Screw My Childhood Sweetheart His Alpha Brother Marked Me First novel Chapter 69

“Okay.” I turned into Knox’s neck. I didn’t want to hear my dad’s promises. Ones that would likely never be fulfilled. I only wanted out of here. To feel safe and held.

“Call if you need anything,” Dad said.

I didn’t reply and eventually heard his footsteps retreat.

“Let’s move before he changes his mind,” Mason said briskly.

Knox slid his arms under me. “I’m going to pick you up, okay?”

I nodded.

Knox lifted me, and as River‘ hands slipped away, the pain worsened again. I bit my lip to keep from crying out.

Knox pressed his lips to my forehead as he carried me out of the room and down the stairs. “Just stick with me, Ro.”

River ran ahead, opening the front door.

Three massive guys paced the walk. As soon as they caught sight of us, they rushed forward.

“What the hell happened?” Anson barked, his hand going to my cheek.

I almost sighed as his skin met mine, and I could see a similar relief in his expression. All the guys looked a little rough, actually. Pale, with dark circles rimming their eyes.

“We need to get her to the SUV,” Knox said.

Vaughn filled my vision. He reached out as if he might touch me, but stopped himself. “Are you okay?” The words were jagged, as if torn from his throat.

“I’ll be fine.” I lifted a hand, pressing it to his neck.

“Don’t,” Vaughn growled.

“You won’t hurt me.” I knew now that so much of what held Vaughn back was out of fear, but the second I had that contact with him, more of my pain eased.

More of the tension slid away, and there was a look of wonder on Vaughn’s face.

“Let’s get her to the car. She needs to rest,” Caspian said.

“Caspian,” I said softly.

He moved in, ducking his head and brushing his lips across mine. “I’m so sorry, Ro.”

“Not your fault.”

19:14

Screw My Childhood Sweetheart–His Alpha Brother Marked Me First!

60.7%

Chapter 69

His jaw clenched. “Maybe not, but we should’ve been here to stop it.”

I inhaled deeply as I settled against the pillows on Knox’s bed. The room had a hint of pine to it, just like Knox himself. And like Anson’s room, it smelled like home. Not a home that was four walls, but a home that was found in your soul. Peace and safety, and I was starting to believe…love.

Vaughn tugged at one of the huge socks I’d put on. Borrowed along with a pair of Knox’s sweats and a T–shirt. His thumbs dug into the arch of my foot, and I let out a little moan. His lips twitched.

Anson moved in closer on one side of me, twining our fingers together. “You making sounds like that is torture.”

“Sorry?” I said it like it was a question, and Caspian laughed as he traced invisible designs on my forearm.

“Don’t listen to Anson. He’s clearly a wimp.”

“No, I’ve just been a walking hard–on since I first saw her, and that starts to get painful.”

River choked on a laugh. “I don’t need those kinds of details, man.” He lifted the leg of my sweats and began massaging my calf. “How are you feeling now?”

“So much better.” It wasn’t a lie, the worst of the pain was gone. Now, it felt more like I’d had an epic case of the flu. My muscles ached and my throat was raw, but it was manageable.

Knox appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray. “This should help even more.”

Caspian stood, clearing a spot on the nightstand for the tray.

“We’ve got chicken soup, fresh bread, and some orange juice. If this settles okay, I’ll get you something heartier.”

The scent of the soup and fresh bread filled my nose, and my stomach rumbled. “That smells amazing.”

Knox grabbed a kitchen towel from the tray and spread it over my lap. “Here.” He carefully handed me the bowl and a spoon. “Just let me know if you want bread or juice.”

“I could eat this downstairs, you know. I’m not dying.”

The room went silent, and my gaze swept over the guys.

“I’m not, right?” A hint of panic bled into my voice.

River‘ hold on my calf tightened. “You’re not.”

Vaughn released my foot, sitting up. “But you could’ve. That’s what he’s not telling you.”

“What?” My gaze instinctively jumped to Knox. He was the one who always seemed to have the most information, maybe because he was the alpha’s son.

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