Chapter Fifteen
Mandy
He buried his head between her thighs, devouring her like he was starving and only her slick could nourish him. It was almost as if he didn’t need to breathe…
Shuffling in my beanbag, I try to get comfortable enough to continue writing. I’ve never had this much trouble focusing while trying to write my stories before. But right now, I can’t stop thinking about the way Axel absolutely consumed me yesterday.
His scent is throughout my nest-slash-office combination room, and it’s highly distracting.
Placing my laptop on my side table, I pull out my phone and message Vae.
Mandy
Can’t focus. Want to go shopping?
Vae
Sorry, babe. I can’t today. Is it the Hockey butts?
Mandy
It’s always the hockey butts. Axel’s scent is all over my apartment, including my nest.
Vae
And that’s a bad thing because?
Mandy
It’s distracting.
Vae
You won’t be complaining when your heat arrives.
Mandy
Ugh, you’re right. But I might actually need an allocated office space now.
Vae
No hockey butts allowed.
I tuck my phone into my pocket and rise from my beanbag. Maybe I should call Axel and invite him over? Or maybe Chase?
I check the time and realize they’re both at practice and won’t be finished for a while.
I guess I’m on my own.
Leaving my nest, I grab my handbag, deciding a walk in the fresh air and some good old window shopping might be just what I need.
Locking the apartment door behind me, I head down the elevator, waving goodbye to the doorman as I leave the building. There’s a bookshop a couple of blocks away that stocks debut indie authors, and I haven’t been there in a while.
The sun shines on the side of my face as I walk the busy streets. I inhale deeply; the city air is somehow cool and refreshing despite the people teeming on the sidewalks.
Lust charged with that feeling you get when someone is watching you. I glance around, but there’s no one but Bridget and me in the shop.
I try to shake it off. Since the article in Designation Daily came out, I’ve been getting more attention.
There’s been a few reporters following me, like when I was at the ice-skating rink with Axel.
There’s also been a few reaching out for interviews about my new relationship and new book.
I’ve taken a few of those, and there’s been a few more articles that have been published since.
No one has been hostile—all of it has been positive attention so far—but I’m not used to this level of attention. It’s been a little unsettling.
Taking my books up to Bridget, she scans them through.
“Hey, Mandy. How’s the hockey romance coming along? It’s getting a lot of attention.”
“Isn’t it? I’ve hit a bit of a block, so I’m shopping it out.”
She laughs a genuine, hearty laugh.
“Retail therapy can solve any problem,” she says with a nod, placing my books into a carry bag. “I’ve got to send through an order for some of your backlog. We’re getting low. Your newfound popularity is doing great things for sales.”
I beam at her. Knowing that what I’m doing isn’t only helping me, it’s helping others as well, gives me the warm and fuzzies.
“That’s amazing! Send it through and I’ll get the stock to you asap. Do you want to have release day here again? We probably need to start organizing it soon.”
“I’d love to. I’ll start brainstorming and send you some ideas.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Leaving Lust on the other is a full-length sleeve covered in pink and purple fabric lilacs.
It’s stunning, and I can’t help wishing I had an event to wear it to.
Hesitantly, I reach for the price tag. When I read the figure, I drop the tag like it’s on fire and take a step back.
Proud O is generally affordable, but sometimes they employ well-known designers, and that’s when their prices hike right up. This dress must be from one of those designers.
A little disappointed, I head home, wondering if the release of this book might be worth splurging on that stunning dress.
Right outside my building, I run into Chase standing against the brick wall looking a weird mix of sheepish and defensive. My eyes note the Lust & Lore bag in his hand. Weird coincidence.
“Hey,” I say with confusion. “What are you doing here? I didn’t expect to see you or Axel today. Did we have something planned?”
“No,” he answers stiffly. “I came to check on you. Axel said there’s been a lot of reporters hanging around you. It doesn’t seem safe to leave you unprotected.”
A snort escapes me. “Unprotected? What are they going to do? Flash me to death?”
If I didn’t know better, I’d say Chase is feeling protective and possessive.
“Well, no. But you’re an omega. And becoming well known now. You could be at risk. Any alpha could—”
“Stop right there. I’ve been an omega for far longer than you’ve known I’m an omega. I can take care of myself. Have you been following me?” I ask, my eyes daring to the bookshop bag again.
“Yes, but—”
“No. No buts. Not unless they’re hockey butts.”
Chase’s expression is one of pure confusion, and I can’t help but giggle at his expense.
“Inside joke. Chase, don’t bring this possessive alpha crap into things.”
“I can’t fucking help it, Mandy. I am an alpha. And you’re my mate. My scent match. It’s driving me nuts knowing you’re out here by yourself.”
“Chase, we’ve just started talking again. You haven’t even taken me on a date. You can’t do this.” Who does he think he is?
He steps off the wall, moving into my space.
I have to tilt my head to look up at him.
His size should intimidate, but I find myself weak at the knees and a little breathless at his proximity.
Inhaling, I take in his rich, forest-rain scent before trying to step back.
He doesn’t let me, his hands gripping my hips and holding me where I am.
“Then come on a date with me, Mandy.” There’s no bark, but the dominance rolls off of him in waves and I can’t refuse.
I nod, and he grins.
“Good. Let’s put your things upstairs—I got you the books you put back—and then we’ll go.”
“What? Now?”
“Yes, now. I don’t want to wait any longer.”