Page 126 of The Alpha's Arrangement

Taylor lifts his head and stares, his eyes widening.

I put the notes in and light one before dropping it in and watching the rest go up in flames.

Barren bites his knuckles as he watches.

“We’re free.” I breathe. “We found their camp. It’s gone now. No sign they were ever here. All their possessions are here.” I drop a bag the size of my fist into the basket and watch it catch fire.

Taylor tries to stand, but Bar straddles him. “Oh, no. You’re going to rest for a few more days, and then we’re all going back together to get our alpha.”

“If she’ll forgive us,” Taylor whispers.

I hate the doubt he has. It’s insidious and whispers in my head, but I refuse to let it take root. Red is mine, she always has been.

“Sit down. Annie’s bringing food up.” Barren snaps. “We’re all going to sleep, and tomorrow we’re resting.”

I lower my eyes and grin. “Yes, Alpha.”

Barren’s eyes glint with amusement. “Then we’re going to get her back.”

I glance at Taylor and then Acton. I grin as the three of us, perfectly orchestrated, say in one voice. “Yes, Alpha.”

thirty-eight

Scarlet

The gift today brought tears to my eyes. I hold it in my hand and stare down at it.

“It's a bent nail, Scar,” Hazel says calmly. “I feel like I have to say here, get a grip.”

“It’s Jet. He’s here.” My voice is small, reverent.

Hazel peers at the nail with more interest. “He’s pretty small.”

I elbow her, and she falls back laughing.

“It was funny, come on.”

“You spend too much time alone,” I say to her.

She sobers and looks at her hands. “I know. I just…”

“Yeah, I hear you. Hearts are awful things.”

“Seconded.”

Later that day, a teddy bear that’s taller than me is delivered. The fur is a light brown shot with silver threads. I hug it tightly as I drag it into the lounge.

Hazel watches in wide-eyed shock.

“Is that Taylor?” She asks in reverence.

I shake my head, putting the bear down. “Acton.”

“How in the eff do you get…no, no, keep your pack secrets.”

“Are you going home tonight?” I ask.

“Hell no, I’m crashing here. This is the most entertaining thing I've ever seen in my life.”

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