Prey (Blackwater Pack, #2)

by Hannah McBride

“Hey, sweetheart.” Gabe’s warm voice filled the room, and I relaxed even more into Remy. “How’s my favorite kid?”

Surprisingly, Gabe stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back, tears threatening as an onslaught of emotions swept through me. “Shh,” he murmured. “It’s okay, sweetheart.”

Gabe pointed a finger at me. “You’re still one of my favorite kids. Maybe my most favorite.”

He dropped his forehead to mine, sharing the air with me. “Baby, are you sure?” I slid my arms around his neck, pressing my chest against his. My soft curves yielded to the hard planes of him. “I choose you, Remy. Now, yesterday, tomorrow, and every single day I’m alive.” A low growl rumbled in his chest. A warning and a promise. “If we do this, I’m never letting you go, Skye. Ever. Are you sure?” “Even without the bond, you’re the guy who taught me how to love, Remy,” I told him, needing him to believe what I was saying. “You’re the one who taught me how to live when I didn’t know how. The only world I want to discover is the one that you’re in with me.”

“Forcibly?” I echoed, tilted my head to the side. “I can assure you that I was a willing participant all,” I pretended to count on my fingers, “five times.”

Gabe and Luke finished closing the distance to our group, and Luke surprised me by hugging me. He lifted me off my feet in his giant embrace, his arms thicker than oak trees as he held me. “Mighty thankful my girl has a friend like you,” Luke said as he set me down. Gabe grinned at me, pulling me in for a sideways hug. “That’s why she’s my favorite kid.” “Right here, Dad,” Remy muttered, shaking his head. Gabe looked over my shoulder. “I don’t remember you figuring out a way to free Luke and save Tate.” “I recorded the message!” Remy said with a laugh, shaking his head. “It’s not a competition, son,” Gabe told him with a dismissive frown. Remy threw his hands in the air as we all laughed. But judging by the grin on his face, he wasn’t too upset.

Luke crossed the open floor to me, looking good in a simple button down and black pants. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, and I worried the seams on his arms would burst for a second. “Damn monkey suit. Thought for sure I had taken this out when Tatum tried packing it.” “You look great,” I said helpfully. “I look like an old man in a monkey suit,” he deadpanned, but his gray eyes sparkled. “But you, my dear, look incredible.” I blushed, ducking my head.

“Yeah, well,” Luke shrugged off the emotion gruffly. “I could use a drink. Tate and Dante will be by in a bit. She was calling Ryder, making sure to check in with him after today.” He rolled his eyes. “Lord knows how I would end up with a baby girl with two boys chasing her. Always figured she’d eventually pick one.” He shrugged again. “Just as well she didn’t. I love those little shits like they were my own kids.”

Gabe smiled, actually smiled. “Honey, they’re deciding on your mom, aunt, and cousin tomorrow. Not you.” I frowned, my brain struggling to piece that puzzle together.. “Does that mean...” Remy trailed off, his own smile starting. “The Council officially recognizes you two as bonded mates. Linden and Long Mesa have zero claim on you, Skye.” Remy’s arms wrapped around me, lifting me off the ground and twirling me in a dizzy circle before he set me down. His hands grabbed my hips, his forehead dropping to mine. “You’re ours,” he whispered, joy suffused in his grin. “You’re Blackwater. No one can take you away.” My choked laugh turned into a soft sob. I pulled him into my arms, my body trembling against his as I cried. He cuddled me against his chest, peppering kisses on the top of my head. For the first time in my entire life, I was officially free.

“This is very exciting,” Elias agreed, his voice vibrating with enthusiasm. “Something must have triggered such a monumental change in the balance of our world.” “Are we sure they’re all actually bonded?” Luke asked from where he sat. “I mean, maybe they all ate a bad patch of berries on their run last night, Gabe.” “But that wouldn’t explain pairs bonding here,” Tate argued pointedly. “Also? I don’t think that’s how it works, Dad.”

Gabe stood up slowly, holding out a hand to me. I placed mine in it, letting him pull me into his arms. He hugged me tightly as I wrapped my arms around his back. “Don’t forget you have a lot of people who love you, honey,” he told me quietly, rubbing my back in soothing circles. “I don’t care how or why you came to our pack. You’re one of us now. And you’re part of my family. I love you.” “I love you, too,” I mumbled against his shirt.