He gasped for air as he clutched his stomach with one hand and braced the other on the hood of my car. “Can we talk about how awkward that was in Dad’s office?”
“I wish you wouldn’t.” And there wasn’t a truthier truth than that. But since that was what he was referring to, I guessed we would be having that chat. A smile slowly spread across my face and eventually evolved into a full-blown laughing fit. “I never expected to get a sex talk from the alpha of our pack. It was quite unbelievable.”
We laughed as I climbed into my car. Ty leaned in through the window. “I’m so happy you’re my mate. I wouldn’t want my dad doling out sex advice about anyone but you.” As he cupped my cheek, his smile went naughty. “On another note, I’m going to take Dad’s suggestions to heart.”
My cheeks heated up again, and I smiled shyly while trying not to blush. “Yeah, yeah. Now, go on before I pull you in here with me.”
He winked and smiled his million-dollar smile. “Promise to call as soon as you get home. I’ll pick up some food and be there in about an hour. I have to run back to the office and grab some paperwork I forgot.”
He turned to walk away, but I grabbed his wrist and lowered my voice. “Ty? We’re not worried about this omega information getting out, right?”
His smile faded. “Nah. I mean, we’re still concerned about Castro, but not about the omega business. He’s too obsessed with you to try and harm you or put you in harm’s way. Announcing to the world that you’re an omega would do exactly that.”
I tried to convince myself that it was true, considering that had been my argument in Dominic’s office. As I drove home, though, I kept remembering my nightmares and envisioned Castro turning his gun on me.
He wouldn’t do that since he wanted me to be his mate, though. Right?
37
TY
The past week had been a blur as I put all of my efforts into maintaining a positive work relationship with our suppliers and business partners. It was my attempt to squelch any nasty rumors that I wasn’t on top of my game. And there were sure to be rumors. Especially these days.
Liza and I seemed to miss each other all the time. I came in late and slept at her place, but she was already asleep because she had early commitments with her clients.
Additional business meetings had popped up out of town, and I hoped to build connections with the surrounding alphas in our state. Since I’d soon be taking over the Keller pack, it was important for the other alphas to respect me and accept me into their inner circle. I had to become one of them, and now was the time to start.
The meetings went well, and though I enjoyed visiting the other packs and seeing how they ran their packs, I missed Liza. There was always a part of me that couldn’t focus because I spent so much time worrying about her. I constantly checked in with our security team, ensuring that they had eyes on her atall times, but not talking to her and spending time with her was taking a mental toll on me. Ireallymissed her.
When I slept at her place, she didn’t startle awake from her nightmares. In fact, she seemed to sleep peacefully. I hoped that whatever had been haunting her dreams had stopped for good.
By the time I woke in the mornings, Liza was already gone, and I was left to battle with my thoughts about Castro and what his next move might be. The world couldn’t stop spinning just because we’d received threats from an outside source, but the idea of Liza being in danger kept me on edge.
After not saying much more than hello and goodbye to Liza all week, I decided to take her out on a date. I didn’t want another day to pass without spending quality time with her. Liza deserved to be spoiled, so I called and made reservations at the upscale steakhouse downtown.
The place was normally packed on a Friday night, but due to my stature as the future alpha, my request for a table took priority. I didn’t normally toss around the Keller name for special treatment, but tonight was important, and I gladly told the hostess who I was and asked her to save my favorite table near the window that overlooked the river.
At five thirty, Liza walked through the door and stopped in her tracks without setting her purse down or taking off her shoes. A slow smile spread across her face as she cocked her head. “You’re here? I thought you’d be in late again.”
“Surprise!” I threw up my hands in such a cheesy way that I immediately regretted it, but Liza giggled, and the sound spread warmth through me. I gestured toward the bedroom. “More surprises await you, my dear.”
Liza raised her eyebrows, but her smile never wavered.. “Oh, really. Should I be scared?”
I shook my head. “Nope. Follow me.” I held out my hand and waited for her to set her things on the bench inside her door before she laced our fingers together.
I led her to the bedroom and pointed to the bed, where I’d laid out a new black dress on the comforter. It was one of those thin strapped deals with a low neckline that was shaped like a heart, and a short skirt that should hit her around mid-thigh. Sequins and black pearls adorned the neckline.
Liza scooped it up and held it in front of her body, admiring her reflection in the dresser mirror. “Ty, this is gorgeous.”
“But wait.” I held up a finger. “There’s more.” I walked to her closet and opened the door. Inside was a black shoe box tied closed with a red velvet bow on top. She cocked her head and walked slowly to the box, as if she was savoring the moment. Or maybe that was me. It didn’t matter. She made a slow production of untying the bow, then laid it open when she simply could have slid it over the top. Everything this woman did was so damn sexy.
She pulled apart the tissue paper, and her mouth opened. “Holy shit. Are these what I think they are?”
I eyed the red soles of the black stilettos. “Nothing but the best for my queen.”
“Ty, you really shouldn’t have.” As she playfully scolded me for spending so much money, she slipped her feet into the shoes. “These are amazing.” And a perfect fit.
“But wait.” From my pocket, I pulled a black, two-by-two square box with a silver bow glued to the top. Instead of smiling, she chewed her lower lip. “There’s more.”
