27. Saylor
Saylor
“Get ready, sunshine.”
The nickname rings through my head, awakening an old memory. That was what he called me when he rejected me back in the school hallway.
Except this time, he says it with affection.
River thrusts his hips, building up his rhythm as he brings me to yet another peak. When he finds the same sweet spot, I toss my head back onto the plush pillow, crying out my release.
River’s hips buck next, and then he grips the pillow either side of my head as he reaches his own peak. His knot inflates, and soon we’re locked at the hips.
My Omega sags back against the mattress, closing her eyes as she falls into a deep sleep.
Finally. The world makes sense.
All three of her Alphas want her now.
They have accepted her…
Now we can both die in peace.
I’m vaguely aware of River nestling me down beneath the many blankets as his purr fills my ear. His knot fits inside me so perfectly, and I rejoice over the sensation as I breathe in his freshwater scent.
However, I can’t help but notice that his freshwater is laced with a little salt. As if he is having second thoughts about this arrangement.
Still, I push the doubt aside, holding him tighter. I’m sure I’m just imagining things. All is well in the kingdom.
My kingdom.
The mattress dips behind me, and then I catch the scent of brine. Zale.
Trent lies down at my feet, and his sand dune reaches me too.
Now, I drift off to all three of their scents and purrs.
This definitely turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.
I hold on tightly to Noelle just outside the front reception of the lodge as I offer her my final goodbyes. It has been an absolute honor to meet her, and I will value our newfound friendship for years to come.
“Text me as soon as you land back in the UK. Just so I know you are safe,” she whispers, hugging me tighter.
I wrap my arms around her too, glancing up at her Alphas. Robin, Frost, and Shepard watch over their Omega with pride, and they should all be proud of how far she has come.
They should be proud of how far they have all come. They kind of set an example for the rest of us with their successful business and whatnot.
And the fact that Noelle is a best-selling author doesn’t hurt either.
“I promise, Noelle.”
She smiles, then steps back, taking my hands.
Now Daisy moves in for her own hug. “We will definitely be seeing each other again. We’re practically family now. We’re sisters, Saylor.”
My heart pounds, and then I peer up at her own Alphas. Briar smiles at me, and Ash gives a shy wave. Rowan regards me stoically at first, but then he gives me a small nod.
We are like sisters now. And I guess that means the Thorn Pack are my brothers by extension, too.
How I went from an only child to having a sister and three brothers is beyond me, and I look forward to becoming a part of the family.
“We are, Daisy,” I reply, hugging her tighter.
She was the first friend I ever had in the world. And now we get to become family. It couldn’t get any more perfect than this.
Just as I pull away from Daisy, movement catches the corner of my eye. Across the car park, hidden amongst the trees, River stands alone.
For one foolish heartbeat, hope blooms inside my chest.
He's here. He has come to say goodbye…
Our eyes meet across the distance. His expression softens, almost painfully, and he actually takes one step toward me.
My heart skips a beat.
But then, he stops.
His hands clench into fists. He looks torn, as if he's fighting some invisible battle.
I wait. I even plead with my eyes, hoping he can sense me.
Please...
Just come over.
Instead, River looks away. His shoulders sag beneath the weight of whatever burden he's carrying, and then after several long seconds, he turns his back on me.
Now he disappears until the woods swallow him whole. That tiny flame of hope inside me gutters out like a candle next.
Perhaps that was his goodbye.
His intentions are all too clear.
He doesn’t want me.
With a heavy heart, I approach my own awaiting Alphas. Zale and Trent will be taking me to the airport.
But not River.
I can’t afford to wait around any longer. I will miss my plane.
Trent smiles, taking my cheek in his hand. “I’m sure he will show up, England. But come on. We need to get you to the airport. He can get a cab.”
I nod, trying to ignore the unease in my stomach. I’m sure he’s right. River might still show up at the airport.
Perhaps he just forgot something…
“All right.”
Now I climb into the car, waving at Daisy and Noelle as we pull away. A heaviness falls upon me, but I hold back the tears, peering at Trent on my right. Zale drives.
The Alpha squeezes my hand. I squeeze his back, glancing out the window one last time.
Daisy is still waving. Noelle has both hands cupped around her mouth as if she’s shouting something. Probably another reminder to text her when I get home.
My chest tightens painfully, and then I wipe my cheeks, ridding them of tears. I've only known them a short time.
Yet leaving them somehow feels like leaving home.
But I will see them both again. I know it.
We are friends for life now.