Wait…“They haven’t killed her?”
Kellan’s arm around me jerked, like I’d jabbed him in the ribs. “Why would you think they’d kill her?”
In my mind, all I saw were lifeless eyes in the same icy blue as mine. “Just felt like it would escalate to that.”
Kellan’s pulled me firmly into his side, his scent and warmth comforting as they chased away the ghosts of my past. Sorenson watched our interactions closely, looking concerned, even as he forced a smile. “You know, my offer to join our pack still stands. Hunter is one of my best friends. We grew up together. He knows I’m a strong, caring alpha leader. You have options, Emmeline.”
There was a rush of movement, and I was gently shoved to the side as Kellan slammed his fist into Sorenson’s face. The crack was so loud it echoed off the buildings and down the street, and when I looked again, Sorenson was dangling two feet off the ground in Kellan’s grip.
“You know I like you…” Kellan sounded cheery and casual. “…but it’ll take very little convincing for me to murder you right here in front of your office. If you proposition my omega again, I will rip your arms off and beat you to death with them.”
His tone remained calm, as if they were discussing his last hockey game and not murder. Despite Sorenson’s strengths and muscles, he couldn’t break Kellan’s hold, no matter how hard he struggled.
Eventually he tapped out in surrender. With a final growl Kellan released him, and the other alpha almost fell to his knees, coughing his guts up.
I waited for a rise of fear over Kellan’s violent actions only…there was nothing. If anything, his display of strength and dominance had me and my wolf purring like fucking kittens. Kittens who had clearly lost their damn minds.
Sorenson recovered quickly, and when he straightened I was amazed by the complete lack of animosity on his face. “Sorry, Kel. I had to make sure you guys were the right fit for her. Omegas are precious, and I’m glad you already realize that.”
Kellan shook his head with a growl. “Emmeis precious, you dumbfuck. I don’t care what her designation is. Now get your stupid ass into your car before I murder you. We’ll meet you at the bakery.”
Sorenson chuckled all the way to his car, which was a white EV parked in their designated private space. My nose wrinkled as I stared at the compact SUV. “Now that I’ve seen his car, there’s no way in hell I’d ever consider his pack.”
Kellan’s hand cupped my face, drawing my full attention. “Granted, Soren has woeful taste in cars, but either way, you’d never have considered his pack. One alpha isn’t enough to handle you, pretty girl. You need a pack of them. Starting with me.”
When I grew up, I wanted Kellan’s confidence.
Hiding my smile, I pulled from his grip and headed for the truck. Kellan might not be the alpha I expected, but fuck if he wasn’t the exact alpha I needed.
He held my door open for me, and as I made to haul myself up, he placed a hand on my ass and boosted me like I weighed nothing. “Oomph!” Air escaped me because I hadn’t expected the boost.
Kellan ignored my surprise, reaching over to buckle me in. When I went to beat his hand away—becauseI could put my own seatbelt on—he leveled a serious gaze on me. “I need this right now. My wolf is going feral, and if we can’t claim you so no other alpha ever has the audacity to proposition you again, then I have to give in to some of my baser instincts. I’m sorry, Emme.”
The fight died out of me like it was never even there. Kellan had been beyond good to me, despite the ways I’d rejected him. I could give in to him on this.
Ceding control, I relaxed into my seat and let him fuss over me, making sure I was buckled in and safe, before he closed the door. The feeling of his wolf was closer to the surface as he crossed around the front of the pickup and hauled himself into the driver’s seat. His scent was stronger as well, and I knew his beast hovered on the edge of his control.
Not that he showed it while driving, smoothly navigating the afternoon traffic, which was heavy enough that I suspected it had to be quitting time for a lot of offices in the downtown area. When he turned into the street lined with restaurants and cafes, I started to worry we wouldn’t find a parking spot. There were a lot of shifters already grabbing their dinner after work.
As we approached Chelsea’s Sweets, a car pulled out right in front, and Kellan drove straight in. “How does it feel to be one of the goddess’ favorites?” I teased.
It was a relief to feel his calmer energy when he turned and smiled. “I knew that long before I scored this epic spot.”
The way he stared had heat blooming in my cheeks, and I wished my face didn’t feel the need to reveal my inner emotions and thoughts. It was time for a subject change. “I’m guessing you don’t plan on waiting in the car while I race in and speak with the omega.”
“I won’t even dignify that with a response.”
He was out and around my side to open my door before I could do it myself, but I managed to get my seatbelt off, which he didn’t comment on. Kellan’s easygoing nature had returned, the only visible signs of darkness buried deep in his eyes.
We walked into Chelsea’s Sweets together, both sucking in a deep breath as the scents of pastry and sugar hit us. “We have tograb some of these for dessert,” I said, my mouth watering at the memory of that apple treat.
Kellan approached the empty counter. “I already told Soren to pack us a box. Chelsea’s Sweets is the bane of Coach’s life, as he tries to keep all of us in shape over the season.”
He patted his rock-hard abs, and I attempted not to roll my eyes. “You appear to be in excellent shape, Golden. I don’t think you need to worry about a few sweets.”
His smile crept up slowly. “You should only make an assessment like that after some hands-on experience.”
“Has that line ever worked—” I was cut off by a scrape on the tiled floor, and Sorenson appeared with a woman at his side.
