“Oh, right.” Well, at least he’s not a serial killer. As far as I know. “That makes sense.”
“Are you going to get in?” He opens the passenger door. “Or would you prefer to stay back there?”
I snatch the beekeeper’s mask from him. It’s the perfect disguise.
His lips twitch. “Do you really think that makes you more inconspicuous?”
“I’m not taking any chances!” I plunk my ass down then slam the car door behind me.
I struggle to sit still as we drive down the winding road into Forestville in silence, recalling what he did just did to me with his tongue. We continue through the town square before coming to a stop outside on a quiet backstreet next to an Italian restaurant.
“Here we are.” He turns out the engine.
“A restaurant?”
“We live above Marco’s. They make the best pizzas,” he says. “Have you been here before?”
I shake my head, having to hold the bottom of the huge mask to stop it from toppling off.
“You’re missing out.”
The only thing I’m missing out on right now is a giant knot, I think.
“Lead the way,” I command.
“Aren’t you going to take the mask off?”
“And risk someone seeing us?” I tsk. “Not until we’re inside.”
Who knows whether there are still reporters in the area looking for me? Being photographed with another alpha—a professor, no less—on the day that my courtship is going to be gracing the front pages would be a complete scandal.
“Sorry, it’s still a bit of a mess.” Ezra looks sheepish as he lets us into the building. “We’re trying to make it feel like home.”
“How many of you are in your pack?” I ask as we climb the stairs.
“Four. There’s?—”
Before he finishes his sentence, a door at the top of the stairs flies open, an alpha filling the doorway. Holy hell. It’s him.
Tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth, I almost turn back. What is the gorgeous guy from the photoshoot doing here? I thought I’d imagined the chemistry between us when we met, but seeing him again makes me stumble as my knees go weak. If his striking looks aren’t enough, his and Ezra’s scent make an irresistible combination. While Ezra’s smell is wild, like an untamed garden, his packmate smells like stability and a fresh walk in an ancient forest.
The guy steps out of the way for me to pass. “Come in.”
“Victoria, this is Hale Valen. He’s our pack leader.” Ezra ushers me inside before informing Hale, “She insisted on wearing the mask as a disguise.”
“I guess that’s one way to be discreet.” A bemused smile spreads over Hale’s handsome face. “Ezra said you’re a student at SVU?” His voice is much softer as he speaks to me.
“Technically, she’s not one of my students,” Ezra tells him. “And, in my defense, I didn’t know she was a student when we met at the bar?—”
“The bar?” Hale’s striking green eyes expand. “You’re the omega who punched an alpha?”
I can’t help grinning underneath the mask. “I guess I am.”
He appears impressed. “Look, I don’t know what Ezra promised you, but we can try to help you, however you need.” He buries his hands in his pockets. “I’m sorry I haven’t had more time to get the place more comfortable.”
I survey the room through the mesh. It’s the complete opposite of the house I grew up in, where the furniture was art pieces and built for aesthetics over comfort. While there are still a few boxes piled up in the hall, it has a cozy feel with bookcases and large, worn sofas.
“You’re inside now.” Ezra taps on the mask. “You can take it off.”
