Page 57 of Written in Scent

I forget everything except how good this feels.

Then my perfume starts to break through my scent blockers. The sweet strawberry lemonade scent blooms stronger in the air around us.

Alex grips me closer, one arm banding around my waist like he can shield me from the rest of the room. I feel other alphas nearby shift their attention, heads turning, interest sharpening.

Alex breaks the kiss just enough to rest his forehead against mine, breathing hard. His voice is rough when he speaks.

“Elodie…”

He pulls me out of the room before I can catch my breath. His arm stays banded around my waist as he guides me through the crowd and out into the backyard. The cool night air hits my flushed skin the moment we step outside. It’s a shock after the heat of the party, sharp and clarifying.

He keeps walking until we’re a little farther from the house, away from the noise and the eyes. His hand is still firm on my hip.

“I know how you feel about not wanting a pack,” he says, voice low and rough against my ear. “But I can’t let you stay in there like that. You’re perfuming, and other alphas are starting to notice.”

The fresh air sobers me up a little. The haze in my head clears just enough for reality to creep back in. I should probably go home. He’s right, this is getting out of control.

But I can’t bring myself to let go of him. My hands are still fisted in his shirt. My body is still pressed against his side.

“I don’t want to go home,” I whisper.

Alex is quiet for a second. Then he asks, “Do you want to go to my house instead?”

I nod against his chest. “Yes. But no strings attached.”

He exhales, his breath warm against my hair.

“I can’t offer you that,” he says. His voice is gentle but certain. “I’m already attached. The strings are already in place.”

I bite my lip and stare at the dark grass beneath our feet. My heart is pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what I want. All I know is that I don’t want this moment to end.

I stay in his arms, the cool night air brushing over us, and try to figure out what I’m going to do next.

Sophie steps out into the yard a minute later, scanning until she spots us. She walks over with a knowing little smile, my jacket in her arms.

“You OK?” she asks, glancing between me and Alex.

I nod, still tucked against his side. “I’m going to Alex’s place.”

Sophie’s eyes light up. She squeals and pulls me into a quick hug, passing me my jacket in the process. “Have fun! Text me when you get there. Or tomorrow. Whenever.”

She gives Alex a quick wave and heads back inside, clearly thrilled.

Alex pulls me closer, his arm tightening around my waist. He scent marks me again, dragging his jaw along the side of my neck. The gesture sends heat rushing through me. He takes out his phone with his free hand and calls for a ride.

A car horn honks a few minutes later.

Jamie leans out the driver’s side window, grinning. “You two need a ride?”

Alex chuckles and takes my hand, lacing our fingers together as he walks me to the car. We slide into the back seat. The moment the door closes, Jamie twists around to look at us.

“Well, well,” he says, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’ve already taken Elodie home once tonight.”

“Is that so?” Alex replies, voice warm with amusement.

I nuzzle into his arm in embarrassment, hiding my face against his shoulder. My cheeks are burning.

“I got back to my room and saw Sophie’s note,” I explain, voice muffled. “So I decided to come to the party.”