Page 70 of Verses and Blooms
“Oh, and Audrey?—”
“Yes?” I asked, turning back to face her.
“Just know that I’m on your side. I’m going to fight tooth and nail to make sure the ones responsible burn for this in every way possible. There’s nothing I hate more than monsters getting away with their crimes.”
She seemed to be speaking from experience, but it wasn’t my place to ask about her past. I just nodded, and for once, chose to trust someone.
“Thank you.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Caspian
In the past week, I think I’ve had more counseling at ARC than I had in the entire four years before.
Alice was fantastic, and so was the rest of the team of counselors and professionals they brought in.
It was as if the entire patient population here took a sigh of relief as they handed back our autonomy.
We still had the bars outside keeping us in and guards walking around. Our pack in particular was hyper-aware of where our omega was at all times, but we were still… settled.
Once Ledger bit Ansel and brought him into the pack, the bond snapped into place for us all. I could feel every single one of them through the connection I had with Audrey.
It was strange. The bond I’d had with Tatum was intense, but it was just the two of us. This one stretched between seven people, yet somehow still felt like the same level of connection. It was a strange relief to share my omega like this, to know there was so much more help keeping her safe.
I walked up to the front lobby, knocking on Director Cross’s door that he now shared with the Chief.
Something I’m sure he loved.
Unfortunately, it was still the only room in the building with a phone.
Cross opened the door and gave me a tentative smile then caught himself. I would never forgive him for what he’d done, but I couldn’t find it in me to hate anyone involved with this place now that Malik was gone.
He was here to gather intel, and even before Audrey was taken, Ares was sent in. Things swiftly changed when they realized they were mates, but they were taking action regardless. That had to count for something.
“Caspian,” he greeted me. “I actually have a surprise for you.”
“What?” I asked, glancing at the phone still on the dock. “Has she not called yet?”
“Come with me,” he said, stepping out of the office and gesturing for me to walk first. Once I did and he closed the door behind us, he led me to the conference room.
The door was closed, but the moment he pushed it open, my entire world crumbled. All I could see were the two people outside of my pack that I had left in this world.
“Lilly.” Her name left me on a choked sob, and I fell to my knees, unable to support myself.
That didn’t stop my little spitfire from screeching at the top of her lungs, “Daddy!” and running for me. I moved on instinct, catching my little girl easily and holding her tight. She didn’t care that I was crying so hard I was shaking, or that I was breathing her in.
I thought I lost her forever, would never get a chance to hear her little sweet voice and giggles again.
Yet, here she was. Solid and warm. Alive.
There was that subtle scent she’d inherited from me and her mama, gentle wildflowers with a twist of sugar and honey.
Tatum’s had been a stronger wildflower scent with a hint of whiskey and honey.
Lilly was also starting to gain a hint of citrus.
How had she changed so much?
