Rachel Vincent - Alpha (Shifters Book 6)

A re you sure about this? Jace hesitated, one hand gripping a bare branch overhead, the other poised over his zipper. But I could see the truth. He wanted this as badly as I did.

Absolutely. I pushed my last button through the hole and let my shirt fall to the ground in a patch of mottled sunlight. My skin was already covered in goose bumps, as much from anticipation as from the February cold. Now shut up and take off your pants.

He shrugged and grinned. You know Im always up for some sweaty fun. But the look in his eyes as his gaze roamed south of mine belied his casual zeal. Part bloodlust, part real lust, and all exhilarationjust like me.

Im not sure thats quite how Id describe this. Not that I wasnt looking forward to a little action. It had been days, and I was really starting to crave

What the hell is this? Marc growled, an instant before he tore through the brush to my left. Sunlight burst into the woods with his intrusion, spotlighting my exposed bra and Jacestotal nudity. Damn, that boys fast! Fury emanated from Marc like a deep, dark glow, emphasizing his strong, dark features. You are not doing this without me.

Shit. Marc, this isnt what you think, and we dont have time to explain My eyes narrowed as his last few words finally sank in. Wait what?

I said, notwithoutme. His brow rose in silent challenge, and all words abandoned me.

I blinked, lost for a moment in the possibilities, then I shook my head to clear it. But were not I waved one hand back and forth between me and Jace, unable to actually vocalize what he surely thought we were doing. Were going after Ryan. I caught a whiff of him on my run.

Vic told me. Yet he was still clearly pissed, even knowing Jace and I hadnt run off for a secret, midday tumble in theunderbrush.

You didnt tell my dad?

Marc had been talking war strategy with my father when Id come in from my run, and I hadnt told them where we were going because I didnt want my dad to know about Ryan. Not when we could easily take care of the problem ourselves and spare himand my motherthe additional tension.

He shook his head slowly, as if doubting his own decision. Ryans the last thing he should have to deal with right now.

Yeah. And I was really looking forward to the exercise, to burn off a little stress through good, clean exertion. As opposed to the other, sweatier kind, which we were all currently denying ourselves, to keep Marc and Jace from killing each other.

Whoever said two is better than one was either stupid or crazy. Or heartless.

Im coming with you, so get dressed. Now. Youre not Shifting.

Do not start ordering her around, Jace growled, and dread pitched deep in my stomach, like nausea with a heartburn upgrade.

Marc snarled, and I saw the instant he lost control of his temper. He lunged for Jace. Jace leaped forward. I threw myself between them.

Both hard bodies slammed into me. Air exploded from my throat. My grunt of pain hardly carried any sound. For just an instant, I couldnt move, crushed between them, confused by the collision of scents and hurting all over. My torso was one giant bruiseI wouldnt have fared much better between two oncoming cars.

Im not sure which of them moved first, but suddenly I was on the ground, staring up at two concerned, angry faces. Damn it, Faythe, youre going to get yourself killed, Marc snapped.

I sucked in a painful breath, and my voice came out hoarse. Evidently thats what it takes to keep you two from killing each other. Though truthfully, while Jace would eagerly defend himself, he had yet to actually attack Marc. The reverse could not be said.

I shoved them away and pushed myself to my feet, glaring at Marc as they both stood with me. Look, I know this whole thing is my fault

Not just yours. Marc glowered at Jace over my shoulder.

and I know the timing could not have been worse. And Im sorrier about both of those than I could possibly explain. But if I have to spend all my time and energy trying to keep the two of you apart, I really am going to get myself killed, and itll be your fault.

Marc reeled like Id punched him. But he recovered quickly, with a fresh dose of anger. You reap what you sow, Faythe. And Im still going with you.

I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to ignore the fresh chill bumps. I think you and Jace should stay away from each other until youve cooled off.

Why? So you two can top off your hunt with a little morereaping and sowing?

I closed my eyes, breathing through the acute ache in my chest, which had nothing to do with the midtom collision. Then I made myself look at him. Do you honestly think Id do that to you?

I think you already have.

He was right, but the barb still stung. I hadnt even come close to earning forgiveness yet, but this was not the time to try. Something always seemed to get in the way. Were going after Ryan. Youre welcome to join us, if you can control your temper.

Id never seen Marc as bitter or openly antagonistic as hed been over the past week. His anger was getting in the way of his concentration, his sleeping pattern, and his job, but he couldnt work around it because he couldnt solve the problemthat was up to menor could he get away from it. Every time he turned around, Jace and I were there, our very presence reminding him of what had happened.

This wasnt going to get any better until I made a decision, one way or another.

Marcs dark brows dipped low and he stepped closer, so that I had to look up to meet his eyes. Im goingon my own terms. He pulled his black T-shirt over his head, and my gaze caught involuntarily on his chest, sculpted by years of enforcer training and scarred by the rogue whod brought him into my life fifteen years before. I wanted to trace those scars with my fingers, but I wasnt sure I had the right to anymore. Hed barely touched me since he found out about me and Jace.