But beneath that is something so much stronger.
Need.
“I promise it won’t hurt,” he says, holding my wrists between us. His thumbs slide over the underside, reminding me of when he took my handcuffs off. His fingers absentmindedly stroke my skin.
His touch is gentle.
Because he’s a beta. Not an alpha.
In the distance, I hear Emmett’s growls. I lick my lips, nodding.
“Promise?” I ask, feeling strangely vulnerable.
Olly smiles. “Promise.”
He guides me gently towards the bed, and I sit without a second thought. He lets go of my hand, and I hate that it feels cold without his warm palm. I watch with my heart in my throat as he opens his case and pulls out his tools. That’s when I notice Emmett. He’s standing just outside the cage, watching me.
His green eyes flick from Olly to me, and he twists his lips. The look in his eyes is possessive, and it pisses me off as much as it makes my stupid omega preen.
She’s such a fickle bitch.
“Can you make a fist for me?” Olly asks, pulling my attention from Emmett.
He stands before me, stretching the rubber tourniquet band.
“I—” My voice suddenly sounds faint. Emmett leans in the opening, his gaze capturing mine, and Olly stands straighter. He turns just the slightest towards Emmett, letting out a grunt before shaking his head.
“Or perhaps maybe you could just envision wanting to punch the alpha who can’t keep his fucking distance.”
I note Emmett’s surprise in his expression, but the surprise fades into anger.
“Fuck you, Olly!” he says bitterly.
Olly rolls his eyes, and I swear I’ve never seen something more attractive.
“No, thank you,” he says plainly, and I laugh.
I fucking laugh, because it’sfunny.
That seems to cut the tension as I catch Emmett’s expression, making my fist and extending my arm for Olly.
“Sure,” I say, flashing my gaze up at Olly. “Stick me.” I blow out a breath. Olly turns six shades of red, and I have to stifle my grin.
He blinks a few times. “Uh…”
“Today, Olly,” Emmett growls.
Olly blinks again, looking like he’s seen a ghost, but he recovers quickly.
“Right. Bloodwork. Yes.” He leans into my space, wrapping the rubber band around my arm. The motion puts him close to me once more, and without thinking I breathe him in.
Fuck, he smells good. Like storms and rain and woods.
It makes me whine involuntarily.
Olly ties the band, glancing at me, and I realize he’s close enough to…
Kiss.
