Page 12 of Alphas Like Us
I’m going to be a bodyguard, wolfscout.
The truth weighs inside of me, and as I get ready to leave, I recognize how much is about to be leftunsaid.
1
FARROW KEENE
PRESENT DAY
“He’s going to throw a punch,”Oscar Oliveira says, observing my hot-blooded, twenty-two-year-oldboyfriend.
I watch the same scene from the same vantage point asOscar.
All six of us in Security Force Omega “guard” the double-door entrance of the Philadelphia Orchestra Hall. Two thousand of the richest fuckers I’ve ever seen fill scarlet velveteen seats. The main level and balcony tiers are packed tight, and a string quartet plays a classical piece on stage, ruby curtains drawnopen.
Tucked up against the left-side emergency exit, my boyfriend looks ready tocombust.
Maximoff speaks hushed, but his brows furrow and he gesticulates madly. Inching closer and closer to the uppity suit-and-tie organizer of tonight’s “unprecedented”event.
I slowly chew my gum, arms loosely crossed. But I hardly blink. Iwatch.
And the forty-something organizer with Gucci shoes and glaringly white teeth visibly steps towardsMaximoff.
In anaffront.
My arms drop, instinct about to propel me down the leftaisle—
“Farrow.” My name is spoken in awarning.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Akara Kitsuwon, the Omegalead.
“Farrow,” he repeats, his friendly expression now strict. Reminding me not to leave my position. His tailor-fit black Hugo Boss suit is identical to all ofsecurity.
Not exactly my style. I shrugged off the required suit jacket an hour ago. What remains: a black button-down tucked in black slacks. I run my thumb over my silver lip piercing and eye myboyfriend.
I can’t fall back in lineyet.
Maximoff grows more incensed, his eyes flamed and body bowed forward with fervor. Like if he tries hard enough, he can mold the lopsided worldupright.
I want to be beside him. To ease him back, to hold him. Cool him off. Even if his fuse has been justifiably cut shorttonight.
Never did I think we’d end up here, just two weeks after I detained Maximoff’s stalker, who turned out to be Jane’s friends-with-benefits. I comb a hand through my dyed black hair, and I restrain myself from rushing tohim.
See, I’m still the 24/7 bodyguard to Maximoff Hale, but I’m not supposed to protect him at this specificevent.
Securityrules.
And we all know how I feel aboutrules.
Behind me, the double door cracks open, and six heads turn. Mineincluded.
Oscar grasps the handle, widening the door for…a server in a tux. He balances a tray of champagne and descends theaisle.
Oscar lets his annoyance cross his face as he lets go of the handle, the heavy door closing itself. “It’s official,” hesays.
I pop a bubble and tilt my head to the oldest Omega bodyguard, and also, one of my longest friends. “You’ve been demoted to a doorman,” I finish histhought.
“Not just me,Redford.”
