Page 55 of Bonded By Christmas
“I think I had a heat spike, maybe?” I grimace, and my shoulders bounce. “I’m pretty sure that’s what happened. One second, I was fine. A little itchy and annoyed, but the next?” A whoosh leaves my lips. “It was crazy. It came out of nowhere. I was so hot, then the cramps started. It was a lot.”
“Callum took good care of you, though,” he says, tilting my chin until he can see the bite. “He’ll be a good partner. He might pretend not to give a shit about anyone or anything, but he notices everything. He’ll attune himself to your needs.”
I’m just about to assure Grim that he’s also going to be a good mate when the middle door on the wall behind the couch opens.
A stunning woman with long, wavy dark hair, light hazel eyes, and curves for days stumbles out the doorway. She’s in a silky black dress, red-bottom heels, and a dark gray overcoat. She’s only kept from face-planting by someone’s hands landing on her hips.
“Jesus, Ness,” Wilder says, catching her and pulling her up as he follows her out the door. As soon as she’s standing on her own, he releases her.
My eyes narrow, and I’m surprised I don’t hiss like an angry cat. The woman is unfamiliar to me, and I hated seeing Wilder touch her, even if it was only for a split second to keep her from falling.
Okay.
It could be that my instincts are out of control after that heat spike I had, or maybe I’m an asshole. I actually would have preferred to see her fall than to have to witness Wilder touching her.
Jesus.
I’ve always heard omegas are territorial when it comes to their chosen alphas, but I never expected it to be this extreme.
The woman spins around, patting Wilder’s cheek. “Always such a gentleman. Thanks, Wilder.”
“Okay, it’s time for you to take your hands off my alpha.” I scramble off Grim’s lap.
Where is Callum when I need to borrow a knife?
That lady wouldn’t be able to cradle Wilder’s cheek if I sliced off both hands…
Whoa.
Yeah, I might be losing it a little bit.
I make it to the edge of the love seat before Grim stands and grabs my hips.
“That’s Vanessa Chapman. She’s here because Wilder is negotiating hermarriage contract.” Grim pats my stomach and releases me. “To someone other than him, if that needs clarifying.”
Wilder pulls her hand from his face and frowns. “Next time we have an appointment, bring your ass in sober or don’t bother showing up at all.” He shakes his head and strides across the room, his face softening as his eyes meet mine. “Hey, beautiful. It’s good to see your face. I missed you.”
Two unknown men stream out of the open door once Wilder is no longer blocking it, but I’m more distracted by Wilder.
Based on what Grim said, he doesn’t know Callum and I bonded.
“I missed you too,” I admit as Vanessa argues with the men in hushed whispers.
“Callum and I need to run out and handle something,” Grim says from behind me. “Why don’t we get Lacey settled in your office?”
My face wrinkles.
Annoyance comes first, mostly because I don’t like the thought of being left out, but that’s silly. I really don’t want to know every detail of what they’re doing. It’ll only make me worry.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Wilder
My day started so perfectly, only for it to go to shit in meetings, but it’s looking up again.
Callum and Grim fill me in on their concerns that the men from last night might be part of an organization or have friends who are looking for them. There’s also the added complication of one of Lacey’s friends possibly being a target. That’s only compounded by the fact the woman has a young son. In general, I try not to concern myself with the problems of others, but I’m not completely heartless.
It will cost me very little to ensure she has someone keeping watch over her, and if all goes to plan, it will only endear Lacey to me even further. I’ll do it either way because it’s the right call ethically, but I’m not above casually mentioning it to my sweet stepsister in hopes it allows her to see another side of me.
