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I felt protective of her when I first walked in and saw her in that booth, stubbornly staring back up at Victor, even with a slight tremble shaking her frame. The urge to pummel Victor’s face in for even breathing in her direction was strong as I watched him leer down at Ripley like she was a prize he fully intended to claim.
I felt lust as well. Ripley is a gorgeous woman, all curves and long legs. Enchanting hazel eyes with flecks of gold rimmed in thick, long lashes that tilt slightly upwards. Silky black hair that I want to run my fingers through. But it was her courage, her strength, that had me sporting a semi as I walked toward her.
Most surprisingly, a deep sense of pride at how she refused to let that psycho alpha make her cower in fear warmed my chest. She’s tough, confident. Brave. It’s something to be admired.
Seeing how happy she makes River makes all of us happy. That’s not to say River has been unhappy, but I’d noticed he’d seemed to be missing a bit of his usual light. We’re all usually so busy and River works from home doing commissions. I suppose it’s easy to overlook the little tells. He’s a brilliant painter, but he also only works when he wants to or is feeling inspired. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’s been inspired lately. He’s only done a few paintings this year so far, which is unusual for him. Since meeting Ripley, however, he’s been in his studio, painting everything when he’s not talking to her or spending time with her. His spark is back. If I was an insecure alpha, I’d be incredibly jealous over how obsessed with her he seems to be. Instead, I feel grateful. Grateful to her for bringing him back out of his shell.
Now, I want to explore the pull I feel towards her. River has made it clear he’s okay with it. He wants Ripley to have everything she wants, and he’s convinced she wants us too, but is holding back for his sake. Today, I’m going to test out just how right he is as well as see his actual reaction to one of his mates touching another omega. Starting now.
I walk ahead of everyone, sneaking up on the two giggly omegas. Kian calls out to me, asking where I’m going, but I ignore him. River turns his head slightly at Kian’s voice and sees me coming out of the corner of his eye. He smirks when he sees me stalking their way before turning back to Ripley and whispering in her ear, nipping the lobe. I watch her shudder in pleasure as she looks at him through her lashes. He’s such a brat.
The scent of ripe blackberries and cheesecake is mouthwatering as I make it to her other side and take her free hand in mine, watching both omega’s reactions. Ripley’s breathing picks up, a flush making its way down her cheeks and over her throat. River bites his lip and eyes her reaction with barely banked lust, and his own perfume leaks out to curl with hers.
“Nico,” Ripley says lowly as she glances up at me with a sweet smile painted on her plump lips.
“Ripley.” I grin.
We’re all walking to the lake at the back of the property since it’s such a nice day today. The sun is high in the sky, and when it glints through breaks in the trees against Ripley’s hair, it leaves her black tresses with a blue hue to it. River said it would be a good idea to take the scenic route through the trees because Ripley loves the woods and the magic she feels is there, so that’s what we’re doing. I love that. That she sees magic around her, and that she wants to explore it all.
Her palm is warm in mine, and so much smaller clutched in my much larger one. Softer. The way her pretty, virgin skin looks against the tan and colorful hues of mine is a fantastic contrast, and I can’t help but admire that she’s a blank canvas. I’d love to mark her up with all the pretty colors in the world, leaving my signature on her unblemished skin. She’d be magnificent with tattoos. Not that she isn’t already, but add in the art and beauty of tattoos, and I’d have a permanent hard on for the rest of my life. Who am I kidding? I’ll have a hard on no matter what if she’s around. I’ve been in a permanent state of semi hard since meeting her.
I can feel everyone else’s eyes burning into my back but ignore it. I imagine I’m the last person any of them expected to see pursuing the pretty omega, considering I’m the only one in the pack that is with River only. It’s not uncommon for someone in the pack to only be with the omega and no one else. No big deal. I’ve just shown no interest in anyone but River. Even when I first joined Pack Kingston before he came along. Not that Syn isn’t gorgeous, and Knight and Kian aren’t very fine-looking specimens, I just view them more as family rather than romantic partners. Luckily, they all felt the same way, so it wasn’t like there’s ever been any unrequited feelings within our pack or anything. So, I guess it is a bit of a surprise that I feel so drawn to Ripley. To feel attracted to someone other than River leaves me feeling intrigued and makes me want to explore it. So, here I am. Exploring it.
Aside from the few small things about her he’s told us, River has been tight-lipped about Ripley and anything about her, saying we should get to know her ourselves if we really want to know anything. It’s just his sneaky way of trying to get us to spend time with her and like her as much as he does. It doesn’t bother me because I want to learn about her myself, but he shouldn’t be so pushy with the others. Especially Syn and Kian.
Before long, we can see the lake through the break in the trees, the sun glinting off the surface and making it sparkle. This lake was one of the main reasons we bought this property. It’s private and nobody else can use it since the only way to it is through our backyard. It’s just ours.
The water is clear straight to the bottom, clean and beautiful, free of litter. It’s also always the perfect temperature in the summer months, which means we spend a good majority of our time here during that time of the year. We favor this quiet area in place of our pool, finding refuge hidden amongst the trees and hearing the birds chirp back and forth. It could be the simplicity of being in nature, surrounded by the trees that hide us in our own little bubble.
“Woah. This place is beautiful.” Ripley breathes out in awe as she takes it all in for the first time.
River grins at the side of her face. “I knew you’d love it. It’s our favorite part of the property.”
“I can see why. The water is so clear and it’s so peaceful out here. Quiet.”
While she’s distracted, looking out over the water and the trees, I take my time looking her over, memorizing the serene expression on her face. Then, I glance at River, catching him watching me as I watch her. He gives me a heated look and his coconut and honeysuckle scent hits me a moment before Ripley notices. My nostrils flare and it takes everything in me to hold in the growl that wants to rumble up my throat. Ripley squeaks out, a nervous giggle following shortly after.
Not taking my eyes from River, I lean forward, my lips stopping at her ear, touching the lobe, and whisper, “Don’t be nervous, kitten. I promise I won’t bite. Not unless you beg me.”
She closes her eyes and shivers, whimpering, as she leans toward me, searching for more contact. River watches it all and looks on the verge of dragging her away so he can fuck her against the nearest tree. Current audience be damned.
We can’t have that. So, being the excellent alpha I am, I snatch Ripley up by the waist and fling her over my shoulder, running off with her in the opposite direction of the others before River can even blink. Ripley squeals, lightly smacking my back as she breaks out into peals of laughter as I put distance between us and my soon to be very upset omega.
“Hey! Nic, bring her back! No fair!” He whines.
I laugh as I run us to the other side of the bank, far enough away that I can get a little privacy with her. Ripley lets loose a breathy chuckle, pressing her hands against my back to help keep herself steady as I slow us to a light jog the further away I get. The spot where her hands touch tingles, which sends a bolt of want straight to my groin.
I’ll give her back. Eventually. Right now, however, I want to steal a few moments alone with her so, he’s going to have to share. When we make it to a good, clear spot, I swing her back upright and slide her down my front, loving the feel of her body against mine. She looks up, and I get caught in her gaze, her eyes twinkling with mirth, long lashes curling up.
“Stealing me away to have your wicked way with me all alone?”
“Just for a little while. As for having my wicked way with you, that’ll come in due time, I’m sure.” I grin at her mischievously and grab her hand, tugging her along with me.
I feel a calmness wash over me from being in her presence and from the sound of the water lapping against the shore as we walk side by side. The sun is shining down on us, a light breeze blowing to help keep the heat from becoming too overbearing. It gets hot around here in the summer months, but a pleasant breeze helps more than you’d think. A slight smile rests on Ripley’s lips as she looks out over the water.
“River is not going to be happy with you,” she admonishes.
I chuckle. “He’ll get over it, Kitten. I’m sure I can make it up to him at a later date. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed yet, but River is easily bought. Besides, he’s hogged you enough, and I’ve been patient, but now it’s my turn.”
