Page 40 of Justice for Puck Bunnies

“The growl thing.”

“So you do have omega instincts.”

“Oh, shut up,” I say and shove his shoulder.

Instead of doing as I asked, he wraps arms around me and holds me in an enveloping hug. A deep, base-filled intonation resonates from his chest and my muscles instantly relax.

I melt into his arms while Trick holds and comforts me. I’d say it was a growl, but there’s something gentle to it. Soothing.

His hearty, warming scent wraps around my mind and rocks me into subtle comfort.

Is he doing what I think he is?

“What is this?” I whisper.

“Purring. It’s offensive that no one’s ever purred for you.”

“My mom taught me about it, but I’ve never...” My voice trails off.

I can’t admit to him I’m a purring virgin. It’s embarrassing. What kind of omega can’t convince an alpha to purr for her?

It’s pathetic. I’m pathetic. No alpha wants to—

“Hey,” Trick stops to say. “I’m proud to be your first. I’ll do it whenever you want.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Ok. Thanks.”

But the spell is broken. My anxiety has returned full force. Everything Livvy said collides with the fact that Brad’s never done this for me. That no alpha has ever done this for me even believing I’m a beta.

I clear my throat and step out of his arms.

“We should get going,” I say.

Trick escorts me out to find Vin and Mason pacing beyond the door. I probably look ridiculous in Mason’s oversized jersey and Vin’s sweats paired with my heels, but not much to be done about it now.

Here comes Izzy! Strolled in like a boss and out like a walk of shame gone wrong.

The boys fuss over me for several minutes before I get frustrated and storm off on my own. They trail behind me to the parking lot.

When we exit into the blinding late-afternoon sun, Brad’s leaning against the exterior wall with his arms crossed.

“You okay?” he asks after we spill into the parking lot.

Relief soars through me that he’s here and cared enough to make sure I’m okay. He waited long after the team had left and there’s no sign of Livvy in sight.

Instead of falling into his arms, though, I decide to throw what he did at him and see if he’ll respond with contrition. If he’s coming around, we can end this before things get too far.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve waiting for me,” I spit.

“I had to know you’re okay.”

“I’m fine, no thanks to you.”

“Come on, baby. Don’t be like that.”

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