Chapter 156

“I wouldn’t dream of doing that, besides…”
I have the ability to link both of you even though you cannot respond Marnie. Please be careful of
your accusations before you start letting them fly out of your mouth without any real thought.
Gamma Brett links both of us. Her eyes go wide. I don’t think she has ever been called out like that
before, so used to getting away with flippant comments like that. He was far more calm than I would
have been after days of her holding us back. She’s trying, but it’s not any less frustrating.
‘Sky to answer your question, we have started to think of those possibilities and work through them,
and no, we would not use anyone as bait unknowingly.
Marnie’s eyes go wide at the mention of people being used as ‘bait.’ I nod and we continue. Marnie
makes no more comments or even asks what my question was.
The only good thing is her and Jeanie at least took my notes seriously and they have actually
started participating in training, but they are years behind, which is painful for everyone involved.
The five hour shifts are only slightly less painful than the first day with her, and to think, I have three
more weeks of this rotation. I’m so overjoyed.
We head back to the patrol cabin and check in before we all go our separate ways. I head off to
Saturday morning training with the pups. They should actually be close to wrapping the first session
up with the younger kids when I get there. It feels like forever since I have seen these kids, with the
trials and the lockdown and can’t wait to catch up with them. I didn’t realize how much I would miss
training with them. Getting to see their excited faces when they finally master something they have
been working on forever.
When I walk into the arena, training is in full effect and for the first time ever, I just stop to watch the
beauty that is my pack. Each of the guys and Sierra have taken a group and they appear to be
teaching release techniques for close combat. Everyone is sweaty and red-faced, but happy and
engaged.
“Sky! Sky! Come look. I did it!!” Brandon, a very hyper eight year old that reminds me of Sam when
he was little, shouts at me as he barrels into the side of my leg, breaking me out of my thoughts.
“What did you do?!” I ask excitedly as he grabs my hand and I can’t help but be drawn in by his
enthusiasm. I let him drag me across the field, we are both smiling and laughing and I am so caught
up I don’t realize who he is dragging me to. Until I’m thrown straight into a solid wall of muscle. I
bounce and strong hands keep me from embarrassing myself by falling on my butt in front of all
these kids.
A sharp intake of Citrus lets me know exactly who saved my dignity. I look up at Cam’s face and
give him a small smile. This is only the second one on one contact we’ve had in days and I have to
admit, it’s also the first time I have felt any sense of calm since our fight.
I shamelessly take another deep inhale of his scent closing my eyes to savor the peace that washes
over me. The rumbling chuckle in his chest lets me know the action didn’t go unnoticed.
“The feeling is mutual, Tiny, I mean Skylar.”
Every fiber of my being wants to tell him it’s okay to call me by the pet name, but thank the Goddess
that my brain is in charge. I just nod and then clear my throat.
“Umm, Brandon said he had something to show me.”
I look down at the boy still attached to my hand, looking up at us, completely oblivious to the
moment that just passed.
“Yes! I totally took Alpha Cam down! It was the greatest thing EVER!” Brandon has a crazed look,
pumping his fists and his whole body is vibrating with excitement. 1 am fighting to hold back my
laugh.