Page 34 of Traded

“I’m going to get you through this,” he says. Water pulses down over us both, soaking his tee, and he leans in until his lips are at my ear. “You and me, we’re a team. We’re going to keep our pack together.Together.”

“I can’t do it without you.” His lips press against my cheek. “I don’t want to.”

My head thuds against the wall. “I don’t know if I can have her here. Even the thought… Ithurts.”

That’s the kicker. In the end, it doesn’t matter what any of us say. Whatever my intentions might be, or theirs.

We can’t escape our own biology. And mine is going to fight the presence of another omega until only one of us is left standing.

He rescues my aching scalp, massaging it. “That’s when you lean on me. I can help you, Ro. Alphas aren’t there for decoration. We’re designed to give you what you need. The pack dynamics are going to change and we can’t stop that. But I can help you adjust to them if you let me.”

I consider his words, hating that we have to talk about them. But when this discussion ends, I have to go to the Furnace, and that’s going to be so much fucking worse.

Essentially, my life has turned to shit overnight.

I suddenly have the urge for wine. Lots of wine.

He presses my nose lightly. “You’re thinking awfully loudly.”

I search for the words. “This all sounds soformal.”

Formal isn’t a word I’ve ever associated with my pack.

“I suppose it is.” He reaches for the showerhead and tips my head back, soaking my hair with water. “A bit more traditional than we’re used to, for sure. There’s going to be a lot of feelings, and that comes with more discipline within the pack to make sure everyone gets what they need.”

“It’s a pack,” I mutter. “Not an army reserve.”

He laughs quietly, dolloping shampoo into his hands and massaging it into my hair, pressing his thumbs exactly where he knows I like it. I feel my legs wobble. “For the next few months it’s probably gonna feel that way. But it passes, Ro. I promise. By the end of the season, everyone will find their place.”

His lips find my neck, and I stretch it to give him more access. “This feels like a sneak attack.”

“It absolutely is,” he murmurs into my damp skin. “You’re always far more amenable when you’re clamped around my fingers.”

“I find that insulting to all modern omegas everywhere.”

I want to forget all of it. Everything waiting outside. Just for five minutes, I want to pretend that this isn’t happening.

Said fingers seem to be creeping between my legs. I shift, inhaling—

“Stop.”

Liam’s fingers pause. “Rosie?”

I yank myself away, strands of hair tearing painfully from his grip as I shrink back against the wall. As far as I can get.

My throat grows thick and tight as we stare at each other. Liam breathes in, his nostrils flaring. “Oh.”

“Yeah,” I whisper. “Oh.”

Her scent hovers, barely present, butthere.

His scent match.

Which is not me.

And it’s already getting between us, because right now, all I want is for him to leave. Twisting, I reach for the soap and avoid his gaze. “I’m going to be late for work.”

He doesn’t say anything. My hand grips the soap. “Please. I—it’s the first day, Liam. It’s going to take time. Give me some time to get used to this.”