“That’s such bullshit!” Julius exclaims, startling the people in front of us, who shoot a nasty glare our way. “I would hire you for just about anything.”
She gives him a side-eye and shakes her head, but I’m pretty sure there’s a small grin tugging at the corners of her lips.
“Seriously, though… I know it’s my fault you don’t have a job. I would love to help you with anything you need. Rent, groceries, a Ferrari. There’s really no limit.” My mouth drops to the floor. I’ve never heard Julius offer a woman anything besides a ride on his dick in various crass ways.
“That’s really sweet, but I’ve got it covered,” Nixie replies, raising her chin full of pride.
There’s no way she’s got it covered.
My packmate and I must share one mind, because our eyes meet over her head. That’s absolutely not a good enough explanation, but before we can question her further, it’s time to order.
“What can I get you?” a pimply beta with a scowl asks from the food truck window.
“What are you in the mood for, Mama?” Nixie’s nose wrinkles, and she peers at the menu written on the side of the truck.
“Sometime today?” the beta complains, and I growl.Dickhead. My stunning omega squeezes my hand and smiles up at me. I get the sense that she hasn’t had many people stand up for her.
“I’ll take a pulled pork slider and some cornbread.” She smiles politely, her lyrical voice so sweet and gentle, even with this jerk.
The guy does a double take, staring at her as though she’s a diamond. And she is—my diamond.
“Do I know you?” His eyes narrow on her perfect face. “Your voice sounds familiar. I’ve definitely heard it somewhere.”
“I don’t think so…” She shrugs, her scent taking on a hint of sourness that makes me want to haul her away from thepotential threat. The way he’s staring at my omega has my protective instincts roaring to the forefront.
“Alex. My name is Alex.” Nixie’s already pale skin turns ghost white, and she grabs her necklace, twisting it anxiously between her fingers. I have no idea why his name triggers such a reaction, but I don’t like it one bit. Automatically, Julius moves in front of her, and I slip behind her back, bracing her on all sides.
“Hey, I want food. too,” Julius proclaims loudly, drawing Alex’s attention back to him.
Reaching forward, I run a hand soothingly down her back, pleased when some of her tension melts away. The necklace she’s clutching catches my eye.
A memory tickles my brain…
Chapter Twenty
Nixie
Alex?
Creepy, ‘where’s your clit’ Alex?
That can’t really be him, right? The chances of meeting a subscriber in the wild would have to be astronomical. It seems unlikely he would even live in the same state as me, much less work at the food truck where I’m having lunch.
He probably came into the diner at some point.Yes. That’s it. Definitely that.
Julius and Vonn’s sweet scents surround me, banking my growing panic. They finish placing their orders and usher me over to a table.
“Are you okay, firebrand?” Julius asks, his hand hovering over my shoulder, unsure if I’ll welcome his touch. Honestly, my feelings toward him are so mixed that I’m glad when he instead swivels around the table and plunks himself in the space across from me.
“Of course.” I flap my hand, waving off his concern. “Sometimes people recognize me from the diner or whatever.”
Vonn slides onto the bench and slips his hand around my waist, anchoring me against his side. My fingers find my heart locket once more, anxiously twisting the chain as I try to regain my composure.
There is absolutely no reason to worry.
Vonn’s warmth heats me, soothing my twitchiness; his strong hazelnut and chocolate scent seeps into my very soul.
Danger. Danger.
