Page 23 of Alpha Ruined

“Besides,” he adds, sensing her reluctance, “we could discuss your article, if you want. If you need someone to bounce ideas off of,” he says.

His eyes soften, and the enticing waft of his scent makes her mouth water.

It’s what makes her nod.

“Okay,” she says, smiling lightly. “If you insist.”

“Oh, I definitely do,” he purrs. His scent intensifies, and a delicious chill runs down her spine.

“We have reservations tomorrow at eight in Elmwood,” he adds, and her eyes widen.

“Sorry—what? You already made the reservation?”

“Of course,” he says. “I made it after we met this morning.”

Alarm bells blare in her head, louder than the ones in the prison.

“And what if I had said no?”

He chuckles. “You tried to, and it didn’t work, did it?”

She gapes at him. He just shrugs.

No Alpha has ever paid her this much attention. Sure, she’s been asked out before, but she was never coerced into having dinner with someone.

She imagines her mother would be thrilled.

And judging by the way Darlene is waggling her eyebrows from the counter, Bree’s pretty sure the barista is, too.

“I heard Elmwood just had two gruesome murders,” she says. “I don’t know if it’s safe.”

There’s a pause, then he clenches his jaw.

“Do you really think I’d let anything happen to you?” he asks softly, a shadow crossing his features.

I don’t know. You give me emotional whiplash.

She shakes her head. “I just?—”

“No one will hurt you, as long as you’re with me.No one,” he growls. His scent grows spicy with intensity, delicious and terrifying.

She shivers, struck by his sudden mood change. “Great,” she says.

Despite her fear, a part of her is delighted with his possessiveness.

Her inner Omega purrs like a cat, pleased that she’s found someone that wants to protect her.

“So. We’re agreed, then,” Cole says. “Dinner, tomorrow.”

She nods. “Sure.”

“And don’t even think about paying,” he adds, the mischief returning to his face. “Unfortunately, I didn’t reach the café in time to cover your lunch, but Darlene knows that everything you purchase is under my card now.”

Her heart skips a beat. “Why would you do that?” she demands, half flattered, half appalled.

“Why not?” He tilts his head slightly. “You’re out here by yourself, doing great journalism. The least someone could do for you is cover your meals while you’re here.”

She can’t tell if he’s mocking her, and it infuriates her. “I’m perfectly capable of paying for my own food,” she snaps.