Page 22 of The Alpha's Runaway Mate
I breathe out, let the red drain, and turn to Jessica.
I pull her to me, arm wrapped around her waist. “You’re supposed to be sleeping,” I say, but it comes out gruffer than I mean it to.
She lifts a shoulder, contrite and stubborn in one move. “I woke up to your note.” Her mouth twitches. “I don’t have a phone.”
Right. I left a number for a woman with no cell. Ten out of ten, Alpha of the Year. “Okay,” I say. “We’re fixing that tomorrow.”
“I figured if I couldn’t call, I could come here.” She glances around, taking in the crowd, then looks back at me like the restof the room doesn’t exist. “You said not to stop for anything, so… I didn’t.”
The knot between my shoulders loosens. “Good.”
Behind me, I feel Kolt and Xander clock her scent and my stance, and the click of realization is so loud I don’t need to turn. They approach like smart men approach a bomb. Slow. Visible hands. Light voices.
“Hi,” Kolt says first, as easy as a summer afternoon. “I’m the handsome one. He’s the responsible one.” He tips his chin toward Xander.
Xander doesn’t blink. “He can’t read a map.”
Kolt grins at Jessica. “I can read a vibe, though and yours says ‘save me from my bossy mate.’”
Jessica blinks, then lets out a surprised laugh. “Is that what it says?”
“Loud and clear.” Kolt nods solemnly. “Also says you haven’t eaten enough in the last twenty-four hours, which is a felony in this family.”
“Don’t encourage him,” Xander says to her, deadpan. “He’ll start meal-prepping labeled containers and calling it enrichment.”
Kolt mutters to me. “We have to get her a phone. Or a carrier pigeon. Preferably one that bites.”
“Both,” I say. “Sit.” I guide Jessica to the back corner booth with the best sightlines in the building. She slides in, and the bond hums,good job.I plant my palm on the table and lean closeenough that only she hears me. “If anyone touches you in here, I handle it. No arguing.”
Her mouth quirks. “Yes, Alpha.”
I give her a look that sayswe’ll revisit that in privateand straighten as my brothers sit.
Ezra materializes with soda and a plate of fries like he’s psychic. Kolt immediately drags the plate toward Jessica and nudges it at her with two fingers. “Doctor’s orders,” he says. “I’m the doctor.”
“You’re not a doctor,” Xander says.
“I have stickers,” Kolt counters. “Same difference.”
Jessica picks up a fry, still wary but loosening despite herself. “Thanks.”
“Welcome to Snarl.” Kolt sweeps a hand at the chaos. “Where we serve food, drinks, and unsolicited Doyle opinions.”
“I’ve noticed,” she says, side-eyeing me, then laughs.
Xander studies her, assessing without making her feel cornered. “How’d you get here?”
“Drove,” she says, a shade defensive.
“Ex-military,” Kolt explains to her, gesturing at Xander. “He likes exits and covers.” He taps his own chest. “I like snacks and vibes.”
Jessica looks between us, the weight of this new world settling on her shoulders without breaking her. “Your brothers are… not what I expected.”
“Terrible?” Kolt offers.
“Loud?” Xander adds.
“Actually kind of comforting,” she admits, like the words surprise her.
