The man was a Beta, and even in the colored lights, I saw him pale. But he stood his ground. “There are no laws against taking pictures, Benjamin.”

Ben took a step forward. “The owner of this club is a friend of mine. I’m going to make sure you never set foot in this building again. And I have a message for you and all your friends.” Another step. The man was almost backing into the dancers. “Esme Williams is off limits. To you. To anyone. That’s the last photo you get of her. And if it’s not?”

All Ben did was smile, and it was not a kind smile.

“You can’t stop me.”

“I protect what’s mine,” Ben growled.

The photographer lifted his camera and snapped another photo of the two of us together. I jumped and grabbed Ben’s arm at the same time he lunged for the photographer.

Everything he said…

I didn’t care about the photos anymore. All I wanted was for him not to get arrested for assault. Spending the night in jail was not on the agenda.

“Ben!” I yelled over the music.

He turned to me, and his eyes roved over me, pupils wide, searching for where I was hurt. Full protective Alpha mode, and I loved every fucking second. “He’s not worth it.”

My Alpha hauled me against his body so my feet were off the ground and kissed me. There were more pictures. I heard them clicking in the background, but I didn’t care. All I needed was him.

“Take me home,” I whispered in his ear. “Take me home and then take me.”

He put me down and grabbed my hand. I only stopped for a second to look at the photographer. “His name is Bennett, asshole.”

Wes met us halfway across the dance floor, and his face was equally angry. “I didn’t see any cameras.”

“It’s not your fault, Wes. Your job is to keep me safe, not to keep me out of sight.”

“Still—”

I held out a hand. “I promise, I’m okay. But I need you to sit up front.”

One look at Ben, and he nodded.

The car was pulling up as we stepped out into the cool night air, and Ben’s hand was gripping mine. He was on the verge of rut. I could tell. Us diving into our instincts and sensing a danger to me? He was close.

Wes opened the door, and I got in first. Ben was inches behind me, and as soon as the door slammed, he was on me. Pulling me to him and kissing me. Pinning me to the seat and inhaling.

“I’m all right,” I breathed. “I promise. You were amazing. Thank you for doing that.”