Page 18 of A Knotty Road Trip

I’ve noticed she’s jumpy at times.

As I clear my throat she pauses. “Listen, Belle, I’m sorry for being an ass. I’m known to be an alphahole, and you didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Please come with us to the hotel. It’s safer, and it’s only for a night.”

“Thanks, Tate, but no, I’m okay here. You guys have a nice night, or morning. It was lovely to meet you,” she says, glancing over her shoulder toward me.

Crouching down, I kneel next to her and place my hand on hers, stopping her excessive blanket fluffing. “I can’t in good conscience leave you here. So, please. You can have your own room. A locked door if that makes you feel more secure.”

“I really am tired… and starving… If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure and also hungry. So let's get your things together and go.”

After her things are back in her bag and she’s giving them to an attendant to bring to the room, Angel comes over with Beck.

As we turn to leave, that man appears and he’s angry. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, little omega slut?”

“Exfuckincuseme,” Angel spits out, sliding Belle behind him and stepping into that man’s face. “I don’t give a flying fuck who you work for, but you do not ever call a woman a slut!” he growls, and I nod along with him.

The man starts to laugh and thrusts his phone out toward Belle. “Your daddy wants to have a chat. Girl, you’re in trouble,” he coos with a grin, and I can see some of his teeth are rotted.

Belle steps back, her face turning white, and her hands begin to shake. She looks scared. Beck growls, moving closer to her.

Angel takes his phone and chucks it down the hall. “Get the fuck out of our faces before I ruin yours. Not that it would look much different.”

The man prepares himself to fight, but it’s pointless. Three against one and not only do we train in MMA on the regular, Beck has been taking Jiu Jitsu for years.

The attendant in the suit returns just in time with a few security guards. His tie is crooked, and he has a red imprint on his cheek.

“Arrest that man. Put him in a holding cell. I am so sorry, Pack Baron, he escaped the room we had him contained in and attacked us. Let’s get you guys to the hotel so you may rest. In the morning, or afternoon, I wouldn’t blame you if you’d like to sleep in, we will arrange alternate travel arrangements for you.”

“We will also need some food as ours is cold now,” I say and he nods.

“Anything you need, just let someone know. You have a personal concierge.”

“Where are my boots?” Belle mumbles softly.

“Oh, I’m sorry, miss, they must have been taken to your room, but don’t you fret, we will carry you.” He snaps his fingers, and I shift in the way.

“Hop on. I’ll give you a lift,” I say and she laughs, shaking her head.

“No, that’s silly. I will just walk. These socks need to be trashed anyway.”

“I’m not going to bite you, Belle, and I have been told I give awesome rides.”

“Really?” She double checks, and I can see her eyes are sparkling with mirth, but also a little excitement.

Beck groans and starts walking quickly following the man. I nod, and she laughs once more. It sounds like tinkling bells. Angel moves over and lifts her onto my back and she squeals, gripping me tight.

“I’ve never had a piggy-back ride before. Thank you, Tate,” she whispers close to my ear, and I grunt.

I kinda like this little omega riding me.

CHAPTER SIX

BELLE

Am I insane to be staying in a hotel suite alone with strangers? Alpha strangers at that? I wish it wasn't past three in the morning. I need Stetson's advice.

As we leave the airport, I can feel someone watching me, and I know that my father is going to punish me for this.

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