Page 15 of The Pack Next Door
Only for him to appear by my side.
“I…”
I couldn’t say a damn thing, even as my throat worked, because the man with the golden eyes picked me up in his arms. The sound of the crowd grew louder, but I barely heard a word as I stared into his eyes.
“I’ve got you.” His voice was so deep and warm. He shook his head slightly, then smiled, a furtive thing that looked like it would disappear as soon as it appeared. Instead, he grinned, his fangs flashing. “Now breathe for me, omega. You can do that, right?”
As if obeying his command, I gasped, my lungs sucking in air greedily. That done, he started to move, taking me right where I needed to be: away from all of this fuss.
The night air was cool on my skin. Probably because I was almost feverish, sweat breaking out across my forehead, my hands shaking when I went to wipe it away. He grabbed my hand and instantly something settled in, which left me with the realisation that I had somehow embarrassed myself again in front of the whole town.
“Gods, I am so sorry…” I looked up at the complete stranger and saw he was still staring at me intently. Thank the gods for the white knight urge alphas had. “I’m Briar.”
I awkwardly offered him my hand and that forced him to set me down on the bonnet of someone’s car.
“Gideon.” He shook his head. “Gideon Whitlock.”
Whitlock. Whitlock… Why was that name familiar? Oh. No.
“Jace’s brother?”
I winced, bracing myself for the answer.
“Yes, he and my brother?—”
“Mads?” I blinked, then looked up at him. “Looks like I’m three for three for embarrassing myself in front of alphas. Please tell me you don’t have any other brothers?”
“No, I?—”
“Well, thanks for the rescue.” I dared a glance over his shoulder and saw everyone was still looking on. “But I think I need to get out of here.”
“I’ll take you.”
Just like that, huh? This Gideon Whitlock seemed very intent on his acts of service. I reached inside, trying to find out what the wolf thought about him, but she just seemed super pleased with herself right now. I wish I felt the same way.
“It’s OK…” I tried to slide off the car, but my legs crumpled and would’ve left me in a heap on the road if Gideon hadn’t swept in to save me. I clasped that very muscular arm and held on tight, unable to work out why my very normal legs were suddenly useless. “I can do it?”
“Let me.”
He seemed so intent on waiting for permission. Those weird gold eyes bore into mine, not even blinking until I finally nodded.
“Um…yeah, sure. I’m staying… right next door to you.”
That seemed to be all he needed. I was whisked over to a very nice looking SUV and placed in the front passenger side seat when Damien approached.
“Briar?” He was stiff legged, his wolf obviously riding him hard. “Are you OK?”
“Just going home.” I waved him, the entire town’s, concern away. “If someone can give Mum?—”
“My brothers will see your mother home,” Gideon said as he turned the ignition on.
“You’re sure you’re alright.” Damien’s eyes narrowed as he took Gideon in. “Briar might not live here anymore, but she still falls under my pack’s protection.”
“I’ll protect her with my life.”
Huh, this Gideon sounded all noble and knightly as he said that, which seemed enough to have Damien nodding.
“We’ll talk later, Briar,” Damien said and I nodded before pulling the car seat belt over me.
