2 - The Dino Whisperer: The Dino Uprising by D. K. Sutton

Author:D. K. Sutton [Sutton, D. K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The Dino Uprising#2
Published: 2025-04-11T00:00:00+00:00

10

TATE

I tried to learn meditation. All it did was put me to sleep. But maybe that’s for the best because Austyn and Walter felt free to discuss our situation. I’m unsure how to feel. Angry? Maybe. Disappointed? Disgusted with myself? Absolutely.

Austyn turns his back on Walter—not usually a good idea—and rushes over to me. “No, Tate.” I want to soothe the wrinkle on his forehead. Austyn worries about everyone but himself. “We were just working on a plan⁠—”

“I heard.” I stand tall and push my shoulders back. If only I could hide the exhaustion in my body. My heart. Would Aus really give me up? No. That’s why I have to do this. “Walter’s right.”

“Walter is never right,” he jokes, but I don’t smile. He needs to see that I’m serious. He raises his hand but stops short of touching me. “We’re stronger together.”

He’s so good. Sweet. “I can’t put you in danger, Aus.” His eyes shine with unshed tears. Tears for me. “I’ll be fine. They aren’t going to kill me. Apparently, they need me.” I smile to reassure him, not sure it’s believable.

“You heard Petroni. What if they hurt you?”

“I can take the pain.” My face heats with shame and my chest aches as I admit the truth. “I deserve it.”

Austyn grabs my chin, pulling my eyes to him. “No. You’re a good person, Tate.”

He doesn’t understand. But if I explain it, I’ll lose the way he’s looking at me right now. As if I’m special. I take his hand in mine and kiss his fingers. “Thank you for believing in me.” I want to tell him how I feel. How much he means to me. But I don’t deserve Austyn. Or happiness.

He swipes at his tears, but a few escape to fall gently down his cheeks. I want to kiss them away. Erase the pain and desperation in his eyes. Austyn clutches my hands. “Tate, please don’t do this.”

“It’s the only way I can protect you. Aus, I can’t be the reason—” I swallow as Walter’s words come back to me. They’ll hurt you to control him. Time to be strong. I drop his hands and step around him. “I’m not giving in. I’ll fight them, Aus. I won’t disappoint you.”

His eyes go soft, but he nods. The tension leaves my body, and I feel lightheaded. I can do this. Keep him safe. Austyn touches my chest and gives me a trembling smile. “Can I have a kiss?”

He gave in easily. Almost too easily. Is this a trick? My gaze shifts to Walter, watching us with crossed arms, and back. “Um, now?”

“For luck.” He wraps his arms around my neck and pulls me down. My hands settle on his hips on their own. “Please be careful,” he whispers at the edge of my mouth and then crushes our lips together.

Walter huffs, but I ignore him as our tongues slide together, and we kiss like it’s our last chance. And it just might be.

Walter clears his throat. “Um, gents? Now’s not really the time for that.

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