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Another Alpha.

A different one this time. His suit was immaculate, but his tie had been tugged loose and his sleeves rolled up. Dirty blond hair, perfectly tousled. A hint of stubble. He looked like a wall street wolf, all dangerous charm and Alpha authority.

Drew shifted, subtly stepping between us. "Easy, William."

The man—William—smirked. "What? It's nothing but the truth. And she smellsheavenly.She smells likeours."

"No," I choked out, stepping back. "No, no, no. I'm not yours. I don'tbelongto anyone. Not anymore."

But the heat under my skin, the coiling pressure low in my belly, the way my heart kept trying to break its way out of my chest... it all screamed otherwise.

And the worst part?

They were all staring at me like I was prey they'd been hunting for years. And now, finally they'd caught my scent.

I turned and fled.

Through the crowd, passed the confused staff and oblivious guests, straight into the kitchen.

The air inside was thick with steam and spice and the clatter of trays. Sounds I used to cherish and found comforting were suddenly grating on my frayed nerves. At least a dozen staff members moved around the large space, but as I stumbled in, they all froze. I must have looked wild. Sweating, panting, my skin flushed and feverish.

"Cindy?" one of the dishwashers called.

But I didn't stop. I pressed myself into the corner near the industrial sink, wrapping my arms around myself.

Too hot.

Too tight.

Too much.

The door swung open again behind me, and I whirled just as they came in. Drew first. Then Anton—brooding, dark eyed, slightly more intimidating than his brother. William followed, and behind them came another man in a white dress shirt and grey vest. He was the only one who didn't immediately give off crazy Alpha energy.

He moved slower, more cautiously. His hair was neat, brown with a slight curl, and his eyes were warm hazel behind wire-rimmed glasses. He had to be a Beta. Thank the goddess.

"Hi, Cindy? I'm Annerly," he said, his voice gentle and calm. "You must be freaking out right about now, all those emotions and hormones suddenly flooding your body. Can I... A hug would really help ground you right now."

A hug?

No.

I didn't want a damned hug.

I didn't want to be touched at all.

I didn't want any of this to be happening at all.

But my body, my damn traitorous body craved it. My newfound instincts screamed for comfort, for grounding, for safety.

"I..." My voice broke again, hoarse now. "I don't—"

But he was already moving slowly toward me, arms open. "I won't hurt you, I promise."

And stupidly,stupidly, I stepped into him. Just enough for his arms to come around me, careful but firm, like a warm safety blanket.

And for one second, I almost believed I was okay.

Until the scent hit me again. He was saturated in it. In them.