Free Only In My Dreams by Dana Marie Bell

he wanted to be with. Sarah held back her frustrated scream through sheer willpower. She put a smile on her face and looked around for Jim, hoping he was willing to continue the game if Gabe stuck by Chloe.
    “Ready?” Emma was grinning from ear to ear. Sarah wasn’t so sure she was ready for the rest of the Pride to hear her sing.
    “C’mon, Sare-bear, if you sing I’ll sing.” Belle put her arm around Sarah’s shoulders, Jim taking up position on Sarah’s other side. She ignored the quick surge of annoyance she felt from Gabe. He was beginning to earn his own strike-outs, damn it.
    “Careful. Lean on Belle too much and you’re all going down.” Rick put his hand at his mate’s back, wrapping it around her waist. Jim mimicked him at Sarah’s waist. They stumbled awkwardly off the steps of the club, the two women sharing a giggle as the men tried gallantly to keep them on their feet. “Now, where are we going?”
    Gabe reached around and literally plucked Sarah from Jim’s side, making sure Belle was supported by her mate first. “Did someone mention Rising Star?” He set her down gently on her feet, wrapping his arm around her waist possessively, smiling smugly at Jim. Jim frowned but allowed himself to be distracted by Chloe, who grabbed his arm with a grin and began tugging him farther out onto the Walk.
    Sarah decided not to struggle. The determination washing through her from him was fierce. She had the feeling that if she tried to get away he’d literally run her to ground. She was still a little pissed that he’d walked out with Chloe, though, so it was with great relish that she told him their plans. “Yup. I’m in the mood for karaoke.”
    Gabe stopped dead. So did every other male of the Pride, and the two male non-Pride members.
    “Karaoke? Rising Star is a karaoke bar?”
    She blinked up at him innocently. “Yes.”
    He groaned. “I didn’t know you were that mad at me.”
    Emma sailed past them with a wave. “Don’t be a wuss, Gabe. After all, if Max can sing so can you.”
    Max lunged after Emma. “No way, Emma. I am not sticking my ass up on stage and making a fool of myself.”
    The Curana pouted up at her mate. “Not even for me?”
    “Emma.”
    Sarah kept walking, leaving her Alpha and his mate behind to argue it out, forcing Gabe to keep pace as Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    she made her way to the bar. “I’m looking forward to this.”
    “I’m sure you are.” Gabe was practically pouting.
    She patted Gabe’s arm. “Look on the bright side. I’m not trying to force you to sing.”
    “No?” Gabe held open the door for her and let her inside, following swiftly on her heels. His eyes scanned the area even as his body moved between her and the crowd, protecting her from any would-be threats. His Hunter training was peeking out of his civilized veneer. It shouldn’t turn her on, but it did. She had the stupidest urge to pet his muscles.
    “No.” She followed him to a back booth large enough to hold their party. “ I’m going to sing.”
    Gabe seated her then followed her in, placing himself at the edge of the booth. One brow rose in disbelief. “You are?” The others quickly took seats, Chloe somehow managing to finagle a seat next to Jim.
    “Mm-hmm.”
    “She’s got a great voice.” Belle winked at Sarah, her smile huge. “She’s going to knock your socks off.”
    Sarah poked Gabe in the side hoping to get him to move. “Speaking of which, let me go sign up for my turn. Belle, you in?”
    “Sure!”
    Belle was practically bouncing, much to Rick’s obvious amazement. “Oh, this I have got to see.”
    Belle put her hands on her waist. “Hey, I can sing!”
    “Sweetheart, I was there for the infamous mojito night. Trust me, what you do in no way resembles singing.”
    Everyone laughed as Belle glared at Rick. “I am so going to enjoy proving you wrong, Fido.”
    The big man just shook his head and smiled,