Brent tumbled into the backseat and collapsed. “I need a beer,” he groaned. “Or twenty. And a new hat.”
Holly started up the car. Jacob was also winding down, his body completely exhausted by his Beast, and he slumped against the door.
“I met your father,” Holly said as they drove.
“Tell me all about it,” Jacob mumbled against the window before promptly falling asleep.
Chapter 75
There was little more dangerous than carrying an open beer through Red Moon Ranch. Lilah, the newest honeypot with soft blond hair and skin not yet damaged by the harsh Californian sun, learned this the hard way. Despite having been on the ranch for almost a week now, she still refused to walk in anything but heels and they jabbed little divots into the soft ground as she walked, balancing the Black Horn beer precariously on a platter.
“Aw, darling, you shouldn’t have,” Brent said as he swiped the beer from her.
“I didn’t,” she said, though she smiled. “It’s not for you, Mr. Brent.”
“Well, maybe I can ask for something later.” He winked at her.
Cassidy turned up beside him and scoffed. “You ain’t James Bond, Brent. Leave the pretty girl alone so she can do her job.” And she whapped him over the back of the head. Then she took the beer from his hands and lifted it to her lips.
“I’m afraid it’s not for you either, ma’am,” Lilah said quickly, before she could take a single swallow.
Cassidy shot the young girl a look and then said, “Well, ain’t you a tease.”
With that, she set the beer back down on the platter.
Lilah pursed her lips, amused, and swiveled her hips as she walked away.
It wasn’t long before her beer was swept up again. The blond-headed boy took it from the tray as though he simply expected everything belonged to him. Before Lilah could open her mouth, however, she heard the shout, “Cayden! No!”
Chastised like a dog, he scowled and dropped the beer heavily back on the platter.
“Not while we’re babysitting!” The bear-girl came up to him, a small bundle tucked in her arms.
“The baby can have one too,” he protested.
The young woman shrugged. “I’d really appreciate it if you helped me. I’ll make it worth it.” They exchanged wicked smiles before the two dashed off.
The path once more clear, beer yet unharmed, Lilah soldiered on. She could see the end in sight, the porch to matron Mama Mae’s house so close now.
Her heel clung to an especially soft patch of ground, pulling her back, and she squeaked as she nearly fell backwards, beer teetering. Strong hands caught her, and the beer, and she blinked up at her savior. He wore a thick beard and unkempt hair, all streaked with silver, and he had a wild edge that frightened her, but kind eyes that crinkled around the edges.
“Thank you, Mr. Westmore,” she whispered, embarrassed.
“Those shoes will kill you,” he growled, his voice raspy, like he hadn’t used it in a while. The old man righted her and handed her drink back to her.
Lilah brushed herself off and moved to the porch. She could see him fully now, Jacob Westmore, in all his glory. Dressed casually in worn denim pants and a plaid shirt, loose enough at the top that a smattering of dark curls could poke through. Strong, all man, with a dangerous edge of Beast that glowed in his eyes from time to time—he was the epitome of an Alpha.
Lilah took in a deep breath, composing herself, and then held her head high with purpose and crossed the threshold onto the porch—
“I’ve got it.” Before she could get hardly two feet onto the porch, Holly had somehow appeared out of nowhere. She smiled easily at the stunned honeypot as she gingerly plucked the bottle of Black Horn beer from her tray.
“I can…do that for you,” Lilah fumbled.
Again, that soft smile, eyebrows knit almost sympathetically. “You’re new, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You’re very sweet. Thank you, dear. But nothing touches my husband’s lips that doesn’t come through me first.”
The honeypot stood there briefly, mouth agape, but then dropped her eyes respectfully to the Alpha’s mate, muttered an apology, and scattered.
Chapter 76
Holly watched with amusement as the girl scurried off, then turned to make her way back to the table. She’d learn her place soon enough. Holly stepped behind Jacob, wrapped her arm around his chest and then held his beer out for him. He took it, pleased, and tilted his head back to say, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He gave her a small kiss before Holly unwound herself from him and moved to her place beside him at the round porch table. Her eyes caught Cassidy’s in the distance, who smirked at her and gave her a wink of approval. Satisfied, Holly simply settled in beside her man.