrolling on his phone.
Verity shook her head. “I don’t care what they think. I’m an adult, and I can see who I want. They can go fuck themselves.”
Jonas beamed. “Exactly. How about we blow this place?”
“Yeah, let’s get some burritos the size of our heads.” Mercy hopped off her stool.
“Being an alpha didn’t ruin your life,” Jonas said quietly to her. “Assholes did. In this pack, we don’t let the assholes win.”
No. No, we didn’t.
We were her pack. AJ said. No take backs. It might take a little time. But she was ours and here to stay.
Chapter Forty
