Page 46 of Wolf It Down, Knot Me Up

I stare back at the road before I do something really dumb. “Long time ago,” I say.

“Doesn’t make it not true.”

I look at her, and there’s no pity in her face. Just quiet anger on behalf of a little boy she never even knew, and somehow that squeezes my chest harder than sympathy ever could.

Then I pull into the hospital parking area and kill the engine, my mind on this brave, seductive Omega who’s suffering from her own past. I didn’t need Roman and Wolf to tell me about her past because I recognized it the moment I met her. Hurt has a way of recognizing hurt.

“Come on.” I remove the key from the ignition. “Let’s get you inside.”

I’m out and around, opening her door before she’s even got her seat belt off, and she grins up at me. “Such a gentleman.”

“Told you.” I offer her a hand. “Best behavior.”

We’re through the doors and up to Eve’s room in no time, and asshole Mr. Colby is already there. Camel-colored suit on, notebook and pen out. The first thing out of his mouth is “You’re late.”

Lucy blows right past him and folds herself over her grandmother, and Eve’s whole face lights up, while I turn to the parole officer and hold out my hand. “Good to see you so soon again. Sorry, traffic backed up on the way in.”

He shakes it and gives me a grudging nod that says he doesn’t believe a word of my excuse. “All right. Let’s get moving. I’ve got somewhere to be.”

We settle into the chairs around Eve’s bed, and she turns those sharp hazel eyes on me. “Grayson. Good to see you looking well.”

“Nice to see you out of the woods and in a real bed, Eve.” She grins.

Mr. Colby clears his throat and flips open his notebook. “So. The incident on the trail. I want to walk through the sequence one more time, and then we’ll discuss the arrangement I proposed to Ms. Rose regarding the reassign⁠—”

“Let’s cut to the chase.” Lucy sits up straighter. “I’ve already made my decision.”

And here it comes. My whole future, and Roman’s and Wolf’s, sitting in the mouth of an Omega I’ve known only a few days. I hold my breath. We did our best to show her who we are, even if the three of us don’t fully agree on what showing her means, but now it’s out of my hands.

“I’m not taking your offer,” she states. “So you don’t have to waste our time any longer.”

His face drops as he frowns, and the disappointment sitting on him is so pure I have to fight my whole face to keep from smirking, because our Omega just chose not to send us away. Fuck yeah. It takes every inch of me not to leap over there and embrace her. She chose us.

“Lucy,” Eve cuts in, sharp, stealing my thoughts. “Let’s not be hasty. Have you really thought this through?”

“Yes, I have. It’s what I want.” Lucy’s chin lifts. “It’s about so much more than the incident, Grandma, and…”

“Oh, Lucy, please.” Eve catches her granddaughter’s hand. “You’ve been through so much, and you barely know these men.” Her gaze flicks to me. “No offense, Grayson, but for my girl, I’d do anything. You understand.”

“Completely, Eve.” And I do. I’d throw the same fence around her. “How about I step out and give you two some room?”

“Yes.” Eve nods, then turns those sharp eyes on Mr. Colby. “You too. Out.”

He mutters something under his breath, but he leaves, and I finally understand exactly where Lucy got that backbone.

I draw the door shut behind us.

The hallway hums with fluorescent lights and the sharp bite of disinfectant. My parole officer smooths the front of his jacket, refusing to glance my way.

“You look disappointed,” I say, leaning one shoulder against the wall. “Guess locking people in cages isn’t on today’s schedule after all.”

His jaw tightens. Slowly, he turns to face me, planting himself a little too close.

“The day’s not over.” His voice hardens. “And hear me clearly. If I find out you three pressured that girl… frightened her into this… manipulated her in any way…” He points a finger straight at my chest. “I’ll have every one of you back inside before you finish your last free meal.”

My eyes drop to the finger, then back to him. For a long moment, I don’t say anything. I just let him stare at me.

The smile disappears from my face.