Page 14 of Golden Omega

No, no, no. I hadn’t had my dance yet.

“Let’s make a deal,” I said, standing up and offering my hand. “One more dance and then we’ll walk you home.”

She served me a stink eye. “Sovann.”

Goddess, I loved how she said my name. Her lips were pouty, and her voice dropped an octave. All breathy and sexy.

Only three drinks in. Noted. One or two more, and I would call her over the edge from tipsy to drunk. Or maybe not. Shifters usually had more tolerance, but she didn’t drink as if she did it often. But I would assume she was not to be trifled with, just in case.

I put my palms out. “Absolute gentlemen, I swear. Walk you to your door and make sure you get home safe. No strings.”

She scoffed. “There’s always strings with alphas and shifters.”

“Not with us. I’d love for there to be strings one day but tonight. I just want to dance and then see you home safely.”

“One dance.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Orin got up and put on a sweet and sultry instrumental. We moved to the center of the dance floor and, despite her cool words and standoffish nature, she melted into my embrace.

“If you were a flower, which one would you be?” I asked, wanting to hear her talk. Feel her breath fanning over my skin. If I was blessed enough, listen to her laugh.

I moved my hand a bit lower on her back. She didn’t flinch.

She laughed. One objective complete. “Damn, that’s one I’ve never been asked. I actually have no idea.”

“Something dangerous and beautiful at the same time,” I offered and pulled her a bit tighter. She whimpered slightly but allowed it. Our bodies were flush as we swayed to the music, our mouths nearly touching. Above the music, the thump of her heartbeat picked up.

Good. At least I wasn’t the only one affected by her touch.

“You think I’m dangerous?”

“You could be. To us. To me. But most definitely beautiful.”

Altan and Orin went about cleaning the place up, giving us a bit of privacy. “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Tell me what brought you to Pleasant,” I prompted. I wanted to know everything but had to pace myself. Pummeling her with nosy questions might spook her again.

She sighed. “Not yet, okay? I have things tucked next to my heart, and I’m not ready to reveal them. Things that hurt. It’s painful talking about them.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, leaning forward, allowing my lips to graze the rim of her ear. “Keep your secrets safe if it makes you feel better. I didn’t mean to…”

“There’s no way you could’ve known. It’s okay.” Her jaw worked next to mine. Her sweet voice in my ear. If I could stay this way forever, I would. Holding her close, her body moving with mine.

“What’s your favorite dessert? I make one hell of a dark-chocolate brownie.”

Her body shook with laughter. “Now, that’s a conversation I can get behind.”

We shifted positions until we were in a hugging position. I rubbed circles on her back, and she played with the hair at the back of my neck. Goose bumps broke out along my skin.

“You like that, don’t you, Sovann? Me touching your hair?”

“I do. It’s been a long time since I’ve been close to someone like this. And you didn’t answer the question.”

She moved her head slightly and pressed her nose to my neck. Inhaling deeply. Taking in the scent of her alpha.

“Behave.” I let out a bit of alpha power, lightly swatting her behind.