Chapter 43
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
STONE
Allegra cries into Flynn’s shoulder and he holds her tighter. We saved her before Tom could hurt her too badly. We kept him from selling her off to a pack of tortuous members, or worse, into the sex trafficking ring that I found out about.
“I’m so sorry,” Flynn whispers to Allegra, who’s gripping his shirt so tightly I can see it riding up in the back. Her apricot scent intensifies, mixing with Flynn’s.
“You saved me.” She’s crying so hard I can only imagine her tears are soaking through his shirt, but Flynn doesn't seem to care.
“You’re safe. I’ll never let anyone hurt or use you again,” he repeats to her.
I can smell my smoky woods scent growing heavier with my intensified emotions, mixing with Flynn’s scent. I love how they react together. Like a classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
“Flynn, Allegra, let me get the two of you out of here. We’re going to have someone come take care of this mess.” I move my head, looking down at him, my heart racing with emotions. Allegra sniffles, lifting her hand to wipe away the tears.
“Thank you. All three of you.” She pauses, taking a deep breath. “Thank you for saving my brother, saving me. For keeping that rat scum bastard from hurting anyone else.”
“You don’t need to thank us,” Levi says solemnly, his alpha tone filling the room. “You’re family. We would’ve ended the fucker even if you weren’t. Scum like Tom don’t need to be in this world or in the presence of omegas.”
“Allegra, let’s go home,” Flynn tells her.
She nods her head, sniffling one last time, before they both stand.
“Sasha, can you take them out? I’m going to call someone to clean this up.” My alpha dominance seeps through each word.
I glance over at Sasha, her warm smile shining at Flynn. She looks down at Tom’s body, a river of crimson coating the floor beneath him. She hesitates then, steps around the blood, and makes her way over to them.
“I’d love to. The stench in here is making my stomach churn.” She takes one of Flynn’s hands in hers, while he continues to hold on to his sister with the other and leads them towards the door. Flynn stops, letting go of Sasha and Allegra and steps up to the body. Quicker than I can blink, Flynn pulls back his foot and kicks Tom square in his temple.
“Feel better?” Sasha asks him.
“No… maybe a little,” he answers before stepping back over to them, taking Allegra into his arms and leaving the room alongside Sasha.
“We need to get this shit cleaned up. If they find Tom like this, there are going to be questions and we don’t need them showing up on our doorstep.” Levi’s voice is grim. His only concern is for what happens to us, to Flynn and Sasha, more specifically.
I let out a deep sigh. It seems like we’re cleaning up scene after bloody scene. I went from a cop to an accomplice and killer. But I’d kill every last person in this world for my pack.
My pack.
Just saying those two words is surreal. Never in my life did I think I’d find a pack, let alone my Kismet omega. Not to mention a beta who I’m hoping will want to be my Luminary.
“Normally, I’d use the club to handle this shit, but they’re on lockdown, which means the fucking prospects can’t come handle this for us. I want to get our omega home and make sure Allegra is okay and that the scum bastard didn’t have a chance to hurt her.”
I think for a minute who I can call, then it dawns on me. Rourke. He said if I needed anything, he’d be there for me. Who better to clean this shit up and put a spin on it that will keep the cops off our asses than a detective on the force? A highly decorated one at that.
“I think I have someone. Let me send a message.” I’m already pulling my phone from my pocket before the last word leaves my lips. Levi raises his brow in question, watching me.
Me: The rat problem is handled. But the gift needs to be wrapped up in a bow. Can you handle that?
I hope he understands the meaning behind that. I don’t need to put in writing anywhere that Tom is dead and that I know about it.
Rourke: So we don’t need to worry about cleaning up that particular infestation?
Me: Just cleaning the house for me while I take care of my omega. He’s about to go into heat and we need to get his omega sister to a new home.
Rourke: Tell me the address and I’ll handle it. I can help with the sister too. If she needs help with the move, a new home. Even if it’s temporary.
Me: Let me talk to her and I’ll get back with you.
Rourke: Send me the address.
Me: I’ll have my friend send it to you.
My unknown helper is good at covering tracks and keeping their identity a secret.
Me: I need a favor.
It doesn’t take long for a response. The whole time I can smell Levi’s scent intensifying as he grows anxious about Flynn being out of our sight.
Unknown: SMH, for an alpha you’re very needy. What can I do for you? I should start charging for all my help. I’d be rich and wouldn’t have to worry about anything.
Me: Funny. I’d gladly pay you for your help. You’ve been a blessing in disguise. Maybe one day you’ll tell me who you are. Let me return the favor and help you if needed.
Unknown: I’ll think about it. So this favor…
Me: The bastard is done. I need you to send a message to a friend letting him know this address.
Unknown: And you can’t message your friend? Are your fingers broken?
Me: He’s a cop. A detective. I don’t want it traced back to me. Also tell him to bring Officer North, we have some precious cargo that needs to be checked and taken to safety.
“I’m waiting for you to tell me who’s cleaning this shit up.” Levi’s voice rings out, breaking my concentration.
“Hold on,” I growl at him, my nostrils flaring.
Unknown: Fine. But you owe me. You’re the only cop I've trusted and I think it’s because you’re a former cop.
I let out a smile and quickly type back.
Me: Thank you! Just let me know how I can help you and I’m there.
Unknown: The address is coming.
My phone vibrates in my hand and it’s the thread with Rourke.
Rourke: I’m curious.
Me: I won’t expand on it.
Rourke: I’ll message when the clean up is handled. Let me know about the sister.
Me: I will.
“Okay, Mr. Impatient. Rourke is handling the clean up and he’s going to handle any questions that may arise. He’s also offered to provide a safe home for Allegra.”
“The detective? You trust him?”
“With my life,” I tell him.
“With Flynn’s? Because if we let him guard Allegra, that’s basically what we’re doing.” Levi crosses his arms over his chest, giving me a stern glare.
“I do. Let’s get out of here.” I start heading for the door, not even caring if Levi is behind me or not.
* * *
FLYNN
It’s been two days since we rescued Allegra, and the adrenaline is only now beginning to wear off. Tom’s finally gone and we never have to worry about him hurting another omega or beta again. A small part of me wishes that Sasha and I could’ve traded places, so I could’ve been the one who ended his life. But she deserved that vengeance just as much as I did.
My Kismets didn’t even hesitate when I told them I wasn’t ready for Allegra to leave me yet, that I needed her close. Instead, they told us to take all the time we needed. The only thing they did do was sit down with both of us as Stone explained to me that his old friend and a detective on the force wanted to offer Allegra a safe place to stay. He promised that Rourke would protect her with his life. I believe him. This Rourke guy took care of Tom’s body and is making sure nothing leads back to us. I’m not sure why he’d risk his career, but I’m not questioning it. I’m sure he has his reasons for turning his back on the force, just like Stone did.
“Good morning, Sweet Boy,” Stone says as I walk into the kitchen, his deep voice rumbling through me. Levi smiles as he turns to face me, a cup of coffee in hand.
I stop for a moment, blinking at him. He’s called me that a few times now. I should hate it. I should flinch away; the memories of the Carlisle Pack’s cruel, demeaning nicknames for me are still fresh. But with Stone, I don’t mind. It’s different. His words hold warmth, reverence even, and my body betrays me, my scent blooming around us.
Stone’s and Levi’s nostrils flare. I know they can smell it. I swallow hard, suddenly self-conscious.
Allegra notices from where she’s already sitting at the table. Levi steps forward, placing the coffee in front of her.
“Would you like coffee?” Levi’s voice purrs. All I can do is nod, as I take the empty chair beside Allegra.
Allegra’s always been able to read me better than anyone. And that’s why she asked to be moved to the safe house today. “You need this time with your pack ,” she told me last night. “ You need to be with them before your heat hits.”
It takes everything in me to let her go. Detective Rourke promised to watch over her, and that should be reassuring, but I can’t shake my unease. I have to remind myself that if Stone believes he’s honorable, I have to try to believe it, too.
“Rourke still showing up at nine?” I ask as Levi places a steaming cup in front of me, his leather and bourbon scent enveloping me, soothing my nerves. I can feel him lean over me just before he places a chaste kiss on the top of my head that has me perfuming even more.
“He messaged just a bit ago that he should be here in about five or ten minutes. If you want to say goodbye to Allegra before she leaves, now’s your chance.”
I nod, picking up my coffee and standing at the same time Allegra does. We head to the guest room she’s been staying in and I sit on the edge of the bed as she gets her things together.
“Talk to them, Flynnie.” She hasn’t called me that silly nickname since we were kids. “You need to get to know them better, let them court you like a proper pack should.”
“I know. I’m still nervous about my heat.”
“Don’t be. They love you. Look what they did to protect you, to protect me. They’re the good guys. Don’t let them get away.”
I let her words sink in as she packs her meager belongings. Before we know it, someone’s knocking on the door, letting us know Rourke is here.
Rourke and Sasha step into the kitchen as I look at him with apprehension. While my pack trusts him, I don’t know if I’m ready to yet. So much has happened and I can’t let my sister be placed in danger again.
Rourke looks softly at me, no doubt sensing my worries.
“I promise to take care of her. Not only me, but my pack.” My eyes shift when I smell Allegra’s perfume rising. Not bitter but sweeter, and my eyes widen. Is it possible?
“Are you ready, Allegra?” Rourke’s voice is soft and caring as he reaches out and takes the bag from her hands.
Allegra turns to me, her face smiling full of love. “I’m going to be okay. Do what I said and if you need me, I’m only a call away.” We hug one final time before she exits the house, Rourke close by her side.
* * *
The morning passes, and soon it's lunchtime.
“I ordered some Chinese. It should be here any moment,” Levi announces as he steps into the living room, sitting down on the couch on the other side of Sasha.
No one argues with his choice. We’re all starving, but more than that, we need this. We need a moment of normalcy, a reason to sit down together and breathe after everything.
Twenty minutes later, a knock at the door alerts us to the arrival of food. Levi stands and answers, taking the bags from the delivery driver. We head to the kitchen and spread the containers out across the table, the scent of soy sauce and spices filling the air. Sasha steals a dumpling off my plate, smirking when I glare at her, while Levi makes a show of piling extra rice onto my plate as if to compensate. Stone watches it all with quiet amusement, like he’s committing the moment to memory.
I take a deep breath. “I’ve been thinking about what you guys said,” I start, setting my chopsticks down. Three sets of eyes turn toward me. “About taking things at my own pace.”
Levi is the first to speak. “You’ve made a decision?”
I nod. “I want to go on dates. Individually.” My fingers tighten around my napkin, nervous despite the soft encouragement in their eyes. “I want to spend time with each of you one-on-one, get to know you as my mates outside of the chaos we’ve been living in.”
Sasha grins. “You’re asking us on dates? You’re wanting to court us instead of the other way around.”
My cheeks burn, but I lift my chin. “Yes. And after that, a group date. Something fun, just the four of us.”
Levi’s smile is slow and pleased. “I think that’s a great idea.”
But I’m not done. My eyes flick to Stone and Sasha. “And... I think the two of you should go on a date, too.”
Silence. Then Sasha blinks. “Wait, what?”
“You two need to get to know each other better,” I explain. “You’ve both been focused on me, but… if you’re even thinking about being Luminaries, don’t you think it’s time?”
Stone tilts his head, considering. “You’re right,” he murmurs, surprising me. “We haven’t talked it through yet, but we should.”
Sasha exhales, then nods slowly. “Yeah. I’m not saying yes, but I’m open to the conversation.”
The tension in my chest eases. This is what I want. To bond with them, to strengthen the ties between us.
Levi raises his glass. “To new beginnings, then.”
I lift mine as well, meeting each of their gazes in turn. “To us.”
And for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m exactly where I belong.