Free Alpha Mine (The Alpha Council Chronicles) by Brenda Sparks

and Stephan was definitely the possessive type. This might be the last time they ever got to hug, and he wasn’t going to let it slip by. He rested his chin on the top of her head, absorbing the scent and feel of her, memorizing it for all time.
    A pang of regret tightened his chest. Kat would not have an easy time if she became involved with Stephan. He was not a gentle man, but a warrior long ago hardened by battle. However, Marcus knew he would not stand in their way. They each deserved happiness. He only hoped they might find it in each other’s arms, without Kat getting hurt in the process.
    He hugged her close, refusing to let her go even when the elevator door opened to reveal Stephan standing with his arms crossed over his thick chest. As his gaze drifted over the friends, his expression changed from one of welcome to a glaring sneer that left no question about whose arms Kat belonged in.

Chapter 10
    Kat entered the living room dressed in black skinny jeans that accentuated her long legs, and her eyes immediately found the tall vampires in the middle of the room. Stephan stood next to Marcus rolling up his sleeves. He wore dark blue jeans and a fitted white oxford tucked neatly into his pants, emphasizing how his body created a Vee from his broad shoulders to his narrow waist. Yummy. Damn, she’d never seen anyone rock an oxford like him.
    His eyes locked on her. Was he watching her hips? She gave them a little more swish than normal just in case as she crossed the room in her bright green T-shirt with the swirling design across the bosom. Her hair flowed down her back in smooth waves with each step. His gaze roamed over her then locked on her eyes. She felt as if she was falling into his dark, hungry gaze.
    “Ready to go, Kitten?” he inquired, snapping her from her daze.
    Kat brushed her sweaty palms down the thighs of her jeans. Her heart raced, aflutter with the anticipation and excitement of this evening’s events.
    “I guess I’m ready.” She smiled up at him. “You still haven’t told me what we are doing.”
    “I know. It’s a surprise, for me to know and you to find out,” he answered, cryptically, with a wink.
    The phone rang, making Kat jump. Marcus picked up the receiver and murmured, “thanks” into the phone. “Your ride is here,” he called to the couple. “Have fun.”
    “Shall we go?” Stephan asked and formally offered his arm to Kat. She slipped her arm in his, feeling the tight muscles and sinew through his shirt. Wearing what looked like a forced smile, Marcus waved the pair off, bidding them goodnight.
    Once downstairs, the parking attendant opened the limousine door for the couple. Kat crawled into the vehicle, giving Stephan a nice view of her derrière. Realizing what she had done, she peeked over her shoulder and smiled sheepishly at him.
    Returning her grin, Stephan chuckled. “Nice view, Kitten.”
    Stephan slid in beside her, tucking her under his arm. Kat watched out the window as they left the strip, and headed toward the airport.
    “Are we going to the airport?” Kat asked with raised brows.
    “Yes, that is where our journey begins this evening.”
    “Journey?” Curiosity widened her eyes. “Where are we going?”
    “You’ll see, my little kitten.” A sexy smile spread across Stephan’s face. “I’ve planned a little adventure.”
    A surprise. She loved surprises .
    They arrived at the airport in record time. A moss green EC-130 helicopter awaited them. Inside, theater seating, covered in the finest leather, welcomed her. The spacious interior gave them freedom of movement, while the wrap around windows, allowed for an unobstructed view.
    Once they settled in the soft leather seats of the aircraft, they donned their headsets.
    “Ready to go?” cut in the pilot over the headset.
    Kat nodded, looking up into Stephan’s eyes.
    “We’re ready.” His deep voice rang through the intercom system causing a shiver down Kat’s back.
    “We’re off,”