Page 9 of Whatever It Takes

He has blondish-brown hair that’s wavy and full on top but shaved close on the sides. It’s a big contrast to the full blondish-brown beard with just the beginnings of gray along his jawline. There may be a few gray hairs at his temples, too, but they seem to fit Keir’s commanding presence perfectly.

“Briar?” Little laugh lines appear around his eyes as he smiles, and my silly heart races.

Oh yeah, he asked me a question.

“Y-Yeah,” I agree, nodding a little too dramatically. “Lunch. I’m starving.”

Also, maybe I’ll call my boyfriend once or twice, since I haven’t heard from him all damn day.

Not like a stalker amount of calling or anything.

It’s just so strange. He was gone before I woke up this morning, and he didn’t mention that he wouldn’t be coming into the office. I ended up needing to take a cab to work, and I was almost late because of it.

“How about I give you a ride and we eat together—my treat,” Keir offers. “It gives me indigestion thinking about you using rideshares and taking cabs everywhere.”

A smile tips at my lips, despite the awful day I’m currently in the midst of. “You don’t have to treat, but I wouldn’t mind some company.”

Keir nods as the doors open.

“Very good.” His arm extends, gesturing for me to go first.

I shove off the wall and scurry out past his substantial form. He’s Easton’s personal security, and he’s excellent at his job, but somehow feeling his hand meet my lower back as he guides us out sends a shiver down my spine.

Mouth breathing for the win.

I thought suppressants were supposed to deaden my senses. If that was true, I wouldn’t have spent the entire seven-minute drive trying to determine what he smells like. It’s smoky and nutty and reminds me a little of cooked hazelnut.

Whatever it is, it’s magical.

The suppressants have helped to cut down on a lot of my urges that come from my designation, but there are several alphas in the office that I know better than to be in close contact with.

One of those is Easton.

Standing in his doorway isn’t a problem. I can do that without being affected, but if I need to hand off a file or if he stands behind my desk to show me something on my computer…things get questionablefast.

I’ve spent hours pondering the right way to describe his scent, but I’ve got nothing. It makes my chest warm and fuzzy every time I catch a whiff of it. Sometimes it feels like there are magnets drawing me to him, but his stellar personality helps me fight the urge.

Not to mention Jameson.

Packs are common in our society, with omegas being found at the center of several, or sometimes more, alphas.

However, Jameson grew up in a single-couple household. He’s said a few times that he isn’t open to the idea of sharing.

And it’s not like I don’t get it.

I didn’t grow up in a pack either.

My dad ruled the roost with an iron fist, while the rest of us were expected to shut up and fall in line.

Well, with the exception of my brother, but with our parents gone, he’s surely stepped into the role of leading the family. He would sell me off at the first chance he got, which is why I didn’t even try to go back home after the disaster at my wedding.

My entire body jolts as Keir opens the passenger door.

“Ready for some lunch?” he asks, holding out a hand.

I nod, and he gives me a gentle tug, helping me climb from the vehicle.

My mind races.

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