Page 58 of Your Wild Omega (The Feral Actress #2)

Chapter forty-five

Red

Saying I’ve got a plan and putting it into action are two different things. But we need to move fast while the topic’s fresh, leaving me no time for cold feet. Brad might be my coworker, but I refuse to let him use me. Or covet my alpha.

And, as Rickon feared, hundreds of requests for information landed in the email and social media accounts he set up for me. That’s a butt-ton of unnecessary work. I shudder and slam the laptop before getting ready for work. Zack trails sleepily after us, alternating between silent and surly.

“Go brush your teeth, Zack,” I tell him as I check I have everything I need in my handbag.

He stares at me, top lip wrinkling. I don’t take it personally, since I know he doesn’t like mornings. In fact, it’s kind of cute and shows he’s developing ways of expressing himself and his opinions.

But I have an ace up my sleeve. With a grin, I tap my finger to my lips. “No kisses today unless you brush your teeth.”

He stares at me for a moment, rumbling with disgust, but then turns and plods up the stairs.

“He’s so bloody adorable,” Rickon muses once Zack’s out of sight.

I giggle. “Yeah.”

He pops one hand on his hip, staring up at the empty stairs, lost in a trance.

My gaze sweeps over Rickon’s outfit. His low black corset covers his midriff area with lots of eyelets, hugging a shiny gray shirt boasting a ruffle.

The corset pairs with a matching leather piece that goes over his upper arms, the sides joining via a silver chain across his chest. Today my alpha’s opted for dark smokey eyes with a hint of purple.

It’s darker than his normal palette and sexy as fuck.

With his pale skin and platinum hair, he’s totally giving me vampire vibes.

“Hold this for me,” I mutter to the cabinet as I drop my purse on its honey-brown surface. Giving Rickon another look-over, I step into his space. “Speaking of adorable,” I say, resting my hands on his laced-up waist.

He smirks. “See something you like, omega?”

“Very much so, alpha.”

His cheeks tint with a beautiful flush and his pleasure warms me from the inside out. “Well, in that case—” He leans in, breath misting my cheek.

I bristle with anticipation, my body heating at the idea of a quickie on the side bench before running to the parking garage.

“In that case, we have to go.” He draws back and turns for the door, throwing me the most wicked smile.

I groan. Rickon can’t bear to be late, and it appears I’m not the only one withholding kisses as an incentive. “Curse you for playing with my heart, demon from the depths,” I quote from last year’s epic fantasy hit, adopting a dramatic pose.

He snorts, and my heart tingles from knowing he just gets me and all my quirks.

With a single step, Rickon turns and spins me in a circle, tilting me backward, equally dramatic.

“Yes, demon I am.” A suitably wicked light shines in his eyes as he ad libs.

“But to make it up to you, fair lady, I’ll have you come three times by asking nicely when we get home tonight. ”

And fuck if I’m not slicking at the idea. It’s been a while since Rickon showed his dominant side—maybe not since Zack joined us, seeing as how Zack’s been all the domination both of us can handle. But now I realize I missed it.

Zack jogs down the stairs, water glistening around his mouth, and Agent Pierce follows close behind him. The agent calls a cheery good morning as he slips by us to drag on his combat boots.

Rickon straightens me up, smirking. This naughty boy knows what he’s done.

I tap his nose. “A promise is a promise, alpha.”

When he nods, I grab Zack’s leash, and the bigger alpha obediently steps forward to receive the collar.

I look over his shoulder and automatically call out, “We’re—” I stiffen. Was I really calling goodbye to Callisto, like he was still living here? What was I thinking?

“Something wrong?” Rickon asks, watching me curiously.

I shake my head.

He flings open the front door. “Good, because we have to scram.”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, yes, can’t be late.” Can’t be late to face the media frenzy and the conceited alpha who kicked the ants’ nest. An alpha who’s going to get what’s coming to him.

I smother a chuckle as I pull the door shut behind me. “Hey, Agent Pierce, can I borrow something off you later?”

The actor attempting to burrow into my life paces the parking lot, trying to look like he just happens to be here rather than waiting for us.

Fat coincidence. When he catches sight of our car tunneling through the larger-than-usual crowd of paparazzi outside the gate, he throws his shoulders back and his fingers ruffle through his bangs.

I half expect the dickhead to pull out a pocket mirror.

Rickon grumbles under his breath as he locks on the hand brake and turns to me. “Sure you’re ready for this? We can always change the plan, you know. Sic Zack onto him or something.”

I snort, but my heart jumps with alarm at the thought.

Brad of all people would press charges against my wild alpha if he injured him.

If he attacks anyone, he’ll end up right back in a jail cell—which is precisely why an OCB agent goes everywhere with us, although, apparently that’s ending soon.

Another problem we need to figure out. It seems like I never have time to breathe.

Will I really need to lock Zack in the library?

After how far he’s come, neither of us could bear it.

In fact, I don’t think the alpha would allow it.

“Red?”

The concern in Rickon’s voice snaps me back to attention. Although the hits keep coming, I’m not alone anymore.

“I’ve got this, alpha,” I declare, pressing my hand to my midsection, where I can sense his concern blooming. “Acting is what I do best.”

I throw open the door and Zack slides out first, scanning the rows of cars once before offering me his hand. Fuck, he’s so beautiful and clever. It makes my heart swell with pride.

Brad appears in my path. “Good morning, Red.”

“Oh, hi.” I flash him a cheery smile and sidestep, continuing on my way to the wardrobe marquee. I wish I could see his face as I walk away, ignoring his existence.

Zack growls as footsteps crunch on the gravel, indicating Brad jogs to catch up with us. “Um, Red, can I have a word?”

“We can walk and talk,” I say glibly. “Don’t want to keep Mr Yun waiting.”

“Right.” He scratches the back of his neck as he glances at my two bodyguards. Three if you count Agent Pierce. I think he counts today.

“I hope all this fuss doesn’t inconvenience you too much. Paparazzi can get carried away with their stories.” Look at this fucker lying through his teeth, pretending he had nothing to do with it.

“What fuss exactly?” I smile brightly at him. “I’m a rising star, so I’ve got to expect desperate people might make up bullshit stories about me.”

Can’t tell for sure from this angle, but I’m pretty sure a guilty expression flashes across his face. “Yeah, I’ve had a lot of that in my time, too. Let me take you out to dinner to make up for this mess.”

I throw him a suspicious look. “Careful, Brad. You make it sound like this is your fault.”

He shakes his head. “That’s not what I meant. I just have a lot of experience with the media, so I’m sure I could give you some pointers. It’s overwhelming to deal with on your own.”

He reaches out one hand, but Rickon deftly moves into the space, looking like he’s oblivious as he balances his backpack under his arm to dig through it. He passes me a pair of sunglasses like it’s the most natural act in the world and Brad blows out a frustrated breath in response.

Moron. He’s like those villains in stories who release a plague just so they can profit off the pre-prepared cure.

My steps slow, and I halt. Linking my arms through Zack’s and Rickon’s, I say, “Well, I’m definitely not alone, but I guess we could always use more good advice.”

Brad brightens. “Phew, I’m glad you see it that way.”

“But,” I caution, “if we’re seen together, it will only fuel the rumors more.”

“True.” He smiles graciously. “I know a place away from the crowds. But one small problem.” He trails off, glancing at Zack. “I’m not sure it would be suitable for such a sensitive alpha.”

I cover my mouth with my hand. “Oh? But he can’t be left alone. Rickon would have to stay with him and I’m not sure . . .” Faltering, I check to see how Rickon’s handling this.

He sighs, lips drawn tight. “Whatever you want, Biscuit. I can handle Zack for a few hours if you think that’s what’s needed.”

I spin him toward me and kiss him hard. “You’re so understanding, alpha. I really want to get this issue cleared up fast, you know?” I flutter my fingers at Brad. “I guess it’s a date, then. See you after shooting tonight.”

For a superstar actor, Brad’s terrible at hiding his delight. I turn away from his victory smile. I have work to concentrate on before I put an end to his self-assurance and absurd advances.