Page 10 of Alpha's Touch
“I didn’t say anything.” Vaughn chuckled and took a swig from his own bottle.
Zeppelin ignored him, watching his mate work. Preston’s hands still shook slightly when he poured shots, but there was a rhythm to his movements that hadn’t been there before. When he laughed at something a customer said, his entire face transformed, lighting up with genuine amusement.
That’s right, baby. Own the moment.
When Preston bent to grab a bottle from the lower shelf, his shirt rode up just enough to expose a strip of pale skin at his lower back. Zeppelin’s mouth went dry at the sight.
“You’re staring again,” Vaughn commented.
“And you’re still talking,” Zeppelin countered, captivated by the way Preston’s hands moved, quick and nimble as he lined up shot glasses for a group of college kids. The human’s tongue poked out slightly between his lips as he poured, careful not to spill a drop. When he finished, he gave a small, satisfied nod before moving on to the next order.
Time stretched as Zeppelin watched Preston work. His mate grew more comfortable behind the bar with each passing hour, laughing more freely, moving with more purpose. It was like watching someone slowly reveal their true self, and Zeppelin couldn’t look away.
The rest of his pack had filtered out gradually, some with nods in his direction. Only Vaughn remained, loyal as always, though Zeppelin had told him twice he could go.
“Last call!” Ash shouted over the music, which had been turned down to a more reasonable level. “Drink up or get out!”
Vaughn stood and stretched.
“You heading out?” Zeppelin asked.
“Yeah. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” He clapped a hand on Zeppelin’s shoulder. “Just remember, humans break easily.”
After Vaughn left, Zeppelin moved to the bar, claiming a stool as the remaining patrons settled their tabs. Preston approached, wiping his hands on a bar towel, a sheen of sweat making his forehead glisten under the lights.
“Offer still stands,” Zeppelin said, leaning forward on his elbows. “Ride home. No strings.”
Preston’s smile faltered, a strand of hair falling across his forehead. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“It’s late.” Zeppelin gestured toward the windows where darkness pressed against the glass. “And you didn’t drive here.”
For the past two weeks they’d had problems with a particular group of vampires. There had been five of them who’d thought it would be fun to snack on the residents. They’d killed one of their victims, and Zeppelin was determined not to let another one die.
As soon as he found the remaining three, they would join their buddies.
Preston hesitated, glancing at Ash, who was busy cashing out the register. “I can walk. It’s not far.”
“It’s almost two in the morning.” Zeppelin kept his voice casual, though the thought of Preston walking alone at this hour made his wolf bristle. “Let me take you home. Just a ride.”
After a moment of indecision, Preston sighed. “Fine. Let me help clean up first.”
Zeppelin honestly thought his mate would fight him on this, but was glad he’d given in. Preston felt the pull. All night he’d constantly looked Zeppelin’s way and gravitated toward him whenever they were close. His wolf was howling to claim Preston, but Zeppelin knew he had to take things slow.
Not only was his mate human, but someone had also shattered his trust.
Zeppelin nodded, settling in to wait as Preston joined Ash and Terry in their closing routine. He watched as his mate gathered empty glasses, wiped down tables, and swept the floor.
Every few minutes, Terry would pause, his gaze lingering on Preston as Zeppelin’s mate bent to collect discarded napkins or stretched to reach a forgotten glass.
Terry kept finding reasons to brush past Preston, their shoulders touching more times than necessary. Each time, the man would lean in close, saying something that made Preston smile politely but step away.
The barback’s interest was obvious, and possessiveness stirred in Zeppelin’s gut. Terry was human, harmless in the grand scheme of things, but the way he looked at Preston made Zeppelin want to turn him into a chew toy.
“All set,” Preston announced finally, untying his apron. “Just let me grab my jacket from the back.”
Zeppelin nodded, eyes tracking Terry as the man watched Preston walk away. The barback caught Zeppelin staring and quickly looked down, busying himself with wiping an already clean section of the bar.
Smart move.
