Page 55 of Knot Beneath the Mistletoe

We move through the building quickly. Her scent is stronger, and already I notice a few Alphas turning our way from around the main foyer, where someone’s playing a piano, while others are sitting around on lounges, enjoying a drink. My grip on her tightens instinctively. They can look all they want, but if any of them make a move, I’ll tear them apart. Not that I want Ruby to see that side of me. Not yet.

The cold air hits us as we step outside, and I’m hurrying her toward my car when I spot someone approaching. Male. Alpha. My body moves on instinct, stepping between them, blocking his path to Ruby.

“Keep moving if you know what’s good for you,” I growl.

“Marcus?” Ruby’s voice is sharp with disbelief. “What the fuck? Are you following me?”

Marcus. The piece of shit cousin Garrett and Dominic warned me about. The one trying to steal her bar.

“Well, well,” he sneers, his gaze flicking between us. “You’re not wasting any time sleeping withallthe Alphas, are you? I can smell your desperation. Revolting.” His lip curls. “Just like your mother.”

“Leave now, and we won’t have any trouble.” My voice is calm, but there’s a lethal edge to it. Marcus stands slightly shorter than me, but the guy carries himself like he’s fucking royalty, all designer clothes and entitled sneer.

“Ruby,” Marcus says, ignoring me completely. “Didn’t expect to find you here. Bit above your... pay grade, isn’t it?” His eyes rake over her dress with disdain.

“Just leave us alone, okay?” Ruby’s voice is steady, but I can smell the anxiety rolling off her.

“You’re brave now, aren’t you?” Marcus laughs, the sound sharp and ugly. “Found yourself a guard dog to hide behind?” He steps closer, and my muscles coil tight. “Tell me, does he know what a waste of space you are? How you’re running that bar into the ground?”

“Back off,” I growl. “Final warning.”

“Enjoy it while you can, Ruby. Won’t be long before you have nothing left.” His lip curls in disgust. “Though I suppose whores like you always find a way to survive.”

My fist connects with his face before he can finish the sentence. He goes down hard, and I’m on him in an instant, fisting his shirt.

“You piece of shit. I see you near her ever again, I’ll rip your spine out and shove it up your ass. Understand?”

He laughs, blood trickling from his nose, and I’ve never wanted to kill someone more.

“Knox, please.” Ruby’s tugging at my arm. “Let’s go. Don’t waste your time on him.”

Marcus spits something vile as we leave, and it takes everything in me not to turn back and finish what I started.

“Don’t,” Ruby says softly. “He only creates havoc for any Alpha I’m with. He’ll try to make your life hell.”

I pull her close, glancing back to see Marcus stumbling inside, clutching his bleeding face. My only regret is not hitting him harder.

Ruby suddenly draws away, looking around carefully. “No cameras out here, by the looks of it.”

“Never been any, as far as I know.” I scan the area, curious. “Why?”

She holds out her hand. “Car keys?”

I hand them over without hesitation, watching as she heads straight for a gleaming Mercedes parked nearby. She drags my key along the entire length of the car, then back again with deep gouges. Both sides.

“I approve,” I state when she returns, and we rush to my car.

“Good, because you’re now my accomplice.”

“Delighted to be.” I get her settled in the passenger seat and climb in myself, cranking up the heat. “I won’t let that piece of trash ever harm you again.”

Her shoulders slump, and she stares out the window. My chest aches at the sight.

“Talk to me,” I urge softly. “What’s going on?”

“Marcus is a monster. I hate that I’m related to him in any way.”

“He comes near you again, I’ll do worse than bloody his nose.” The words come out as a growl. “No one talks to you like that. No one hurts what’s mine.”

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