Page 98 of Verses and Blooms
“He was mad we didn’t follow his orders,” I said. “Even worse. He didn’t trust me to take care of our mate.”
Ledger’s eyes narrowed. “He said that?”
“Not exactly. He freaked out because she rushed off and I followed without checking in first. They were busy escorting the assholes out. He was yelling at Audrey after she made sure the chief’s daughter was safe. She was spent, so I told him to back the fuck off.”
“As you should have,” Ledger said, nodding in approval.
Ares stepped into the doorway. For what it’s worth, his expression was contrite.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I get one-track-minded on missions. I’ve never had to account for keeping anyone safe during them except men who were trained for it. I was afraid, but I do trust you.”
“Then act like it. Not just when it’s convenient,” I said. “She faced all of that again because she has a huge heart. Those girls opened up becauseshewas there. You wouldn’t have found those rooms without her.”
“You’re right,” he said quietly. “I’ll work on it. I won’t underestimate any of you again. I know you’re capable. I think I just assume that I’ve had more ‘real-life’ experience and try to shield you from it.”
“I’d say everything we went through is pretty real,” I replied.
He winced. “I keep putting my foot in my mouth. I’m sorry. I’ll be better.”
“You have to trust that our omega is strong. She doesn’t need you making every choice for her. Protect her? Yes. Control her? No.”
“I know,” he said. “I just… didn’t want to fail her again. It’s my fault, I let them take her.”
“Nobody ‘let’ them,” Ledger cut in. “He would’ve found a way. Tearing each other apart from the inside won’t get us out of here.”
“You’re right,” Ares relented, his nose wrinkling. “You all need a shower. I’ll wait, hurry up.”
We ran into the locker room long enough to shower and change before heading back to our suite. We’d barely made it inside when a knock on the door had us turning. The others heard it, stepping out of the room.
My poor omega was dead on her feet. Ares glanced at her, but he couldn’t say anything before Cooke stepped in, looking grim.
“Now what?” I asked, already exasperated. I’d had just about enough of bad news and bullshit at this point to last a damn lifetime.
“They found him.”
My entire world turned red, my alpha pushing through enough that a low, feral growl echoed out.
Cooke narrowed his eyes. “Stop that shit.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before turning to Ares. He was technically in charge now and we had to figure out how to handle this news.
“Where is he?” Ares demanded.
“Not in Alliance custody yet. Sanchez thought you should know first. He said you have thirty minutes before he has to call it in.
Ares started to move, but turned, jaw clenched tight. “Omega. You’re in no condition to go, but this is your choice.”
She looked at him, so exhausted now she didn’t even bother to put up a fight. “Caspian, Ansel, and Kane can keep me safe here. No one get caught and make it hurt.”
Then she paused, looking at the three men she asked to stay behind.
“Actually, that’s up to you. He wronged you all just as much over the years,” she said. “I won’t take that choice from you while being frustrated with Ares for trying to tell me what to do.”
“I’m where I need to be,” Ansel said. An answer I knew he’d give.
“There’s no way I can leave your side,” Caspian said. “And I have Lilly to think about if we were to get caught. I trust the others to handle this.”
“No killing,” Kane warned them. His tone was severe as he faced off with them. “Murder charges won’t help us and you need to make sure the men he wronged take the fall. Not you.”
