Page 220 of Speechless
Ocean nudged me with her elbow. “We’re really lucky, huh?”
Every tiny chance and decision that could have led me away from my pack slipped through my mind. The before and after was so stark it felt like the difference between monochrome and color. It was more thanluck. All three of us had worked for where we were and had faced our own demons. But she was right.
“Yeah,” I said. “I think we are.”
Our team lost. Badly. The DuPonts had more fun trying to keep the ball away from Aiden than trying to score actual points, which was good for me. I talked a big game, but I didn’t want Aiden holding back my orgasms. I preferred him turning me into a puddle, both literally and figuratively.
The sun had nearly set when the game broke apart. Ocean’s Alphas dragged her away, mentioning something about glowing water that made her blush. Maybe there were more things shehadn’ttold me. I would get it out of her later.
Cade approached me with Isolde and smiled. “So, was I right?”
“What are you talking about?”
He chuckled. “Do you remember what I said to you at the party? On the day we met Isolde?”
So much had happened since then, I had to throw my memory all the way back. Suddenly the scene came to me.
“One of these days, Trinity, someone’s going to put you in your place, and I can’t wait to see it."
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“It means he’ll be the one who can handle you, and he—or they—will be the only ones you let do it.”
My mouth dropped open. I’d completely forgotten about that until now.
Isolde nearly collapsed into laughter. “I don’t think there’s a way to deny that one, Rin.”
I held back my own giggles and shook my head, not wanting to lose the battle, but unable to lie. “Yeah. You were right.”
“Good. You helped us with our happiness, we all wanted you to have yours.” He looked at Isolde. “Remember this the next time you try to tell me I’m wrong about something.”
She rolled her eyes and grinned. “Sure, sure. That’sdefinitelywhat’s going to happen.”
“You know, I think I have some rope in the car…”
I laughed. “Get a room.”
Cade kissed my friend before taking her away from me down the sand. Isolde turned and waved, even as he threw her over his shoulder. “Bye!”
Bastian came over to where I still sat on the sand as the others put away the volleyballs and picked up the last of the trash. “Ready?”
“What for?”
He scooped me up off the sand and cradled me close, nuzzling my head with his. “To go home.”
For a long time, I thought I’d always hate that word. It meant panicand fear and pain. Now, it was everything. Peace, safety, love, and a very adorable gray cat.
“Yeah,” I said. “I’m ready.”
EPILOGUE II
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TRINITY
THREE MONTHS LATER
Element felt different this time around. Another masquerade, but the context was entirely different. Last time I felt like an alien. Now I felt like I belonged.
