Page 7 of Wild Card

“My name is Bear.” I hold out a hand until she places her cold fingers in mine. “I believe you met my little brother. Rush asked me to make sure you get back to the bed-and-breakfast safely.”

“The guy from the hotel asked you to babysit me?” Her forehead wrinkles as she tries to snatch her hand from mine. “I’m totally fine.”

“Do you know how many drinks you had?” I quirk an eyebrow.

“A few, I guess.” Her lips push together, and she shrugs. “The Christmas cocktail special, the one with peppermint pieces, went down so smooth. Loved it. Ten out of ten, would recommend.”

Everything in me wants to toss her over my knee for being so flippant about her current state. Rush frequently tells me I’m an overbearing, cantankerous asshole, so I center myself before replying.

“Not remembering the number of drinks you had isn’t a good sign.”

“I appreciate it, but I’m fine.” She might be convincing, except for the fact she stumbles over several of her words. “I’m not driving. Okay, so I’m a little tipsy, but I’m not drunk or anything.”

That might be a record.

She destroyed my zen-like state in less than twelve seconds.

I’m in motion before I can stop myself, leaning down and getting close to her ear.

“I might not be your alpha, but I am an alpha. I’m not going to stand by and watch you make questionable choices while you’re impaired.” I pull back enough to see the petulant look on her face. “Get their number if you want. You can continue this disaster another night, when I don’t have to bear witness to it.”

“What the hell, man?” the other guy growls.

“I will ban both your asses indefinitely.” I glance between them. “Don’t push your luck with me tonight.”

Lennox jolts at the growl in my tone, and I grimace.

“I don’t understand what I did wrong. I’m over twenty-one.” She tries to pull her hand away, but I don’t release it. “My ID is in my boob.” Her forehead wrinkles, and she busts out laughing. “Bra. I meant my bra.”

“She passed on exchanging info, so have a nice life,” I tell the dicks, nodding for Hank to engage.

He takes over, guiding the guys away.

They mutter and complain, but that’s fine.

I’m sure I did ruin their plans, but when they sober up, they’ll be thanking me. They’ve witnessed the same shit I have. It should be a wake-up call if they have any brain cells between the two of them.

“Where’s your coat?” I ask, refocusing on the omega.

She glances down, and her head tilts.

“I did bring one,” she says. “I think there’s a small possibility I left it in the cab.” Her head swivels as she looks back at the bar. “Or maybe around here somewhere. I’m not really sure, but I did bring one.”

My head falls back as I curse at the ceiling.

“I can buy a new one,” she says, like I’m overreacting.

Hell, I probably am.

I growl, gently pulling her into my chest. “Come on, I have one in my office.”

I keep my hand on her hip and my head on a swivel.

This place doesn’t cater to the fanciest crowd, but it’s not like we’re in danger.

My instincts feel otherwise.

She’s been drinking, and she’s in an unfamiliar environment. I don’t know what the hell she was thinking, coming here tonight.

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