Page 105 of Wanted Beta

I can see Catherine’s still laying on the couch watching TV.

“Hey,” I greet as I approach. “I’m heading into town to meet some friends. Do you need me to get anything while I’m out?”

She looks up and gives me a weak smile. “No thanks. Have a good time. Call if you’ll be home late.”

“Sure,” I agree, moving toward the door as she lays back down with a light groan.

She drank a bit too much last night, as she put it when she woke me up when she got home and found me passed out on top of the sheets. It was apparently a nice night, but she knew she was going to feel like crap today.

I get a message from Gio as I’m picking up my purse and my jacket.

I’m outside whenever you’re ready.

My lips twitch. I’m not surprised by his response.

I’m just glad I thought about texting him.

I sling the strap of my bag over my shoulder and pick my keys out of the front pocket.

Keeping the jacket under my arm, I open my purse and slip my phone inside.

Then, I unlock the door and move out into the hall.

I put my keys back in that front pocket after I lock up.

My heart is racing as I head down the stairs.

Whatever happens today, I know it’s going to be awesome.

I can just feel it.

Chapter Forty-Six

Jack

The mirror is not my friend today. One black eye covered by my hair, I can deal with, but waking up to find the bruising has spread a little more and is making me look like death, well that sucks ass. Especially since I’m the one who had the stellar idea to offer Beth a job and invite her over for lunch.

“You look fine,” Arrow tells me, when he catches me frowning at my reflection in the full-length that covers one of our closet doors.

I turn the death stare on him. “Don’t lie to me.”

He leans against the wall and stares right back. “You look like the Delta who fought an asshole to protect our future mate. That isn’t off-putting in the slightest. In fact, if we weren’t getting ready to have Beth over for lunch, I would be suggesting you lay down and let me help you forget about those bruises for a while.”

I can help the smile that twitches my lips at Arrow’s sweet words said in earnest.

“Feel better?” he asks, smiling back.

“You always know what to say to make me feel good,” I admit, moving toward him.

“Gio should be back by now,” he warns me, though I know he wouldn’t protest too much if I decided we should have a little fun, even if it would make us late for lunch.

“He’ll get here.” I lean in and kiss his soft lips, taking the time to at least show my appreciation in the smallest physical way that I can.

Arrow tastes as good as his natural perfume smells.

It always hits hard and makes me ravenous for more.

I break the embrace after a few sweet minutes, knowing any longer would make it impossible to stop. He’s already starting to perfume for me, his gaze darkening and his expression becoming needy with the first flushes of arousal.

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