Page 57 of Sweet Heat

“Hey, sweet girl,” I crow, dropping my bag and opening my arms. She doesn’t hesitate, stepping into me as though she’s always been there. The second my arms surround her, a base part of me calms, instantly soothed by the nearness of my omega. Hercotton candy scent swirls around us, making my heart squeeze with joy.

I’ve never had anyone waiting for me after a game before. Yeah, Willie has met us here a few times with Posie by his side. But this is completely different.

This time, she’s here as my girl. My omega. My mate.

And it means more than anything. My parents never got a chance to be here… The loneliness I didn’t realize I was carrying hits me, and I swallow hard to shake off the emotion. But it’s her pretty chocolate eyes that pull me through. Unable to wait another second, I smash my lips on hers, groaning with delight as her mouth opens, allowing her flavor to burst on my tongue. Fresh sugar. Heaven.

“Absolutely. Fucking. NOT,” Owen roars from behind me seconds before grabbing my hair and ripping my head back to break the kiss. Letting go of Posie, I whirl toward the threat, keeping her behind me.

He may be her brother, but he’ll have to go through me to get to her.

Red clouds my vision, the hair on my body stands on end, and a feral growl rolls from my throat, thundering through the open space.

It’s a call to arms, a veritable throwing down of the gauntlet, and I wouldn’t take it back even if I could. Posie’s mine, dammit, and it’s time the whole fucking world knows.

“You sick fuck, she’s a child,” he shouts, rushing me. Springing onto my toes, I knock him wide with a quick jab. I keep my guard up, moving to maintain my position between Posie and the other Alpha.

Owen comes flying back, fist cocked, not protecting himself in the least. I know his father taught him better than that, but I take advantage of it anyway, stepping into his space and landing a hard uppercut to his jaw.

My best friend’s head snaps back, blood leaking from his lip, chest heaving. He circles us, and I move with him, never far from my cotton candy Puff.

“Let’s go, Posie,” Owen barks, holding out his hand. Her face whitens, and I pull her back when she’s forced to take a step in his direction. “He’s not right for you.”

“You don’t bark at my omega,” I shout, lunging for him. My fists land true, smashing into his abdomen until the air gusts from his lungs. It breaks the compulsion. Cocking my arm back, I can’t control myself as I strike him over and over. The scent of cotton candy turns burned, and I hate it.

“Miller, stop. You have to stop,” Posie yelps, and the anguish in her voice has my Alpha responding.

End the threat. Care for our omega.

A soft hand touches my back, and the muscles relax, recognizing my omega instantly. That momentary lapse of focus, a pause in us trying to kill each other, allows Crimson and Damien to separate us and drag Owen away.

He never stops yelling his bullshit, but it doesn’t matter. Getting my girl away from this mess is the only thing I care about.

“Owen, please understand,” she begs, and my rage flares again. Posie should never have to beg anyone for anything. “We love each other.”

“You have no idea what that means, sis. You’ve never even dated. He’s taking advantage of you,” Owen shouts, using hisbulk to attempt to shake his packmates off again. Hauling Posie against me, I turn us. It’s time to get the fuck out of here as quickly as possible. The distressed pheromones rolling off my omega make me want to murder anyone who gets in our way, and though I try to leash my fury, it’s only a matter of time before I do something we’ll all regret.

No matter what, Owen is still her family. My former best friend… but always my future brother-in-law.

Even though I’m ready to leave, Posie is rooted to the spot, her legs locked and eyes glaring at the Pack Moore Alpha. Guess I’m not the only one who’s angry.

“You need to get it through your thick skull that I’m an adult. Miller would never do that. And by the way, not like you care, but we’re scent-matched,” she bites out sharply. Sliding her hand into mine, Posie fuses our fingers and tugs us toward the exit.

Good with me.

My strides eat up the distance, and we both rush out, ready to get away from this place. But there’s no stopping Owen’s final barb from hitting home.

“There’s no way he can be. You can’t even smell, Posie.” His shouting makes the crowd behind us gasp, but my sweet omega doesn’t look back, pulling me harder toward the parking lot. Completely in sync, we shove open the doors and step out into the fresh air. The scents of grass, dirt, and even car exhausts help me regain control, blowing the Alpha pheromones away with the breeze.

“Think we should tell him I can’t smell… but I can taste?” Posie asks, amusement crinkling her eyes. Our linked fingers feel soright as we leave the scene behind. A united front within the storm.

“Oh jeez,” I choke, blowing out a breath. “I think he might kill me.” Her joke does what it intended, though, popping the bubble of anger and allowing light to shine through. My heart slows to a more normal pace, and I squeeze her hand to let her know I’m all right.

“Nah. You could take him.” And I love her faith in me, but I’m eternally grateful that it hasn’t come to that… yet. Owen needs to accept this, and so do her parents.

Her parents. Fuck.

“Do you think we should tell your folks now that it’s out there?” I ask, wishing I’d had the opportunity to do it in person—respectfully, like I’d planned. Guiding her to the SUV, I use my other hand to unlock it. “Do you want to drive?”

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