Page 123 of Psycho Pack

"Then stop," she says, like it's that simple.

Like a decade of careful control can just be set aside.

Like I won't shatter into a million pieces if I let go.

But maybe I already have.

A soft scuff of boots against marble makes me stiffen, but I don't pull away from Ivy. I'm too raw, too exposed. Let them see. I'm too tired to hide anymore.

"Well, shit." Whiskey's gruff voice echoes through my chambers. "That was heavy."

Of course he heard everything.

Of course he followed us.

I should be angry. Should snap at him to get out. But Ivy's fingers are still tangled with mine, and somehow that makes it... not okay, exactly, but bearable.

"What do you want?" I ask, my voice still hoarse.

"Just wanted to make sure you're alright." He shifts his weight, boots scuffing against the floor again. "The wildcat's right. We ain't going nowhere."

A bitter laugh escapes me. "It'sanywhere."

Whiskey snorts. "You're cryin' on the floor and you're still correcting me. Guess that's a good sign you haven't completely given up. We're your pack, asshole. Deal with it."

"I'm notcrying.You don't understand?—"

"No,youdon't understand." His honeyed eyes flash with irritation when I look up and meet his gaze. "We care about you, dumbass. All of us. Some of us… more than care, I guess."

I arch an eyebrow. "Do you now?"

"Maybe as much as Ivy does," he says carefully. "That answer your question?"

Heat floods my face.

"That's different," I mutter.

"Why? Because of what happened with that other guy?" Whiskey scoffs. "If you're confused, I'm not Adiir. I don't even look like my name couldbeAdiir. Way too fancy."

That startles a laugh out of me. "No," I admit. "That's true."

He grins a little, but it's not the usual shit-eating grin I've longed to smack off his face in the past. It seems genuine. Then it softens into a smile.

"It's Colt," he says.

All I can do in response is stare at him.

Did he just tell us his name?

Ivy's having the same realization, judging by the way she's now staring at him, too. "Your name is Colt?" she asks.

"Yup."

I blink. "Like Colton?"

"NO. JUST COLT."

Ivy barely suppresses a laugh.