The alpha crowds me, forcing my back against the cool metal wall of the elevator.
I’m completely engulfed by his massive height, his body a hard, warm cage around me. He leans down, his face just inches from mine, his dark eyes burning with an intensity that makes my breath catch.
“I wanted to rip that doctor’s throat out for touching what’s mine,” he says, his voice a low, possessive rumble that vibrates through my entire body. A shiver of pure arousal runs through me. “When I saw that fucking beta stick her hand inside you,” he growls, his voice a low, possessive rumble that vibrates through my entire body. “When we get home, I’m going to wash you head to toe. Then I’m going to fuck my scent back into you until you forget anyone else ever touched you.”
A shiver of pure arousal runs through me, and I slowly nod. “Yes, sir.”
Then he kisses me.Hard.
His lips feel incredible, firm and demanding, and when his tongue pushes into my mouth, it’s a dominant, sweeping stroke that leaves me breathless. My whole body thrums as he twists his tongue with mine, claiming my mouth all over again.
Slick begins to gather between my thighs right when the elevator doors open with a ding.
Pace instantly breaks the kiss, but before I can pout, my strong alpha flings me over his shoulder in one smooth motion.
I let out a surprised laugh as he carries me down the hall toward our apartment.
But as he walks, I suddenly smell it.Patchouli.
No…
Please, no, no, no, no, no.
But my father’s scent only grows stronger as Pace walks, sending fear ripping through me, but before I can say anything to warn Pace, he stops walking, freezing in his tracks. I feel his shoulder tense beneath my belly. Then, without a word, he shifts me, placing me down carefully on my feet.
I look up at my mate’s face. He looks intense, his eyes narrowed as he stares down the hall, his jaw set like stone. I brace myself, then I turn.
My heart jumps in my throat as I see that our apartment door is wide open.
He’s in there. I just know it.
“Baby.” Pace leans down, his mouth brushing the shell of my ear as his hand settles at the back of my neck. He squeezes once, trying to soothe me, but it doesn’t help. “I’ll handle this,” he whispers, his voice low and controlled. “Go back downstairs and?—”
My father’s voice cuts from somewhere inside our home before he can finish.
“I can smell you out there, boy,” his voice booms. “Get in here.Now.”
His command hits me like a slap.
My body reacts before my mind can catch up. My spinestraightens, and my shoulders draw back, my muscles locked tight with an old, ugly instinct to obey. To move. To run when summoned. But my feet don’t actually move.
Every instinct within me is so conflicted.
My body and soul are dedicated to Pace now, but our bond is still so fresh that my father’s hold on me lingers.
Confused and scared, my muscles twitching with a need to obey, I start to cry. Hot tears blur my vision, slipping silently down my cheeks.
“Jude.” Pace shifts in front of me slightly, blocking my view of the apartment like a shield. “It’s okay, mate,” he says quietly, tipping my chin up so I have to look at him. His thumb brushes over my cheek, wiping away a tear with surprising gentleness for such a big hand. “Everything’s going to be okay,” he says softly, but I don’t believe him.
There’s no way this will end well.
“Do you trust me, omega?” Pace asks.
“Yuh…yes,” I nod, but I can’t manage to say anything else. My throat is too tight.
“Good.” Pace takes my hand. His grip is firm, grounding, callused fingers wrapping around mine like an anchor. “Just stay by my side and do what I say.”
I nod again, then Pace moves, guiding me into our apartment. The second we’re inside, my alpha turns and shuts the door behind us, followed by the sharp click of the lock sliding into place.
