Page 45 of Claimed By the Band

Echo plays his part perfectly, face flushed and eyes downcast. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was genuinely mortified.

Vince's leer makes me want to punch him all over again. "No need to apologize," he says, winking conspiratorially. "That's what our products are all about, after all. Unleashing those baser instincts."

I resist the urge to gag, instead wrapping an arm around Echo's shoulders. He stiffens for a moment before relaxing into the touch, playing along. He's smaller than he looked under all those baggy clothes, and he fits under my arm perfectly.

"Why don't we head back out to the main showroom?" Vince suggests. "I'm sure your packmates are eager to make their selections."

As we follow him back, I catch Asher's eye. There's definitely amusement in his gaze, a silent acknowledgment that he knows exactly what just happened.

Phew.

Silas steps forward, all smooth charm and easy grace. "You know what? I think we'll just take one of everything. and call it a night."

Vince's eyes light up with undisguised greed. I can see the dollar signs in his eyes. "Excellent choice! I'll have my assistant prepare your order right away."

As Vince bustles off, I notice Echo fidgeting beside me. He seems even more on edge than before, if that's possible. I lean in close, pitching my voice low so only he can hear.

"You alright?"

He nods jerkily, not meeting my eyes. "Fine. Just ready to get out of here."

I frown, studying his profile. There's something off about his reaction, beyond the usual discomfort of our cover almost being blown. Is he that bothered by what happened in the hallway? Or is it something else entirely?

Before I can puzzle it out, Vince returns with a stack of sleek black boxes. "Here we are, gentlemen! The complete PheroMaster collection. I'm sure you'll be very pleased with your purchase."

Silas handles the transaction with his usual efficiency, and before I know it, we're heading for the exit.

Just when I think we're home free from these cheap ass pheromones, Vince calls from behind us, "Oh, gentlemen? There's one more thing?"

I hold my breath as we turn back to face Vince, keeping my arm casually draped over Echo's shoulders. Before, it was a matter of keeping up the ruse and making it look convincing, but now, he looks like he's going to pass out if I let go of him.

My muscles are coiled tight, ready to react if this smug bastard has somehow seen through our act.

But instead of accusation, Vince's face holds that same sleazy grin as he extends a black envelope toward us. The company's crown logo stands out in garish red wax, sealing it shut. It's exactly as tacky as everything else in this place.

"I apologize that we don't currently have the type of product you're looking for," he says, practically oozing false sincerity. "However, PheroMaster will be hosting a soiree next month. Everyone who's anyone in the industry will be there." He pauses for dramatic effect, clearly enjoying having our attention. "Including our most brilliant scientist. I'm sure he'd be interested in working something out for such important clients."

Silas steps forward smoothly, accepting the envelope with just the right amount of interest. "How thoughtful," he says, his tone perfectly measured. "We'll certainly consider it."

I can feel Echo trembling slightly under my arm, though whether it's from excitement or terror over almost getting caught, I can't tell. Asher's doing a better job of hiding it, but I can smell the spike of curiosity in his scent.

"Excellent!" Vince claps his hands together like an overeager seal. "I look forward to seeing you all there. And maybe next time," he adds with a wink in Echo's direction, "you can find somewhere more private to explore our products."

I force a chuckle, though what I really want to do is wipe that smirk off his face with my fist. "We'll keep that in mind."

Finally, mercifully, we make our exit. The cool night air hits us like a blessing after the artificial pheromone soup of the showroom. Echo immediately steps away from me, putting space between us, and I let him. I'm not exactly comfortable with being so up close and personal with people I don't know either, and I'm an alpha who could snap most people in half.

It doesn't feel weird with him, though which is… weird in itself. And not something I want to put too much thought into.

16

JORDAN

My chest tightens and my head spins viciously as I stand in the parking lot, trying to keep my breathing steady.

The cool night air helps clear my head, but I can still feel the ghost of Damon's touch, the warmth of his body pressed against mine.

It's been nine years since an alpha has been that close to me. Nine years of carefully maintained distance, of suppressants and blockers and walls built so high I thought nothing could breach them.

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