Tripp claiming me, oh if she only knew what he really felt, or didn’t feel as it may be. We spend the next hour chatting. It feels like we’ve known each other for years, not just an hour. ‘Fry’ has been through a lot and came out on top of it all. There is a strength to both of these women that make them just as tough as the men of their pack.

Seeing these girls happy as ol’ ladies solidifies that, yes, one day I do want this and I could have this. Would my dad be okay with me being with a Hellion? If Tripp really did want me, how would my dad handle that? Deny it all I want, part of me really does want something with Tripp, but I’ll never admit it.

Walking back out to the common area, my chest tightens when I see Doll. She’s smiling and looking completely at ease here. This is what she knows, so of course, this is where she would feel most settled.

A Shifter walks over to her and the other girls. He says something that causes her to playfully smack his arm. Jealousy, like I’ve never known before, courses through me. Picking up the pace in my stride, I wrap my hands around her waist from behind. Pulling her to me, her back to my chest, I nuzzle into her neck. Waiting for her to stiffen or reject me, I still. When she does neither, I rub my hand gently in circles over her belly.

“Told you.” Siofra says to her and all four women fall into a fit of laughter.

Dyson leans over Siofra kissing her, before taking her by the hand to pull her away. She stops quick enough to hug Sass. Doll pulls out of my arms to say goodbye to her new friends. I feel empty. Doll brings out things in me I’ve never felt before.

The meeting with Dyson is cut and dry. They have the details for the job and the payment. Another task on this trip is handled. Delatorre down, the tie in with the Mitchell bitch becoming clearer, the Shifter Pack paid, and Doll still safe.

After the typical goodbyes, we climb back on the bikes and leave the compound. As soon as we cross the gate, I reach in my saddlebag and get my cut back on.

23

Taking It All In Stride

Tripp has a different look in his eyes now. He’s his usual serious self, but there is a void in his eyes when he looks at me. Something is going on back home because both Tripp and Rex are calling in more often. I wish they would give us an update, but even my dad hasn’t slipped me any information.

As we cross another state line with no map, things are beginning to bug me. Okay, we fucked. I thought we had a deeper connection. Was I wrong? No, I didn’t misread what is going on between us. Tripp and I have an attraction there. Obviously, the thought of a long term relationship spooked him. Hell, up until I met Fry and Sparkles, the thought of a long term relationship would’ve sent me running.