Page 201 of Roulette Rodeo
The rage that fills the room is palpable, four alphas processing the reality that someone tried to murder their entire pack. But I'm already thinking ahead, already planning.
"He made a mistake though," I say, a smile pulling at my lips despite everything.
"What mistake?" Shiloh asks.
"He didn't make sure I was dead. And now I know exactly how to destroy him."
They exchange glances, and I see the moment they understand. This isn't over. Marnay started a war, but I'm going to finish it.
But first, I need to heal. Need to get strong again.
And maybe, just maybe, finally act on all this tension that's been building for months. Because if nearly dying taught me anything, it's that life is too short to keep dancing around what we all want.
"But that's tomorrow's problem," I say, exhaustion pulling at me again. "Tonight, can you all just... stay?"
"Wild horses couldn't drag us away," Talon promises.
And as I drift off to sleep, surrounded by my pack, safe despite everything, I can hear them laughing at the irony of it all.
MIDNIGHT PLOTS AND CHERRY BOMBS
~RED~
The group chat notification goes off for what feels like the hundredth time in the past hour, and I groan, trying to concentrate on lining up the perfect candy combo. Three more moves and I'll beat this level that's been taunting me since I woke up from my post-dinner medication nap.
Shiloh: Everyone's vitals good?Talon: For the 50th time, yesCorwin: Oxygen levels normal across the boardShiloh: Just checkingTalon: You checked 10 minutes agoShiloh: Red's not answeringCorwin: She's probably sleepingTalon: Or playing that damn candy gameRafe: She's definitely playing candy crush. I can see her active status.
I smile despite myself, warmth spreading through my chest that has nothing to do with potential pre-heat symptoms. My alphas are not only alive but recovering well from their smoke inhalation. They'd been discharged hours ago—the benefits of having a doctor in the pack who could monitor them at home—but visiting hours ended at nine, so they're forced to wait until morning to see me officially.
Red: I'm FINE. Let me crush candy in peace!
The responses are immediate:
Shiloh: There she is
Talon: About time
Corwin: How's the pain level?
Red: Minimal. More annoyed at this level than anything
Talon: Which level?
Red: 347
Talon: Oh that one's a bitch
I put the phone aside, abandoning both the game and the chat to stare at the sterile hospital room. The white walls feel like a blank canvas for my thoughts, and those thoughts are primarily focused on one thing: revenge.
The pieces are falling into place. Marnay made his move, showed his hand, and now I know exactly what kind of game we're playing. But there's one confirmation I need, one final piece of the puzzle before I can execute what's been brewing in my mind since I woke up in that hole.
A soft knock interrupts my planning. The door opens just enough for someone to slip through, and my heart does a little skip when I see Rafe carrying a bouquet of wildflowers—not roses, not something generically expensive, but wildflowers like the ones that grow near the ranch. In his other hand, a bag that I immediately recognize as being from Molly's bakery.
I have to physically cover my mouth to stop the squeal that wants to escape. The night nurses are strict about visiting hours, and the last thing I need is him getting escorted out by security.
He gives me a look that's part exasperation, part amusement as he crosses to my bed. "What are you doing here?" I whisper-hiss once I trust myself not to shriek with delight.
"You weren't answering in the group chat," he says, setting the flowers on my bedside table with careful precision.
