My Alpha didn't like that.
She made it three steps before she noticed me.
Her entire body froze. Even from across the parking lot, I could see the way her breath caught, the way her fingers tightened around her keys.
"Took you long enough," I called out.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice carried across the distance, wary.
"Waiting for you." I pushed off the bike and started walking toward her. "Get on the bike."
"Jaxon, I'm tired. I need to go home."
"You need to stop hiding." I stopped a few feet away, close enough to see the dark circles under her eyes, the way her suppressants were barely holding. "When's the last time you actually had fun, Reina? Not work, not hiding, just... living?"
She rubbed at her face before smoothing her blond tresses. "I don't have time for fun."
"Make time." I pulled the spare helmet off the bike and held it out to her. "Let me show you the city. No expectations. Just a ride."
She stared at the helmet like it might bite her. "This is a bad idea."
"Probably." I smiled. "But you're going to say yes anyway."
"You're so sure of yourself."
"I'm sure of you." I took a step closer. "I know you're suffocating under all those suppressants and rules and fear. I know you haven't let yourself breathe in twelve years. So let me give you one hour. Just one. To remember what it feels like."
Her throat worked as she swallowed. I could see the war playing out across her face, practical Reina fighting with the part of her that was desperate for relief.
"One hour," she finally said. "That's it."
"One hour." I grinned, feral and victorious. "For now."
I handed her the helmet and watched as she secured it, her fingers fumbling slightly with the strap. Then I swung onto the bike and waited.
She hesitated for just a second before climbing on behind me.
The second her arms wrapped around my waist, her scent bloomed.
Lilies and cinnamon, unrestrained and desperate. It hit my system like a drug, making my Alpha rumble in satisfaction. I felt her press closer, her chest against my back, her thighs bracketing mine.
Perfect.
I kicked the bike to life and felt her grip tighten.
"Hold on, Pretty Girl."
Then I opened the throttle and we shot out of the parking lot.
I drove fast and reckless, weaving through traffic, taking corners harder than necessary. Behind me, Reina held on tight, her body moving with mine like we'd done this a thousand times before.
The city blurred past us, lights and sounds bleeding together. I took her through downtown, past the arenas, along the river where the water reflected the skyline. With every mile, I felt her relax incrementally, her death grip on my waist loosening into something more natural.
By the time I pulled off onto a quieter street, she was practically melted against my back.
I slowed as we passed a small ice cream shop, its neon sign flickering in the darkness. On impulse, I pulled into the narrow alley beside it and killed the engine.
"Ice cream?" Reina asked as she pulled off her helmet, her voice slightly breathless.
