Page 20 of Alpha Marked

Who was it, Jason Momoa?

A leggy strawberry blonde a foot taller than River wiggled in beside River and raised her hand for the bartender. "Excuse me!"

River rolled her eyes. Jimmy was the best bartender. A hawk shifter, he saw everyone when they came to the bar, no matter how many people approached. He also remembered what order they came in.

River was tempted to push the woman out of the way, but sadly, the night had begun taking its toll, and she found herself too tired to start yet another fight.

The bartender's gaze traveled from his current customer to River. "River, whatcha havin'?" he yelled.

She held up two fingers. "Water. Thanks, Jimmy."

The strawberry blonde sniffed River. She looked like she'd come straight out of the movies with her light eyes, smattering of freckles, and ruby lips. The curves her black dress hugged were every wolf's desire. And River couldn't help the pang of jealousy. Sure, she had decent boobs and a decent rear, but only surgery would give her that kind of hourglass. The kind wolves went nuts for. The kind that told them their mate would bear them healthy cubs.

The woman sniffed at River, her air of disdain more than palpable.

River's wolf bared her teeth.

We are Omega.Her wolf reminded her. River was tempted to stare the woman into submission but didn't have the energy.

Not tonight, girl. Tonight is Bianca's night. I will not embarrass her in front of Zeke and his boss. No matter how much I would love to introduce the female's perfect nose to the bar.

Jimmy brought over the waters for River and smiled. "Stay hydrated."

"Excuse me," said the female huffily. "I need to order some drinks, please."

"Thanks, Jimmy." River plucked a ten from inside her dress and stuffed it in Jimmy's tip glass.

He winked at River, and she walked away.

"Excuse me? Hello?"

River glanced over her shoulder.

Jimmy eyed the female, his smile gone. "It's not your turn."

River snickered and pushed back through the crowd, which had turned all their attention to the VIP section.

Sheesh.

She nudged a guy out of her way, but he didn't move. Kraeger spotted her and moved several people out of the way before helping her up the steps.

"Hang on a sec, we're trying to clear the other parties out," he said.

The few other shifters in the VIP area exited, almost making River spill her water.

"Oh my gosh, is it him?"

"I think it is."

"Did you get a photo?"

"Hell ya, I did."

She sidestepped at the last second.

"Sorry, but your friends want the area extra secure. You have the whole place to yourselves now."

River wanted to ask him what was going on, but Kraeger walked down the steps and told the crowd to go back to dancing or leave.

---