Page 18 of Alpha Marked
Bianca whimpered.
River hated scaring her sister, but this was New York, not upstate Connecticut.
Bianca tossed her arms around River's neck and right out of the trajectory of another male who'd been aiming for her. "You're the best sister ever. You always save my ass."
"That's my job." River hugged her back and sniffed her. The alcohol had begun to loosen its grip, but not quick enough. "Why don't we sit for a few minutes, okay?"
Bianca nodded.
River helped her sister to a VIP section.
"I'm thirsty," said Bianca.
"I'll bring you some water."
"With vodka in it?"
River gave her a pointed look.
"Water," Bianca repeated.
River nodded.
The VIP bouncer Kraeger moved to the side and let them through.
"You need anything, River?" he asked.
She shook her head. "We're fine. Thanks."
Kraeger nodded and went back to patrolling the dance floor.
River walked past several smaller VIP sofas to the larger, more private area in the back. She sat Bianca on the sizeable round couch where Lachlan and Zeke talked. Zeke took a giant step over the glass table, separating them to their side of the couch.
"What happened?" He sniffed her.
"Nothing," said Bianca. "River saved me."
Zeke turned to her, and his gaze fiery.
"Just some rogues," River said. "I dealt with them."
Zeke ran his fingers through his hair. "I should have known better than to bring her here. I need to get her somewhere secure."
"Cool down," said River. "You can't lock her up. She's not property. I understand you are upset. As soon as you bond with her, males will keep their distance. Until then, you can't keep her in a vault and not expect her to live her life."
Zeke shook his head. "You don't understand."
"No, I'm pretty sure I do." River crossed her legs, exposing one of the knives.
He glanced at it and then at River.
"Living is dangerous for an unmated female nowadays."
"You can't understand because-"
Lachlan's phone buzzed. "Vanessa says the Boss will be here in a minute."
Zeke nodded to Lachlan. "Stay with them."