Page 32 of Your Wild Omega

Red stands up, spreading her skirts. “It’s true anyone could represent your clothes,” she says, reading my mind. She rests her hands on Zack’s shoulders, reassuring him as she moves out of his direct sight. “But this is about a much bigger story. There must’ve been a point when you were starting out that you took a leap of faith, to get where you are now. Don’t you miss that thrill? And every brand needs an eco-friendly or humanitarian spin.” Her expression turns sly. “I promise I’m going places, Hannah. All three of us are.” She points to Zack and me.

A faint pang of loss runs through me, knowing Callisto should be part of our story, but he opted out. While his silver tongue would have come in handy, it also would be fun having him around to enjoy Red’s shenanigans.

Hannah chuckles as she looks Red up and down. “No wonder you’re a pack; you’re as bold as Rickon.” She runs a hand over her hair and groans faintly. “Fine. I’m a sucker for a pretty face and daring attitude.” She wags a finger in my omega’s face. “I’lltake a bet on you and your alphas, Red Jones. But for pity’s sake, do not wear that dress in a taxi again!” She mutters in disgust as she goes to the door and calls for one of her staff. “Let’s find you something else to wear.”

Red flashes me a triumphant grin, her cheeks rounding with the wideness of her smile. “That sounds wonderful.”

I clench my fists together on the table, silently celebrating. Zack twitches and cranes to look up at Red, no doubt experiencing her joy washing through him. Damn, I’m so jealous of their connection.

I open the door, watching as Red lifts her skirt to get around the table and chairs. The move reveals scuffed tennis shoes under the gauzy layers, and I stifle a laugh.

She catches my snicker and rolls her eyes. “Not really sure how to walk in heels with all this skirt.”

As she passes me, I pull her close and kiss her cheek, whispering, “One step at a time.”

“Ha-ha,” she replies, mocking my joke, but her sensual mouth turns up with genuine warmth.

As I offer her my lips, Zack snaps to full alert, his vicious growl sending a shiver down my spine. He spins and lunges past us, gaze locked on something through the store’s front doors. Time seems to slow as I lurch desperately forward to grab him but miss. The leash drags off Red’s wrist as the alpha jerks away.

Red hisses with pain. Then her eyes fly wide with alarm. “Stop, Zack!” she yells.

“Grab him!” I cry, trusting our OCB escort more than Zack’s training.

But Zack’s faster than I could imagine, and like a beam of light, he shoots out through the front door, roaring an animalistic challenge.

I turn and give chase.

Chapter thirteen

Zack

The Beyond is bigger than I can wrap my thoughts around. It’s full of more beings and scents and noises than all the caves I’ve stayed in until now combined. The sheer size makes my head hurt and leaves me feeling small. Those prickly sensations settle whenever Mine touches me, but if she’s out of sight, a warning chill walks all over my skin.

At the den that seems to be ours, the threats are minimal, but out in this Beyond, I have so much to protect her from.

Which is why, the moment I spotted the strange, four-legged beast, I couldn’t ignore the danger. As a new being opened the doorway to the blue Beyond, this hairy creature turned and looked through the barrier between us. It may be half my size, but sharp fangs line its open mouth, and the drool spilling from black lips proves the creature’s violent hunger.

I must protect Mine.

And White Mine.

I’ve fought my entire life, but now I have something to protect. If my mate has claimed this territory, then it belongs to us and I’ll fight any challenger to keep her safe.

The alphas in matching blue clothes lunge for me. I always suspected they were threats, just biding their time. I snarl at the first man, who’s too slow, and kick the second, catching him squarely in his belly. Just missed the spot that makes a man fold in half, but he still staggers back with a pained grunt. A ripping sound comes from my clothes and the restrictive tightness eases.

I fling myself out into the bright light, roaring at the beast who dared set eyes on my ohm. A bitter taste floods through my chest, where new sensations have flickered ever since I claimed her.

The four-legged, hairy being trips over itself trying to face me, and I skid to a halt as I notice the chain running from its thick neck to a female’s hand—the same kind of chain I wear.

The connected woman screams at me, but I ignore her because she’s not a threat. This beast is. It recognizes the challenge with a growl and moves in front of the female, posturing up.

I lunge forward with a fierce snarl but then jolt as arms close around me from behind. Faster than I can react, a hand wraps around my neck, tilting my head back. Fury pounds fiercely in my chest. I’ll kill whoever dared—

The sweet scent of the delicious treats Mine’s been feeding me fills my nose.

“Stop, Zack,” White Mine says beside my ear, the words loaded with desperation. “Please stop. We’re safe. You’re safe. Sit.” His grip tightens around my neck and chest.

I freeze, quivering with instinct. I’m sure I could break his grip, but he seems taller against my back right now. Is today the day I challenge White Mine? Should I take care of him first before dealing with this other threat?