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“I can’t,” I whisper more to myself than to him. “I can’t do this.”
But oh, do I want to.
Malachi’s expression softens, and for a moment, I see something raw and vulnerable in his eyes. “We’re not the bad guys, Aria. We’re just trying to help.”
His words hang in the air between us, and for a split second, I’m tempted to believe him, but then I remember the van and the way they all moved in sync like a well-oiled machine, and the reality of my situation crashes back down on me.
“I don’t need your help,” I say, my voice firmer this time. “I can handle myself.”
Without waiting for a response, I turn on my heel and start marching toward my apartment. My heart pounds in my chest, every instinct screaming at me to run, to get as far away from them as possible, but running isn’t an option, not with the scent of my slick still clinging to the air around me.
As I walk, I keep getting little whiffs of orange, and I pretty much crush my thighs together, hoping that it doesn’t get worse. One would think that in the year of our savior, social media, someone would have come up with a solution to these scents.
I make a mental note to do some internet browsing while I bathe in bleach.
Halfway down the sidewalk, I cast one last glance over my shoulder. Malachi is watching me, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and something else I can’t quite place. Dash is still grinning, clearly enjoying the show, while the other two alphas remain in the background, their gazes intense and unreadable.
I overhear a snippet of their conversation as I move away.
“I’m telling you,” Quinn murmurs, “there’s something different about her. Did you catch that scent?”
Malachi nods, his expression thoughtful. “It’s faint, but I’m not sure it’s Aria.”
My heart races. Did they smell something? Impossible. I’ve been so careful.
Thankfully, I can’t see the other two, though I know one is Quinn. I don’t need to know all of their names.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I continue down the street. The sound of their footsteps behind me is unsettling, and I quicken my pace. Are they following me?
Don’t look back.
They are keeping their distance, so I have a moment to collect myself and figure out my next move or ridiculous stunt to get them off my back.
My heart’s racing, and I’m pretty sure they can smell my fear. But I’ll be damned if I let them see me sweat. Gotta keep it together.
The three alphas keep pace with me, and to my utter dismay, they don’t seem inclined to leave. They look around the neighborhood as if inspecting it for threats, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. All the while, the fourth scowls at me from the driver’s seat. That is the energy the rest of them need.
“Didn’t I tell you to leave?” I snap out, dropping my laundry basket and crossing my arms over my chest when I finally stop at a crosswalk and turn to face them.
“You did,” Malachi replies smoothly, leaning against a streetlamp with a casual grace that belies his alertness, “but we decided to stay.”
Quinn swoops in and grabs my basket. He’s so close that I watch as his nostrils flare as he cocks his head. Nerves flutter in my belly as I focus on Malachi.
“Decided, huh?” I raise an eyebrow. “And what makes you think I want you here?”
Dash grins, his teeth white against his tan skin. “Call it a hunch.”
“A hunch,” I repeat, disbelief coloring my tone. “Well, your hunch is wrong. I don’t need babysitting.”
“Who said anything about babysitting?” Malachi’s eyes twinkle with amusement. “Think of it as…an extended conversation.”
“An extended conversation,” I echo, fighting the urge to laugh. “Well, I’m not interested.” Also, I have to head into the salon, and I have less than an hour to get my shit together.
Dash takes a step closer, his gaze dropping to my laundry basket that Quinn is holding against his chest like it’s a prize. “You sure? We could help you carry that.”
“I can manage,” I snap back, my cheeks heating as I turn to Quinn, wondering how I’m going to pry it from his hands. “Besides, I’m pretty sure carrying laundry isn’t high on an alpha’s list of skills.”
“You’d be surprised,” Malachi says, his voice low and smooth. “We’re quite adept at many things.”
