Beyond(23)

It was survival.

“I actually came here for a reason,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. His bicep bulges and my gaze lingers there.

“What?”

“We’re going to need to head out in a couple of days. Look for food and supplies. I’ll leave men behind to guard everyone, take about fifteen with me.”

“You’re going?” I ask, even though I know the answer.

“I have to, you know that. I can’t send the men out there without me,” he murmurs, running his hand up my arm. “It will be a short trip. A couple of days the most. We won’t venture out too far this time.”

“Okay,” I tell him. “Are you taking Sam?”

“I’ll leave him to keep an eye on you.”

“You know damn well I can protect myself.”

He chuckles at that. “I know but I’ll feel better with Sam around.”

I smile at that. “Dane.”

“Yes wife?”

“Feel free to take Jase with you.”





Chapter Twelve





The next morning, I walk to Sam’s room. I know he wanted to tell me something yesterday, but when Dane arrived he wasn’t able to. Lifting my hand to knock on his door, hoping he wouldn’t still be sleeping, I jump when the door opens before my knuckles even touch the door.

“Oh my god,” I say when I come face to face with a surprised looking Lars. “But… but…”

Lars grips my wrist and pulls a shocked me inside Sam’s room, closing the door behind me. Sam sits on his windowsill in nothing but his underwear, a surprised look on his face.

“Oh my god,” I repeat. “I did not see this coming.”

“Fuck,” I hear Lars grit out behind me. “Olivia--”

“Are you telling me that,” I start, cutting Lars off, my eyes solely on Sam. “Lars is your mystery man?”

Lars was gay? No wait, didn’t Gina elude to something about Lars being with her?

I spin to face him. “You hurt my friend and there is no one on this earth that will save you from my wrath.”

“Olivia--” Sam says in a soothing tone.

Lars swears again, apparently unable to come up with anything else to say.

Sam puts his hands on the back of my shoulders. “Calm down Olivia.”

I point at Lars then turn around and look at Sam. “I really didn’t see this one coming.”

Sam’s mouth twitches. “I can see that. You can’t tell anyone about this.”

“You know I won’t,” I murmur. “Are the two of you exclusive?”

Sam shakes his head, a sad smile playing on his lips.

I open my mouth but he shakes his head again, warning me to drop it.

“Fine,” I sulk. “I just want you to be happy.”

“I make him happy,” Lars says, sounding put off. “I care about him.”

“And what about Gina?” I ask, deciding to confront him about her.

From the look on his face I can see I’ve surprised him once more. “What did she tell you?”

“You have something with her too, don’t you?”

“I care about both of them,” he admits hesitantly. “I don’t need to explain my private business to you.”

I look around Sam’s room for his bow and arrow.

“It’s not here,” Sam says in exasperation. “And you aren’t going to shoot him. This is our business, he’s right.”

“Fine,” I reply. I wouldn’t want anyone getting involved in Dane and my private business either. “But I’m always here for you, you know that.”

Sam nods. “I know.”

I look between Sam and Lars. Two, masculine, good-looking men. Maybe Gina was onto something here. If I was her…

Giggling, I cover my mouth with my hand.

“What?” Sam and Lars ask at the same time, looking suspicious and curious.

“Nothing,” I reply. “Shall we go eat some breakfast?”





“Why do you keep giving Lars weird looks?” Dane asks. “Reliving your one kiss with another man?”

I smirk at him. “It really annoys you I kissed him doesn’t it. It’s not like I wanted to. I didn’t have a choice.”

“I know,” he replies quietly. “Just like I didn’t have a choice when I slept with Gina.”

“Wh-what?” I whisper, not knowing what he meant. “What do you mean Dane, you didn’t have a choice?”

He goes quiet, a strange expression flashing on his face before it goes blank. “Nothing.”

He can’t say something like that and then say, nothing. “Dane--”

Someone bangs on our door, saving him from explaining. When Dane opens the door, I see four of his men standing there. “There are people at the gate.”

“What people?” he asks.

“Humans. Seeking entry.”

“I will deal with it,” Dane replies, then looks to me. “Stay here.”

Closing the door behind him, he leaves our room. Crossing my arms over my chest, I narrow my eyes on the door.

Yeah, there was no way I was staying here, waiting for him to return with news.