Page 18 of China

“Kill him? No. One of his pride members intervened when he came after me. And that’s part of the reason I wanted to check in with you.”

“What is?”

“I’m in Indiana.”

“I don’t understand.”

“The male who took out Benecio for me is my heart-match. He needed to appear before the pride because he took out Benecio and that means he’s the interim alpha. He wouldn’t leave me behind and his people wouldn’t leave without him, so I’m with him. I stopped home and packed a bag. My cousin is going to keep an eye on my place until I get back, which will be next week. I already spoke to Titus and he’s going to hold my job for me.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Demi said.

“Well, you could say you’re happy for me, and thank my sexy heart-match for taking out your stalker.”

“I’m super happy for you, China, and very grateful. To you and your heart-match.”

“His name is Ozzen, but everyone calls him Oz.”

“Thank him for me.”

“I will.”

China could hear the chatter of kids as they entered Demi’s classroom.

“I’ve gotta run,” Demi said. “I’m so glad you called, and I’m honestly so super happy for you. It’s amazing.”

“It truly is,” China said. “Abbie believes the death she saw when she tried to match Benecio was actually his. She saw me in connection to the death, because I was the reason he died, since Oz killed him to protect me. So I didn’t have anything to be afraid of and I got my forever guy.”

“I’d like to meet him,” Demi said.

“For sure when we come back to Kedrick. And even if we end up staying here, you and I will stay in touch. We’re besties, after all.”

“You got it. Love you, China.”

“Love you too, D.”

The call ended and China smiled when she looked at Oz. “Demi said thanks for taking out Benecio.”

He snorted. “Glad I could be of service.” He reached for her and China snuggled into his embrace. “I know we haven’t made any major decisions yet, but you could’ve told her we’re planning to move to Kedrick.”

“Yeah, but like you said, wehaven’tmade that decision officially yet. We have the week. Maybe I’ll love it here, and whoever wins the alpha battle could be a great guy and this could be an awesome pride to be part of.”

“Honestly? I don’t care where we live so long as we’re together, and that’s the damn truth.”

“I feel the same way.”

He kissed the top of her head. “We should get going.”

“Sooner we leave the sooner we can come back here, right?”

She loved to hear the sexy rumble in his chest from his lion. “You know it.”

They dressed and headed into the kitchen. His fridge was empty because he hadn’t known how long he’d be gone when he’d been recruited by Benecio to go along to Kedrick, but he did have powdered creamer for coffee and frozen breakfast sandwiches. His house was a mile and a half from the mansion where the alpha was supposed to live, and where the elders and upper ranked males were waiting for them. Although it was a nice day, they didn’t have time for a leisurely walk, so he drove them instead.

“This is nerve wracking,” China said as he navigated the dirt roads.

“Tell me about it.”

She chuckled and leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder. “Do you think anyone is angry that Benecio is dead?”

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