Free The Beta by Annie Nicholas Page B

chest, one leg thrown over his and her only free arm around his neck. Her face was turned up toward his with her lips parted. A sweet temptation. Her taste still lingered in his mouth. She’d cried out his name as she orgasmed last night over and over.
    He’d released one wrist from the metal cuffs afterward so she could sleep more comfortably and was relieved she didn’t pressure him for more than he was willing to offer her. When it came to Esther, he walked a tightrope of indecision. Part of him wanted to believe her sincerity, the other part thought he should have handed her over to Daedalus.
    Any threat to the pack should be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. He ran a fingertip over her lush bottom lip. But was she a threat? She could be, but she could also be an asset. These last few days without Eric at his side showed him the pack lacked enough warriors.
    His beast stirred. All she needed was one little bite or a nice deep scratch from him in his beast form and she could be his forever. The pack instinct would keep her from being a threat.
    She moaned and pulled him closer, rubbing her face into his t-shirt.
    It was nice fantasy, but he’d never do it on purpose. His conscience would eat him alive if he did. If she stayed at his side, he wanted it to be her choice.
    The sharp ring of the pack cellphone startled both of them upright in bed.
    Esther yanked at her restraint. “What the hell?” Brushing the hair from her face, she blinked and watched him crawl off the bed and answer the call.
    He glanced at the caller ID and stifled a growl. “What do you want, Talon?” Robert sat on the edge of the bed with a very naked and soft Esther laying down in a daze next to him.
    “We need to talk. Can you meet with me?” Talon replied.
    “Yeah, I’ll be at the pack’s gathering hall in an hour.”
    “Fine.” Talon disconnected the call.
    The delicate touch of Esther’s fingers searching under Robert’s wrinkled shirt made him jump.
    “Why such a serious face?” She inched closer, hooking her fingers in his jeans. She looked perfect in his bed. Sleep tossed hair formed a dark halo around her face and the thin sheet gathered around her waist, her exposed breasts drawing his gaze. Her heated blue stare was full of come-hither-and-ravish-me. Nothing would have pleased him more than to spend the day buried inside her.
    But—there was always a but with Esther—he couldn’t trust her. Not with something as fragile as his heart. A woman like her probably ate men like him for breakfast. He rubbed at the dull ache in his chest.
    The action caused her gaze to drop, and she released her grip on his clothes. “Is there anything I can do to make things right between us?”
    “Probably not. I’ll always wonder if you’re being sincere or just playing a part to get what you want.”
    She pulled her cuffed arm, and the metal rattled against the wooden headboard. “I want you . Fuck, I screwed things up so bad. I wish—I wish…” She turned her face away.
    Those heartfelt words almost tore apart his resolve. But—he sighed and got a fresh set of clothes. There wasn’t time to shower.
    “Where are you going?”
    “I never finished last night’s mission. My troublemaking pack mate needs to be taught a lesson.”
    “You’re not going alone.”
    He chuckled at the command in her tone. Naked and cuffed to a bed yet still thought she was in control. He could really fall in love with a woman like Esther. “I don’t have much of a choice. It’s too early for Daedalus to rise, and most of my roommates are at work.”
    “Most. Who’s home? Take them.” She pleaded with her eyes. “Hell, take me. Cuff me to your wrist if you have to. I can still use a gun with one hand.”
    He changed clothes in the same room. She’d seen him naked before. He felt her gaze roam over his body. “My friend, Sam, is still here. He’ll watch over you.” He pinned her with a glare. “I’ll be very upset if anything happens to