One look at his lips has heat flashing through me, and I let out an involuntary gasp that echoes through the parking lot. He’s attractive in every sense of the word, from his strong jawline all the way to… No, can’t look there. My pulse hammers, and I’m seconds away from running for my life.
Scent-match was not on my damn bingo card for today.
Fortunately, the giant stops at a respectable distance away and holds up his hands in surrender. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I shake my head and get control of my hormones. He’s treating me like a frightened animal, and I don’t like it one bit. I’m not afraid of this Alpha… ofanyAlpha.
Asher clears his throat, and I realize that something needs to be said, so I opt for being direct.
“What do you want?” I demand tartly.
“I just… I.” The Alpha has stunning hazel eyes, which widen in response to my directness. My vision zeros in, allowing meto see flecks of multiple colors: green, gold, and even some blue contained within a dark grey ring. They are mesmerizing, captivating, and my traitorous heart whispers that he is the one.
Shut up, stupid heart.
I wait calmly for him to gather his words, knowing all too well how uncomfortable it can be when they betray you. The moment stretches between us, and the longer we’re near, the more his sweet chocolate-nutty scent makes me want to beg for his touch.
I’ll never beg.
“You’re Vonn Keene, aren’t you?” Asher tugs on my arm. “Mom, this is Julius’s packmate.”
“Oh…” The implications form in my brain.
Julius the asshole. Julius, the job ruiner. Julius—is he my scent-match, too?
Asher’s eyes swing back to him, his young face red with anger. He steps between me and the Alpha he now considers a threat, clenching his fists.
“Hey, no. Cut it out.” A cold wave washes over me; I recoil, my breath catching in my throat as I grab his arm, pulling him behind me. “You don’t need to protect me. Get in the car.”
We aren’t far from my vehicle, so I quickly stomp toward it and open the back door, gesturing for Asher to get in. Generally speaking, it’s never a good idea to turn your back on any Alpha, but I can tell by scent alone that this one doesn’t pose a threat to either of us—physically, anyway.
“Mom. No. What if he…” I cut him off with an impatient hum. He glances between me and Vonn, uncomfortable at the thought of leaving me in the man’s presence.
“Don’t you dare hurt her,” he growls in a voice that’s so grown-up I do a double take.
“In. Now,” I demand at the same time that Vonn says, “I promise.”
With a last glare, Asher slides into the back seat, and I gently close the door. But of course, my obstinate son isn’t having any of it, and he pops it right back open.Fine.
His little show makes Vonn’s lips quirk into a smile, flashing me a glimpse of the most devastatingly handsome dimple before he schools his expression. Time to get this show on the road.
“Look, I’m not sure what you want, but we need to be going,” I tell him, ready to escape from everything he represents.
“Please, please give us a chance to make this right,” the gorgeous man begs. “I know you and Julius got off on the wrong foot, but he didn’t know you wereours.”
Ours.
The word makes me seethe. I don’t belong to anyone, and I’ll never be some damn Alpha’s property. I know I should jump in the car and drive away. Honestly, it would be the easiest thing. Thesanestthing. But the thick chocolate and hazelnut coming off him forces my hand. I want to walk away, but I can’t while he’s so sad.
“It doesn’t matter what foot we started off on. You shouldn’t have to apologize forhim. No, my son doesn’t have the best gear. I’m working on it. I wanna give him the best of everything, and in time I hope that I’ll be able to. But for now, we’re doing the best we can. All I want from you is for you to go back and tell Coach Ray that Asher needs a new mentor because he won’t be working with Julius Keene ever again.”
“I understand.” Vonn’s voice breaks, and he stuffs his hands in his pockets as though he’s trying very hard not to reach out for me. He chews his lip, then speaks again. “Would it be all right if I take him on instead?”
I know I should say no, but he’s just too damn sweet, my heart melts.
“Do you think you can make the experience enjoyable, educational, and positive for him?” I narrow my eyes, but even my serious glare doesn’t dim the way Vonn lights up.
“Yes. Anything. Asher is a great player, and I’ll make sure he’s ready for the exhibition.” The Alpha bounces in place. “Can I hug you?”
With a shake of my head, I step back, and to my great surprise, Vonn accepts my decision. He stares at the ground, kicking some rocks gently with his toe. I may not be ready for physical touch, but my omega instincts demand I give him something.
