Page 128 of Pack of Crooks
“Is this true?” Vivian asks, gaze jumping to her alpha. “Ellen?”
The alpha’s silence is answer enough. Vivian sucks in a breath, shoves her fingers into her hair and paces away, trying to focus on breathing, but she’s struggling to keep it together.
“Can I go to her?” Ellen asks.
“Vivian?”
The omega glances at me. “No. Not yet.”
I nod. This is so overwhelming and the pack and her ex aren’t helping. Their scents are probably messing with her head. “We need a minute,” I tell the guys. They haul Ellen kicking and screaming out of the room. I close the door behind them and turn, dropping my head against the wood.
“They—” Her breath catches. “They kidnapped me.”
Grimacing, I nod and take a step toward her, hating how fragile she seems. She’s usually so tough. “You’re safe.”
She watches me approach, wary, but she doesn’t stop me.
I pause in front of her, tears blurring my vision. “I’m so sorry. I know that was scary.”
“Terrifying.” Her voice cracks. But being kidnapped by my pack pales in comparison to what Ellen did. The heartbreak in her gaze makes my chest tighten. “She broke my heart.”
I open my arms and she rushes into my embrace, sobbing, letting it all out. I hold her, smoothing her hair, and murmuring as many reassurances that I can, but I don’t know how to fix a broken heart.
Once she’s calmed and cleaned up, Vivian is ready to talk to Ellen. I’m still not sure it’s a good idea, but Vivian has a spark of rage in her eyes that tells me she’s moved on from sadness and straight into rage.
“You’ll call for me if you need me?”
She nods, balling up her fists at her side as we head toward the living room. “Yeah.”
The guys are standing around Ellen who is doing her best to look hard, but she wavers when Vivian appears. “Vivi.” Her voice cracks.
Vivian gives her a cool look. “Let’s talk.”
Ellen pushes between my pack, hurrying toward Vivian, but I step in her path. She growls at my obstruction.
“Oh, one more thing.” My palm cracks across her cheek and her head whips to the side.
Vivian gasps.
My men laugh.
Ellen shakes her head, glaring at me.
“Now we’re even,” I tell her, lowering my voice. “Hurt my friend and I’ll hurt you.”
“Hazel,” Vivian chastises, but I simply hold Ellen’s gaze until she nods in understanding. I keep my eye on the alpha and step away. They go to a bedroom for privacy.
My pack surrounds me as soon as the door shuts. I breathe in their scents as they hug me. “God I’m so glad you guys are here.”
“Us too, sunshine,” Maddox says.
“I got the virus planted but Ellen knows,” I tell them. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. We’ll figure it out.” Ezra’s hand smooths up and down my back. “How is Vivian?”
“Upset.” I break away from them and glance at the bedroom door.
Their voices are muffled, but I hear Vivian’s frustration loud and clear. Surprisingly, Ellen isn’t shouting or trying to take control. If anything, her voice is subdued.
