Chapter Twenty-Five
Brooks
I can’t believe they’re still going. I thought for sure Sage would have tapped out by now, but Riley keeps plying her with sweets and I’m half-convinced they’re both about to drop dead from diabetes or a heart attack or something. I’ve been a confusing mixture of jealous and joyful all day, with a side of anxiety as I keep an eye out for two alphas I hope to never see again.
I love that Riley and Sage are spending time together, and seeing their connection bloom is a gift. At the same time, I want to be right there next to them. Swiping crumbs from Sage’s lips and trying to contain Riley’s chaotic energy by tucking him securely under my arm. I want their smiles and laughter to be part of every moment.
I want to spend time with both of them, connect with both of them.
Of course, Riley drags Sage into a candy shop next, throwing a smirk at me over his shoulder.
That little brat. I shake my head, exhaling a laugh through my nose. I’m curious how Vee handles his attitude, and thethought sends a tingle through my nerves. These three are working their way under my skin in a way I don’t think I’d be able to get rid of even if I wanted to.
The two of them come out an eternity later, each of them with a bulging bag of sweets. They saunter over to me, grins on their faces, and I’ve never seen Sage’s steps so light, her aura so carefree.
Riley is good for her. He’s probably good for me too.
“Okay, alpha daddy,” Riley says.
My heart skips at the nickname, heat and confusion rushing through me. I growl at him in warning, but he grins up at me and leans into my side, hugging my arm as he bats his lashes. Jesus christ.
Sage giggles and my growl instantly cuts off.
“You can pretend to be mad, alpha daddy,” Riley says. “But we know the truth.”
I shake my head again. They’ll send me to an early grave if I let them.
“You two done shopping?”
“Yeah,” Sage says, a yawn ripping through the word.
To my consternation, they both hop into the back seat of the truck when we get to the parking lot.
“I see I’m playing chauffeur now,” I grumble, but it doesn’t really bother me.
“Thanks, alpha daddy,” Riley says, his voice syrupy sweet.
“I suppose this is what I signed up for,” I say, pulling out of the parking lot. I realize a couple minutes later that the backseat is suspiciously quiet. I glance in my rearview mirror, tilting it so I can see them both.
Then I do a double-take, a grin stretching across my face. I only catch a glimpse, but what I see is Sage is leaning into Riley, his body rigid with what I suspect is restraint. He has one hand at her waist, fingers dipping beneath her t-shirt, and both of her hands are cupped around his jaw as she kisses him.
I keep driving, rolling my window down to help dissipate the intoxicating scent of lavender and lemon as it becomes overpowering in the most delicious way. A soft mewl sounds from the backseat, and I glance in the mirror again in time to see Sage pulling Riley back to her. He’s grinning against her lips, and I’m ready to turn around and spank his bratty ass if he doesn’t give her what she wants.
My cock twitches in my pants, and my stark physical reaction surprises me so much that I jerk the wheel, breaking them apart.
“Sorry,” I grunt, but Riley just laughs, tugging Sage into him as her cheeks turn a pretty shade of pink.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sage
Shopping with Riley is a whole experience, and my head feels loopy as we scramble into the backseat of Brooks’ truck. I’m not sure if it’s the sugar-caffeine combination hitting me, or the intoxicating feeling of one scent-match spoiling me while the other keeps us safe. Either way, I’m giddy, and I fall into Riley when Brooks takes a sharp turn.
When I turn to look up at him, our mouths are inches apart. I freeze, breath sawing in and out of my lungs as my eyes drop to his lips.
My brain shuts off. No thoughts, no hesitations. Just desire and the heady sense of choice.
I surge forward, and my lips meet theirs.
