On the ice, the Scorpions score. The roar coming from the ice is almost soothing. The alpha is now leaning so close to Ash that his shoulder brushes hers. Her smile looks like it’s been nailed into place.
“You should go rescue her,” Liam says, still watching me instead of the game or Ash.
“She can handle herself.”
“Of course she can. But you’re about ten seconds from tearing across this room anyway, so you might as well stop pretending.”
I glare at him. He smiles back, serene as a fucking Buddha.
“Go,” he says, giving my shoulder a little push.
My eyes narrow at him. He’s up to something, but I cross the space to Ash’s side. I hover for a second, catching up on their conversation.
“…little omega like you? Let me buy you a real drink.”
“The drinks are free, my guy,” Ash says, her voice clipped.
“Come on, sweetheart. Wouldn’t you rather be somewhere more private so we can play?” He leans closer still, lowering his voice. “I’ve got a condo downtown with a view that’ll make you forget all about hockey.”
“I am positive going anywhere with you would be forgettable.”
The alpha laughs a little nervously, like he isn’t sure Ash is flirting or being mean. He touches her again and Ash recoils.
“Aren’t you a little ray of sunshine?”
Something in me snaps. I put my body between them and rest my wrist on her shoulder, my fingers dangling loosely. She stiffens, takes a breath, and then sinks into me a little.
“She’s my ray of sunshine.”
She snaps her head to me. Her face is washed in unease and discomfort. But a smile flashes for a second and her eyes dazzle. I get that feeling of stepping into the ring. It’s going to hurt and I’m going to love it.
“I’m not your fucking sunshine.” The words are a reflex. Her hand comes up to her shoulder, her fingers barely brushing mine, like she wants to make sure I’m not going to let go.
“Excuse me,” the alpha says behind me, indignant. “We werehaving a conversation.”
“Youwerehaving a conversation.”
“Who the fuck are you?” The alcohol on his breath tells me he’s had enough to make him brave. Stupid, but brave.
“I’m the alpha who is going to break your face if you don’t back the fuck off.”
“She says she’s not yours. She’s fair game.”
“She’s not a thing, a toy for you to use.”
“Whatever,” the alpha says finally, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Plenty of other omegas lining up for me to play with.” He backs away, trying to salvage his dignity.
I should let it go. I should turn around, make sure Ash is okay, and find a way to apologize for steamrolling her. Instead, I take a step after him.
“What did you say?”
He stops, uncertain now. “Nothing, man. Just—”
“No, say it again. About other omegas.”
Ash grabs my arm. “Pierce. Drop it.”
The contact of her skin on mine sends a jolt of electricity up my arm. Her scent is the only thing that makes sense.
