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Despite the short notice, I managed to make myself look somewhat presentable as I grabbed my bag and laptop before heading down the stairwell to the street. I could always use the time once Joey was asleep to study. When Jensen called me, I had jumped on his request because I wasn’t going to turn downan opportunity to make a little extra cash. And it also helped that I really liked Joey.

My timing was impeccable because as I closed the door behind me, the black Lexus pulled up to the curb.

That car probably cost more than my yearly tuition.

Cullen slid out of the car in one graceful movement, walking around the hood and toward me before I could even make a move.

“Hi,” I greeted him lamely as he stalked toward me with a serious face.

Was I in trouble?

“Thank you for this,” he said softly, taking my bag from my shoulder and opening the passenger side door for me.

Had he really gotten out of the car simply to open the door for me and take my bag?

“You really didn’t have to pick me up,” I insisted as he stood there with the door open, looking at me intently.

“Yes, I did. Now get in the car.”

I got the distinct impression that there was no use arguing with him, so with a small sigh, I slid into the passenger seat. The car was luxurious—the leather of the seats felt all buttery.

“I’m sure you need to get to work instead of wasting time picking me up,” I pointed out as he waited for me to buckle my seat belt before pulling away.

Sitting so close to him in a small, confined space meant that his scent was almost overpowering. Usually, when I was exposed to one of their scents, it was at the ice rink, where I could take a step back, or it was muted by all the other smells wafting around.

Oak and some sort of alcohol—bourbon, maybe? It was hard to describe, but it was so painfullyCullen. Warm, inviting, with a hint of spice.

“You’re doing us a favor. There is no way in hell I’m going to let an omega take a bus when it’s starting to get dark.”

I bit my lip, resisting the urge to gape at him. Of course, I had heard of alphas who were protective and were concerned about omegas’ well-being, but that hadn’t been my personal experience. “I take the bus plenty. It’s really not dangerous.”

Cullen’s eyes locked on me as we paused at a red light. “Just how often do you take the bus?”

“Every night I teach, I take it back from the ice rink. Well, maybe not every night. Some nights, I walk if I’ve worked really late and had to do some cleaning around the rink.”

A strangled noise left Cullen’s throat. “You walk?”

I nodded. “Nothing bad has ever happened, and what other choice do I have? I need to work.”

“You shouldn’t be walking home in the dark!” Cullen growled.

He muttered something else, but I couldn’t make it out as he glared at the road in front of him.

“It’s sweet that you’re concerned. You don’t have to be, though. Honestly, I’ve been looking after myself for a long time.”

He looked like he wanted to say something but stopped himself. After a moment of silence, he opened his mouth. “Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet. I tend to eat later in the evening because I’m usually skating or pulling a shift at the café.”

“Joey hasn’t eaten yet either—I’ll give you one of my cards, and you can order dinner for the both of you.”

“Does Joey have any allergies?” Part of me wanted to turn down his generous offer, but considering it was going to feed Joey, I couldn’t say no.

“None, but she will reject anything that contains mushrooms.”

I shuddered. “I can’t blame her.”

“Mushrooms are amazing!” Cullen cried.