Rue
Shit! Fuck! I felt the panic gripping at my throat and extréme desire licking her chomps as I ran as fast as I could in the three-inch heels. I could still feel his lips on mine, devouring me. It felt so right, like my lips belonged to his, and the way his breath caressed my neck caused liquid heat to pool in my undergarments. After the rape six years ago, I’d never let any man get that close again. Every date that tried to kiss me made me feel weak and vulnerable. When I felt Travis’s body against mine, the fire in his eyes and touch only encouraged power, control, and unwavering strength. My body felt odd from all the wine, but it was Travis’ deep growl that weakened my knees. My ribs tightened around my lungs, making it hard to breathe.
My brain finally pulled itself out of lustland, and I looked around in a haze. In my haste to get away from Travis, I ran the wrong way and was now lost in a maze of corridors. The banquet hall doubled as an inn for multiple-day events, and I somehow wandered into that section. I was so worked up that I ran right into someone’s back. I stumbled a little, but a greasy hand grabbed my elbow to prevent me from falling.
“Whoa there, beautiful!” Alpha Johns’s voice sends grossed-out shivers down my spine. Not this creep again. I was so worked up from my encounter with Travis that I was unsure if I could keep my cool if he made any more unwanted advances. I look up and see a clock above the doorway in front of me. It reads 9 o’clock, which is basically midnight to a single mom like me. I yank my elbow from his grasp.
“Excuse me, I got lost trying to find the front entrance,” I say, glancing around the hallway. I wobbled a little bit, feeling off-balance.
“The night is still early!” Alpha John teases, “Is Cinderella leaving the ball already?”
I blinked a few times as I processed what he said, “Yes, in my enchanted life, 9 o’clock is late. I need to get out front and call a cab.”
Alpha John shifted, invading my space. ” There’s no need for a cab. I’ll drive you. I was getting ready to head out myself.”
I shook my head and pushed away from him. “No, that is okay. I really don’t want to impose or be a burden. If I get to the main area, I can call a cab or driving service.”
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Chapter 23
Alpha John goes to say something, but a young Lycan woman suddenly appears next to us. “Excuse me, Alpha John, but I need to borrow Rue for a moment.”
The Alpha is about to argue with the woman, but she grabs my arm. I don’t resist because I can feel Alpha John’s predatory eyes following me. I’m so grateful I could get away without causing another scene. I’d had enough drama in the last few weeks to last a lifetime. Once we round a corner into the hallway, I’d just run from the girl, who turns on
me with a snarl, “I saw you!”
I clumsily step back, holding my hands up in surrender, “I have no idea what you are
talking about or who you are.”
“None of that matters! I saw you trying to steal Alpha Heir Travis from our precious Jessica! Haven’t you put her family through enough? She has been shunned from the shifter world because your family forced hers to make bad business deals! Jessica is finally finding happiness, and you are trying to steal her boyfriend!”
I threw my head back, letting out a bewildered breath from the sides of my mouth. I closed my eyes and prayed to the Moon Goddess for the strength to get out of this cursed building, “Look, Kid, I know you have a lady boner for Jessica, but I’m trying to distance myself from her drama. I don’t want to be-
”
“You’re nothing but a home-wrecking slut!” The girl shouts, her extended nails swiping at me. My senses were slightly dulled because of the alcohol from earlier, so I didn’t move as quickly as I usually do. A tearing noise echoes in the hallway, and the left shoulder of my dress falls away, completely exposing my shoulder and almost exposing my breasts. I instantly grasp the torn fabric to make sure I remain covered. I was beyond done with this night, my anger surging, and I snarled at the young girl.
Suddenly, a coat drops over my shoulders, and a commanding voice tells the girl to get lost before he removes her throat with his bare hands. The girl reeked of fear as she sprinted back toward the banquet hall. Travis wraps his arm around my shoulder, sending a direct shock to my core. His natural, woodsy scent fills my senses, distracting me from everything for a second. Flashes of his touch fill my mind and I feel such a need for him. Travis wraps a robust and stable arm around my waist and kisses the side of my head, “Found you.”
I feel the tears prickle at the back of my eyes and blink them away. In the most threatening voice I could muster without crying, I say, “I should’ve kicked you harder if
2/3.
12:45 am DDXX.
Chapter 23
you found me so quickly.”
Travis chuckles; the vibrations of the sound feel so good against my side as we fall into step together. I bit my lip to force down the desire that I felt for this man. He was dating Jessica, and a friend of my enemy is my enemy. At least, I think that’s how the ancient saying goes. Travis guided me down the hall. I tried to break free from him by twisting and turning, but he just gave me a knowing smirk. He glanced down at me, “Relax, Rue, I’m just helping you get home. There is no need to fight me constantly.”
