Page 9 of Kiss Me for Christmas

I shake my head, not sure why he’s asking. “Nothing,” I say, but even I can hear how tight my voice is.

“Beta.” Bennet pulls me to a stop. “That won’t do, pretty girl.” I press my knees together, hating how the simple compliment instantly has me flustered. “I can smell. Your scent is sharper. What’s wrong?” His dark eyes hold mine, and for a second I’m lost.

What do I say?

“Scarlett,” he whispers my name as he cups my cheek. “Please, talk to me.”

“All of our coworkers will see us,” I say, scrambling for a good reason for my obvious worry. “What do we tell them?”

“What do you mean?” He tilts his head to one side.

“I mean,” I drop my gaze, feeling so exposed for some reason. “People will see us arrive together. What do we tell them?”

Bennet smiles sweetly, and that delicious dimple pops into place. “Are you asking if we’re officially dating?”

I nod, and I swear he chuckles under his breath.

“Scarlett,” he wraps a muscular arm around my middle, pulling me close. “I know this might be a bit fast for you. If you’d like, we can enter the party separately, and?—”

“No!” I blurt out, then immediately cover my mouth with my hands. “It’s not too fast,” I say through my fingers. “I just want to make sure thatyouwant everyone to know.”

Bennet’s hold on me tightens and he lowers his head, resting his forehead on mine. “I want everyone to know you’re mine, beta.” His dark eyes sparkle as his voice slips into a delicious growl. “Mine.”

I never understood how anyone could love the possessive declarations of an alpha. But right now, I just want to throw my whole life away, then spend every waking moment with this big, sexy alpha.

“I’d like that,” I say softly, slipping my arms around his neck. “I like being yours.”

He chuckles again, pushing the vibrations through his chest and into mine. The effect it has on my nipples is deeply embarrassing.

“Come,” Bennet says, pulling my arms off his neck. I want to pout, but I manage a friendly smile instead. “I want to show you off.” His hungry gaze moves from my chest to my legs. “Beauty like this needs to be seen.”

I take his hand and push against his side as we walk. I want him to show me off too. I want everyone to know I’m taken. Claimed. Maybe even one day mated to the sexiest alpha to ever exist.

**The Party**

The party is already in full swing when we finally make it to the main hall. The whole space has been decorated top to bottom with Christmas lights and garland. Pots of giant poinsettias dot each table with fake flickering tea lights situated all around them. Even the DJ is playing remixes of classic Christmas songs,overlaid with modern beats. It sounds a little weird, but I could definitely dance to it.

“Scar!” Kassidy yells out to me, tugging her omega behind her. The poor boy looks a little overwhelmed by all the activity, but Kassidy is a good beta. I know she wouldn’t force him to be here if it was too much. “Dr. Enoch,” Kassidy gives my date a coy smile as her eyes flash to our clasped hands. “Dean,” she says to her omega, “this is Dr. Enoch. And you know Scarlett.”

Dean gives me a very sweet smile, and I immediately hug the omega. “You look so cute,” I compliment his red velvet jacket and matching bowtie. “I love a man with style.”

“Kassidy helped me pick it out.” He beams at his beta.

“She did an excellent job.” Bennet gives the omega a quick bow of his head as he tucks his free hand behind his back. It’s a very respectful and subtle way to show the omega he won’t touch him. The simple movement seems to sit right with Dean as his shoulders relax ever so slightly.

“I agree,” Dean whispers at his feet.

“How about we find our pack alpha and get you something to eat?” Kassidy asks the blushing omega, and he immediately nods. “You two have fun.” Her bright eyes drift to me. “But not too much.” She winks.

It takes everything in me not to groan. Bennet leans down as if trying to see my face, but I keep my eyes down. I can feel how red my face is, but I don’t want him to see and think I’m embarrassed to be with him.

“Drink?” Bennet asks, squeezing my hand.

“Yes, please.”

We slowly make our way through the throng of coworkers. Most are betas, but there are a decent number of alphas in tow, along with a handful of overly excited omegas. A lot of packs don’t like bringing their omegas out into public, but this is ahospital with some of the best security in the country. They’re safe here.

“Glass of white wine,” Bennet orders for me. “And a whiskey neat.”

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