Chapter Fourteen
Gy
Bending down, I pick up the small white box on Willow’s porch.
It’s smooth and adorned with a black bow.
No address. It’s strange, and a part of me wonders if Cujo left her a gift.
Dammit. Why didn’t I think of that? Omegas like to be courted.
Holding it in one hand, I raise the other, ready to knock on her door.
For a moment, I hesitate, willing my cock to calm the fuck down because this is neither the time nor the place for the erection tenting my jeans.
The entire ride over here, her scent surrounded me from the way I held her against my cut last night.
It gave me all kinds of ideas. Fantasies.
But first, I need to earn her forgiveness.
Problem is, I don’t fucking apologize. And I’m not even a little sorry. The omega’s going to accept my bite. She’s mine, after all.
But not until she’s willing.
Fortunately, the prospect reminded me of her interest in adopting Bigfoot. She can’t have him; that dog is insane, but there are others, so I’m here to discuss that, and hopefully talk her into a date with my dick.
My hand is lifted, poised to rap on the solid wood door when it swings open, putting me face-to-face with someone who is certainly not Willow.
No, this fucker is a man. The soon-to-be-dead asshole takes one look at my cut, then rolls his eyes toward the heavens.
“Bloody hell. Are all of you Hellbent Hounds trying to stick your dicks in her?” Instead of advancing through the door frame, he crosses his arms over his chest, taking up the entire space. He glares at me, menacingly.
Yeah, buddy. I can get through you, any day, any time.
Part of me considers punching him in the face for the silly attempt to keep me from Willow, but not knowing their connection makes me pause. Laying a beat down on my woman’s brother isn’t a good way to start a courtship.
Better be her damn brother.
“I’m here to talk to Willow about a dog. Not stick my dick in her,” I grunt, the lie tasting bitter in my mouth. If I didn’t want to knot the heck out of this woman, I’d have left the embarrassment of last night in the past.
“Lie. But at least you’re using the front door instead of the window.” The fuck? My hands clench, knuckles popping—who the hell snuck in through the window?
I’m about to ask for more details, but the sweet sound of Willow’s voice halts my tongue.
“Everything okay, Calloway?” Stunning silvery eyes peer out from under his elbow, and I’m blown away. The color is so unique, something niggles at the back of my brain. I’m drawn into their shining depths, unable to look away even though I swear they were brown last night.
Her honeysuckle scent reaches out for me like a string, tying my heart in knots.
“There’s a Hellbent Hound who claims to be here about a dog…
” Calloway’s eyes scan me from head to toe, a frown forming on his lips.
His light pine fresh scent confirms he’s a beta, although a large one.
He’d be easy to take if I needed to, but I’m not here to fight him, just smooth things over with the omega whose scent haunts me.
“Pretty sure he wants something else, though.”
Willow barely conceals her snort of laughter as she tugs on the back of his shirt. The two tussle like friends. His stance gives an overwhelming sense of protectiveness toward the tiny woman.
Even though he is reluctant, she gets her way, pushing to the front and into my line of vision. The stunning, dark-haired omega is wearing nothing but a thin black tank top and a pair of tight, ripped jean shorts that show off her legs, making my mouth water.
Although I have a complete hold of my faculties today, the sight of her soft skin is enough to make my teeth ache.
The taste of her is seared in my memory, and it takes every ounce of restraint I possess to keep my Alpha in check.
There’s no touching without her consent ever again, but the temptation to snatch her up and run is powerful.
“Are you here to chat about the fee for adopting Bigfoot?” I bite my tongue, not wanting to squash the enthusiasm in her eyes.
It’s not safe. The giant mastiff has been nothing but a problem.
Biting, lunging, and being an unhinged menace since I saved him.
I’ve tried everything—he genuinely wants to eat people.
“Well, Puppy told me you wanted him. But I was wondering if we could go to the pet store instead. I’d love to take you to lunch and buy you a proper dog.
One that’s more suitable for an omega.” Willow’s arms cross angrily over her midsection, and her hip juts out as she glares daggers at me.
It’s similar to the look in her eyes right before she zapped me.
Hot. But I’m in trouble.
“And what kind of dog do you approve of for an omega?” Her voice is saccharine sweet, but the burnt tinge to her scent gives away her anger.
“I don’t know. I’m not the omega police. Maybe something little and fluffy.” She purses her lips, tapping a finger against them. She may be irritated, but blood rushes to my cock once again.
A sudden series of chirps makes Calloway jump. He grabs his phone, eyes widening. “Are you all good here, Wills?” He glances between the two of us, unsure whether she’s safe with me. “I have to get back, but I’d gladly escort him off the property first.”
I’d like to see you try.
“Is everything okay?” There’s a heaviness between them I don’t understand, but Calloway whispers something in her ear that makes my woman relax.
“So, staying or going?” he repeats.
Willow gives me a withering stare, but she shakes her head.
“He doesn’t need an escort, Calloway. I’ve got this under control.
” She snaps her fingers three times rapidly and an enormous, hulking dog comes to stand by her side.
The beast bares his teeth at me menacingly.
“Bruce is right here, and I’ve got plenty of… other protection stashed on my body.”
How the heck is that possible? I eyeball her outfit once more. There’s no telltale bulge of a concealed weapon. Not that it matters—I’m no threat to this beautiful omega. My instincts demand that I protect her and give her anything she desires.
“He’s staring at you like he wants to fuck your brains out, Wills,” Calloway states matter-of-factly, glaring me down as he slowly descends the stairs. “No means no, and if you don’t know how to hear those words, I’ll blow an extra hole in your head to make sure you do.”
He stares me down for a moment longer, and I dip my head in acknowledgment. I don’t take what isn’t offered freely. Except you came too damn close last night.
The beta finally leaves, and suddenly I’m left face-to-face with my future. She rests her hand atop the big dog’s head.
“Well, you got one thing right. I do like fluffy dogs.” Bruce growls deep in his throat, testing me. She doesn’t reprimand the mutt, just watches.
Sweat beads along my brow. Taking a step closer, I offer the monster my hand, hoping he doesn’t decide to take the whole thing off as tribute.
The canine’s nose twitches as he catches my scent, eyes darting between his mistress and me.
Bruce waits for her cue to decide whether I’m a threat or a potential friend.
His tail beats once, but otherwise he remains still, ready to attack at the slightest provocation.
“I’m not gonna grab you like last night.” I shrug and wait, knowing it’s up to her how we continue this discussion.
Her eyes rove over me, landing on my face. And what she sees there must convince her, because she lets out a breathy sigh, then steps into her house. Bruce follows immediately, but glances back at me.
“Well, I guess if we’re going to talk about Bigfoot, you might as well come in.” Her voice echoes from inside. And with a deep breath, I follow her in, shutting the door behind me.
The small home smells pleasantly of honeysuckle, making my need for her grow stronger with each passing moment.
Then the faint scent of something else… something familiar seeps through.
Leather and whiskey. The pheromones are light but still detectable, and suddenly I know exactly who the hell snuck through her window. My lips peel back in a snarl.
He might be my brother, but that fucker has some explaining to do.
Cujo may think he’s gonna claim Willow, but I’ll die before I let her go.