Page 147 of Defiant Beta

“What’s wrong?” Alarm races down my spine.

“I think you’ve been made.”

“Who?”

He whispers a quick description.

“Shit. Vincent will pull me out of here, Kylian. He’s a politician. He’ll use big words and confuse me.” I’m being dramatic, and from Kylian’s grin, he knows it. “Can you distract him for a bit? Buy me some time to get to the science building?”

“What are you doing in the science building?”

“I’ll tell you after,” I promise.

If I can avoid blowing myself up in the process.

He gives me a warning look. “Ten minutes, then I’m coming to find you. If this place is the hell you told me it is, you shouldn’t be wandering around on your own.”

We separate, and when I go one way, ducking around a group of chatting omegas, he goes the other.

I’m nearly at the door when a blond alpha steps into my path, cutting off my exit. His smirk is arrogant, and he smells like a cinnamon waffle with a little too much cinnamon.

From the edge of my vision, I spot Cian in one corner, his dark green eyes narrowed on the blond alpha blocking my escape. He’s working his way toward me as I turn to face the blond alpha.

Kylian wasn’t joking when he said he and Cian had my back.

“Hey, gorgeous.” The alpha flashes perfect white teeth at me.

“You’re in my way.” I side-step him.

He mirrors me, continuing to block me. “We’re going to dance.”

“No, thanks.”

“I wasn’t asking.” His expression hardens.

“Sure.” I smile as I step up to him.

He’s reaching for my hand when I drive my knee between his legs. He grunts, face white, cupping himself as he sinks to his knees.

I say into his ear, “Next time a lady says no,listen. It’ll be less painful for you.”

A hot stare penetrates my back so intensely that I automatically turn, seeking my observer.

My gaze clashes with Levi across the room.

It’s wishful thinking to hope that he won’t see me.

His brow furrowed in a frown, he lowers his champagne flute. As he plunges into the crowd on the dance floor, I whip around, grip the skirt of my dress, and bolt from the room.

Chapter 43

Levi

“She’s here,”I whisper as Della, beautiful in a dark green velvet dress, sprints from the room.

I tell myself it can’t be her, but an excited energy pulses in my chest.

I wouldn’t be having a reaction like this to anyone else.

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