I take a step away, and the rush of the crowd pops the bubble we were in. “I’ll call you. But go… you’ve got a mystery of your own that probably needs to be congratulated, if you catch my drift.”
“Simona Vanderling, are you seriously suggesting I go make out with that sweaty, muscled up, testosterone charged MMA fighter?” she screeches, her excitement back to fever pitch.
I deadpan her, adding extra sass to my voice. “Look at you go, Tris, putting all the clues together by yourself.”
She laughs, loud and raucously. Completely Tristan.
Together, we race through the basics of the Scorned Girls rules; ping where you are; message or text when you can; if you’re in danger, call; if you need to talk, call; if you need anything, call.
One last hug before I walk away really fast towards the future I’ve always hoped for.
Chapter
Thirty-One
SIMONA
The instant we step out of the event centre, the noise drops and so does the press of the crowd. It’s overwhelming being around so many Alphas but at the same time I wasn’t worried. I know Nigel and Dale are good at what they do. The events at Raney’s packing day is proof of that.
“I didn’t think you’d be an MMA fan, Miss Simona,” Nigel says as we dodge around people still trying to get inside.
I shake my head, “I’m not. But my girlfriend needed to go, so I went.”
His eyebrows flick up slightly, and as he shifts to face me, it’s the glint of interest in his eyes that gives him away. “And Tristan Cameron is a good friend?”
I try to soften the blow. “Nigel, did Tris look at you? Even for a millisecond?”
He shakes his head, and I grimace, making him chuckle. “Like that, huh?”
“She’s pretty forward. You’d know if she was interested.”
“Damn.” He shrugs before he smirks. “In case she’s just playing hard to get, you feel free to give her my phone number if she asks.”
I join him in his laughter. “Will do.”
Neither Nigel nor I bother including Dale. He made it abundantly clear when the three of us reunited on the way to the fight that he’s only here because Ryder told him he had to be. Until Ryder is touring, or until Dale finds a new employer, he is part of my security. Thankfully, he’s professional enough not to be an ass about it.
The carpark is as full as it was when we arrived. The only place Dale could find to park was right down the back corner. It’s not an issue; the walk helps clear my senses. But with each step, more of my facade drops away, giving me the space to feel my bond with Dominic but also to properly acknowledge other things. My heat has been simmering away in the background for too long. Now, it ignites and burns. No simmer or boil either. I go from managing to being in trouble in the space of a few feet.
My insides twist as a flush of heat races up from the soles of my feet and blasts through me. The sudden violent eruption of my heat literally means I trip on my own feet. Nigel grabs me, and I narrowly avoid face planting.
“You good?” he asks unnecessarily.
I have to shake his hand off my body. It feels wrong to be touched by another Alpha. I don’t need to explain, but good manners are hard to shake.
“Sorry, Nigel.”
“No need,” he says quickly, pulling his phone from his pocket. Then he guides me, careful to avoid touching while walking deliberately slower. He pushes his phone into my hand, being cautious in his movement, then takes a purposeful step away to give me privacy.
“Hello, sweetheart.” Hendrix’s voice is like a cool flannel, soothing the burn.
“Hey,” I manage before I succumb to another wave. All I can do is hiss until the cramp passes.
“We’re leaving now. We will meet you on the road and then get you feeling better.”
“It’s okay,” I whimper. I’m quickly getting past the point of caring how I sound, which is probably another sign of how fast things are moving.
“No, it’s not. We don’t want you suffering. And I suspect, as soon as you’re with us, you’ll feel better.”
