Chapter 12

Twelve

RYDER

I tried to remain cordial and professional with Lacy this morning.

We were getting into dangerous territory, especially after last night. But now, with her hand in mine and her beautiful scent overwhelming me- I obviously did a lousy job since she was here now, standing before me, angry and in pain.

"I can handle it," she gritted out.

She winced as I pulled the paper towel off.

"I'm going to cool your wound with my tongue," I assured her, pressing my tongue against the palm of her hand. I watched her wince in pain again as I licked the angry scar on her palm. Her scent made my soul come alive. Her very essence intoxicated me, and the intimate act caused all the blood flow to go down to my groin.

I gazed at her, studying her flushed face. She looked unsure, but the smell between her legs signaled to me that she was aroused. Her ever-sweet ginger scent that she was afraid of. It was the cutest thing.

"I only found bandages," said Lucas, rushing back into the kitchen with the box in his hands.

"The worst of it is over," I said, peeling a bandage and gently pressing it onto her palm. "How do you feel, Lacy?"

"It's okay," she said, her eyes on the shattered glass in the sink.

"I'll take care of the rest of it," I assured her, and she nodded, hesitantly pulling her soft hand from mine.

"Thank you," she said, still not looking at me in the eyes. She was still angry at me, but it was for the best. We couldn't get entangled like this for her safety. When she walked away, I watched her cute bottom swinging in front of me as she walked seductively upstairs.

"You need to be more patient with her," commented Lucas, looking at me sideways. He had seen me checking her out. Besides Ethan, I had known Lucas the longest. He was quiet, but he was observant and kept to himself. Loyal to the pack and never spilled any secrets.

"You're right, Lucas," I said. "It's becoming tougher to control myself being around her."

"I can barely talk around her," said Lucas. "All I think about is knotting the fuck out of her."

"You never talk, Lucas," joked Ethan, strolling into the kitchen and combing his beard with his fingers. I cleaned up the rest of the glass and rinsed off the sink for Lacy. I didn't want her hurting herself again.

"The outdoor wedding sounds like it'll be fun," said Adrian, also joining us.

"Did you say outdoors?" I asked as I dried my hands with a towel. This wasn't good. An outdoor event was not safe at all. I imagined her on stage…if someone shot her, I would never forgive myself. The stark image of blood blossoming over her white blazer struck fear in my heart for her.

We still hadn't caught the jackass following her around yet. It wasn't safe.

"Yes, I looked into the event," said Adrian. "Do you think she'll let us dance with her? I want to hold her in my arms so fucking bad."

"No, that can't happen," I said. My chest pumped furiously as I paced the kitchen. Memories of the last omega I've ever had to guard years ago flashed through me, making me sick.

"Dude, she's going to hate you so bad," said Adrian.

"Don't do it, Ryder," said Ethan. "She'll fucking fire us."

"No. The contract states that if we deem her safety is at risk, then we have the right to hold her back from events like this," I explained. "If she doesn't comply, she'll be barred from hiring anyone from our company."

"Shit, she's gonna be pissed," said Adrian, shaking his head. "Good luck."

"Thanks, I could use it," I said, listening to her singing loudly in the shower. We all quieted down to listen to her beautiful, melodic voice that put us all in a trance. If an omega's scent captivated me, her voice pulled me even more.

I had no idea how she would take the news.

I hoped she wouldn't fire us and risk her life in the process. And she was a fiery, strong-headed omega on top of that, so I had no idea what to expect.