boomeranghaleâ:
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Ericaâs observation did cause Peter to look back to her with a questioning expression on his features. Whatever had developed between them shouldnât prevent the Omega from remembering just what kind of monster he could be. Call him a glutton for punishment, or an egotistical bastard, either way, Peter had no issue with the sins he dragged along. âSurprisingly, many of my packmates would agree with you.â Peter shrugged dismissively, still at the bottom of the food chain with little chance of promotion although it had been more than a couple of years already. No matter, little chance didnât mean no chance, and Peter would take those odds any day.
Ericaâs teasing jest was met with a chuckle, his hand squeezing her shoulder once more before it fell back to his side. âYou can bet your ass on it,â he teased back, moving to call over his hostess so that she could pick them up something from the Pride before disappearing to go looking for two cans of soda. âI gotta replace the glasses, and I doubt you can down a whole bottle of orange juice yourself,â he teased, offering Erica a can. âYou holding up alright there? I thought I was losing you for a momentâŚâ
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Peterâs face went through a range of odd motions before it retained his classic veil. Erica accepted the soda easily, popping it open with a flick of her thumb. It was almost funny, the Hale nature to immediately think the worst. She hadnât even thought of Peter when she had initially spoken. A family trait that apparently could be passed on with the bite.Â
Peterâs past was little consequence to her now. He hadnât harmed her; it wasnât her place to demand repentance. He was family; that was enough for Erica. The lingering warmth from his hand was enough to maintain the protective cocoon of warm Peter and Alec had woven since her reemergence.Â
Erica took a sip to stall for time. It wasnât that she didnât want to talk to Peter,  just the blonde didnât know how to. The bite wasnât the only thing she had shared with Peterâs nephew.Â
âNo flatlining here. Iâm better than I was.â Erica settled on. âI never thought Iâd consider myself inexperienced with trauma, and yet...â She lifted her can to Peter in a mock toast. Â












