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And boy does he give me one, cupping my cheeks and deepening our kiss, exploring my mouth as if he needs to memorize every sensation and taste, every second of the passion exploding between us.
Just when I think he’s about to rip my clothes off, he breaks away and rests his head on my shoulder, inhaling a couple of deep breaths of my scent.
“You’re so irresistible. I can see why Jonah is quite overprotective. I’m not sure how I would react to seeing someone else give you attention freely when I can’t. I hope you know I look forward to every moment I’ll have to get to know you more. I hate to admit this, because I never want to see you hurting, but I’m thankful I caught you. I’m here for you.”
A wave of warm emotions courses through me, and I kiss him again, caught up in our passion and his affection, things that I’m still unsure of how to handle. He hasn’t been very open with me, but he also hasn’t had much of a chance. I’m not the only nervous one, though he doesn’t admit it.
“That means a lot to me.” I release a breath and straighten my back. “Are you busy the rest of the day? Do you have more classes?”
Ezra pulls out his phone and taps the screen a couple of times. “Not anymore. No one will be sad that I’m postponing a quiz until next week.”
I laugh. “I hate to admit that they’re probably going to celebrate.”
He takes my hand, pulling me to my feet. “And we will too. We’ll do whatever you want, amore. I’m so proud of your achievements. I can’t wait to shout our engagement to the world.”
8
Scarlett
Celebration
Mom:Callmewhenyou get the chance.
I tuck my phone away, ignoring the text message from my mom. I don’t really care what she has to say. If it were important, she would hound me about it. She probably just wants to know more about how I’m handling things and what my pack has offered me so far. Maybe even learn about a wedding date. But I don’t know. I don’t want to talk to her. A part of me is angry about her slip up, but another part of me is happy that it happened.
“Chaz isn’t bothering you again, is he?” Jonah asks, staring at me from across the table.
“Of course, he’s not. He knows she blocked his number. And if he was, you need to let Scarlett handle it until she asks for our help otherwise. It’s best to let her navigate all the relationships she has in her life outside of us. He is a beta and not a threat. He’s just a boy, Jonah,” Ezra says, squeezing my hand under the table.
Jonah growls but doesn’t argue. “He’s a pain in my side. No one should harass her.”
I pull my phone out and slide it across the table. “Tell that to my mom. I’m two text messages away from blocking her too.”
“I’m sorry, Scarlett. I’m going to work on my jealousy. I already have an appointment with someone to give me better coping skills.” Jonah slides the phone back to me. “I know my behavior is unacceptable, and I do apologize.”
I grimace at his comment, surprised that he arranged for outside help. Most alphas I know would just mutter under their breath and play it off as an omega’s fault. I’ve seen it a dozen times.
“Oh. Um, I don’t know what to say.” I turn my gaze to the table.
“You don’t have to say anything. I just thought you should know. I don’t trust that guy, and I worry about you. I know that as an omega, you’ve been trained to ignore a lot of things you shouldn’t have to. I’m your alpha, and I want to protect you. I also want to be able to function without wanting to murder people as well.”
Adrian barks a laugh. “Murder, Jonah? You grow faint during a blood draw. I highly doubt you’re capable of murder.”
“He could just torture the fucker by reading one of his ancient novels.” Leo whacks Jonah on his shoulder. “Slowly, in his monotonous professor voice. I heard it once, and it was...I’m just happy I survived.”
I can’t help the smile crossing my face. “I happen to enjoy it when he reads out loud. I didn’t realize as much until the last time, and I grew jealous that he wasn’t reading to me alone.” I stretch my leg and run my foot over his, playfully touching him under the table.
Jonah purrs deep in his throat. “Is that so?”
Leo slams his hands on the table. “Don’t even get him started. This is a celebration and not a snooze fest.” Turning to the ever-quiet Dominic, Leo waves his hand to him. “Play some music or something. I’ll give Scarlett a celebratory lap dance.”
I tip my head back and laugh. “I have to see this.”
Ezra slides out from the table and sways his hips, offering his hand. “He’s not the only one who can dance. Come on, amore. Dance with me.”
Music hums through the hidden surround sound, the rhythm upbeat and catchy. Spinning me out, Ezra draws me back in, sliding his hand to the small of my back while cupping the other.
For the first time ever, I’m thankful to have learned basic dance steps at Omega Prep. I used to dance with Sapphire, my self-proclaimed perfect princess little sister, in the living room of our San Francisco home. She was a perfectionist, and I just wanted to work through the rumba for the Fall Ball or the waltz for a wedding. Neither dances fit this moment, so I do as I told my sister a dozen times—let the alpha lead. Silly, I know, but we were marked down at Omega Prep if we dared otherwise.
