Page 20 of Sigma
God, Linc.
“I know,” I whisper, chin wobbling.
“And I care about him,” he adds. “He saved my life. I’ve saved his. He’s a good fuckin’ guy, Sis. Known him a couple years now and he’s been through hell. And this? Today?” He blows out abreath and then says, “If he hurts you, he’ll be devastated. All of us would be devastated. All of us are your alphas and we all want you safe.”
“He’s her alpha now, Lincoln,” Tyson reminds him.
I chew my lip and hold back more emotion.
When Linc doesn’t say anything else, still looking torn by emotion, I add, “I need to be here. Near him.”
“He’ll be wrecked, babe. He won’t want you to see it. I wouldn’t either, if I was him.”
“Well, that’s just too bad.” I shrug, sniffling.
Riley pulls up, looking amped as he gets out of his car. His eyes sweep over me. “You okay, darlin’?”
Grabbing my hair on both sides of my head, I laugh.
Riley winces. “Wasn’t easy to keep Lorenzo from comin’. Maybe phone him? Tell him you’re fine?”
“Lie to him, you mean? Sure. Gimme your phone.”
Riley reaches out, about to put his arms around me, when Mase, Linc, and Joel all say in unison, “Don’t touch her!”
Riley pauses mid-reach and passes me his phone instead.
“Thanks for the thought, Rye.”
He gives me a look of understanding and turns to them. “Need a word with you guys real quick, yeah? About Jase.”
Riley’s expression is extreme and it’s obvious he doesn’t want me to hear whatever he has to say. Hopefully there haven’t been complications with Jase and Danica Young bringing the Starling wand to Romania, but I can’t give it too much headspace.
“I’ll go inside and call Dad so you guys can talk.”
“Not until we get more supplies from Jared’s,” Linc denies inflexibly, moving to block the door so I can’t go in.
“Can you wait twenty minutes to fill me in, Riley? Tyson asks.
Riley says, “I’ll fill these guys in, and they can update you.”
Tyson says, “Good. I’ll run back and drive the truck and trailer here.”
“Sounds good,” Mase agrees.
Tyson shifts and runs.
I can’t deal with a conversation with my father.
I open a text string as they move away from me.
It’s Cicely. I’m ok. I’ll be in touch when I can but don’t worry.
It’s immediately ringing with Dad’s name on the screen.Damn it.
I answer. “I’m not sure I can talk right now, Dad,” I rasp, throat clogged with more emotion.
“I know you’re smart. Know you’re strong. But want you to know I love you and I’ll help however I can.”
